Galinda felt her father harden beneath her, poking, seeking her entrance, and she blushed harder. To be touched like this by the King. In the open hallway. He had slapped her, several times, overpowering her before he pulled her onto his lap, onto him—his warm, firm hand caressing her. Would he raise her dress? Would he enter her? Would he sense her stitches? His hand rose to capture her breast. He squeezed it, hurting her, as she cried for him to stop. Did he know it was full of milk?
CRACK!
His touching stopped, and his arm went slack. Galinda sprang from his lap to see her father slouched on the bench. A line of blood falling from his brow, foam brimming at his mouth. He clutched his chest, and his body began to quake as he slid to the floor. His eyes rolled back. Elphaba stood over him, a bloodied sculpture in her hand.
The King coughed. The Munchkinlander flinched. Her hand flew high, ready to strike one more final blow. Galinda held the Munchkinlander's arm back and gently removed the sculpture from Elphaba's hand. Elphaba looked at her, her brown eyes twitching, full of fear and anger. Galinda held her gaze, waiting for Elphaba to calm, to register her presence. Elphaba inhaled, and when Galinda was certain Elphaba was steady. She knelt and wiped the sculpture on her father's clothes. The King was still, his eyes distant, as if stuck in a dream, his breathing limp. Neither woman moved for a moment.
"He drank too much. He tripped and fell," Galinda said, deciding their shared history. The Munchkinlander nodded, stiffly, seeming to realize what had just occurred. Galinda prayed her father would stay in his dream long enough for her to get Elphaba to safety.
"Fetch Madame Morrible," Galinda said, and Elphaba darted off.
Galinda rushed to her room, cleaned her face as best as she could, and redressed herself in nighttime apparel to hide her father's handiwork. She knelt by her father, placing a pillow under his head when Elphaba returned with Madame Morrible, the older woman beside herself in shock.
"Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, His Majesty," Madame Morrible cried.
Luckily, the King still seemed lost inside his body; half of himself did not move at all. The other half moving in fits and spasms.
"My father needs the royal physician," Galinda said, dabbing a handkerchief on her father's brow.
"Of course, Your Royal Highness, I'll have Crope call for him at once," she said, rushing away.
After her father had been carted to his room, mute and immobile, the royal physician stationed at his side, Galinda took Elphaba to her room, closing the door behind them.
Why hadn't she sent Elphaba away earlier? Why had she let the Munchkinlander stay on? Galinda knew the answer. Deep down, she longed for Elphie. As much as she tried to forget her, she wished more than anything to return to their cabin and their fantasy.
As much as she knew Elphaba could never love Galinda as Galinda, Elphaba's daily care reminded Galinda of an admirable version of herself, of a tender friendship, of a love between them that had felt clean. Now Galinda would pay for her weakness, for being unable to cast off her desires. If the King woke and remembered Elphaba's heroism, he would hang Elphaba. Galinda had to hide the woman, quickly. But where?! All of Gillikin was becoming dangerous for Munchkinlanders. With the new rules and regulations her father had signed into law, Elphaba would only be safe outside of Gillikin. And, suddenly, Galinda knew where to keep Elphaba completely safe. She shook her head. It was the last place Galinda wanted to send Elphaba. She must surpass her selfishness.
Galinda would beg Fiyero. It felt excruciating, but how else could Galinda keep Elphie safe? And it would please Elphaba, wouldn't it? To live in the Vinkus. She should be safe there with or without a royal pass. No longer a servant, she could return to royalty, return to her old love. It only meant that Galinda would never see Elphaba again. Or if Elphaba did visit after the King had passed, it would likely be as Fiyero's wife. Galinda gritted her teeth and threw open her closet.
As Elphaba stood silently in the corner of her room, Galinda prepared Elphaba's travel sack with items she had gathered over the weeks: one royal traveling permit, a pouch of gold, a pouch of jewels, a map of Gillikin, a knife for protection, herbs for Nessa's health, oils for Elphaba's skin, and dried fruit for sustenance. She tied the sack closed and moved toward Elphaba, who stood by her lancet window.
"You're sending me away?" Elphaba asked.
"After tonight, surely, you cannot wish to stay in Runcible," Galinda said.
"I promised to leave when Glinda's safe. If His Majesty wakes—"
Galinda's heart wrenched. Why does she only worry about me and not herself? How can she be so selfless?
"The only man who has ever made a pass at you, my pretty, was your father," Galinda flung Elphaba's own words of long ago back at her. They cut, both ways. Just like the day they were first uttered. Elphaba grimaced, and Galinda said, "There was a time, Elphaba, when you were only too happy to leave me with my father; there's no need to pretend that's changed now."
Elphaba's eyes widened. That's it. Remember me. Remember Galinda, the foul and grotesque Princess of Gillikin. Remember what I did to you. Remember why you wanted to run away. Remember the reason you would flinch even when Glinda touched you. The reason you could never stare too long at her. The reason you could never show her your nakedness, not completely. Remember, Elphie. Remember so you can leave me and be safe.
"Take this traveling sack with you," Galinda said, further steeling herself. "I'll make sure you leave with Fiyero tomorrow."
"Have I no say in the matter?"
"Not if you wish to keep your head!" Don't you see, Elphie? The Princess of Gillikin can't protect you. Not here, nor anywhere. All she can do is tiptoe from wall to wall, wrap her bruises in jewels and furs, flirt with castle guests. Nothing to admire, Elphie, nothing to stay for. "Fiyero plans to leave after noon tea; I'll talk with him in the morning and prepare him for one additional traveler," Galinda said.
"You would send me away for good?"
"It's good you've paid attention," Galinda said, trying to conjure as much of the old Galinda, as she could tolerate.
"As Fiyero's mistress?" Elphaba asked, and Galinda's face paled. The question pierced. Was that Elphaba's intent? Elphaba saved her from her father only to cast one last dagger before she left? It seemed unlike her, but, then, what did Galinda really know of Elphie anyway?
"Go as whatever you wish," Galinda said and dismissed Elphaba to her quarters from the evening. Alone in her room, Galinda collapsed. It was over between them. Galinda sobbed, pressing her face into the pillow as she screamed, over and over again: "Please don't leave me, Elphie!"
When the sun rose, Galinda milked herself and waited for her lady's maid to arrive. She put out a modest dress with a corset. When Elphaba came, she didn't look at her. Neither spoke. The coldness in Elphaba's gestures felt fresh, determined. It made Galinda look up, to make sure it was Elphaba who was, in fact, touching her. Elphaba did not return her gaze. After Elphaba put on her jewels, she stood behind Galinda, hands behind her back, gaze sunk into the floor.
"Be ready in the gardens after tea," Galinda said, surprised at how unaffected she sounded. "I'll have Fiyero bring you to his carriage."
Elphaba opened her mouth as if to protest.
Yes, Elphie? Say something, anything.
Elphaba's shoulders fell, her mouth closed, and she nodded, turning to leave.
"Elphaba!"
The Munchkinlander stopped but didn't turn back.
"Thank you," Galinda said. Thank you?! Galinda chided herself. Could she say nothing of substance? After all of Galinda's wicked treachery, Elphaba managed to risk herself to save Galinda again and again, and Galinda could only offer a thank you. How pathetic.
"Goodbye, Princess," Elphaba said with her back to her, and Galinda's chest closed as she watched Elphaba leave.
...
Hours later, Galinda was with Fiyero in the gardens, making her request over tea.
"The Winkies will be good to Elphaba, won't they? They've never had the same prejudices as the Gillikinese. Elphaba could easily exist as a Winkie citizen. She has many skills: teaching, archery, literature, singing."
"In the Vinkus, my people would celebrate her arrival. She's legendary."
"And you wouldn't force her to do anything she didn't want?"
"I thought you were trying to make a case for her safe passage, not vetting me as her keeper?"
"I want to make sure she'll be happy."
"Just what things do you imagine me forcing on your servant?"
"You know what I meant!"
"I'm afraid I don't," Fiyero said.
"I won't dignify that question with a response!"
"Neither will I," Fiyero huffed in feigned offense. "Now, why don't you tell me the real reason you want your servant exiled to the Vinkus. Tired of looking at her? The last time we talked, you could barely tolerate her face outside a bag."
Reminded of herself, Galinda felt her face flush with heat and shook her head.
"It's not safe in Gillikin for Munchkinlanders. It never was. I don't want anything bad to happen to her."
"If I didn't know better, I would say it sounds as if you love her," Fiyero said, snorting a laugh through his nose, expecting Galinda to laugh.
Galinda's face blanched, her throat suddenly dry.
Fiyero sobered.
"It was a joke, my dear Galinda. I'm aware of Gillikinese views on relationships between the same sex. And I would never assume that you, Princess of Gillikin, would fall in love with her handmaiden."
Galinda should have felt relieved, but she felt furious that her love could only imperil Elphie.
"Elphaba's been good to our family; I want her properly rewarded. I don't want her mistreated on account of the war and Gillikinese prejudices. She's always talked well of you and the Winkies."
"I'm glad to know, and I thank you for the offer of gold to take care of her. While I appreciate your generous gift; it wouldn't be necessary. If Elphaba had wanted to come with me, I would have taken her to the Vinkus, free of charge. As you seem to know, I'm quite fond of Elphaba myself."
"If she had wanted to come?" Galinda asked. Elphaba had failed to mention Fiyero's offer or Elphaba's reply. It appears they talked about much more than Galinda had imagined, or hoped.
"She rejected my offer. It didn't sit well with her that I'm married. To be honest, I didn't expect Elphaba to be so naive."
Galinda was stunned silent.
"I would have been an attentive partner and given her everything she needed," Fiyero continued.
"Married?!" She found her voice, much louder than she anticipated, "You flirt shamelessly with everyone, most of all, Elphaba, and you're married?!"
"You flirted with me while being betrothed. Is there any difference?" Fiyero said, pointing to their shared value.
"I was young, untravelled, uncertain of myself. You're of age, travelled and have the confidence of your sex. How could you—
"Be married?" Fiyero guessed.
Betray her…
"Well," Fiyero continued, "if Winkie law allowed for Winkie Princes to marry out of the Kingdom. I might have been more discriminating before choosing Samira, but, honestly, Samira is loyal and a good mother. Not much more a man could ask for."
What could a woman ask for? Galinda wondered. Not fidelity. Not devotion. Not sovereignty.
"This has been all my mistake. You're not worthy," Galinda said.
"Not worthy to travel with your servant?"
As Fiyero's mistress?
Elphaba's question! It wasn't a departing barb. Elphaba had asked Galinda's intent, and Galinda's answer made it sound like she intended to transfer Elphaba as a concubine, a piece of luggage. Oh, Elphaba! How could you think for one moment—of course she would think that. Galinda had been capable of much more malice than that. Elphaba's coldness in the morning. Galinda hurt her, of course she had. She didn't even give Elphaba a choice. How pretentious Galinda was. To assume that she knew best. To assume she knew how to keep Elphaba safe; she couldn't even save herself. Oh, Elphaba, forgive me—
"By Oz, I didn't mean it!" Galinda said aloud.
"Good to see you've come to your senses. All's forgiven; shall we talk about other subjects. I have heard you have been ill for some time. How have you been feeling these days?"
"Fiyero, I must go."
"Without lunch?"
"I shall send Milla in my place."
"Who?" Fiyero asked as Galinda pushed away from the table.
Galinda had time to clarify her intent, to take it all back, to make it right. She picked up her dress and ran, the muscles in her legs tugging at her ankles, her shoes pinching, scratching the stone steps. Gasping for breath, she barged into Milla's room and mentioned something about Prince Fiyero, before racing to her bedroom and ringing for Elphaba. It seemed to take much longer than necessary, but eventually, there was a knock on the door. She sighed. Whatever she said to Elphaba this time must be more than a thank you. She would explain. She would find a way to convey her regret, to listen to Elphaba properly.
"Come in!" Galinda said, swallowing.
The door opened to reveal Shenshen.
"Yes, Your Royal Highness," the woman said.
"Where's Elphaba?"
"We can't find her, Your Royal Highness," Shenshen said and bowed her head.
"Can't find her?" Galinda asked, jumping from her bed.
"Madame Morrible has promised to punish her severely once we do," Shenshen said, as way of apology.
"No—don't! Tell Madame Morrible Elphaba doesn't need any punishment. I sent her on errand," Galinda lied, "I just assumed she would be back by now. You're dismissed."
Had Elpahba run away? Galinda didn't even get to say goodbye. Tears crowded at the corners of Galinda's eyes, and Galinda turned swiftly to hide them.
"But Your Royal Highness's request?" ShenShen asked.
"It no longer matters," the Princess said.
Galinda raced through the guest rooms, searching every corner for her Elphie, but the Munchkinlander was nowhere to be found. Had Galinda truly been left? Galinda made her way boldly down to the servants' quarters, which were loud and bustling, dropping down farther than she ever had when she secretly listened to Nanny's voice. Finally, the steps ended and she entered the kitchen. Gillikinese servants gasped before bowing their heads, scurrying out of the way, elbowing nearby servants to keep silent and take a bow. They blushed and gasped as if Galinda was peeping on their nudity. A hush falling over the entire area.
"Prince Galinda, how can I assist Your Royal Highness?" Madame Morrible came swiftly to greet her or, more likely, escort her back upstairs. But Galinda surprised them all and said,
"Show me to Elphaba's room."
...
Elphaba presented Galinda's pass to the castle guard at the main gate, separating the town from the forest. He grunted, unceremoniously, and Elphaba walked into the wilderness beyond. Even as she walked to find Nessa, her mind kept returning to Galinda's eyes, the sound of her voice, the swell of her breasts, the cut in her lip, the bruises on her back, the worry in her eyes. Elphaba had abandoned Galinda, leaving her unprotected, undefended. She told herself that her presence only endangered Galinda. When what released her to leave was that she could not bear Galinda's rejection.
Go as whatever you wish.
As much as she struggled with her love for Galinda. The Princess didn't struggle at all. Elphaba had to accept it. She was as meaningless to Galinda as she was a burden to Avaric, as she was a curse to Nessa, as she was a betrayal to Shell.
Nessa had been right. Theirs wasn't a romance, it was an embarrassment, and for Galinda— a promise of death. Elphaba had been a weight that Galinda tried to release with gentleness, packaged with gold and oils, shipped off to the Vinkus. If Galinda wanted her gone, she would leave on her own accord, deliver the medicine to her sister, and find her own planned solace.
She pushed back the branches of the forest, walking deeper and deeper. Thin pine needles scrapped her face, cobwebs sticking. Suddenly. Someone grabbed her hand. Pulled her to the ground. Knocking the wind out of her. Her sack flying. Her assailant jumped on her and put a knee against her back, pinning her to the ground. Elphaba opened her mouth to cry for help but bits of cotton were stuffed in her mouth before she could exhale. The sensation brought her back to the castle, back to Sir Chuffrey. Her hands were wrenched behind her back and fastened tight. Elphaba's heart pounded in her ears. By the strength of her attacker, he was a male. She tried to look behind but could only see a black hooded figure for a moment before he blindfolded her. Terrified, she tried to wiggle away, but he held her firm on the ground. He turned her over and Elphaba tried to kick her way out of his grasp, but she felt her assailant hold her thighs together in one arm, as he tied them with his other. He then pulled her up and over his back and began walking.
Without sight, speech, or use of her extremities, all Elphaba could sense was the crunching leaves and her own bunching breath, the rope cutting into her wrists, and her assailant's shoulder pushing into her stomach. They walked for what felt like a candle mark, when she heard her assailant open a door. He opened what sounded like a hatch and descended down stairs. He set her down. Her hands felt firm earth beneath her. The cotton was removed from her mouth. She tried to swallow, her tongue sticking to the roof of her mouth.
"Who are—"
Before she could finish her sentence, her assailant removed her blindfold. Light streamed from a doorway, behind her attacker. Her eyes adjusted.
"Shell?!"
Her brother, or the husk of him, stared back at her, blankly. She looked around her and saw where she was—the basement of their cabin. His hands had felt so unfamiliar, so callous, so determined.
"Untie me!"
"I can't do that."
"Why?"
"I have plans."
"Plans to kidnap me?"
"To retake Munchkinland. We've seen scouts from Paltos. They're planning to attack Runcible Castle in two or three months times. This is our moment, Elphaba. We'll wait for the Gillikinese to fight each other, and once they've weakened Gillikin, the army remanent that I've trained can take on whoever's left."
"And the rest of Gillikin's troops? If Runcible were to send for aid against Paltos?"
"I've posted Weavers on every traveling route to kill any messengers from Runcible."
"Hide an entire war? Eventually word will get out, Shell."
"By that time, we'll have had time for revenge. Murdered the royal family or Sir Chuffrey's army—whoever makes it to the end."
"Untie me. We cannot dissolve their animosity with ours!"
"They persecute us even now as we beg, like dogs. As least this way, we won't be the only ones who suffer."
"Demanding that others suffer is not the makings of a great Eminent but the response of a petulant child. Don't you know you can't relieve your bad feelings by forcing them on others? Haven't you learned that with Glinda?" She asked.
Her brother's expression hardened. "It seemed to work for you, sister," he said.
Elphaba flinched at his audacity.
"But, not for me, sister," he continued. "When I slept with Galinda, she wasn't enough to make me forget about our people, as she did you."
"Glinda didn't make me forget our people. She made me remember myself before the war, and I thought I could create something new with her, perhaps even out of her. But I was wrong, Shell. You were right; I tricked Glinda into loving me. But, I've just come from the Princess; She remembers everything."
Shell's eyes widened.
"Even after I returned her memories, Galinda has not sought revenge on us, brother. She may not be my Glinda, but she is no longer the Galinda we both once knew."
"Your Glinda? Listen to yourself, sister. That's why I've captured you! After all we went through, Elphaba? We finally have an opportunity to avenge our father, avenge our people, avenge ourselves, and you are still clinging to her! How can you forgive her for everything she's done to us?!"
"Because unforgiveness cannot change what's happened to us. I'd rather be present with life as it is than wed the ghost of our undoing. I'd rather accept ourselves as we are, than long for a future that has passed away," as the words escaped her lips, Elphaba felt lighter. She accepted it, truly. Something terrible, something unspeakable had happened to them, and they survived it. In that moment, Elphaba realized somewhere she had forgiven Galinda. Forgiven Shell. More than that, she had forgiven herself. For none of them acted completely on their own. She understood it now. Their actions were composed of each other and of the world around them. "You cannot hold Galinda responsible for everything that's happened to us. She did not start the war, nor did the night start with her. She did not pursue you, as you didn't choose to find me that night."
Shell bristled.
"You find my love for her the problem and see your love for her the solution!" Shell snapped. "You're a hypocrite, Elphaba! Our father was right not to trust Munchkinland to you! You would have given it away for a fling. Any other treasonous Munchkin, I'd kill. But I can't kill you, sister. So, I'll keep you here until it's over, until Galinda's dead, until I bring you her head!"
"Shell, stop. Let me finish. You don't understand—"
"I'll ensure you're fed and tended to, but I'll not let you escape this basement."
"Surely, you don't plan to keep me here for—"
"I do. It is the only mercy I can show you. "I'll be back by supper," he said, then lurched forward and squeezed her nose shut. She gasped for air, and he filled her mouth with cotton again and, with a string, tied a knot around her head, keeping her gag in place. He walked up the stairs while Elphaba's mind spun. Months kept as a prisoner, by her brother no less, in this dark basement, waiting for news of Galinda's death. She could not bear to sit idly. This time, Elphaba felt it. It was no longer an empty wish. If Shell was right that Sir Chuffrey aimed to start a civil war; Galinda was in danger.
Her brother ascended the steps and closed the hatch.
"Shell! Shell! Please, wait—" she tried to scream in her rag, trying to lean forward but falling to her side as her brother slammed the cabin door above her, taking his leave.
...
"It's sparse and cold," Galinda said, gazing over the servant's room where Elphaba had slept, trying to find a clue to where Elphaba had gone.
"I assure Your Royal Highness, that Elphaba's room is no different than any of our rooms."
Hideous! How could the servants live like this? How did they survive the winter? How was it that none of them had frostbite? It was so different from her room which had a warm fireplace, skins and carpets lining the floors, and plush down comforters and quilts. Something had to be done.
As if reading her thoughts, Madame Morrible answered,
"We keep warm with our work!"
Something could be done. While her father lie dormant, she could change Gillikin. At least, she could place an order for some rugs, better bedding, and wool stockings.
As Galinda looked around, she did not find any evidence of Elphaba's whereabouts; frankly, there was nothing to see but a bed frame, a lancet window, and a pale for necessities.
Galinda left Elphaba's room empty-handed, but as the days passed, ideas kept coming to her. If she could not find Elphaba and keep her safe. She would just have to make all of Gillikin safe for Elphaba. For Pfannee. For Boq. For her Weaver students. For every Munchkin. So that one day Liir could come home to Gillikin. She remembered the Sheriff and shivered. If the Sheriff were to ever find Elphaba, if men like that came across Liir, or the Weavers, or any woman. Galinda needed to make sure they were all safe, fed, and free from those who would take advantage of them.
Prince Fiyero couldn't save Elphaba, but Galinda just might be able to change Gillikin so that the Gillikinese could save themselves from their own ignorance and evil. But to do that, Gillikinese women would first need permission to read. Only then, could Galinda hold the royal court and sign her ideas into law. But who could enter the court of men with her and speak on her behalf?
While Galinda plotted, she also shopped. She ordered new bedding and uniforms for the servants, new hams, livestock, and jewels for the court of lords and their families, and new scrolls and books for her teachers. As the weeks passed, the castle became enamored with Galinda. On more than one occasion, Galinda caught whispers of "Galinda the Good…" Not good enough, Galinda thought. She would never be good enough, until she found a way to keep Elphaba safe.
As she paced throughout the castle, she watched her cousin, Tibbett, head into the library every morning and every afternoon. As she caught him sneaking in again, she realized it. That's it! Tibbett must understand the importance of reading and scholarship. She only need convince him that women needed to experience that joy as well! Perhaps she could persuade him to represent her case to the court.
She ran down the hallway and opened the door to catch her cousin. On his knees. His head attentively moving against Crope's uncovered crotch—the Butler's pants undone, his eyes closed, his mouth open, gasping as Tibbett gobbled him.
Galinda froze, remembering how she found her father and Miss Clutch. Remembering how she had molested Elphaba. It was repeating all over again. Tibbett was molesting her servants right under her nose!
"Tíbbett!" she called, finding her voice.
Crope flinched with a cry. His eyes popped open as he whipped his manhood from Tibbett's mouth. His hardened penis slapped his abdomen and began to soften. He grabbed it and pushed it back into his trousers. Tibbet fell backward and wiped his lips. He stood quickly and turned his back toward Galinda.
"Cousin," he said, as if she had caught him studying and not sucking on one of their servants.
"Your Royal Highness," Crope said, his eyes looking at the floor, his cheeks bright red.
"Crope, go down to the servant's quarters and wait for my call," Galinda said.
"Yes, Your Royal Highness," he said, his voice and hands shaking. He glanced at Tibbet. The softness in Crope's eyes surprised Galinda. Was he worried for him? Why should he care what happened to the man who accosted him? Tibbett didn't turn around. Crope, brows furrowed, bowed deeply to Galinda in apology and hurried out of the room. Once the door closed, Tibbett said,
"I initiated this, Princess. Please don't punish, Crope." "Where was Crope's will in this?"
"He had no will. It was only my will that begot this," Tibbett said. "He's a good and honorable man."
"Will Crope confirm your story? I'll go speak with him now," Galinda said, testing him.
"Please, don't!" Tibbett shouted, whipping around.
Was that concern that clouded Tibbett's features?
"We didn't mean for it to happen," he said.
"For what to happen?" Galinda asked.
"To find love in each other, if you must know. Crope would have never courted someone above his station or perhaps approached any man, if I hadn't let him know the feelings I had for him first. We have done nothing to one another but attempt to love the other. I know you can't see it as such. We must appear as rot to you. But it is our love, and it's precious to me, and I do not wish Crope to be punished for it. So, I beg you, cousin, do with me as you will but leave Crope alone."
How different Tibbett was from her father, who fired Miss Clutch. How different he was from her old self, who couldn't acknowledge or temper her own desires and let them destroy Elphaba. Quite the contrary, Tibbett intended to take responsibility, and the way he revealed his love for Crope, without any shame—it moved Galinda. She, too, must now be brave.
"I imagine you'll also write to my mother," Tibbet said, "Please leave Crope's name out of your letter. Please grant me this small mercy Princess, and, until my death, I shall be your slave."
Galinda could use Tibbett's love to threaten him. If he didn't agree to aid her in persuading the court to let women read, she could threaten to make their love public. The old Galinda would have used any situation to bend Tibbett to her will. But, this Galinda could not bear the thought.
"I have no intention of ever telling your mother or anyone anything about you," Galinda admitted.
"Why would you protect me?"
Galinda bit her lip before letting down her guard and said,
"Because I, too, love someone I am not allowed to love."
Tibbett raised an eyebrow.
"Is he a servant as well?"
"She was," Galinda said.
Tibbett's eyes widened.
"You loved a woman?"
Galinda nodded and said,
"I still do, and that is why, dear cousin, I've come to seek your help."
...
For weeks, Elphaba had kept up a ritual with Shell. He would untie her hands and legs and let her eat, drink, and use the pail thrice daily. He massaged her arms and legs to keep them from cramping, and then, he would tie and gag her again. Not once did she try to escape. If she were to protect Galinda she must undo Shell's plan. Find out the leaders of Shell's army. Find where they were stationed. Find a way to convince them of the madness of Shell's plan. But, lately, it felt harder to ask Shell anything. He was edgier and edgier. Today, he even had a hard time looking into her eyes. When he rubbed her limbs, his thumbs seemed to be kneading out all of his resentment.
"Shell!"
"What?"
"You're hurting me," Elphaba said, pulling at his hand on her forearm.
"I'm sorry."
"You're bothered by something," she said.
He scoffed.
"Don't pretend as if you care. It's clear by the questions you ask, sister—all you care about is her."
He grabbed the ropes. Cutting his massage short, he bound and gagged her. Pushing her against the wall, he leaned against her, getting closer to her than he had ever been and whispered hotly in her ear, "The sooner you give up the hope of saving her, the easier it will be for you!"
Elphaba shivered. Her brother's touch reminding her of something she tried to push away. He held onto her, his rough cheek scraping hers. Elphaba's throat closed. Her heart thumping in her chest. Shell pushed himself off of Elphaba, bounded up the stairs, and closed the hatch on her.
She could still feel his body pressing against hers, and Elphaba started to weep into the rag. Her chest was still shaking when she heard the hatch unlock. A figure came down the steps with a candle in their hand. Her tears blurred her vision. The figure removed her gag, and her eyes focused.
"Avaric! What are you doing here?"
"I found your bag first in the forest," he said, raising the sack Galinda had given her that had fallen when Shell captured her. "You could have told me, you know, that you planned to go to her. I would have kept your secret."
"I'm sorry about the suicide letter. But it wasn't a secret. I didn't plan to see her. Her father found me—oh, we don't have time now. I'll explain later. Untie me, quickly, before my brother comes back."
"I can't."
"What?" You didn't come to get me out of here."
"I did! But not yet."
"I don't understand, Avaric. Why would you keep me tied? You have to let me go; Galinda's in danger."
"He's captured Pfannee as well."
Elphaba fell in shocked silence.
"Your brother kidnapped her and is keeping her guarded. He's been recruiting Weaver children to fight in his war. He told them that Gillikinese soldiers killed you and Glinda. Nonsense stories, really. Pfannee tried to talk some sense into the Weavers, but they were beside themselves with grief. I planned to show them your letter if it would help, but Shell's banned any Munchkin from talking to me. Pfannee disobeyed him and moved in with me. He captured her when she was out hunting and is keeping her somewhere. I followed him here once here, and I thought she would be here, but his men found me before I could get in. He told me you were kept here instead. Imagine my surprise to know you were still alive. But I had to strike a deal with Shell for him to let me go."
"What deal?"
"I had to bring Galinda here."
Elphaba's eyes widened, a fire radiating in her chest.
"WHAT?!"
"It's the only way that he'll let Pfannee go!"
"You can't bring Galinda here. He'll kill her!"
"Not if the Weavers can see her first. Once they know Shell's lying. They'll stand up to him. They don't believe me, but they'll believe a living Galinda."
"You will not risk Galinda's life for this idiotic plan! Untie me and I'll convince the Weavers myself as a living Elphaba"
"I can't, Elphaba. Your brother warned me that if you ever disappeared from this basement, he'd kill Pfannee. I might be putting her in danger, just coming here, but I wanted you to know I have a plan. I won't let Galinda die. Please don't worry."
"Just how will you bring her here? You cannot kidnap her from the castle."
"I've sent word you were in danger. That Shell captured you."
Elphaba remembered how the Princess and her parted and felt a glimmer of hope. "She won't come. She has no love for me anymore."
"It seems as though you're wrong. Boq has gone to the castle as a messenger. He's sent word back that Galinda's beside herself with worry."
"Boq?" Elphaba said, "He'd never risk Galinda's life!"
"I've convinced him that your brother will kill Galinda either way. The only way to protect the Princess is to have the Weavers on our side."
"Did you tell him about Pfannee?"
"I couldn't."
"You deceived him!"
"I didn't tell him about Pfannee, true, but I didn't lie. My plan will work, and Boq has promised to be loyal to Galinda. He'll be her bodyguard throughout the entire process."
"Boq's too weak to defend himself! Call it off. Tell her not to come. We can save Pfannee ourselves."
"I might have tried such a plan, but we don't know where she is, and if Shell can do this to you, his own sister, I can't imagine what he's doing to Pfannee. This is the only means within my reach."
"It isn't a means at all. You are playing into his hand. I won't let you trade Galinda's life away!"
"It's too late, Elphaba. The Princess plans to come tomorrow evening. Her love for you is undeviating, Elphaba. As mine is for Pfannee. Please understand. I must go now. I'll be back tomorrow night."
"You idiot! You foolish—"
Avaric gagged her, tying the cord around her head again. Elphaba's chest heaved with panic. She shook her head furiously, still cursing him, but Avaric left her in the dark.
A/N: To those still reading, thank you for waiting for over a year for this chapter! I hope this chapter didn't disappoint. There should be two more chapters left before this story is finally finished. As always, I look forward to reading your comments.