AN:
Hello, my pretties!
I got a particularly cheery chapter for you today! (please note the sarcasm)
One thing... I think this chapter is better than the last one - although I'm still pretty sure that you'll hate me for this, haha!
O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O
ChenoOsnesFanzel:
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
I'm so very glad you like the story and hope the last 2 chapters won't disappoint (too much).
If you don't like cliffies, I'm not sure how you'll fare with the end of this chapter (although not REALLY a cliffie but still...)
O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O
All right then...
"Happy" reading! ;)
Chapter Nineteen: That's Why I Couldn't Be Happier
"Your Highness?"
When the Princess was woken by her maid's gentle voice, she almost fell out of the chair in which she had - rather involuntarily - spent the past two or so hours.
"I can't believe I actually fell asleep! Madannie, what time is it?"
"High time to get ready for breakfast, Your Highness."
"Yes… yes, of course."
It took her a considerable amount of strength to get to her feet and once she was standing, she noticed a throbbing pain that had begun to radiate through her heavy head. What a perfect day for a bout of crapulence, Glinda thought surly. Then, as though she wasn't already miserable enough, she felt the blood drain from her face and bile rise in her throat. Her maid's eyes widened when the Princess suddenly clasped her hands over her mouth and began to heave. The young girl was pragmatic and a quick thinker, so she picked the vase from the small side table, tossed flowers and water in the fireplace, and held the empty vessel out for her mistress so she could relieve herself of the bitter substance. Her face turning from ghostly white to deep red, Glinda sunk back into her chair. Madannie briefly disappeared to fetch a damp cloth.
"I told you. You haven't been taking enough care of yourself recently," she almost admonished her Princess, being beyond the point of caring about propriety. "And now all the pressure because of this engagement ball… Your body is right in expressing its discontent."
Glinda didn't have the energy to argue. Leaning back, she caught sight of a small package sitting on the mantelpiece. She couldn't remember seeing it before.
"What is this?" she wondered, pointing the mysterious item out to her maid.
Madannie did a double take.
"Oh. I don't know. I didn't even notice it when I came in."
Carefully, she handed the package to her mistress.
"What pretty wrapping," she marvelled. "What could it be? Perhaps an early engagement present? Oh, I know! Maybe the Vinkun Prince sent you this gift."
Just as curious as her servant, Glinda gingerly tugged on the golden ribbon. Peeling away the glittery emerald green paper, she discovered an ornate, little vial, filled with a green liquid.
"What is this? Some exotic lotion? A hair tonic?"
She unscrewed the cap and took a sniff. The sweet scent was entirely unknown to her and did not help much in terms of determining the nature of the strange substance. Madannie picked up a small note that had fallen to the ground.
"Is there a name on it?"
"No, Your Highness."
Glinda impatiently rolled her eyes. Perhaps it was from Fiyero. He seemed to have a penchant for mysterious presents.
"Then what does it say?"
"'A Gift of Foresight,'" the other woman read out, furrowing her brow. "What does this mean?"
Shrugging her shoulders, the Princess continued studying the green liquid, swirling and gently shaking it. Her mouth began to twitch, and slowly, very slowly she moved her hand up. Her lips were drawn to the bottle and eager to make contact. She realised what she was doing and quickly capped the vial.
"You're not going to try it, Your Highness?" Madannie asked.
Glinda shook her head to clear it.
"I don't know what it is, where it came from and what it would do to me. I think it would be ill advised to take such a risk."
Nodding, the maid agreed.
"Shall I take it away then?"
Still feeling a little dizzy, the Princess rose and gave the odd thing another longing stare.
"No," she replied thoughtfully. "I would like to have another look later. Just out of curiosity. But now we should get ready."
The two women completed their morning routine fairly quickly and so there still was some time for Glinda until she had to meet Morrible and the Wizard for breakfast. After dismissing her maid, she once again sat down in the chair by the fireplace to investigate the little, green bottle.
"'A Gift of Foresight,'" she read the label for her self this time. How strange. It almost sounded like some sort of potion.
Suddenly, the nausea returned. Dropping the vial, she hurried to her bedchamber where the washing basin was. When she returned a few minutes later, she found Revelon by the fireplace, sniffing the bottle.
"Back from your morning stroll?"
He turned in her direction, his moist, black nose wiggling.
"Perhaps you were somewhat too liberal with the alcohol last night," he remarked calmly.
Folding her arms, Glinda raised her chin in affected indignation.
"Is that a way to speak to your future Queen, creature?" Then she softened and offered him a tired smile. "No, I rather think my nerves are getting the better of me. I feel terrible."
She crossed the room and picked up the vial.
"Do you know anything about this? When I woke up this morning, it was sitting on the mantelpiece."
The Dog shook his head.
Glinda sighed and placed the small object back on the table.
"I need to go or I will be late."
"And have you seen that Vinkun girl's unfortunate skin tone, Your Ozness?" Morrible scoffed, shaking her head. A servant poured coffee and milk. She stirred her drink and took a small sip before continuing. "I mean, of course I knew about it, but seeing it in person - I just hadn't imagined it to be quite so, well, vibrant."
Balling the hand she was hiding under the table into a fist, Glinda used the other to pick up a green glazed biscuit.
"I for my part think she looks positively emerald," she countered seemingly unfazed. "This city will suit her well, if only in colour."
"So you are going to invite her to stay and live with us after you got married to the Prince?"
Morrible was clearly appalled by the idea.
"Perhaps," Glinda replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I doubt she would accept such an offer, so there is no need to get so upset just yet, Madame."
"Please, ladies," the Wizard piped up. "Surely the palace is big enough. The Princess may invite as many courtiers as she wishes."
Glinda would probably have been surprised at this, hadn't it been for her conversation with Revelon the night before. Despite being aware of the most plausible explanation for his unexpected level of tolerance, she rewarded the old man with a sweet smile.
"Thank you, Your Ozness."
They spent the remainder of their breakfast in silence. Morrible left as soon as she had finished her meal to make a few more arrangements, but the Wizard and the Princess took their time. Glinda was just about to devise a plan to see Elphaba and speak with her in private before the grand ball in the evening, when the Wizard put aside his napkin to address her.
"So, Glinda dear, I trust preparations for tonight are going well?"
"Yes, of course."
"Good, good. This is your night, little Princess. I want this to be perfect. For you."
Struggling to bite back a huff, Glinda discretely pinched her forearm and forced her lips to curl upwards instead.
"Well, thank you for your generosity. However, I think I should leave now. There is much to attend to."
"Yes, without a doubt. But if you could spare only a few minutes to meet with the director in charge – he said he would like to discuss the schedule with you and run you through a few important procedures."
Slightly frustrated, Glinda made a small noncommittal noise.
"Excellent," the Wizard beamed. "Master Fremp is waiting for you in the Great Emerald Hall."
Four hours later, she stood on a small pedestal in front of the largest mirror the servants had been able to locate. The gown she was wearing was of a very light, mint-green colour. She herself had helped design it. The skirt was made up of several petal-like layers, similar to the dress the Vinkun Queen had given her for Fiyero's birthday ball. Somehow she had thought it fitting. Yomund, the Wizard's master dressmaker, had insisted on using a few more embellishments to ensure the gown befit the future Queen of Oz, and Glinda had made no efforts to object.
Yomund made a few final alterations to the bodice, while a handful of maids were busily buzzing around her like a swarm of Quadling swamp flies, fixing her hair, applying her make-up, filing her nails, or whatever else apparently still needed to be done. In the right-hand corner, a quiet onlooker sat in a stuffed chair, slurping his tea.
Finally, Madannie approached the man, bowing deeply.
"The Princess is ready now, Your Wizardness."
"Oh. Thank you." He rose to his feet. "Dismissed, everyone is dismissed."
Turning her head and casting a hesitant look over her shoulder, Glinda wished that applied to her as well. She had no desire for a heart-to-heart with the Wizard.
He approached her with this massive grin plastered all over his face – that sort of grin a preening parent might wear on their daughter's University graduation day. She hated it. He didn't deserve to feel this way.
"Glinda. I am so proud of you," he said as he approached her with his arms wide open. "When we first met, you were such a sweet, little girl. And now look at you: what a beautiful young woman you have become. And now you're about to get engaged. It's almost like seeing my own child growing up."
The Princess exhaled noisily.
"I'm not your daughter. I don't have a father. My parents are dead. I am your princess and soon I will be your queen."
Inclining his head, the Wizard mutely asked for her forgiveness.
"I didn't mean to offend, of course. I suppose, I just… feel rather sentimental today."
He paused to inspect her from head to toe, motioned for her to slowly turn and nodded appreciatively.
"I think your parents would have been very proud of you as well."
Glinda moved her head to regard herself in the mirror.
"I don't know. I'm sure they would have liked Fiyero. Everyone loves Fiyero." She chuckled almost mirthlessly at that. "But I doubt they would have condoned all of the choices I made."
"You're referring to the imminent changes to the government."
Sighing, the Princess stepped off the pedestal.
"Among other things."
"Everyone is afraid of the new. Perhaps you're right. Your parents might not have agreed to such ground-breaking changes. But you are young and still adventurous. You stand for a new generation. Modernity is catching up with Oz. Amendments have to be made in many sectors."
"There are many things in Oz that need improvement and I will see to it that what has to be done will be done. The hard work shall not deter me."
"That's the spirit," the Wizard grinned.
For a little while, he regarded her wistfully, then brushed a loose curl out of her pale face.
"This is all weighing heavily on you, isn't it?"
Glinda clenched her teeth, willing her lips not to let it show. She was still feeling nervous. Perhaps even more so now than earlier this morning. But she wouldn't tell him this. Once she was Queen, he would be her opponent rather than the trusted advisor she had once thought him to be. She would not admit any sort of weakness in is presence. Madannie had given her a special herbal tea for the nausea earlier. Hopefully, its effect would last for the remainder of the evening.
"Well, I think it is time for us to go," the Wizard noted with a glance at his fob watch, if only to overcome the uncomfortable silence that had manifested itself between them. He offered his arm. "Princess?"
Gingerly, Glinda placed her hand in his. If one good thing was to come from this evening, it was that the Wizard would no longer be the man to parade her around the capital. The arm that would guide her as she made her way along green carpets, through mighty halls and into bedecked ballrooms, would soon be Fiyero's. At least this much seemed comforting.
Safe for a hand-full of guards, the palace seemed dreadfully empty as they made their long way from the Princess' quarters to the grand ballroom. Everyone would be summoned already. Many of the Guests were eagerly waiting to lay eyes on their future Queen for the first time, and certain others were surely waiting even more impatiently, anticipating the announcement that was sure to dominate the news for the next couple of weeks, if not months.
When they approached the imposing emerald double doors, now close enough to hear the merry music that filtered through the smallest of gaps, Glinda almost stopped dead in her tracks. Her heart began to pound in her chest; so violently it almost hurt. Her eyes fixed on the still closed doors, she swallowed hard. It occurred to her then, although not for the first time, that the next couple of hours would undoubtedly determine which direction her future would take. She knew that many would laugh at such a notion, yet she was acutely aware of how strongly her choice of partner would influence everything her political, social and private life would throw at her, and perhaps even more so, how she would respond to those challenges.
The Wizard lightly patted her arm with his free hand.
"You'll be fine. Are you ready?"
The Princess lifted her chin up and drew a deep breath before nodding solemnly.
"Open the doors," the Wizard ordered the guards, and the thin column of light shining through between the mighty slaps of emerald soon became wider and wider, until the portal to her future stood fully open, waiting for her to step through.
The clonking of a ceremonial staff called everyone to attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Princess of Oz, accompanied by the Wizard of Oz."
The Wizard took the first step, urging her to move. After her initial stupor, she matched this stride and soon passed him, detaching her hand from his with a small smirk. She wished she could have turned to look back and seen his flustered face. She resisted the temptation, however, and, as per instructions, gracefully made her way along the lines of lords and ladies and towards the throne on the other end of the ballroom. Once she had climbed the steps to her dais, she turned, overlooking the assembly of noble guests with their heads bowed deeply to express their respect. She let them wait just a brief moment longer than she was supposed to, since it was easer for her to scan the crowd for her Elphie while no one would be able to notice her searching look.
The Vinkun Princess was not difficult to find, as she stood out for more reasons than just her verdigris complexion. Whereas Fiyero and his parents were wearing gown and uniforms as they were common among the nobles of Greater Oz, Elphaba had obviously insisted to chose her own dress herself. The skirt was made up of intricate layers of frills – mostly black, but some dark grey and a few in various shades of red. The top followed a similar colour scheme. Elphaba was the only women in the entire room to have her arms covered entirely and her back, her chest and most of her neck were concealed by black lace and a high collar. Not an inch of delicate skin was showing below her head, but that came as no surprise. Glinda could only imagine the initial shock her other guests must have displayed as they had first seen Elphaba. Oh, what was she putting her poor Elphie through that night! Glinda would have understood if she had decided not to attend, yet at the same time, she was eternally grateful that she had, for she didn't know whether she would have been able to find the strength to get through this all by herself.
Finally, she gently waved her hand in an upward motion and commanded the crowd to rise. The Wizard took a few more steps in her direction, but settled for the second to last step of the stairs. Public appearances were rare for him, but for such a distinguished audience and such an extraordinary occasion, he didn't mind to make an exception. He cleared his throat and began his speech.
Glinda didn't listen. Half-heartedly feigning attention, she let her eyes roam the ballroom, but her focus returned to her Elphie as often as she dared. At least one person in the packed room noticed, and said person's inscrutable, dark brown eyes blatantly stared back at her whenever their gazes met. Yearning to forsake etiquette, to rush towards her love and fling herself in wide-open arms, the Princess began to seek out the Vinkun's eyes more often now. Trying to read any of her secret thoughts from them proved a hopeless endeavour, which made Glinda long even more desperately to talk to the green woman.
She had to be thankful when the Wizard concluded his oration with a toast, lifting his glass of sparkling wine. All the guests mimicked his gesture and repeated his words.
"Long live Princess Glinda, may Oz blossom and thrive under her reign."
Once everyone had taken a sip of their drinks, polite applause followed. The Wizard handed his own glass to Glinda and motioned for her to drink. She raised it towards the crowd.
"My lords and ladies, I thank you all for traveling so far to share this special evening with me. Let us once more raise our glasses. For a bright future."
"For a bright future," her guests echoed and she emptied the wine with one swift swig.
She passed the empty glass back to the Wizard and finally sat down on her throne. Her head felt heavy and an almost frightening dizziness overcame her. This couldn't' be the alcohol, she decided and grew a little worried. She had never been much of a drinker, but she knew for sure that she was tougher than this. She briefly closed her eyes and took deep, deliberate breaths. At least she was no longer standing now. Not much could happen as long as she remained seated. All she had to do was remain calm and still, and nobody would ever notice.
And indeed, no one did. They were all far too busy enjoying themselves, dancing and socialising, while Glinda was bound to her glorified chair of emerald and gold. Her gaze wandered sideways, to the small pedestal to her right. There a white gold and emerald crown was sitting on a velvet cushion. It was sparkling under the many lights of the ballroom and her eyes lingered for a while to study the elaborate craftsmanship. When she was just about to turn attention back to her guests, it suddenly seemed to her as though the supposedly lifeless thing was quietly whispering her name. She froze, unsure whether this could really be happening, or whether her tired mind was simply imagining this. Yet the longer she stared, the louder the eerie, childlike voice became.
Trembling slightly in alarm, she tore her eyes away from the crown and looked around, searching everyone standing reasonably close to her for any reaction. They all seemed oblivious, otherwise occupied. She noticed that the whispers appeared to have stopped. After taking a deep, calming breath, she risked another glance. As soon as she had moved her head only the slightest bit to the right, the whispers began anew; only they weren't mere whispers any longer. She jumped to her feet, her chest heaving as she stood there, wide eyes staring at that innocent looking piece of metal and gems. The master of ceremonies who stood nearest to her stepped closer, discretely leaning towards her.
"Are you quite all right, Your Highness?"
She spared him a brief glance, then looked back down at the crown. The voice had fallen silent again. She blinked.
"Yes," she mumbled under her breath, shaking her head. "I am fine. It is just… the stress, I suppose."
She sat back down and the master of ceremonies clicked at a passing servant for another drink. In spite of her better judgement, the Princess accepted the glass of sparkling wine and took a small sip, then another. The dizzy feeling from earlier began to return and her vision blurred a little for a clock-tick. She took one more sip and returned the drink to the man who had offered it to her.
"I think I've had enough for tonight," she told him with a small smile.
Without moving her head, she allowed her eyes to dart sideways. Nothing. The beautiful crown quietly sat on its forest green cushion, uttering not a single word. Glinda groaned inwardly. She really should have made a better effort at sleeping more the previous night. All this was driving her insane and her lack of decent rest didn't help much either.
To take her mind off things, she began to scan the crowd for familiar faces. There was Avaric, whom she was surprisingly glad to see. The Duke of Mossleberg was present as well. He was certainly someone she could do without. There were more noblemen and ladies she had met at one banquet or the other. Some of the younger women she recognised from her girlhood years in Gillikin. Ladies Shenshen and Milla were both dancing with dashing young men; Lady Pfannee seemed to be absent for whatever unfathomable reason. Glinda had thought the vivacious triad of women to be inseparable.
Quickly growing tired of this pastime, as, in fact, there weren't too many people she knew all that well, Glinda's eyes once more sought out Elphaba. She found her casually leaning against a wall – very unladylike, of course, but also very Elphaba. Fiyero wasn't too far away, dancing with a pretty, if a little chubby brunette. Glinda wasn't in the least jealous.
The hour was growing late and servants began to make their rounds with large trays of finger food. A lanky boy approached her with a selection of prawn toast, tiny pies and pâté, but she declined. It wasn't like she wasn't hungry, but even looking at the food made her stomach churn. She watched the boy as he cut his way through the crowd, sticking close to the wall. When he reached Elphaba, Glinda could clearly see her nose wrinkle in disdain. Of course – all of these snacks contained meat and outside of the Vinkus it was probably wise to exercise caution if one intended to avoid consuming Animal products at all cost.
A dance number had just finished, and Fiyero bowed to his partner to politely bid her farewell. He walked back to where his sister was still standing, unenthusiastically observing the other guests. As he passed the servant boy, he casually plucked a little something from his tray and stuffed it in his mouth. Elphaba offered him a cold glare, but the Prince only laughed. Glinda was glad to see them interact in a reasonably amicable fashion, however, soon it already looked like they were arguing again. In a civil manner, of course, not the way they sometimes had back at Kiamo Ko. Fiyero was continuously tucking on the elbow of her crossed arms, while Elphaba kept shaking her head and avoiding his gaze. Realising that this small tiff didn't seem serious, Glinda began to think that they were somehow quite adorable. Despite herself, a small giggle escaped her lips. In the end, she was rather shocked, when the emerald Princess gave in after all and Fiyero got his will. With a wide, triumphant grin, he led his sister to the dance floor.
Glinda wouldn't say that Elphaba was a bad dancer, but it was obvious that she hadn't had as many opportunities to hone her skills as the other ladies in the room. She also certainly came across as too dominant, causing Fiyero to struggle as he attempted to lead her. It was all right though, for no one else but Glinda was watching them. The other guests were too afraid of being unable to avert their eyes after only risking a shy glance, the blonde supposed. One would think that folks should be used to seeing a lot of green in the Emerald City, but people were everywhere the same: superficial and judgemental.
She noticed movement to the lower left of her field of vision. The Wizard had called one of the servants over. After receiving his instructions, the man nodded and quickly hurried in Glinda's direction. He conveyed the Wizard's message to the master of ceremonies standing behind her and was dismissed.
The thumping of the staff on the wooden floor rippled through her body like mighty waves of dread. The music stopped and everyone turned to face the throne, murmuring in excitement. Then it everything turned quiet.
"The Princess will now choose the man who shall become her consort and the King of Oz."
Handing his staff to a lower ranking dignitary, the master of ceremonies retrieved the cushion with the crown. Glinda rose to her feet as he kneeled before her. With unsteady hands, she took the crown, holding it in front of her like a delicate piece of porcelain. The greying man stepped aside to clear the way for her.
She took the first step and once more felt faint. It was much worse this time and she honestly thought she would falter and tumble down those stairs. But she caught herself. Some of her guests simply must have noticed, yet no one dared to utter a sound. Gathering all her strength and willpower, she descended the final steps.
The crowd before her parted, making way for her. A few paces away, she spotted Fiyero and Elphaba, still standing close to each other after dancing together. Oh, that sweet, temptation! While the Princess continued on her path at a measured pace, outwardly so calm and collected, the thoughts in her head were turning somersaults. As she was approaching Fiyero, the man she was supposed to choose, it was easy to pretend that she was in truth walking towards Elphaba, the woman she so longed to crown her Queen instead. And she looked so beautiful that evening. Already fairly close now, Glinda was able to appreciate every detail. The blacks and reds of her gown, together with that unflawed, green skin were so mesmerising. Her Dame de Coeur, now fully matured.
She came to a stand. Her eyes were still on Elphaba. The Vinkun Princess met her gaze with a blank expression, but wavered for a split-second as she swallowed a lump that had been forming in her throat. Drawing a sharp breath of air, she nodded ever so slightly and offered Glinda the tiniest of smiles, before inclining her head.
The blonde's heart must have broken that very moment that she returned the nod and moved to face Fiyero. Very slowly, her arms extended in his direction, until he took hold of the crown, brushing her fingertips in the process. She folded her hands in front of her and bowed before him. She couldn't bring herself to look up, but soon felt the heavy weight of the crown as he carefully placed it upon her head. A shuddering breath escaped her lips, a remnant of the sob she had fought so hard. She didn't think that she would have the strength to rise again. All of the sudden, the burden had become too overwhelming for her. Still, next thing she knew, she felt his gentle, yet firm grip on her hand. She squeezed his hands, pulling herself up, while he helped her to make this desperate act look light and natural.
Fiyero looked concerned when their eyes first met, but then his face lit up. He cupped her cheek with one hand and leaned in for a passionate kiss. After a brief, stunned silence, wild applause and cheering followed. Glinda pulled back as soon as possible without raising any doubts about the genuineness of their affection for each other and forced a demure smile.
"Behold the future Queen and King of Oz," the Wizard cheered. "May their lives be long and fulfilled."
More clapping and cheering ensued.
"Now come, children, we shall not let the good people of the Emerald City wait any longer. To the throne room!"
And before she even realised it, Glinda and Fiyero were whisked away by the crowd. When she managed to turn around at one point, she caught sight of Elphaba, still rooted to the spot where she had last seen her. Glinda wished she could have run back to her, begged her for forgiveness. But there was no fighting the hollering and cheering horde her guests had turned into. She and the Vinkun Prince were ushered along the corridors of the Emerald Palace and into the throne room. A couple of guards were standing by, ready to open the large doors of the balcony as soon as the Wizard gave his command. Two heralds stepped outside first, blowing their horns to get the people's attention. Then the newly engaged couple was told to follow them. Fiyero took her cold hand and squeezed it supportively before leading the way.
Looking down from the balcony, Glinda saw thousands upon thousands of people gathered on the square before the palace, waving and calling out to her. Some were even sitting on the roofs of their own or their acquaintances' houses to get a better look. Her expression brightened, and a wide smile appeared on her face. It was an automatic, instinctive reaction. She simply couldn't help it. She waved back at them, and the masses went wild. This was the ultimate evidence for what she had always known: Fiyero and her were the perfect image of a young, royal couple. And this was what the people of Oz wanted. All around them firecrackers began shooting into the sky. They exploded into millions of golden and green sparkles, raining down on the awestruck mob. The couple continued smiling and waving for a good while longer, although for how long, she couldn't possibly tell. It was all a big blur to her.
In the wee hours of the morning, she at long last found herself back in her own apartment. It was so quiet now that the festivities had come to an end. Her head still felt a little numb, as did her entire body. Madannie was helping her out of her dress and into her nightgown. Neither of the two women said a word until the maid's work was done. Only when Madannie was about to leave, Glinda opened her mouth to call her back.
"I know it is late, but could you please find out if the Vinkun Princess is still awake?"
"The Princess?" the maid asked to be certain.
Glinda bit her lip.
"Yes. If she is not yet sleeping, I wish to see her."
The younger woman seemed slightly puzzled, but curtsied and went to do as she had been told.
The next twenty minutes were nothing short of agonising. Standing in front of the large windows, her silky dressing gown tightly swaddled around her frail figure, Glinda waited, quite certain Elphaba wouldn't make an appearance anyway. Revelon was watching her from the sofa, worried.
But she was wrong. The knock on the door made her body jump and her heart race. Hesitantly, she turned around. Madannie opened the door and stepped inside, closely followed by the emerald Princess.
"Leave us alone," Glinda said a little too harshly, already crossing the room.
The door fell shut and the blonde launched herself in her love's arms. At that point, Revelon hopped off the settee and quietly disappeared into the sunroom. Glinda wrapped her arms around Elphaba's neck and crushed their pale lips into dark green ones.
For a clock-tick, she forgot what had happened that evening. She no longer was in her luxurious quarters at the Emerald Palace; she was back in the Vinkus, back in Elphaba's tiny room at Kiamo Ko. And there was space for no one else in her little world but for her Elphie and herself. Yes, that would be perfect. She had all she needed as long as she had Elphaba.
However, this moment of illusive bliss wasn't meant to last. Gingerly, Elphaba peeled Glinda off of herself. Her soft hands were trembling as she gently cupped the blonde's face and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. When the green woman spoke, her voice sounded almost foreign.
"Look: what happened between us this summer; I won't say it was a mistake, for I could never bring myself to regret it. But it was selfish. And now… well, as of tonight you are officially engaged to my brother. The entire capital was witness. Come morning, half of Oz will know. We simply cannot pick up where we left off. I cannot do this to Fiyero. Or even myself, I suppose."
A terribly heart wrenching sob erupted from somewhere deep down Glinda's petite body. Elphaba's thumbs began to caress her cheeks and she once again pressed her grey-green lips to her forehead, this time more desperately. Then she wrapped her long arms around Glinda and held her tightly.
"You made your choice and I do believe it was the right one. But this means goodbye. We will both never find even a measure of happiness as long as we haunt each other's lives. I will return to my people. Should my parents die before another heir is able to claim the Vinkun throne, it might fall to me to govern the country in my brother's name for a little while.
"Goodbye my sweet."
Glinda's tears flowed freely now. Too distraught to even consider what the salty drops could be doing to her Elphie, she clutched the thin fabric of the Vinkun's robe and pressed her face into her chest. Her entire frame was shaking and every now and then, a wave of violent sobs rippled through her. This was too much. Already exhausted and deprived, her body gave in and collapsed against Elphaba's. She could hear the emerald Princess call her name, panic beginning to creep into her voice as the room around her gradually began to turn black.
AN:
Imagine Elphaba's ball gown like the musical Act II Dress, only done *properly*, as in not as a patchwork thing, but everything done nicely and deliberately. And everything that's coloured in the original dress would just be in different shades of red.