Posting the Lurlinemas chapter on Christmas Eve-Eve was totally intentional on my part, and not just because I'm running behind with updates XD.

As Lurlinemas drew closer, the opera house was filled with festive excitement. Now that the brunt of the hard feelings over the cast lists was over, they could now focus on the important tricentennial preparations. The last details of the plans and order of events were being finalized, and all the departments were putting everything together.

Glinda found it easy to keep her focus in class. She still tried to push herself, even though there was no hope of a promotion or second-chance audition.

"Snap back to fifth each time, ladies," Greyling said as she walked around the room, fixing foot positions and adjusting arms. "Both feet, Miss Hettor."

Glinda's hand rested lightly on the barre. She straightened her arms and felt the floor as she gracefully brushed her leg. She shifted her weight as she slowly lifted her right foot into a passé, then extended into an arabesque.

She felt Greyling stop next to her, but kept her gaze and her focus forward. She thought she felt the older woman's breath on her neck, but maintained her focus. She couldn't let anything distract her, especially since Greyling might be testing her.

She extended her leg more as the music swelled, and snapped into a sous-sus, then turned to do the other side. Greyling stayed behind her, silently watching her every micro-movement.

But Glinda didn't turn around.

"Five minute stretch, then we move to the center," Greyling said, finally abandoning Glinda to go back to her chair.

Glinda silently exhaled through her nose as she sank to stretch her splits. She saw Pfannee, ShenShen, and Milla in their usual circle, and scooted closer to join them. Since the new principal contracts didn't go into effect until the new year, ShenShen was still in classes with them. None of the girls spoke of principal dances and promotions, for they no longer needed to.

"Petit allegro," Greyling called.

Glinda and Milla got up and moved the center barres to the side of the studio, then joined the other girls in the back.

"There's a new combination today," Greyling said, nodding to Pfannee to demonstrate. "Sissone de côté, close fifth position with the left foot in front, entre char quatre, glissade to the right, left foot front, brisé to fifth, petit jeté, assemblé, glissade, pas de bourré, grand jeté." She explained it again with counts and Pfannee's demonstration before calling the first group. "Miss Suine, please switch with Miss Upland." She motioned for Glinda to swap with the girl who positioned herself in the first group.

Glinda stepped forward and took the other girl's place, leading the initial group of four. She had no idea why Greyling wanted her to lead, but she figured it had something to do with the intense attention she received at the barre.

The accompanist played a lively tune, and she guided the group. They performed the eight-count combination twice, but on the second attempt, Glinda slipped out of her glissade and landed on her side.

The music halted as Milla and ShenShen rushed to assist her. They ensured she was okay, fussing over her until Greyling banged her cane for silence.

"What did you do incorrectly, Miss Upland?" Greyling asked, standing directly in front of her.

Glinda awkwardly cleared her throat. "Um… I… flexed my foot?"

"Are you asking me or telling me?"

"Um… telling?"

"You're asking me," Greyling said with a stern-ish look.

The blonde straightened her posture. "I flexed my foot, and the momentum made me slip because I wasn't steady. My foot technique was lazy."

Greyling looked at her. "You will go again. Four times straight through."

Glinda nodded and went back to her starting position. She wasn't expecting Greyling to ask if she was alright. She stood back up to continue dancing, so she was fine. The music started and she did the combination four times, taking a deep breath when she nailed the final grand jeté.

"That was good marking, Miss Upland."

The blonde bit her lip. She wasn't marking. Though, she didn't do her best because she was still shaken from the fall. This wasn't the worst fall she had, nor was it the worst she'd witnessed, but to dance full out directly afterward was a lot.

"Once more."

She didn't know why Greyling was pushing and testing her, but she knew this was her final chance to succeed in whatever she wanted, so she took her starting position, took a deep breath, and danced.

She didn't slip or fall, and was relieved when Greyling called for the next group to start directly after her. She hurried around and to the back of the room, relieved that she didn't have to do that again, but nervous as to why she had to do it so many times in the first place.

"I tested Miss Upland today, to see if she was as ready as you claim she is," Greyling said, sitting across from Elphaba.

Elphaba straightened. "And?"

"She's resilient. She's smart. She's talented."

"She is."

"But she's not ready."

The green woman frowned. "Why not? You said that she pushes herself and is always training to be better."

"I did. But…" A flash of brokenness flashed across the older woman's face, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. "I know she wants it, but she's not ready. And I can't push her any more than she pushes herself."

"Are you saying that she's not trying hard enough?"

"I'm saying what I previously told you; pushing her too hard now will lead to her getting injured. It will ruin any chances of the future you want her to have. The future I know she wants for herself, and I want for her. Cypila is a challenging and demanderating role, more than we've done here at the opera house. I know Maehri is ready to take it on, and can sustain dancing it every night for ten weeks."

"So that's it, then? You tested Glinda, and she failed you."

"She didn't fail me, Miss Thropp. In fact, I am adding an exclusive solo for the anniversary performances just for her."

That took Elphaba by surprise, and she couldn't hide it very well. "Really?"

"Yes. She has proven that she is persistent and a fighter. I think three solos is quite satisfactory for her level." She pushed herself up, and a look of pain took over her face as she grabbed her right leg.

Elphaba rushed around the desk and steadied her before helping her sit back down. "Are you alright, Miss Greyling?"

"Yes. I'm fine." The older woman rubbed her leg, waiting until the pain ebbed before attempting to stand again. "I won't ask why you have such a strong interest in Miss Upland, but I will tell you that no matter what that interest is, she is my student. I will protect her… the way I wish I was protected."

Elphaba silently watched as Greyling left her office. She appreciated how Greyling actually took what she said to heart, but it still wasn't enough. Even though her final words swirled in her mind, Glinda deserved so much more. "I know I said no more secrets, but this is for your own good, my sweet," she whispered to herself. The clock chimed the hour, and she leaned back, waiting for her next appointment. "Come in, Prince Fiyero," she called to the knock.

Glinda fussed with the crinoline petticoats under her dress, trying to fluff her skirt more. She had been looking forward to the Wizard's Lurlinemas Ball for the better part of the month, and now, the special night had finally arrived.

The Opera House was on Lurlinemas break, so with no classes or performances, Glinda had all day to fill her thoughts with preparations for the ball. She had gone to the dressmaker's shop alone (since Elphaba was busy and Ama Clutch still wasn't healed enough for extended outings) and purchased a beautiful baby blush pink taffeta ballgown with white lace trimmings. The off-shoulder neckline was lined with frilly white lace, and a matching pink rose was sewn in the center. The short sleeves puffed over her shoulders, and the corset bodice made her torso appear smaller, giving the gown a fuller look. The only adornment covering her neck was the necklace made of pearls, diamonds, and pink stones that Elphaba had bought her.

"Duckie, this just arrived for you," Ama Clutch said, entering Glinda's room with a small, velvet box. Her limb was becoming less and less noticeable by the day, though she still walked with a cane.

The blonde finished putting on her gold earrings, turned from her reflection, and flounced over, taking the box from her Ama and opening it like a treasure. She gasped, for a light pink hydrangea hair comb rested on the inner velvet cushion. The hair accessory was simple, yet elegant, not drawing too much attention to itself, yet would perfectly pull her entire ensemble together.

"It's beautiful," Glinda whispered.

"There was no card. Is it from Elphaba?"

"I would believe so."

"She's still sending you gifts?"

"Not as often. We spend so much time together that she doesn't… I still miss it, though." She slid the comb into her hair, fixing it to the top of her elegant twist, and looked at her reflection. "How do I look?"

"Beautiful, my Glinda. Absolutely gorgeous." She hummed and fussed with the neckline, trying to pull it and sleeves up to cover Glinda's bosom. "You'll catch a chill."

"Ama!" Glinda protested, fixing the dress to the way it was before. "Elphaba will be here any moment."

"You couldn't have gotten a dress with warmer sleeves?"

"I will be dancing all night. I won't get cold." She turned back to the window. "Ooh! She's here!" She looked at her reflection once more and walked down the steps with Ama Clutch. Henv helped her with her cloak, and she turned and gave the older woman a tight hug.

"Have fun, my darling Glinda," Ama Clutch smiled, returning the hug.

"I will, Ama. I love you," Glinda smiled. She had taken to verbally declaring her affection for the woman who raised her more often. That scare the previous month taught her that it's best to not take life for granted.

Ama Clutch squeezed her arm and guided her out the door. She watched from the doorway as Glinda hurried to meet Elphaba's coach. The driver stepped down and helped her inside.

"Hi, Elphie!" the blonde grinned.

"Hi, Glinda. You look beautiful," Elphaba smiled.

Glinda looked over Elphaba's outfit. The green woman was dressed in a dark purple gown made of ivory satin. Unlike Glinda, she opted to keep her cleavage more covered. The gown's jacket had small, embroidered basque stitching, a v-neckline, and long, pagoda sleeves. Like Glinda, she also wore a crinoline petticoat, making her wide, crepe skirt almost take up the entire seat, the pleated flounces at the bottom of the skirt brushing her ankles. Black ruffles covered her neckline and hid the buttons on her bodice.

"Thank you, Elphie," the blonde giggled. "And thank you for my gift. It's lovely. It matches my dress perfectly."

"I knew it would." Elphaba's eyes drifted up to her hair, adorned with the flower comb, then back down to her necklace. "I'm glad. It looks beautiful on you."

Glinda blushed.

"Are you excited for tonight?"

"Yes. I'm going to have so much fun." She tried not to think of the deal with her parents. She tried not to think about how much was riding on this night.

Elphaba's gaze briefly shifted out the window. Then she turned back to her companion. "You will. We will."

"Elphaba… are you… really the Wizard's daughter?"

Elphaba blinked. "You thought I was lying before?"

"No. I mean… I guess I never really processed it until now."

Elphaba gave her a small smile. "I am."

"Okay," Glinda looked out the window.

If she wanted to say more or squeeze more answers out of Elphaba, she didn't. Instead, her eyes were glued outside as the bright lights of the Emerald Palace grew bigger and brighter. Her smile grew wider, and she couldn't tear her eyes away. As their coach traveled through the gilded gates, Glinda could hardly contain her excitement, bouncing on the cushioned seat.

Elphaba took her hand, rubbing calming circles on the back of her hand as she showed the first guard their invitations. Glinda's excitement turned to nerves once their carriage passed the first checkpoint. She knew that if she opted for long sleeves, she would've been melting like an ice sculpture in a boiler room.

When they reached the doors, a footman came out and helped them down. Glinda looked up at the glittering building, feeling out of place. What was she doing here? She was just a ballerina. Not even a principal ballerina. She had no business…

Elphaba stepped beside her and took her arm, snapping her out of her spiral. The blonde lifted her gaze to her and smiled. Elphaba guided her to follow the crowd. Inside, everyone was talking and mingling. She led Glinda to the coat check, insisting on holding onto the ticket for her. After receiving a small card with their table number on it, everyone was waiting by the double doors to the throne room.

"You had the chance to live here?" Glinda whispered.

Elphaba gently shushed her, hoping that the nearby people didn't hear. Thankfully, everyone was too wrapped up in their own conversations to hear. The grandfather clock chimed seven times, and on the final gong, the throne room doors opened, and the people filed inside.

The musicians were on a small stage, playing a host of festive tunes. A few couples immediately went to the dance floor, while others started taking finger foods from passing servers.

Glinda looked around at the elegant green and gold décor. Completely entranced, she clung to Elphaba's arm to avoid bumping into anyone. Elphaba smiled and guided her off to the side, where they could admire without being in the way.

"There are so many people here," Glinda whispered, looking around at all the well-dressed individuals. The fact that she didn't recognize anyone made her feel even more out of place than she did before they entered.

"There are many important people who know the Wizard. Or think they do," Elphaba said, giving her friend's arm a gentle squeeze. The attempt to make her feel better with their shared secret only worked a little bit.

"Do you know anyone? I mean… because you're…"

"No," Elphaba answered quickly before Glinda could finish. "I'm just as lost. On both accounts of the opera house and my… other thing."

"Perhaps we should –"

"Attention, all! Pray silence for His Supreme Ozness!" an amplified voice called.

Everyone quieted and looked toward the dais, but it was empty. There was a loud record scratch, and a new voice took over the announcement.

"My fellow Ozians, welcome to the Emerald Palace. I am honored to celebrate this special holiday with you all. Please enjoy the food and festivities!" a deep, yet charismatic voice called.

Everyone applauded, knowing it was the disembodied voice of their ruler.

The dinner bell rang, and a set of double doors opened on the other side of the throne room. People filed through and into the larger ballroom. Multiple tables were set up, and people scurried to find their seats. Elphaba and Glinda were seated at the table closest to the head table; a head table that would remain empty.

It had been years since Glinda attended such a formal dinner, and she wished she'd remember to study her cutlery etiquette before coming. She wondered how much help Elphaba would be, or if she would look to her for help.

"Ladies," a silky voice said from behind them.

Elphaba and Glinda looked up and Glinda bit back a gasp. It was the man from a few weeks ago. The man who she gave (sub-par) directions to. The important-looking Vinkun.

"It appears we are to be seated together. How fortunate for me." He gave them a slight bow before sitting in his seat next to Glinda.

"I believe we've met before," Glinda said, trying to make polite conversation without seeming too desperate.

"We have. I made it to the Ozma Regent Opera House thanks to your guidance."

Glinda blushed. Perhaps she was better at giving directions than she thought.

"Allow me to introduce myself. Fiyero Tigulaar."

The realization struck Glinda like a sack of potatoes. "You're the Prince of the Vinkus."

"The younger one, I'm afraid. The one who has relocated to this bright city due to business ventures on behalf of the crown," Fiyero chuckled.

The blonde looked completely starstruck. The twinkling stars seemed to fall from the heavens and replace her eyes. She couldn't believe her luck. She stood and dipped into a curtsy. "I'm Glinda Upland, Your Highness. It's an honor to meet you."

"The honor is all mine, Miss Upland." He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, and Glinda almost swooned on the spot. He looked past her and smiled at Elphaba. "Miss Thropp."

"Your Highness," Elphaba stood and curtsied.

Glinda looked between the two. "I see you're already acquainted."

"One of His Highness's potential business ventures is acquiring stock in the opera house."

That was what he must've been doing at the opera house. "I see."

"What can I say? I've always had a passion for the arts. And all the Ozma Regent Opera House's productions are top-quality," Fiyero smiled and they all sat back down.

For some reason, now didn't seem like the time to tell Fiyero that she was a dancer at the opera house. Instead, she tried to dissect Elphaba's tone. She couldn't tell if she was happy to see the prince. Maybe their meeting ended sourly, but she didn't want to drag it into the ball. Either way, they both seemed to be behaving, so she let it go.

"How long are you in the Emerald City, Your Highness?" Glinda asked as the first soup course was served.

"For now, a few months. It could be extended. The Vinkus is looking to join the National Ozian Board of Trade, and I have been dispatched as a liaison."

Glinda listened with interest as Fiyero discussed his experiences in the city so far. She didn't understand most of what he was saying, but that didn't matter. He was a prince, sitting next to her and talking to her.

"Sorry, I must be boring you," Fiyero said when he caught himself rambling throughout the course.

Glinda's soup was still in front of her, forgotten and growing cold. "You're not."

"You're too kind. But tell me about yourself."

"Oh, I'm…" Telling the truth might ruin her chances with him, but she didn't have the brain space to keep up with a lie. "I'm a ballerina… at the opera house."

To her surprise, Fiyero smiled. "Then I hope you'll save at least one dance for me tonight."

"I believe I'll be able to accommodate you. But beware, I'm a professional."

"Perhaps I am too."

Elphaba tried not to show too much interest in the exchange. Unlike Glinda, she was hungry, and ate while her companion flirted.

Glinda spent most of the rest of the meal talking with Fiyero, only pausing to nibble at her dessert. Fiyero kept most of her attention, and at times, she forgot Elphaba was sitting next to her. Elphaba's other neighbor was so enraptured with his other neighbor, that she was stuck without conversation the entire meal. But no matter. She was hungry.

Once dinner was over, the throne room reopened for dancing and mingling.

"I must bid you farewell for now, ladies. I must continue my rounds. But I will hold you to that promised dance, Miss Upland," Fiyero smiled, kissing Glinda's hand first, then Elphaba's.

"I will hold you to your promise to hold me to the dance, Your Highness," Glinda blushed, batting her eyelashes.

Fiyero chuckled and left, and almost immediately got pulled into another conversation. Glinda sighed dreamingly, clutching Elphaba's arm.

"Oh, Elphie, he's so charming," she gushed.

"He is," Elphaba agreed, trying to match Glinda's enthusiasm, though it didn't reach her eyes.

Thankfully, Glinda didn't notice. "He's the one I'll marry. He's a prince and he's staying in the city, which means I'll get to stay, too."

"You came to that decision rather quickly."

"I don't have a lot of time, Elphaba," she practically hissed. "There are enough Gillikinese-looking people here. All I need is for us to share enough dances so rumors get back to my parents now, and the proposal can come later."

"I understand."

The girls entertained themselves with different dance partners, though all they wanted to do was their special dance in private. Now that Elphaba was out as the opera house owner, she had to engage in many boring business conversations with men who spoke to her as if she didn't know what she was talking about. One such man tried to swindle the opera house ownership right from under her, but she pulled the rug on him first, dancing business conversations around him.

"Miss Thropp."

The small group turned and saw a tall man in his mid-fifties, with greying hair that looked like it used to be dark brown, and round glasses that matched his round, slightly wrinkled face, dressed in a dark green suit. Elphaba had never been more grateful to see her real father.

"Excuse me, gentleman, but I must steal Miss Thropp from you," the man said.

"Of course," the group said, respectfully leaving and attaching to another circle.

"Thank you for that Lurlinemas miracle," she whispered gratefully, taking his arm and walking away. "I didn't expect to see you here."

He chuckled. "Happy Lurlinemas to you, too, Elphaba. And I'm the host. I had to attend."

"Even if no one knows who you are?"

"Especially since no one knows who I am."

"I wish I still had that luxury."

"You still do… in one aspect. How are things at the opera house?"

"Fine. Financials still haven't been run into the ground. We're preparing for the tricentennial. And there's someone I'd like you to meet." She turned to try and find Glinda, and found her in the center of the floor, dancing with Fiyero.

The blonde was safely in the prince's arms. Fiyero's hands rested right about her hips, and he pulled her closer to whisper something in her ear, something that made Glinda laugh. She'd never seen Glinda smile like that. At least, not for her.

"One of your friends?" Oscar asked how only a caring father would.

"Yes. Glinda Upland, the rising star ballerina of the opera house."

"Ah. I must admit, she's very graceful."

Glinda twirled across the dance floor as if she was on stage. Elphaba could've sworn a spotlight was on her, but that was impossible. They weren't in the opera house. And Glinda wasn't dancing a special solo. She was dancing a special duet… with Fiyero.

"Elphaba, when you have a moment, I have a gift for you."

Elphaba hummed and nodded, unable to take her eyes off the dancing couple. She tried not to look jealous as she watched her lover dance with the prince. How could she be jealous? This was part of her plan. This was her doing.