A/N: Only one more chapter to go. Hope you all have been enjoying it. A shout out to all those that have read and reviewed. I really appreciate your feedback!

Chapter 31

The funeral was in the afternoon the next day. The procession was solemn and the only noise that could be heard was the clip-clop of the horses' hooves as they pulled the cart that carried the coffin of the former King of the Vinkus down the city streets. Elphaba expected that there would be crying but perhaps the shock of such a well beloved royal was still there. His behavior toward her had been an anomaly and now she wished she'd had a chance to meet the real King.

Queen Adalet tried to stay composed as she spoke of her husband in the eulogy. She made it about halfway before she burst into tears and Fiyero quickly went to her side from his seat behind her in the large meeting hall which was often used for very important ceremonies such as this. Elphaba offered to hold her while Fiyero finished for his mother and he nodded. He had not said much since the day before. She hadn't pressed, knowing that eventually the grief would spill over and she would help him through it.

Once outside, the coffin was wheeled to its final resting place. Elphaba silently thanked any deity that happened to be listening that her last spell had held. The moment the dirt was on top of the coffin, she knew the body would not hold much longer. Although she knew it did not matter as long as everyone could say their goodbyes; they were more important than knowing what would happen when the spell failed.

Glinda was still not well enough to be there but Asli made sure that the blonde's condolences were known. He promised that after the dinner hour, at that same hall, he would inform the kingdom as to what was next. Elphaba could tell that some were nervous and some gave her questioning looks. Without a King, the foes of the Arjiki could take the opportunity to attack, or perhaps the new Princess would take the opportunity to remove the obstacles in her way to ruling the Vinkus. Elphaba wished she could belay their fears but she knew that actions would speak louder than words.

Later, while Asli was informing the public, Elphaba stood out on the patio of her and Fiyero's room, staring up at the night sky. Fiyero was with his mother, making sure she was doing ok. It wasn't the first night she'd have the master bedroom to herself but today's events made it more real and noticeable.

"A penny for your thoughts Princess," Avantador said. He and the Griffins had been guarding the city walls in order to allow the soldiers to be part of the funeral procession. Now the soldiers had retaken their posts and the magnificent creatures were retiring for the evening. The dragon had been sleeping in the large courtyard which allowed his access to the balconies that looked out into it.

"I must return to the Emerald City tomorrow. Asli needs me to help keep an eye on the prisoner while his men keep an eye on the Wizard," she sighed.

"A big job to be sure. Do you need backup?" He offered.

"That is kind of you but Chistery and his brothers will be assisting me. The Queen and Fiyero will need your help here. The region could become unstable with the King's death. No one will challenge the Arjiki, however, with you here," Elphaba pointed out.

"True but I cannot offer the emotional support they both need," the dragon said.

"I do hate to leave them now but the longer Burcin stays in the Vinkus, the better the chance something bad will happen. She needs to be locked up away from any possible allies and held accountable for what she has done. The bigger issue is that I know she had help killing the King but I have no idea who it could be. I've effectively ruled out the Wizard so that leaves at least one human being out there that is willing to do her bidding," she shook her head.

"I trust you have alerted the Vinkun soldiers about this?" Avantador wanted to know.

"Yes and Baki and his fellow Griffins have promised to keep an eye out for anyone that they might recognize," the Princess nodded.

"Excellent. Well have yourself a good night Princess. Prince Fiyero is going to need you. The lights in his mother's room have just gone out," the dragon smiled and then left the side of the balcony. Elphaba called good night to him and then quickly retreated to the warmth of the room she shared with her husband. Closing the balcony doors and checking on the fire, she settled on the bed, trying to figure out how she could get Fiyero to open up. She didn't have long to think as he walked into their room looking tired and worn. He collapsed on the bed next to her.

"Yero, my hero, please let me help you," she said, pulling him into her arms. For the first time since they had discovered his father's body, Fiyero wept.

To Be Continued…