Mombi, Head Sorceress and chief counsellor of General Jinjur (who was now also known as Queen Jinjur), felt her blood run cold.
With her magic, she had been able to spy on Glinda and Tip. She had seen and heard their conversation, and knew that they were on to her. With a slight panic, she looked at the other intelligence officers around her.
"Their suspicions are just that! Suspicions!" Old Mombi roared at her underlings. "They have no proof! If they come here, they can easily get a false confession out of me!"
The others, out of fear of the woman, merely nodded and agreed. None wishing to be the subject of her fury. However, when they broke for lunch, they began talking.
"The evidence Her Goodness and those boys brought up were quite compelling." said Lieutenant Arduenna. "Tip being being delivered to Old Mombi, by a man with the same name and mannerisms as the Great Wizard? And at the same time Princess Ozma disappeared too?"
"How common is the surname 'Marvel' though?" asked Captain Luma, "I personally have never heard of anyone with that name, but, it is possible."
"True." the Lieutenant replied, "However, how likely is it, that two people named Oscar Marvel ate beans with a knife? I personally have never heard of anyone doing that."
"How would you feel, if Tip was Ozma?" Nor Tigelaar asked, causing her co-workers to go silent. "Personally, I'm not sure how good of a ruler she'll be. However, given her upbringing, I feel she'll make things a lot better for women. I can see her trying to ensure that society view women as being capable of doing anything that a man can do."
"I see where you're coming from." the Lieutenant replied, "And I would like to comfortably wear trousers while out in public."
"Should we bring this up to Her Majesty?" the Captain asked, "I'm sure she will do something about that."
"I doubt it." Nor replied, "I don't remember it being a part of her rallying."
"Aren't you and Tip's boyfriend Tigelaars?" Captain Bina brought up.
Nor felt her face flush. "Yes, however, I try to distance myself from them."
"Oh yeah." Captain Luma realized, "Don't you have the same father too?"
"Yes." Nor confessed, "However, my brother is too young to marry. There's also no telling how long their relationship will last. I can't guarantee I'll be Her Highness's sister-in-law."
"True, but they did seem to have a solid relationship." Lieutenant Arduenna added. "I can see it happening."
"You may." Nor defended, "However I will wait to see how things turn out."
And with that, they continued their lunch.
Old Mombi went through her options. She couldn't have a disguised maid take her place, they'd figure it out. They also probably had some means of forcing her to tell the truth. She could turn herself into something, but, surely they would notice. Also, she couldn't hide forever.
"Oh that wicked Oscar Marvel!" Mombi cried, "Even when miles away, he makes my life miserable! I should've never taken that brat in! I could've hid from that fraud effortlessly!"
"Mombi?" Jinjur asked as she entered the spy room.
"Your Majesty!" Mombi exclaimed in shock. She bowed to her before asking, "How much did you hear?"
"I heard enough. Is it true that you disguised Princess Ozma, and that she's on her way here?"
Mombi glared at her. She gave a sharp nod.
Jinjur gasped.
"Do not worry, they cannot do a thing without my testimony." Mombi assured. "The problem is, how can we prevent that?"
"Unless I can be Ozma's co-ruler, I will not concede! I will not go back home, to return to making beds, washing dishes, scrubbing floors and churning butter for my mother!"
"Indeed. And unless I can get a pardon, while being able to keep my magic, I too will not concede! For I have done many things, things that could have me end up like Madame Morrible! Or worse!"
Jinjur gasped again. "Do you think they'll put me in prison?"
"Most likely."
"Oh dear me! Just when things were going well!"
"Fear not, for we can easily defend the city. I, and your other sorceresses can thicken the walls, and place a strong, yet transparent dome on top. We will be impenetrable!"
"I hope you're right, for Her Goodness is mighty powerful."
"Trust me, she's not as powerful as you think."
If there was anything Glinda was proud to have gotten from the Wizard and Madame Morrible, it was how to control the story.
Word was sent out that the Emerald City had been taken by a group of rebels, aided by a witch who had played a hand in the disappearance of Princess Ozma. The infant Princess was secretly placed in the care of Mombi, to keep her safe from those who would wish the old regime destroyed. However, the only child the old witch took care of was Tip, who was cursed with slow aging.
Naturally, the people didn't take kindly to this information. Within days, people and Animals from all over Oz flocked to the small village which was serving as camp. After some training, a sizable army was formed.
"I must say, this is incredible." Tip said while observing a training session. "Just weeks ago, I was a simple farmboy. Now, by complete coincidence, I'm part of a counter-revolt."
"And possibly ruler of Oz." Liir added. "By the way, how are you feeling about that?"
Tip looked downcast. "I don't know. I like how I look and feel in dresses and skirts, but, this is all I've known."
Liir held him in his arms, and gently caressed him. "We can easily change you back if you don't like it."
Tip wrapped his arms around Liir's waist and rested his head on the crook of his neck. "I know. But if I am Ozma, I have a duty. I must rule the Emerald City, and all of Oz. I can't travel as freely. Almost everything I do will become a matter of state. Isn't that what your father said?"
Liir sighed. "Yes." Then he kissed his forehead. "But, we can manage. We can just do what my dad did. Besides, even if we can make you age normally again, you're still underage. You'll need a Regent."
"I know." Tip replied. "I'm just, scared."
Liir tightened his grip. "I'll be by your side no matter what." Then he whispered in his ear, "We can always run away to Ev if you want."
Tip smiled. "I suppose so. But, I wanna try ruling first, to see how it feels."
"Alright."