The Governor's Mansion came alive on Friday morning. The family awoke early, but allowed Naoleine to get a few extra minutes of sleep. The kitchens bustled with reception food preparations, and the staff cleaned the mansion from top to bottom.
The men had left earlier that morning to meet the groom at his parents' house before traveling to the chapel with him. The women were in the morning room for breakfast, clad in their satin dressing gowns, waiting for Sophelia to come down with Naoleine. The mother of the bride led her sleepy daughter into the room, but Naoleine immediately perked up when she saw the food.
They had a lively breakfast together, talking through the schedule and excitement of the day. Elisy arrived and properly greeted everyone before taking a seat next to the bride. Naoleine tried to hide her nerves and get into the fun spirit, but eventually had to excuse herself for some quiet time in her room, asking only her maid of honor to follow her.
At nine-thirty, Partra told the girls to start getting dressed in their traditional attire. Aurol and Eadgyth went with their maid, and Nessa and Elphaba went with Nanny.
A few minutes later, Aurol and Eadgyth ran into Nessa's room, wearing their purple sabais with silver lace overlays, and their hair in matching fishtail braids and small poppy hairclips.
"I want to have a summer wedding when I grow up," Eadgyth said, twirling and playing with her hair.
"Eadgyth, don't mess up your hair," Nanny warned, running a soft brush through Nessa's hair.
"I want a winter wedding," Aurol said, sounding like she thought her idea was superior to her sister's.
"Who would want a winter wedding?" Eadgyth made a face. "It's too cold and it's not sunny."
"Snow weddings sound like fun."
"Who would you marry?"
"Um… probably Kharal Fworn."
"The son of the schoolteacher?"
"Yeah. He's smart and handsome and has a sizable –"
"Great-grandfather would never allow you to marry a common townsperson," Nessa sniffed as Nanny pinned her updo. "We have standards to uphold."
"How about we get through this wedding before we start talking about upcoming weddings?" Elphaba suggested, finishing her simple, yet elegant enough, bun.
"Well, I'd rather marry a common townsperson than marry a Winkie, like Fabala will have to," Aurol said matter-of-factly. "I'd say I'd upholding the standard."
The green girl stared at her cousin. "What are you talking about?"
"A few days ago, Great-Grandfather called Ati Melena to his office to tell her that you're gonna marry a Winkie Prince soon."
"Aurol, that's enough," Nanny warned.
"He's gonna send you away to the Vinkus. He told her it was for some type of... alliance."
Elphaba's face dropped. "No. He wouldn't do that. He doesn't care enough about me for an arranged marriage."
"There's a copy of your marriage contract in his office. I saw it."
"Aurol, you snuck into His Eminence's office?" Nanny gasped, fisting her hands against her hips.
The young girl realized her mistake. "… No…"
"Girls, it's almost time to go," Sophelia said, appearing in the doorway with Melena.
"Mother, is it true that Fabala's gonna have to marry a Winkie?" Eadgyth asked her mother.
"Eadgyth Gessiel Thropp, I've told you to stop using that derogatory term."
"Is it true?"
"I know nothing about this, so I cannot confirm or deny, but I know we must leave now."
"I would never want to marry a Winkie. Especially if it meant moving all the way to the Vinkus."
"I heard they don't have indoor plumbing. Fabala will have to relieve herself in a hole in the ground," Aurol said.
"I heard that, too! And that they live in tents, and eat roasted insects."
"And they paint weird symbols on their skin as a pagan ritual."
"They're heathens?"
"Yeah. And they –"
"Both of you, enough!" Sophelia scowled. "Today is your sister's wedding, so there will be no more of this inappropriate talk! I will not tolerate any more bigoted language. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
"Yes, Mother," the twins said, staring at the ground as they melted under their mother's hot glare.
Elphaba had locked eyes with her mother, the two having a silent conversation. She sucked in a sharp breath. "It's true, isn't it?"
Melena worked her jaw. "You're not supposed to know. Nothing was supposed to be said until after Naoleine's wedding."
"And when was I going to be informed that I'm being traded like a piece of cattle? How can you let him do this?"
"Elphaba, that's enough. This isn't as big a deal as you're making it out to be."
Elphaba saw her dream of going to Shiz crumble right before her eyes. That was going to be her chance to escape Munchkin politics, and now she found herself being a pawn in its game.
"His Eminence told me I wasn't to say a word to you until after the wedding. I wasn't going to disobey a direct order just to spare your feelings," Melena continued thickly. "Elphaba, you will fix your attitude and cease this selfishness. Today isn't about you."
"So you're okay with us being ignored until our lives need to be turned upside down and letting us be used as –"
Elphaba was cut off as Melena flew up to her and roughly backhanded her across the face. The resounding slap filled the room, sucking the air from everyone's lungs. Elphaba hadn't made a sound, her hand calmly hiding the forming red, hand-shaped patch. Her face was hard, not giving way to any emotions, and her eyes remained dry.
"You will learn your place. You will control yourself, and you will not speak a word of this to anyone. If you embarrass this family and ruin this event, I will personally make sure you regret it. Do I make myself clear?" Melena threatened, her voice dangerously low.
Elphaba stubbornly kept quiet.
"Do I make myself clear, Elphaba?"
"Yes… Mother."
Melena straightened and marched out, followed by Nanny, Nessa, Eadgyth, and Aurol. Sophelia stayed behind, staring at Elphaba, who hadn't moved from her spot.
"It's time to go, Elphaba," Sophelia reminded her.
When Elphaba still refused to move, Sophelia gently took her arm. Though not a forceful gesture, it pulled Elphaba from her trance and she yanked her arm away. Neither woman said anything as they walked downstairs to meet the bride.
Naoleine had recovered from her overwhelming breakfast conversation and was back to being an excited bride. She was dressed in a beautiful pastel pink, long-sleeved bridal lehenga, lacey and heavily embroidered with small crystals. Her chestnut hair was down and fell to her upper back in loose, elegant curls. A sheer, pastel pink veil covered her hair and face, long enough to create a train behind her dress. It blocked their clear view of her makeup, but they still saw the large, dangling diamond earrings.
Elisy was making last-minute fusses and alterations, but stopped and took a step back, allowing the others to admire her handiwork.
Sophelia fanned her face, trying not to cry. "You look beautiful, Miniga."
"Thank you, Mama," Naoleine smiled, also trying not to cry.
The women made their way to the waiting carriages. The children, along with Melena and Nanny, traveled in the first carriage, since they had to arrive first and were taking a different route than the bride and her mother.
The carriage was silent as they rode. No one wanted to say anything after what they had just witnessed at the mansion. Melena and Nessa glared at Elphaba, Elphaba looked down at her hands, Aurol looked apologetic, and Eadgyth was trying to pretend that nothing happened. Overall, it was one of the most awkward and tense rides any of them ever had to deal with.
As they neared the chapel, the crowd's cheers grew louder. Everyone immediately painted smiles on their faces, making them appear real and hiding their true feelings with practiced ease. Melena stepped out and waited for a footman to assist Nessa and the two went inside the chapel. Elphaba, Eadgyth, and Aurol waited on the steps outside for Naoleine to arrive so they could help with her dress. They gave the crowd a few waves, which elicited louder cheers.
"I'm sorry, Elphaba," Aurol whispered, discreetly stepping closer to the green girl, still waving.
Elphaba didn't have time to respond, or even turn to look at her, because the bridal carriage pulled up and she was the first to descend the steps.
Phyl came out and opened the door for his daughter, offering her his hand as she carefully stepped down, waving excitedly to the crowd. The gathered Munchkins loved seeing their heir look so beautiful and happy, and Naoleine knew it would boost morale and national pride.
That was the only political thought she allowed herself to think for the rest of the day.
Elisy handed Naoleine her bouquet and they all ascended the stairs, pausing at the top to turn and give one final wave to the crowd before entering the chapel.
As Elphaba went through the practiced motions they rehearsed, she couldn't stop her mind from wandering. Her great-grandfather has essentially sold her off to be married to gain… she didn't even know what he was gaining in return for getting rid of her. Her private musings distracted her, and she almost dripped over her dress in front of everyone, which forced her to pay attention and be more careful.
As she watched her cousin walk down the aisle with her uncle, her thoughts once again wandered. That was about to be her. And she didn't even know who she was being forced to marry. She felt a hard pinch and bit back a yelp. She glanced down to see Nessa looking up at her with warning eyes. Not willing to deal with a lecture from her mother as well as Nessa, she focused back on the ceremony.
Frex said the opening prayer (a request of Naoleine's), and once the vows and rings were exchanged, the couple stood under the infinity arch.
"Good people, I present to you, Their Excellencies, Lord and Lady Naoleine Thropp of Nest Hardings!" the officiant said.
A trumpet fanfare, and the couple kissed under the arch. As the crowd's loud applause filled the chapel, Elphaba looked at her great-grandfather. She never saw him smile, but right now, he was smiling. A genuine smile. He was so happy to see his great-granddaughter get married and be happy with the man she was marrying, and clearly wasn't thinking about how he secretly and unceremoniously sold his other great-grandchild to do the same, not caring about her feelings.
The couple stepped forward and bowed to the Eminent Thropp before continuing down the aisle, smiling all the way. The rest of the wedding party followed, climbing into their separate carriages that would take them back to Colwen Grounds for the reception.
The reception wasn't until later that evening, so that left a few hours to relax and get ready. Elphaba had just taken off her wedding attire and changed into her dressing gown when there was a knock at the door. Before she could allow the person entry, the door opened, and Nessa came in.
"You're attitude and behavior this morning was completely unwarranted and unacceptable," she began.
"Unwarranted? Nessa, I am –"
"You will be marrying into the Vinkun royal family. Winkie or not, they are royalty, and you should be grateful for that honor."
"I do not want this."
"And they most likely don't want you. Stop acting like you're all high and mighty above everyone and come back down to Oz. No one wants you, but they agreed to take you, so you must suck it up and deal with it."
Elphaba's jaw clenched. "Yes. I suppose a distorted, repulsive, green freak like me should be very grateful. It's probably for the best that I'm sent away and forgotten."
The hurt in her sister's words got her to realize that she might have crossed a line, but she wasn't ready to back down. "You're being dramatic and incorrigible, Elphaba."
"I wanted to go to university. Shiz University. I wanted to continue my education and… find out about who I am."
"You want to know who you are? Do you really think you'd be anything without your title and family name? Your complexion is overlooked, for the most part, because of who you are. If you weren't a Thropp, you'd be nothing."
Elphaba had had enough. "Alright, Nessa."
"And I highly recommend you go and apologize to Mother."
"Whatever you say, Nessa."
"Don't speak to me like that. You being married off will be a good thing for this family. It means none of us will ever have to deal with you and your beastly behavior ever again. Perhaps people would tolerate you if you weren't so stubborn." She left without another word, satisfied with the point she made.
Elphaba bit her lip as she flopped down on her bed. She knew there was no use fighting it with Nessa or her mother, but perhaps there was a chance she could get to her great-grandfather before going home.
She was able to get in a quick nap before having to change for the reception. She changed into a simple, dark blue chiffon gown and matching ahai, embroidered with small rhinestones. They were able to forgo the traditional attire for the family and friends event, which she was grateful for. She tucked her baby hairs under the fabric, tying it behind her head and smoothing it out.
The reception was held in the mansion's private gardens. By the time Elphaba came down, most of the guests had arrived. Servers were walking around with platters of finger foods and drinks, and everyone was mingling and talking about the ceremony.
"Fabala!"
She turned just as Shell launched himself at her. He had changed out of his long, dress tunic into a dress shirt and pants, which Elphaba knew he was much more comfortable in.
"I haven't seen you all day!"
"You didn't see me at the ceremony? I've been told I can't blend in with a crowd," Elphaba teased.
Shell made a face. "You know what I mean. Nanny woke me up super early and I didn't see you until the ceremony, which was all day."
"More like all morning, but I understand your point."
"I was on my best behavior, but it was so hard. That ceremony was so long and boring. But anyway, guess what! Papa is letting me try out for the school's swim team in the fall!"
Elphaba smiled. "That's wonderful, Shell."
"And the team gets to travel and compete against other teams. You'll come to see me compete, right?"
She didn't want to say 'no', but she felt like she shouldn't lie. "Shell…"
"I know you'll be busy learning how to do... something, but you'll try, won't you?"
"… Yes. I can try."
Shell grinned, gave his sister another hug, and went to find more food. Elphaba continued to walk around, smiling politely at the guests she made eye contact with. She didn't realize she was nearing one of the small pavilions near the edge of the gardens until she heard a familiar voice.
"She found out, Frex. She knows about her marriage."
She had walked in on her parents talking about her. She quickly hid behind a tree, focusing all her energy on eavesdropping on their conversation.
"When were you planning on telling her, Melena?" Frex asked.
"Later. Once we were back home. Her finding out now makes matters more complicated."
"An arranged marriage is a big deal."
"Her reaction was completely unwarranted. That demon spawn should be grateful someone agreed to marry her. Or perhaps His Eminence didn't tell the Winkies it was her."
"Now, Melena," Frex sighed. He watched as his wife took a long swig of her drink, and could smell the alcohol on her breath. She became very vulgar when she drank, and he knew he would have to keep her under control, especially here.
"It doesn't matter. We'll soon be rid of her. Though, not soon enough. His Eminence wants to wait until September to send her. His reasoning was to space out two weddings in the family. I tried to tell him that no one would care enough about Elphaba's, but he had made up his mind." She took another gulp, tipping the glass back to get every last drop.
"Let's rest inside for a moment," Frex said, taking the glass from her hand and guiding her back inside.
Elphaba stayed hidden in the shadows, watching her parents disappear into the mansion. She returned to the party, but knew no one had missed her. Naoleine and Loiln had arrived, Naoleine in a golden saree and veil, and Loiln in a gold tunic shirt, vest, and white pants. It didn't surprise her that they still stayed in traditional wear, though not as fancy as their wedding attire.
The green girl wondered if she'd be able to get away with going to bed early, but had no such luck with Naoleine spotted her and wanted to talk.
"You look beautiful," Elphaba offered, trying to keep herself looking happy.
"Thank you, Elphaba," the bride giggled. "You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?"
"Yes."
A new song started and Naoleine left her cousin to go dance. Shell found her again and asked her to dance. She wasn't in the mood, but did so, for appearance's sake. She made it through the toasts and speeches, and was able to go to bed before it became tomorrow.
As she lay in bed, she formulated a plan. She knew there was no way out of this arranged marriage, but hopefully, her great-grandfather would give her the courtesy of more information.
She didn't know if confronting the Eminent Thropp would make things better or worse (though she couldn't see how it could possibly get worse), but she had to try and plead her case, come what may.
Naoleine's wedding lehenga and Elphaba's sabai are posted on my Tumblr and Twitter.