As soon as I returned to my home, I checked for mail and found an invitation to King Stefan's and Queen Leah's baby daughter's christening. I would definitely need to find a better time to warn him about Frex, for Elphaba's sake.
I scooped up the three-year-old and said, "Guess what, little one?"
She smiled at me and I smiled back. "We're going to a party, Elphaba."
Elphaba nodded and I murmured, "I should give you a gift, little one. I grant you the gift of intelligent. You shall be more intelligent than everyone around you, and all shall respect your knowledge."
Elphaba just giggled happily up at me.
I smiled and said, "Now, for Aurora's gift. What should I give her? Of course, incomparable cleverness."
Elphaba giggled and seemed to agree with me. "Good girl," I said. "Now, time for bed, Elphaba. We've a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
I tucked Elphaba into bed and then sat, worried. I didn't dare leave Elphaba home alone. What if Frex came and tried to kidnap her away from me? I had to bring her with me, no matter what. I was her guardian and I would protect her.
I returned to Elphaba's room and whispered, "Elphaba, honey, can you wake up for Auntie Maleficent?"
She stirred and looked up at me with wide trusting, but still fearful, eyes. I knelt down and said, "Elphaba, as soon as I can, I'm going to tell King Stefan what happened to you, OK?"
She nodded and I said, "I'm going to need you to show him your bruises as well, all right?"
She nodded and said, "OK. I love you, Auntie Maleficent."
"I love you, too, little Elphaba," I smiled and sent the little girl back to bed.