Happy New Year, everyone!

When they returned home, Sissalíne gave Elphaba a letter from Munchkinland. "Was delivered to Wistra Ir first, then forwarded here," she explained.

"Okay. Thank you, Sissalíne," Elphaba nodded, then flipped it over to see the return address.

She expected it to be Naoleine or Shell, but the official Colwen Grounds stamp threw her off. She couldn't imagine why her great-grandfather would be writing to her, especially since he wouldn't have known about her magic being discovered. She finally decided to stop guessing and just open the envelope, her eyes first landing on the official letterhead before quickly sliding down to the signature.

"A letter from my sister," Elphaba said, noticing Fiyero's inquiring glance. She let the official letterhead questions go, figuring Nessa was staying at Colwen Grounds. "She hopes I'm settling into my new life well and she saw photos of our wedding in the newspaper." She skimmed through the rest of the letter. "Boq Briscoe has been granted permission to court her. He's the Mayor of Rush Margins' son. He's very shy, and I'm surprised he survived the vetting process. And she…" She trailed off, her voice catching in her throat as she squinted at the paper.

"Elphaba?"

"She… she says Great-Grandfather is allowing her to attend Shiz University next fall. That's… she just turned seventeen." She frowned, refolded the letter, and shoved it back into the envelope.

"That's what you wanted," Fiyero said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You wanted to go to Shiz."

Elphaba didn't push him away, but didn't snuggle closer. "I only told two people about wanting to study at Shiz University. Naoleine was one, and she was on my side. The other was…" Her eyes widened in realization. "I told His Eminence. I told him after he told me that I would be sent here to marry you. And now, he's giving my want to Nessa, who never expressed any interest in going to university."

"If there's anything you want, I can arrange to get it for you."

Her lips twitched and she turned to him. She repeated what she told the other royals about the Three Queens Library and the books on magic she wanted to find. She expected Fiyero to get mad, again, at being the last to find out something about her magic, and watched as his face changed as she retold the story.

"You just wanted to go for magic books?" he asked when she finished.

"I wanted to continue my education, and I heard about the vast magic section of the library."

He shoved his hands into his pockets. "Okay."

"Sorry. I know this is hard to understand –"

"It's not that. I understand how you feel and your position in all this. I don't understand the general aspect of magic, having not been exposed to it."

"I know. I just want to forget that all of this happened."

"We can't have another yesterday."

"I know. Wait… what does that mean?"

"It's an old Arjiki saying. We can only move forward. No matter how good or bad the past was, it can't happen again. We can't forget the things that happen to us."

"That's comforting and scary at the same time."

He chuckled. "It is. Most of the old sayings and proverbs are. And they can mean multiple things at once."

She reread her sister's letter. "I don't want to be mad or jealous of Nessa. She didn't know, and I doubt His Eminence told her. I'll write back and tell her that I'm happy for her. I'll let her know that I'm happy here."

"You won't be lying to her, will you?"

She kissed him. "No."

Elphaba took off her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose. She had gone through multiple folders of government documents, developing a rhythm once she got into the flow, which led to her working for four hours straight. She and Fiyero were putting together a preliminary list of potential backers for the canal project.

"Transportation is becoming a top priority," Fiyero mentioned, casually lying on their office sofa. "There's an umbrella of transportation developments forming. My parents are overseeing a railway project, and have sent us some general communications. Because of our union, negotiations to build a cross-Oz railway between Munchkinland and the Vinkus can start."

"I'm surprised that's not our project, since it's happening because of our marriage. We are the union between the East and West," Elphaba mused.

"The Chieftain thought we'd be better suited to lead the canal project, since it mostly involves being a youthful couple to charm the backers. I know it seems like a lot of paperwork and meetings, but this is nothing compared to the railway project."

"Then I'll be thankful for just doing this." She checked off a few boxes on her checklist before pushing it aside. She stood and went over to him, sitting next to him and resting her head on his shoulder. "It's not a coincidence, is it?"

"What is?"

"Two spares of royal, and 'royal equivalent', houses get married, and end up being the ones with major political involvement."

"The support staff also has to be useful," he chuckled, then leaned back with a sigh. "It's still early in the day. We should do something non-work related."

"You sound like you already have something in mind."

"I think we have the layout of our home down pat, so we could go on an outing. A courtship outing."

Elphaba's brow furrowed. "A courtship – but we're already married."

"Well, we're newlyweds, and I know I said we couldn't have another yesterday, but we can create a moment we wish we'd had."

Her confusion turned into intrigue. "What did you have in mind?"

"A boat ride along the Vinkus River. They just refurbished a sailboat for us, and we could test it out on the river before the cold sets in."

"I don't know if giving me another chance to develop sea legs will be very romantic," she chuckled.

"You don't like sailing?"

"I haven't been exposed to it, since I'm not counting that meeting on the battleship. I don't know if I like it or not. But I think I can be persuaded into trying something new."

After changing clothes, the two made their way to the carriage. They reached the river within the hour, and the large sailboat with The Royal Gale Force painted on the side in purple block letters was ready for them. The captain saluted and bowed before helping the royal couple onto the deck and they set sail down the river.

"You know how to sail?" Elphaba asked, seeing Fiyero step behind the steering wheel.

"I do when the captain is standing right next to me," he admitted with a chuckle.

He rolled up his shirt sleeves, and Elphaba felt her face heat up. She couldn't tear her eyes away from her husband's toned arms. Both the men's eyes were on the water, not her, and she played with her headwrap, just to give her fidgeting fingers something to do. But she really wanted to touch those muscles.

The weather was nice, the water was calm, and the wind was gentle, but a few miles down the river, Elphaba found herself becoming queasy. She moved away from the boat's edge, but it did little to quell her upset stomach.

"Fiyero, we need to dock," she said, her stomach turning with each word.

The prince rushed to her side, and the captain took control of the boat. "What's wrong?"

"I don't feel well." She covered her mouth and shook her head.

He pulled her closer, but she pushed him away. Her stomach was becoming unpredictable, and she didn't want him in the firing zone. He understood, settling for holding her hand. "Captain, is there a safe place to dock?"

"There seems to be a house down there, Your Highness," the captain said, pointing to a mansion slowly getting closer.

"I need to get off this boat," Elphaba whispered, feeling the bile building in the back of her throat. Her stomach bubbled and she became hyperaware of how much the boat was rocking. "Now."

He reached for a pillow and placed it behind her back in a weak attempt to make her comfortable. They reached the mansion, and, in the absence of a proper dock, the captain steered the boat to the grass and dropped the small anchor. Fiyero jumped out and lifted Elphaba down, letting her press her hands against his shoulders as he grabbed her waist.

"My head hurts," Elphaba moaned. The world started spinning, and she couldn't hold back anymore. She threw up onto the grass, coughing and feeling blood pounding in her ears.

Fiyero caught her glasses as they flew off her face. He was about to send the captain into the mansion to request help from the owners, but before he did, the door opened, and a familiar face appeared. "Sir Chuffrey!"

They hadn't seen the Chuffreys since meeting them four days ago, and he didn't feel they were acquainted enough for him to impose, but he didn't have another choice.

The young baron stared at the prince and shouted inside before beckoning the couple over. Fiyero lifted Elphaba into his arms and carried her into the mansion, careful not to jostle her too much. Instantly, the cool outside was replaced with a homey warmth, which was unexpected for a mansion that size. Chuffrey led them into the parlor, and gestured for Fiyero to lay Elphaba on the sofa.

"Send for a doctor?" Chuffrey asked, his concerned eyes dancing between the two royals.

Fiyero wiped the sweat from his wife's forehead with his sleeve, gently pressed her glasses into her hands, and checked her over. Thankfully, she hadn't thrown up on her clothes. "No. It's just seasickness. She'll be alright after some rest."

Chuffrey nodded and turned, noticing his wife hurriedly entering. She wore a simple, lavender dress and lacey, light pink mantilla house veil, clearly not dressed for receiving company. She frantically said something in a language neither royal understood. Chuffrey said something and pointed outside. The blonde followed his finger and noticed the boat, then looked at Elphaba before hurrying out, reappearing with a mug of a steaming, dark liquid.

Elphaba weakly pushed herself up, aided by her husband, as Glinda calmly approached. She dipped into a curtsy and handed her the mug, saying something in a soft, melodic voice, her tone sweet and smooth as honey.

"Tea to soothe stomach," Chuffrey translated.

Elphaba nodded her thanks and took a sip, smiling when the rich flavors of sweet raspberry and tangy ginger cleansed the bile taste from her mouth and throat. A few more sips and her stomach calmed, and she could almost feel the color return to her face.

"I need to send a message to Alinmun Manor. We can't return by boat," Fiyero said to Chuffrey.

"Of course, Your Highness. Come with me," Chuffrey smiled. He asked Glinda a question, and she nodded with a small smile. He bowed to Elphaba and swiftly left with Fiyero.

Elphaba set the mug on the table coaster. "Thank you for the tea. It's very good," she said in Common Ozian. Her heavy Munchkin accent distorted her pronunciation, but she hoped she would still be understood.

The blonde stared at her, her head slowly tilting to the side, and her mouth forming an 'o' before melting into a smile. "Thank you. You speak Ozian?"

"I'm from Munchkinland. I can speak and understand enough."

"Munchkinland? That's quite a way's away. And you could tell I'm Gillikiniese."

Elphaba hummed. "What brings you to the Vinkus?" She already had a basic idea from their first meeting, but was trying to make conversation.

She sat on the sofa across from her. "Vilem's business, specifically the new emporium. He's a merchant by trade, noble by birth. Quite the combination," she giggled. "He bought that unused building and thought it'd be a good business venture. What about you?"

"Fiyero and I have been married for around three weeks."

"Ooh. Newlyweds. How romantic."

"It was an arranged marriage, but we're growing fond of each other."

"Oh. You spoke Vinkun before coming here?"

She shook her head. "I learned as much as I could on my own, but full immersion has proved more effective than my textbooks."

"Vilem speaks a little Vinkun, but I don't. He's the only one I've been able to communicate with since we arrived, which sometimes makes him not as fun as I'd like him to be."

"Common Ozian not being common here used to annoy me, too. It still does from time to time, but since my Arjiki has improved, my irritation has dwindled." She took another sip of tea. "How did you meet Sir Chuffrey?"

"I met him at a party at the Emerald City Palace I attended during my final year of university. We got married eleven months later, and we've been married for almost four years now."

Elphaba was about to comment that their marriage seemed fast, then remembered she only had three months to prepare herself for her own wedding. It was also none of her business to comment on it. They'd just met, after all.

"I help with the business. It's like we're a team. I make the teas and fruit preserves we sell in our shops. I was wary of being involved, hands-on, in our own business at first, but he enjoys it, I enjoy it, and it's very successful. We've traveled all over the Gillikin to open our shops."

"You make teas? Including this one?"

"Yes. My grandparents owned a tea plantation in Frottica, and I watched the workers process the tea leaves and make blends. They taught me how to properly scorch the tea leaves and the fruit they used, along with proper boiling, blend creating, and brewing. Upland Plantation now belongs to my cousin, and we've created a business trade deal so I may use the tea leaves. When I went to Shiz University, I –"

"You went to Shiz University?"

"First girl from Pertha Hills to be accepted," she said proudly. "Met with mixed reactions, but I held my own. I was accepted into the acclaimed Sorcery Seminar, taught by the university's headmistress, Madame Morrible. It was highly selective, and some very talented sorcerers were very upset they didn't get in, while a rich girl who never had any experience with hard work did."

"You… have magic?"

Glinda noticed her change, interpreted it as fear, and responded accordingly. "I do. Magic is very prevalent in the Gillikin, but I know it's not here. Vilem warned me about how any displays might be perceived here."

Elphaba hummed, deciding to change the subject so she didn't have to respond. But she made a mental note to reopen the discussion later. "Where else have you lived?"

"I've never been outside the Gillikin. We lived a few months near Lake Chorge, a year in Tenniken, only two months in Dixxi House, and most recently, Mockbegger. We moved a lot to make sure we didn't overstay our welcome."

"Mockbegger is in Munchkinland."

"Oh, is it?"

"It's on the border between the Emerald City and Munchkinland, though it's closer to the Emerald City, but still on Munchkinland territory."

"Then I suppose I have been outside the Gillikin. It was my favorite place we lived. Mockbegger Hall was a nice, country estate. It was the longest we've ever stayed in one place."

"You like traveling?"

"I've always had a free spirit. I never liked to be still. I'm excited to be in the Vinkus, though. It's beautiful."

"When I first arrived, I was so tired from traveling, an owl scared me."

Glinda laughed out loud, then immediately covered her mouth with an apologetic smile. "I love being in new places, but that's as far as my love of traveling goes. I've been subjected to days of boat and carriage travel, and I'm just glad to have a chance to get settled somewhere. This emporium is our biggest endeavor to date, which means we might stay here for a while. And it's convenient, with Oakhair being a few miles away."

Elphaba looked around and her eyes rested on a yarn frame around a large mirror on the wall. Pink and silver petals overlapped in two layers over each other in a circle. "That's pretty."

"Thank you. I made that. I'm quite decent at Macramé."

"Do you sell those in your shop?"

"Oh, no. I just do that as a hobby. It keeps me entertained and occupied when I get tired of fruit and tea." She pulled a blonde curl over her shoulder. "While I'm not a certified tea sommelier, I'm much more confident with selling that."

"I'd love some more, if you have it available." She held out the mug to her.

Glinda nodded and hurried out, reappearing a minute later. "If I may ask, how old are you?"

Elphaba took another sip of the tangy drink. "I turned nineteen last month."

"Nineteen?" Glinda blinked. "Oh. That's… I'm twenty-five, and I thought getting married at twenty-one was young."

Elphaba sensed that Glinda wanted to say more, but propriety and social distance stopped her. Before she could formulate a response, Fiyero and Sir Chuffrey reappeared, and Fiyero immediately sat next to her.

"A carriage will be here soon. You okay?" he asked, squeezing her hand.

"I am. Lady Chuffrey's tea really helped," she smiled.

Chuffrey kissed his wife's hair and sat next to her. The two couples made small talk for an hour until the royal carriage arrived.

"Thank you for your hospitality and help, Sir Chuffrey," Fiyero said formally, shaking Chuffrey's hand.

"Of course, Your Highness," Chuffrey bowed. "It was an honor."

"Thank you, Lady Chuffrey," Elphaba smiled, taking the blonde's hands. "I appreciate your help."

"You're welcome, Your Highness," Glinda nodded, her eyes twinkling. "I enjoyed our conversation." Her eyes silently added, 'More than you know'. She stepped back, tapped her husband's arm, and whispered in his ear, looking like she was asking him something.

Chuffrey whispered something back and looked like he was about to deny whatever she requested, but his resolve melted, and he turned back to the royals. "Your Highnesses, we'd be honored if you'd attend the emporium's grand opening on Tuesday. If you don't have any prior engagements, of course," he added quickly.

"We'd love to," Fiyero said after glancing at Elphaba. They'd spoken about a market day in Oakhair, and now they had a personal reason to finalize it on their calendar.

After receiving the information, the royals bid the Chuffreys a final goodbye and went to the carriage. Fiyero asked Elphaba if she was okay before helping her into the carriage.

"The Chuffreys are a nice couple," Fiyero admitted. "People we could add to our newly-forming circle."

"Lady Chuffrey is very nice. We have some things in common, which made talking to her refreshing. She made the tea she gave me."

"Mmm, she did? Impressive." He leaned back, taking her hand. "You could understand her? I didn't know you spoke Gillikiniese."

"I don't. She was speaking in Gillikiniese until I spoke in Ozian. Then she switched, and that's how we were able to communicate. It's more common in Munchkinland and the Gillikin. Though more widespread in the Gillikin, I knew enough to hold a conversation, and knew she'd understand."

"Right," he said, remembering how she'd explained it to him before. "Well, I'm glad the tea and conversation helped you feel better, and I'm sorry this didn't work out the way we wanted."

"I enjoyed the sailing, even if my body didn't. And I suppose my verdigris exaggerated my seasick appearance."

"You know, my father used to take me on a boat every day until I stopped getting seasick," he said jokingly. "Don't worry, we're done with boats unless it's absolutely necessary," he added when he saw Elphaba's wary expression. "And we'll make sure we have some of Lady Chuffrey's anti-seasickness tea."

Elphaba's lips twitched, and she kissed him, snuggling closer. He took her hand, and they talked about their separate conversations with the Chuffreys.

Dinner was served as soon as they got home, and after that long, unplanned adventure, they were more than happy to sit down, relax, and eat. A message from the captain inquiring about the princess arrived, and after penning a quick response that she was alright, the two got ready for bed, exhausted from the day.

After a long bath, Elphaba made her way to their shared bedroom. She was practically sauntering, feeling the urge to get her husband into bed with her. As soon as she got there, she found Fiyero just as receptive, and they tangled their limbs under the sheets.

Hours later, an unexpected thunderous boom shook Elphaba from her slumber. It took her a moment to orient, and when she did, she noticed that Fiyero was no longer in bed with her. A storm raged outside, and a flash of lightning helped her see her husband sitting in the corner, shirtless, with his head on his knees.

"Fiyero," she whispered, sliding out of bed. She knelt next to him and touched his arm.

He looked up at her, though his eyes didn't seem to see her. He inhaled a shaky breath, then started panting.

"Fiyero. Fiyero, look at me," Elphaba said, grabbing Fiyero's arms.

That was the wrong move, because Fiyero's eyes darkened, and he roughly pushed her away. "No! Go away!"

"Fiyero, it's me!" Elphaba insisted, scrambling back to her knees in front of him, fighting to get into his line of view. "I'm right here!"

Fiyero jumped up, slamming his back against the wall, but he didn't seem to feel the pain. "No! Go away! I don't want you!"

"Fiyero!"

"Go away, Sarima! I don't love you!"

Elphaba froze, staring at her husband. He thought she was Sarima. Or he was still trapped in his dream. Either way, she had to get him back to reality. She lifted her hands to his face, but quickly pulled away when he shifted to slap them away.

"You disgust me! How dare you seduce me when I have a wife!"

She couldn't tell if he was talking about his dream, or something that actually happened. For her own sanity, she blamed the dream. She considered using her magic to calm him, but ultimately decided against it. That would only complicate matters more, and she couldn't afford that.

The thunder startled her, and she subconsciously jumped into Fiyero's arms, only to be pushed away again. The prince crumbled to the floor, his dark glare keeping Elphaba at a distance. After almost an hour of sitting on the floor, Fiyero no longer pushed her away when she got close, and Elphaba was able to help him to his feet. Once he was back in bed, she was about to climb in, but her hand froze as it hovered over the covers.

With a defeated sigh, she pressed her hands to her sides and left the room, going to her private bedroom for the rest of the night.