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The carriage arrived at the Emerald Palace located at the center of the city parked alongside others that arrived earlier.
It had been a long journey from Munchkinland to the Emerald City yesterday. When they settled in their suite, Elphaba fell face first on her bed and refused to get up until Nanny dragged her out and nearly drowned her in the soapy bathtub.
Her father, the governor, was formally invited to The Wizard’s palace for a diplomatic meeting followed by a gala. Though he would not be attending, he reserved for his two teenage daughters to attend. If Elphaba didn’t know any better, she’d say he was trying to sell them off as fast as possible.
Lucky for Shell, he always got to stay home and misbehave without any repercussions.
A palace valet opened the door for them and assisted Nessa first. Nanny hovered over them, chirping at them to “be more careful” and “watch your toes!” She turned around and huffed. “Fabala! We’re waiting!”
Elphaba hesitated, she did not want to leave the confines of the carriage. The moment she stepped out, all eyes would be on her and whispers would hiss around the room.
“Elphaba!” Nanny commanded, firmer this time.
With no other option, she sighed and climbed down, the train of her black gown falling behind her. She might as well have been attending a funeral.
Nanny tsk’d and picked up her train, shoving it into her arms for her to carry like a real lady.
Inside was filled to the brim with guests from other countries, all either government officials, royals or aristocrats. They were having the time of their lives, waltzing to the music and grabbing drinks offered to them on shiny emerald platters.
Nanny fanned her face for relief, she wasn't used to dressing to the nines in high neck ball gowns. Beside her, Nessa looked beautiful, her brown hair smooth and shiny to the touch. She wore a pink gown, her legs in striped stockings and silver jeweled slippers on her feet.
For the hundredth time, Nanny readjusted Elphaba’s dress. The young girl pushed her hands off with a sour face. “Nanny! Enough already.”
“I’m just trying to help you make a good impression, Chickadee! You’re in The Wizard’s palace. Show some modesty.”
“I never asked to be here.” Elphaba muttered.
“Now hush hush, do this for your father,” Nanny glanced at starry-eyed Nessa who was already being courted by a man who looked far too old for her age. “See? Nessie’s already talking to- Oh no you don’t!”
She rushed over and smacked his hands away when he placed his hands on her chair, much to Nessa’s dismay. Elphaba remained on the sidelines, ducking behind groups of people as she found a quiet place in the corner to be left alone.
Maybe if she stood there long enough, she’d blend into the walls.
She was bored out of her mind, there was nothing more she wanted to do than go back to their room and sleep the rest of the night away. Her eyes wandered around the ball room, across the decor, the guests in their lavish gowns and orchestra playing at the front.
Her eyes trailed to the top of the staircase. Someone stood there, a figure she swore she hadn’t seen earlier.
She immediately caught his attention without moving an inch. From her distance, she could make out intricate diamond pattern detailing on his blue threads. If she had a closer look, perhaps she could see them closer-
Elphaba merely blinked, and suddenly this stranger was standing a foot away from her. She felt her heart leap, if there was a glass in her hand, it would’ve fallen to the floor and shattered into a million pieces.
“My apologies, I didn’t mean to scare you,” He said with a smile. “You looked lonely and I thought you’d like some company.”
“Well, if you couldn’t tell, no one wants my company.” She responded.
“I might,” He said, holding his hand out. “Fiyero Tiggular of The Vinkus… or Winkie Country if you’re from out of town.”
Elphaba entertained him and placed her hand in his, surprised when he held it delicately and placed a tender kiss on her knuckles. His blue eyes met with hers, she had to admit, they were lovely. Bright like sparkling sapphires in the light.
He was undeniably handsome, neatly styled brown hair, unidentified blue diamond shaped tattoos on his neck, (and perhaps even further down his body). It puzzled her, no man ever held interest in her unless it was to mock her or get close to her sister.
The song faded, the orchestra picked up a different tune.
“May I have this dance?”
Elphaba couldn’t suppress a snort. “Dance? Me?”
“There’s no one else I’d rather be with.”
She looked at him in suspicion. It was rare for men to approach her in the first place, why would one ask her to waltz with him? Perhaps she was being set up.
“Well?”
Fuck it, she thought. If it turned out to be a joke, she wouldn’t hesitate to stomp on his foot. Elphaba placed her hand in his and followed him to the center of the ballroom. His poise was straight and elegant, like that of a royal who spent his life dancing with fair ladies.
His free hand delicately rested on the small of her back, blue eyes interlocked with her brown ones. The music changed tune and soon, Fiyero was leading her across the floor, past other dancers and guests.
Elphaba wasn’t much of a dancer. With his guide and hands on her, however, it felt natural. Like she was effortlessly gliding in the air. He twirled her around, bringing their bodies in close, faces mere inches away from each other.
The other dancers made way for them, standing on the sidelines and watching the pair charm the hall with every move. Elphaba could hear little whispers, though she could not focus on what they were saying.
“Oh Oz, people are looking at me.” She cringed.
“They’re looking at how beautiful you are,” Fiyero assured her. “I would know.”
Elphaba never felt so flustered in her life. The Vinkun boy was beautiful, she wanted to touch the chiseled yet soft contours of his face and the tattoos that contrasted his pale skin. Perhaps she wanted to go a little more than that.
Their little waltz led them to the terrace of the Emerald Palace, overlooking the rest of the city. Lights twinkled in each building, still awake through the restless night.
“Are you cold?” He asked.
“N-no, I’m fine. It’s just,” She involuntarily shivered. “Your hands are freezing.”
“I’m sorry. Do you want my coat?” He did not hesitate. Shedding it off, he cloaked it around her shoulders.
Elphaba wrapped herself in it tightly. She inhaled the scent, picking up faded notes of Quoxwood, fresh grass and something else she couldn’t quite identify.
“Aren’t you cold?” She asked.
“I don’t feel it anymore,” He leaned against the balcony. “Did you come here by yourself?”
“Ha, if I had the liberty to go wherever I pleased, I’d be anywhere but here.”
“I guess that makes two of us, doesn’t it?” Fiyero chuckled.
Elphaba glanced at him. “Your parents brought you here in hopes of picking up a bride?”
“I’m here by coincidence. I didn’t have much of a say in the matter but it is what it is, right?” He turned to her, eyes filled with curiosity. “What about you?”
“My father wants to wed me off, so he brought me here,” She grimaced. “I’ll probably be sold to a man as ancient as Oz.”
“What’s stopping you from standing up for yourself?”
Elphaba wanted to answer, but realized she hadn’t truly thought it through. It did her no good to go against her father’s rules. He always had the final say in the choices he made for her and Nessa, no matter how demeaning they were or how badly she wanted to resist.
“Oh,” She noticed a blood stain seeping through the front of his shirt. “You’re bleeding.”
He glanced down and covered himself with his hand. “Don’t worry. I scratched myself earlier.”
She chortled, pulling out her handkerchief and dabbing it over the fabric. “Don’t be clumsy, then.”
He chuckled, placing his icy hands on top of hers. They gazed at each other’s features, taking in every detail as if they could eternally imprint them into their minds. The two of them wanted to say something, anything that could give an excuse for them to stay a little longer, get to know each other a little more…
“I should be heading back or else Nanny will burst a vein.” Elphaba said. She took off his coat and held it out for him to take.
Fiyero placed his hands on hers, gently pushing it back to her. “Keep it.” Though his flesh was chilly, the warmth from Elphaba’s hands transferred to him, a sensation he hadn’t felt in so long. How dearly he missed it, how dearly he would miss her.
“When can I see you again?” Her eyes lit up with hope.
He stepped closer, his palm lightly pressed against her cheek. “Whenever you want.” Taking hold of her hand once more, he placed a sweet kiss.
Before Elphaba could say something, Fiyero released her. She glanced to her side in hopes he was still around, but he had disappeared. Almost like thin air.
Suppressing her disappointment, she wandered back inside where she found Nanny and Nessa engaging in an intense conversation.
“Nanny, can we go now?” Elphaba asked.
The two ceased talking and looked at her in surprise. “Fabala,” Nanny replied. “We were getting concerned.”
She blinked. “What for? Didn’t you see me dancing with someone?”
“Yes, we did, but…” Nanny trailed off.
“But what?”
“Elphaba, you weren’t dancing with anyone.” Nessa said.
“What? Don’t be ridiculous, it was with a Vinkun boy.”
“Chickadee, There was no boy. You were dancing by yourself. ”
Elphaba’s heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. Was she going insane? No, it wasn’t possible. She had to find him and prove that she wasn’t making things up.
“But I was dancing with someone, I’ll prove it to you! His name is Fiyero-”
“Fiyero? Do you mean Prince Fiyero Tiggular of Winkie Country?” Nanny asked. She looked gravely concerned.
“Yes, him. He should still be around.”
Nanny and Nessa spared a glance at each other. They both looked unsure of what to say or do. In their minds, Elphaba was unwell.
“Elphaba,” Nanny started. “Fiyero Tiggular has been dead for ten years.”
The shock hit her like a tidal wave. Her fist still gripped his coat, the only evidence she had of his existence. “W-what?”
“Oh dearie,” Nanny placed her hand on her damp forehead. “You must be exhausted. Let’s get you back to your room.”
Elphaba’s body moved on its own as Nanny guided her and Nessa back to where their carriage awaited them. The masculine scent still radiated from the coat in her arms. She stared ahead with a blank expression, wondering if she had hallucinated the entire thing.
As the carriage moved, Elphaba looked out the window. Up on the terrace where she was standing just moments ago was the deceased prince. Her eyes never left his as he watched her.
Elphaba would return. Some way, some how.