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The carriage rustled on the rubble road as the Upland family of the Upper Uplands made their way to the Emerald city. Glinda could barely contain her excitement as she stared out the window.

“Excited darling?” Lady Larena Upland asked her grinning daughter 

“Oh momsie, you have no idea! This can be my chance to meet my perfect match! I hope they sweep me off my feet” Glinda blushed “do you think they’ll be a Duke, like you, father? Oh! Or maybe even a prince!”

“There’ll be many suitors fighting for your hand sweetie, I’m sure of it.” Lord Highmuster Arduenna chuckled “speaking of dashing princes, I heard the prince of the Vinkus will be in attendance”

“I heard that the King’s daughter will be in attendance as well.” Lady Upland gushed to her husband

“His daughter? The princess will be in attendance?”

“Apparently so. The King is in search of a suitable suitor for her. She recently presented as an Alpha”

“Alpha?” Glinda chimed in

“Yes, the poor thing presented terribly late and probably suffered a dreadful rut. Oh I do hope it wasn’t too painful for her” Lady Upland said as she pitied the princess

“Ah nonsense, the King most likely hired the best of Omega whores to help the princess through her first rut” Lord Highmuster Arduenna waved his hand about

Glinda squirmed in her seat at the implication

Lady Upland gave her lord husband a slap on his arm. “Don’t speak of such foulness in front of our daughter”

Lord Arduenna had the decency to look a little apologetic as he turned to look at his daughter, who stayed quiet. “Sorry sweetie… sometimes my mouth gets the best of me…”

“It’s alright popsicle, after all, isn’t it normal for alphas to spend their ruts with omegas?” Glinda asked

“W-Well- yes but it’s normal for alphas to spend their ruts with their claimed omegas. It’s frowned upon straying away from their marital bed and into the legs of another... Although… the princess isn’t married”

“Yet”

“Yet… but it’s often preferable if both alpha and omega goes to their marital bed untouched and pure”

Lady Upland scoffed “Alphas rarely go into the marital bed, a virgin. They’re always spending their time in brothels and whorehouses”

Lord Arduenna frowned “but I was untouched when we both laid on our marital bed”

“Yes I know, but you’re an exception because you’re a beta but it’s almost common knowledge that alphas are rarely ever pure.”

“Dearest, I thought we weren’t going to speak about such foulness in front of our daughter” Lord Arduenna reminded his dear wife

Lady Upland looked sheepishly at Glinda “sorry sweetheart, it’s just… you’re an omega- a pure one at that, but alphas can be such brutes... I do hope you find a caring and thoughtful alpha or beta. I want the utmost happiness for you and your future family.” 

Glinda gave her mother a small smile “I know”

“Besides, these alphas and betas are the finest of our society. They have a sense of duty and pride, and they know how to treat an omega properly” Lord Arduenna placed his hand on Glinda’s knee “I know you’ll make the right choice, sweetie”

Glinda smiled and then looked back out of the window and saw the Emerald city come into view.

***

King Oscar, the Great and Terrible was hosting the first ball of the season and the Ton was bustling with excitement as the doors of the palace opened. The King rarely ever made an appearance, even rarer, his daughter. But with her new development, it brought in excited omegas and betas in a race to win her hand and have their blood on the throne of Oz.

There were a handful of new debutantes making their mark in the marriage market and Glinda was one of them. The blonde had put on the best dress she owned and had her maids perfectly sculpture her face with delicate makeup to impress any future suitors.

Once the Upland’s carriage arrived in front of the Emerald palace, Glinda was carefully guided out by a doorsman. Glinda looked up at the looming palance in awe. People from all over Oz had come to make their matches and see the infamous King.

“Glinda!” A pair of voices squealed from behind her. Pfannee and ShenShen hastened their way towards the blonde

“Pfannee! ShenShen! Oh my, you’re here!” Glinda grinned as she hugged her friends “I hope the trip wasn’t too difficult”

ShenShen groaned as she rubbed her neck “thank the heavens I don’t have to sit in that carriage anymore”

“Right? It was so bumpy! It got my head in a frazzle” Pfannee pouted. “We should make haste so we can see all the bachelors and bachelorettes in attendance. I need to lay my claim quick”

ShenShen giggled as she bumped her shoulder to Pfannee’s shoulder “I’m surprised you haven’t been married off yet” ShenShen whispered to the beta

“Those suitors are simply not good enough. Though I’m hoping on digging my claim onto a certain prince in attendance” Pfannee smirked

“Glinda! We have to prepare you for the debut!” Lord Arduenna and Lady Upland called out for their daughter

“It seems like it’s time to get ready for my big debut. Shall I see you both inside?” Glinda asked her friends

“Of course! We can’t wait to see you make every suitor in there, buckle down to their knees” ShenShen teased 

“I’m already on my knees for some of these suitors,” Pfannee whispered as he looked around.

Glinda giggled “that’s utterly scandalous ”

“Glinda! Come, we must make haste!” Lady Upland walked over and quickly took Glinda’s hand.

***

“This hat is itchy, it’s not even fashionable” Glinda pouted as she adjusted the feathery hat on her hand. “This makes me feel like an auctioned animal being sold to the highest bidder”

“In a way it is, dearest. You have to make a good impression on the King so more suitors would look favorably upon you.” Lady Upland told her daughter as she removed Glinda’s hands from her hat. “Maybe… the princess will be there”

Glinda smirked “it’ll only be a matter of time before I have her eating out of the palm of my hand”

Lady Upland raised an eyebrow 

“Or prince. I’ll try not to be too choosy ” Glinda flicked her hair over her shoulder

“Come, we have to go line up with the rest of the new debutantes.” Lady Upland said as she escorted her daughter out and onto the group of young anxious ladies.

Glinda looked around her fellow debutantes and recognized some of them, though Glinda was only interested in two of them. There was Lady Hardings with her newly presented omega daughter Milla. She was comely with her flowing raven hair and rosy cheeks. Her family was wealthy as well, most likely to have a huge Dowry to make any suitor salivate. Then there was Lady Caravan with her omega daughter, Sarima. She was beautiful. Her hair perfectly framed her face and her body had curves that would make any suitor stop in their tracks. They were her two biggest competitors 

But then there was a lone debutant that caught her eye. Miss Nessarose Thropp, beta daughter of Duke Thropp. A tragically beautiful girl who has lost her mother young and was forever bonded to a chair after a devastating accident. Glinda felt pity for the young girl and hoped she would find a suitable match of her own.

A king’s guard opened a door and an older woman stepped out. Her hairstyle screamed elegance, her posture demanded respect and her eyes were sharp as she observed the young ladies. She stayed quiet as her eyes closely studied the nervous debutantes. 

The woman then walked up to Miss Sarima and placed her hand on the girl’s chin. “Teeth”

“H-Huh-?” Sarima blinked confusedly 

“Show me your teeth” the woman said again

Sarima gave the older woman a nervous smile that showed off her perfectly pearly white teeth. The older woman let out a satisfied hum. “Good teeth. Perhaps you’ll be a suitable match for her highness, the princess.” The woman said as she removed her hand and continued down the line.

The woman quickly passed by other debutantes before lingering on Miss Milla. “Hmm… comely. You’ll also make do” the woman merely said as she again continued down the line.

Then the woman stopped in front of Glinda. Glinda gave her a bright smile that showed off her own teeth and dimples. The woman wrinkled her nose and walked past her. Glinda’s smile fell and turned to look at her mother and saw the flabbergasted expression on her face. 

The woman continued to observe the rest of the debutantes before finally stopping at the last debutante. Miss Nessarose.

“It’s ever a pleasure to see you, Miss Nessarose. I do hope the journey wasn’t too troublesome.” The woman softly said to the girl in the chair

“It wasn’t at all, Lady Morrible. I did enjoy some of the fresh air the journey offered.” The girl responded. “The journey was worth all the troubles now that I’m here. I can’t wait to experience the King’s ball and I do hope in seeing my sister soon”

“She’s excited to see you as well. She’ll be with you in just a moment but first we must do the debuts” 

“Of course. Shall we?”

“Of course. Ladies! Line up!” Lady Morrible shouted as she grabbed all the girls’ attention. “Listen for your name and present yourselves to your King and the court! Do present yourself favorably and just maybe you’ll have a chance to find a spouse” Lady Morrible said before she walked out of the room

The girls quickly filed in line with their mothers by their side. Then names were called out and each girl individually walked through the doors as their mothers watched from the sidelines. Once a handful of girls had gone, Miss Milla was called and she walked through the opened doors. Glinda stood on her tippy toes to catch a glimpse of what to expect. She could barely make out the row of Lordy fathers and sires anxiously awaiting for their own daughters to present themselves. On the other side, she sees formally dressed suitors scaling up each debutante. Then the doors shuts before she could see straight ahead

“Now, dearest. Your turn will come soon enough” her mother tried to reassure her

“I know momsie, I was a little curious, that’s all” Glinda whispered as she went back down

“Miss Sarima of house Caravan!” A King’s guard announces. Sarima firmly placed her arms to her sides, clenched her jaw, looked forward and walked out the opened door

“That one looked steadfast” her mother whispered into her ear

“Yeah, steadfast on leaving this place before the ball even starts” Glinda whispered back. “Does she not realize how great this opportunity is? Finding an ideal match in one of the greatest societies there is?”

“Perhaps she’s simply nervous, dearest. I surely was when I had my own debut”

“Well, good thing I left my nerves back at home. This season I shall find my spouse and be content” 

“It appears that you’re the one who is steadfast, dearest” her mother teased

“I am simply determined to find a reasonable mate, mother”

“Miss Glinda Arduenna Upland of the upper Uplands!” The King’s guard announced.

The doors opened again but this time, Glinda was the one walking through them. Glinda straightened her back and placed a bright smile on her lips before she walked through the doors. Looking straight ahead, she can see a tall man sitting on a throne, with gray hair and with a goatee. He had on a polished dark green tailcoat that perfectly fit his frame and had a black vest underneath. Glinda could make out the golden pocket watch hidden in his pocket and golden buttons that were on his vest. King Oscar

Next to him was the woman from earlier. Lady Morrible. What was her deal?

Then she saw the empty seat on the other side of the King. The princess wasn’t here

Glinda couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed on not seeing this mysterious princess but she’ll have to make do.

Once she finally stood in front of the King, Glinda gave him a small bow. “Your Majesty”

“Miss Glinda” the King’s voice echoed through the quiet room 

Glinda lifted her head and smiled at the King. “Yes, your Majesty?”

“It is an honor to have your family come and visit us for this joyous season. Our families go way back when, do we not?”

“I believe so, your Majesty. My great-grandfather helped your grandfather on reclaiming the throne, if I remembered correctly” Glinda answered with a perfectly clear voice

“Hm, it appears your memory has served you well. I have always been fond of your family and I do wish you the best of luck in finding your desired mate. You may go now, Glinda” The King gave Glinda a small smile before dismissing her.

Glinda bowed again before she walked to where her father stood. 

“You did perfectly, sweetie” her father whispered into her ear as they both watched the next debutante make her way to the King

“Thank you father. I do hope he likes me, then perhaps I’ll catch the princess’s attention, wherever she may be” 

***

The ball was in a full swing

The music was playing beautifully and the food was fresh. The suitors were growing more bold as the party continued and started asking some of the debutants for a dance. The King and Lady Morrible stood at the end of the room and closely studied each of the debutants 

“The King sure does know how to treat his citizens” Pfannee said as he sip on his glass of wine

“ Obviously, this ball is his chance of finding a match for the princess” ShenShen said as she looked around

“But, one can’t help but wonder where this princess is” Glinda said as she bit her lip. “ Where could she be? ”

Pfannee gasped “do you think she’s horribly disfigured?!”

“Or perhaps she is ill? Or not of a sound mind?” ShenShen questioned 

“Nonsense. She is the princess ” Glinda said as she watched a suitor approach their small group

The man walked up to them and placed a hand out to Glinda. “Miss Glinda. Will you do me the honor of having this dance with me?”

Glinda raised an eyebrow before Pfannee leaned in and whispered into her ear “that’s alpha Viscount Avaric Tenmeadows. He works under your father, Duke Highmuster Arduenna”

Glinda hummed before she placed her hand on Avaric’s hand. “Let us dance, shall we?”

Avaric smiled as he led her to the middle of the room. He then placed a hand on her waist and the other tightly clasped onto her hand. Glinda placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a charming smile. Then the music started playing again and they started dancing as the surrounding pairs started waltzing 

Avaric lend into her ear and whispered. “You look lovely this evening, Miss Glinda”

Glinda could smell his scent. It wasn’t pleasant. “Thank you, Lord Tenmeadows”

“Please, call me Avaric. We’re acquaintances after all”

“I suppose we are, aren’t we?” Glinda answered as she tried not to smell his fetid scent

“Yes, I have worked with your father for a handful of years. I remember when you were about the height of my hips” Avaric chuckled

That won’t do “right… pray tell, what is your age again? I must know for any… future children”

“I’m one and thirty years of age. Perfectly healthy to produce a litter of children. Especially with someone like you ” Avaric smirked

Then the dance ended as the music ceased. Glinda let out a relieved sigh before she gave Avaric a polite smile. “Thank you for the dance, Avaric”

“It’s been my pleasure. I hope we could dance again soon” 

“Soon…” Glinda nodded before she walked to where her friends were

“Glinda! How was it?” ShenShen grinned 

“It was…”

“It was what?! Don’t leave us in suspense!” Pfannee squeaked 

“It was pleasant…?”

“Pleasant? That’s all? You didn’t feel swooned? ” Pfannee questioned 

Glinda pouted “his scent was distasteful to me. I almost couldn’t stand it!”

“Oh heavens, that’s not good” ShenShen whispered. “Perhaps try your luck with a beta?”

“Most of these betas are Barons.” Glinda rolled her eyes. “I need someone closer to my status”

“Of course. Though, should we mingle with the other debutants? Gaining friends can help your chances into finding a better match” Pfannee suggests as he tilts his head

“I do believe Miss Milla is dancing with Lord Ashworth and Miss Olivia is dancing with Lady Agatha at the moment” 

Glinda looked back at the middle of the room and saw the pairs dancing with each other. Lord Ashworth was a respectable Marquess but his family was in some scandals not too long ago. Something about his younger beta brother fathering about a dozen bastards. Lady Agatha was a widowed alpha who had lost her omega wife in childbirth and was most likely looking for a younger omega to claim. Glinda knew that they were some suitors to avoid. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she can see Miss Sarima with her parents standing on the side. Her sire, Lady Ethel Caravan was a mere baroness and her wife, a commoner. But they seemed happy in their marriage which produced about six girls. Though with six girls, that would mean six individual Dowries for each girl if they presented as an omega or beta. And Glinda knew that the baroness wasn’t exactly swimming in money

“Let’s go and conversate with Miss Sarima, shall we? She looks dreadfully bored” Glinda said as she tossed her hair over her shoulder and started walking to where Sarima stood. Pfannee and ShenShen quickly followed Glinda.

Glinda stood next to Sarima and gave her a warm smile. Sarima just looked hesitant as her eyes landed on Glinda before it flickered towards the two betas behind her.

“Umm… can I help you?” Sarima asked. Her voice, sweet like honey. She would have no problem claiming a respectable and high ranking suitor in no time. Glinda couldn’t help but feel a bit envious at the low effort Sarima presented

“Why Miss Sarima, I came here and thought we can become friends” Glinda giggled and then leaned in. “Would you like to become a friend?”

Sarima’s eyebrows raised at the invitation. She bit her lip as she thought about the offer. Glinda can smell the sweet scent that she gave off. She had no doubt that her scent was a siren’s call for any alpha. 

“Okay…” Sarima weakly agreed

“Great! Come let’s go and mingle with the other omegas” Glinda happily said as she wrapped her arm around Sarima’s arm and pulled her along.

Once the dance ended, Glinda quickly gathered some other debutantes and formed a small group. “So ladies! and Allen” Glinda greeted the omegas. “Pray tell, which suitors are you hoping on laying your claim?” Glinda whispered to the other giddy omegas

“Oh, Lady Hill is so charming!” Miss Elizabeth swooned as she fanned her face 

“Lord Davis has this look in his eye whenever he looks at me…” The only male omega, Allen blushed. “Do you think he’s interested?”

“Oh definitely, you’re the only male omega this season. And I heard that he has a fondness for the more rougher sex” Pfannee chimed in

“What about Lord Clarke? He’s a newly presented alpha and his scent is so good ” Miss Lily blushed 

“Miss Glinda, you danced with Lord Tenmeadows, how was it?” Miss Milla asked

The rest of the omegas looked at Glinda, awaiting her response 

Glinda cleared her throat and tossed her hair over her shoulder. “He was ever a gentleman and pleasant”

“Were you swooned?” Miss Milla asked

“Ladies, there’s certainly more fish in the sea to choose from” Glinda deflected

“I suppose…. Did you hear about that Baron who fell down the stairs before the ball?” Miss Lily asked the other omegas 

“A Baron falling down the stairs? Oh I would pay good money to see that!” ShenShen laughed

“I heard it was a Baron from Munchkinland” Allen giggled

“Speaking of Munchkinland, have you seen the Duke of Munchkinland’s daughter?” Miss Elizabeth whispered to the group

“Who?” Pfannee asked

Miss Elizabeth sneakily pointed towards where Nessarose and her father were. “ Her ”

“Oh, it’s tragic what happened to her” Glinda sympathized as she placed a hand over her heart

“Oh Miss Glinda, you have a heart of gold. So caring about others” Lord Allen praised 

Glinda waved her hand “oh it’s nothing, honestly. Heaven knows the struggles she has to go through on a daily basis”

“I bet. And her bastard sister? I wonder where she even is-“

“Prince Fiyero Tigelaar of the Vinkus!” A King’s guard announced as a man strutted into the room. The Prince was tall and confident as his charming smile started wooing some of the omegas in the room. His presence was powerful, and so was his scent.

“He’ll do” Glinda whispered 

Glinda smoothed out any wrinkles on her dress and perfected her hair before she glided towards the Prince. 

The Prince had noticed her and sized her up. “My. What a lovely darling you are” he said as he gently took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.

“You’re making me blush, my Prince” Glinda said as she fluttered her eyelashes 

“I merely state a fact” the Prince said as he pulled back. “Would you like to have a dance with me?”

“It’ll be an honor”

The Prince guided Glinda back towards the middle of the room where the dance floor was. He respectfully placed his hand on her waist as Glinda placed a hand on his shoulder. He was much more pleasant than Lord Tenmeadows. His scent wasn’t as dreadful, she might even tolerate it. He’s her ideal match, he was her prince and he was perfect. 

“May I ask, where are you from?” 

“I’m Glinda Arduenna Upland from the upper Uplands” Glinda proudly says 

“I think I’ve heard of the Uplands” 

“My mother is an Upland, my father is Duke Highmuster Arduenna. I am the heir to both titles.”

“Impressive” The Prince nodded approvingly

The music ceased and the dancing came to a stop.

“I do hope we will be able to dance again, Miss Glinda” The Prince whispered into her ear

“I’ll keep my dance card open just for you, my Prince” Glinda whispered back

The Prince smiled before he gave her knuckles one more kiss before walking off

The group of debutantes stared at her with their jaws open.

“What? It’s only natural” Glinda smiled as she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I think he likes me”

“You think?! He’s planning to propose!” Miss Lily said as she kept looking at the Prince

“He might as well dropped down to one knee right there” Pfannee teased

Glinda grinned as she watched the debutantes looked at her with awe and flanked her with questions. But then she noticed how Miss Sarima stayed quiet and just… observed her. It made her feel a bit unnerved 

“Well, I have to tingle. Does anyone know where the lavatories are?” Glinda asked 

“I think I saw one down the hall. I can come along with you if you will like” ShenShen offered

Glinda shook her head “I’ll be fine on my own. You stay here with the other ladies and Allen. I’ll haste back soon enough”

ShenShen opened her mouth but then shut it. “Okay, but just be careful, who knows what these alphas would do”

“Of course, don’t miss me too much!” Glinda laughed as she walked out of the room.

***

The palace was almost like a maze. There was no lavatory down the hall so Glinda walked even further down the hallway. But then the hallway split into two hallways. Glinda frowned and chose to go to the left hallway. There was not a soul in sight, and it was a little unnerving by the quietness but this was the King’s palace so she had nothing to fear. She kept on walking down the hallway until she reached the door that was at the end of it. 

“ Finally ” Glinda sighed as she reached for the doorknob and turned it. She opened the door and realized that the room was in fact, not a lavatory.

The room was illuminated by soft candles and the moon light that shone through the windows on the sphere roof. The walls were lined up with paintings and shelves of books. In the middle of the room, there was a wooden platform that had a large object that Glinda didn’t know. On the wooden platform, stood a tall woman who was leaning in the foreign object and peaking into it

“Nessa, I said I wasn’t going to affiliate myself with the partygoers my father has brought tonight. I have more important things to attend to” the woman said without looking up from the object. Her voice was smooth as silk and Glinda’s heart skipped a beat. Glinda walked closer and then she could smell the woman’s scent. 

Her scent was not overpowering but rather, comforting and soft. But was she a beta or omega? Or even an alpha? Glinda couldn’t tell but the scent still made Glinda’s knees weak and her mouth water. Glinda felt her heart pound as she took a step on the wooden platform and walked closer to the woman.

The woman frowned as she sensed a presence behind her and turned around. Her eyes widened as her eyebrows shot up “W-who are you? ”

“I- I- um-“ Glinda stuttered as her eyes landed on the woman’s face. Her long wavy raven hair was tied into a long braid. Her jaw was chiseled, her nose was straight and her high cheekbones were well defined. Her eyes were a deep hazel color and her tan skin… her tan skin had… patches? There was a patch of an almost thyme color on the bottom left of her jaw that spilled onto her neck. There was another patch of the discolored skin on her temple on the right side of her face.  

“A-are you another prostitute my father h-hired?” The woman said, mortified. “I had told him I do not find such pleasures in those activities”

“ Prostitute?! ” Glinda shouted

The woman winced. “ Shhhh! Not so loud”

“I am no prostitute! I am a lady!”

“Okay, b-but where is your chaperone?”

“My chaperone?”

“It’s highly inappropriate for you to be alone without a chaperone”

“Well, I didn’t think I would need to have a chaperone with me while I try to find a lavatory in this humongous place! I live in a 57 room mansion but this is a little too much, even for me. I mean- what even is this place?” Glinda asked as she looked around

“Um- this is my observatory” the woman admits as she looks down at her fidgeting hands. She had patches there too

“And the weird skinny looking cannon?”

“That is my telescope”

“A tele- what?”

“A telescope. Have you never seen one before?”

Glinda frowned. “No actually. What does it do?”

The woman smiled “well, you can see the stars and the planets through this”

“But… can you not just do that by looking up at the sky?” Glinda asked as she looked up at the windows on the sphere roof and saw the starry night 

“Yes, but the telescope can make you see it closely. Like if it was there in front of your eye. It’s absolutely fascinating ” The woman said as she adjusted the lenses on the ‘telescope’ before turning back to Glinda. “Will you like to see?”

Glinda bit her lip as she debated whether or not to stay with this mysterious woman and her telescope. Glinda saw the genuine interest in her hazel eyes and couldn’t resist it as she nodded and stepped closer to the woman. She smiled as she guided Glinda to the lenses

“Close one eye and peek through with the other one” the woman said as she gently lowered Glinda’s head towards the lenses 

Glinda peeked through the lenses and saw a bright white-yellow ball in it. “What is that?” Glinda stared with awe

“That is the planet Venus” the woman whispered into her ear. Glinda could feel the heat radiating from the woman behind her

“V-Venus? The planet Venus?”

“Yes, I’ve been studying it” 

“Oh my word” Glinda whispered as she continued to looked at the planet through the telescope 

“You see, a rare occurrence is coming. Venus will travel in a specific arc and give us a single moment to take precise measurements and we shall know the distance from the Earth to the Sun.”

“Wow…”

“‘The Transit of Venus,’ it is called” the woman sighed. “It will be quite the spectacle”

“Well… it is beautiful” Glinda says as she removes her eye from the lenses and looks up at the windows. She didn’t noticed the woman staring at her

“Yes… I suppose it is…”

“Why are you cooped up in this… observatory when the King is throwing a grand ball?” Glinda turns and asks

“I prefer the company of knowledge than of people”

“Why is that?”

The woman stayed quiet as she gestured to her face. “That is why”

Glinda frowned “I do not see a problem with it”

“My… vitiligo condition is viewed as unnatural to many. I do not want to make a spectacle of myself”

“Do you not want to find a mate and marry?”

“I’m not very good with people.”

“That doesn’t answer my question, my lady”

“I suppose… I do have to marry… and produce the heir my father desires but I hate how it isn’t my choice. I am merely just a pawn to him”

Glinda sighed “I understand the feeling I suppose, some of these alphas are rather… undesirable. Oh, but the Prince!” Glinda swooned “his scent is just the fairest”

“What of the others?”

Glinda pouted “their scents are hideous! Oh the Prince’s was truly the only tolerable one”

The woman gave her a teasing smile “is my scent hideous as well?”

“Oh heavens no! Your scent is absolutely divine ”

The woman’s cheeks had a sprinkle of red spread across it. “Why, thank you…”

“You are most welcome. You seem kind”

“Kind is not a word I would use to describe myself. More like ‘aberrant’ or as my sister would use ‘blunder’”

“You jest” Glinda scoffs as she shook her head

“I do not” the woman answered with a straight face 

“Well, those words are not in my vocabulary so I shall not acknowledge them in any way” Glinda hummed

The woman cracked a small smile. “You are one determined lady”

“I am. I’m hoping to claim the Prince but he surely has other omegas throwing themselves at him and he’ll soon forget about me.”

“You’re incomparable, I doubt he will forget” 

Glinda felt her cheeks heat up as she looked up at the woman

“My apologies, I spoke out of turn-“

“No! No, it was kind of you” Glinda blushed as she pushed a stray hair behind her ear “thank you…”

“Of course, my sweet”

“Sweet?”

“Your scent is a sweet one. And I do not know your name”

“I do not know yours either”

“My name is Elphaba… Thropp is my bastard surname”

“Elphaba Thropp” Glinda whispered as she tested the name on her tongue. “Your sister is the Miss Nessarose and your father is the Duke of Munchkinland”

“He is not my father”

“He is not? I thought you said you were a bastard?”

“I am but through my mother. She’s the real Duchess of Munchkinland, the Duke merely holds the title until Nessa marries, then the title will go to her”

“Wait… aren’t you the elder? Shouldn’t the title go to you?”

“It supposed to, but I am a bastard so the Munchkin title will pass to my younger sister instead”

“Wow… I did not know”

Elphaba shrugs her shoulders “most people don’t”

“Well… I’m Glinda Arduenna Upland of the upper Uplands, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Elphaba Thropp” Glinda smiled as she led out her hand to the woman

Elphaba softly grasped her hand with her own and shook it. “It was a pleasure, Miss Glinda”

Glinda felt a spark inside her chest. “Can I call you Elphie?”

“Um, it’s a bit perky-“

“I think it fits you perfectly. ”

Elphaba let out a soft laugh that turned Glinda’s insides into mush. “I will only allow you such an honor”

“It’s truly a privilege, is it?” Glinda chuckled. “Well, unfortunately I still have to tingle, and I suppose you don’t have any idea where the nearest lavatory is?” 

“I do actually, I can show you but we must make haste. We can not be seen alone together”

“Why is that?”

“Well, you are an unmarried woman, aren’t you?”

“Yes?”

“It can ruin your virtue being seen with an alpha, alone ”

“But it is just the two of us?”

“My lady, I am an alpha, and you are an unclaimed omega. How would that look?”

“Oh… I did not know you were…” Glinda blushed as she looked away from Elphaba

Elphaba let out a soft chuckle. “It is common for people to confuse me but I can assure you that I am in fact an alpha. Though I have been told that I do not seem like an alpha nor do I smell like one.”

“Could’ve fooled me”

“Hmm… about the lavatory, I can show you where it is and escort you back to the ball but then we must part ways. It’ll be in the best interest for both of us”

“You are not going to attend the ball?”

“Like I said before, I prefer the company of knowledge than of people”

“But, here you are, indulging in my company”

Elphaba stayed quiet for a bit before speaking again. “I suppose I am. You are quite good company”

Glinda smiled as she leaned closer to Elphaba. “My lady, are you saying that you’re enjoying my company instead of your stars in the sky?”

The side of Elphaba’s lip curled upward as she raised an eyebrow “the stars are trivial compared to your presence, my sweet”

Oh… The flutter in Glinda’s chest was nothing like she has ever felt before. “Oh… my. You certainly have a way with words, Elphie”

“My sweet, it appears that you are blushing” Elphaba points out as Glinda’s cheeks flushed a bright red color. 

Glinda looks away and fans her face. “It's just simply hot in here and I still have to use the lavatory…” Glinda says as she breaks whatever… this was

“Oh… right…” Elphaba blinks. “Come, I’ll show you the way” Elphaba says as she offers her hand out to Glinda

Glinda’s bright blue eyes lingers on the hand in front of her

“Well, are you coming?”

Glinda nods and takes her hand before following Elphaba out of the observatory. Elphaba pulls her down the hallway and they make their way around the corner before walking up to a door.

“Here, this is a lavatory you can use. I’ll wait for you out here” Elphaba says as she opens the door

“Thank you, you’re quite the gentlewoman,” Glinda said as she walked into the lavatory and closed the door.

As soon as the door shut, Glinda firmly placed her back against the door as she gripped the front of her chest. Her heart was beating madly and her hand trembled. She had never felt like this before, never for anyone.

This… peculiar woman has enamored her. Enchanted her in just a few fleeting moments with her deep hazel eyes and sharp mind. Glinda wondered if this is how the characters in story books felt when they had fallen for their love. Heaven knows that Glinda has never met anyone like her. 

She was…

She was a bastard

A social pariah, someone to be shunned out by the circumstances of her birth. Not to mention her peculiar condition. She wasn’t perfect. Far from it 

She wasn’t someone like Prince Fiyero nor like Lord Tenmeadows. She had no titles to her name and she wasn’t someone of importance. 

She would ruin her family’s reputation if she chose to marry such a woman but her heart seemed to have a mind of its own. Unfortunately for her, she had to follow reason instead of what her heart desired. She couldn’t help but mourn such a loss

Glinda sighed as she pushed herself off the door and did her business. Once she was done, she washed her hands and looked into the looking glass. What she saw was a foolish girl whose heart had been taken by the wrong person. A heart that would be undoubtedly broken by the end of all of this

Glinda walked out of the lavatory and found Elphaba leaning on the wall. She smiled and offered her hand again which Glinda happily took. “Let’s make haste back to the ball, shall we?”

“Of course” Glinda said as the two started walking back to the ball, hand in hand. 

***

Once they reached the doors, music and mingling conversation could be heard from the closed doors. Elphaba quickly pulled her hand back and looked away. “Here we are. Do enjoy the rest of the evening, Miss Glinda”

Glinda ached to reach back and grab her hand once more but instead, she stood still. “I hope you enjoy your stars tonight, Miss Elphaba.”

Elphaba smiled as she looked back at Glinda once more. “I thought I had given you the privilege of calling me such a quirky name”

“I’m hoping on being given another privilege before we part ways, Elphie” Glinda said in a low voice as she stepped closer to Elphaba

“And what would that be, Miss Glinda?” Elphaba questions as Glinda moved even closer to her

“This…” Glinda whispered before placing a kiss on the alpha’s cheek. She lingered a bit as she inhaled the alluring scent before pulling back. “I do hope our paths cross again, Elphie. Until then, take care”

Elphaba blinked as she stayed quiet. Glinda gave her a small smile before she opened the door and walked through it.

The ball was still ongoing with some drunk suitors stumbling onto the dance floor, mamas trying to matchmake their Omega’s offspring to respectable suitors, and other Omegas fanning their faces as interested suitors flirted with them.

Glinda quickly hasted back to where her friends were.

“Glinda! There you are, I was almost ready to go and look for you” ShenShen sighed in relief as Pfannee wiped sweat off his face. “Seriously girl, did you get lost?”

Glinda blushed “y-yes. This place is like a maze I must confess”

“Oh well. What you missed was that the Prince had asked Miss Sarima for a dance and Miss Milla had danced with that Munchkin Baron.” ShenShen recalled 

“Oh! And Miss Nessarose is throwing the next ball in the evening after tomorrow’s horse race. I heard that Prince Fiyero will be in attendance for both events” Pfannee giggled

“Unfortunately, her bastard sister will be in attendance for the horse race. Though I’m not sure about the ball, she’s not even here”

“Her sister will be at the horse races?” Glinda perked up

“Yes, I just don’t understand why we would have to affiliate ourselves to such…” Pfannee didn’t finish as he scoffed

Glinda frowned. “She might not be all that bad”

ShenShen laughed as she nudged her shoulder to Glinda. “Glinda, you truly have a good heart”

***

The ball ended a few hours later and the Upland’s family carriage rustled about as it made its way back to their Emerald home. It was smaller than their home back at the Upper Uplands, only 38 rooms but it would have to make due. 

Her father was nodding off as her mother kept asking her questions.

“What was the Prince like?” Lady Upland grinned

Glinda mustered a smile. “He was everything I had hoped”

“What about Lord Tenmeadows?”

Glinda’s smile fell. “Oh momsie, he was… not what I want”

“Oh, well I shall let your father know not to accept any marriage proposal from him”

“Thank you momsie, I can’t believe he is one and thirty years of age, asking me, a girl of eight and ten years of age out to a dance. Does he not realize how old he is?” 

Lady Upland laughed as she watched her daughter pout. “Oh darling, I see that he’s still that proud man even after all these years”

“His scent was even more dreadful”

“What about the Prince’s scent?”

“Oh… it was nice. He was nice” Glinda smiled but her smile didn’t seem to reach her eyes

“Have you spoken to any other suitors? Was there anyone else who has caught your eye?”

Glinda stayed quiet as she thought back to Elphaba. “Yes… but it can never be”

Lady Upland frowned as she looked at Glinda’s downcasted face. “Why is that, darling?”

Glinda sadly shrugs her shoulders as she turns to look out the carriage’s window. “It just can not…”

Through the window, Glinda can see the countless stars shining through the dark night and thought of a pair of deep hazel eyes.