The next time Fiyero visited Tibbett, he looked far worse than before. The nurse told Fiyero it was due to whatever illness she didn’t name taking a turn for the worse, and that it was likely that Tibbett would die sometime in the next few weeks. He certainly hoped that he could find Crope and get him here before Tibbett died.

He had no idea how he could tell Crope without sounding too demanding or uncaring.

It surprised him when he returned to the Chuffrey mansion that Crope was standing outside.

“I was hoping you would come today,” Crope said with a grin. “Because Lady Glinda happens to be free.”

“Wonderful, is she free at the time?”

“Last I checked, yes,” Crope said. “And before you can ask, please follow me.”

“Thank you.” Fiyero always hoped to be polite.

It was a little quiet for most of the way, and then Crope spoke up.

“Anyway,” Crope said. “So what’s the news of Tibbett?”

Fiyero shook his head upset and told him the news.

“That bad, perhaps I should go see him. Mind if I use your carriage?”

“Not at all,” Fiyero said. “Once I get to Lady Glinda’s meeting room, you can go on. I’m sure I’d find my way out.”

“No problem. I’m glad you let me know about Tibbett. I haven’t seen him in forever. I don’t want to never see him again.”

Fiyero smiled.

“By the way, Fiyero, we’re here.” Crope knocked on the door once, gently.

“Who is it?” came Glinda’s sing-song voice on the other side of the door.

“I have a guest, Lady Glinda. Fiyero. I believe you called for him.”

The door opened revealing Glinda in one of her many extravagant dressed. “Oh, of course, Crope. Welcome Fiyero. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you since Crope let me know. Isn’t that right, Crope?”

Crope nodded nervously.

“Come in, Fiyero. Please come in. Make yourself at home. I hope it’s not too girly for you. Crope, you can join us too. I’m sure there would be no surprises in this conversation for you.”

“It’s okay,” he said. “I was just on my way out. I beg your pardon for such abbreviated leave.”

Glinda waved him off “It’s fine, Crope. Don’t worry. You can always leave on short notice. I trust you.”

Fiyero took a seat as soon as the door closed. Glinda’s face seemed to drop any pretense of her bubbly joy.

“Crope told me why you wished to meet with me,” she said.

“Oh, um… Lady Glinda.”

“Just Glinda, Fiyero. Not only are we dear friends, but unlike most Gillikin, I acknowledge your title.”

Fiyero smiled. “Thanks, Glinda, I wish your servants were like that too. Anyway, I’ve checked with most of the others about this, but I’m trying to find Elphaba. I’m sure you know why.”

“Your parchment-thin attempt to have not seen Elphaba three years ago. You’re in love with her.”

Fiyero nodded.

“I did see her,” she said.

“You did, that’s amazing, where is she?”

“I saw her a year and a half ago. She was carrying a child, and asked me where she could put it so that it could be safe. I guess it was yours?”

“Um…”

“Don’t answer that Fiyero, we both know it was. I offered my home, but she immediately said no, so I had to tell her a few orphanages. I have no idea where the child is now. She might have listened to me, or she might have ignored me and tossed it into a canal somewhere. I don’t know where she is now. I don’t know where she was after she left Shiz. She could easily have gone back to that life, or some other life. I’m sorry I’m not any real help Fiyero.”

Fiyero stood up. “It’s okay, Glinda,” he said. “At least you told me all you knew. If she shows up again, tell her…” Tell her what? That he wanted her back? That he hoped that Liir was alive? “That I hope she’s fine.”

“I will Fiyero, don’t worry. But I highly doubt she will return to me. I waited six years, and she only did it once. I don’t think she’ll come back that often.” She gave him a chaste hug. “Take care, Fiyero.”

“I’ll see if I can keep in touch with you, Glinda.”

Glinda smiled. “I will make sure that you are to be treated well when you show up. Crope told me everything.”

Fiyero gave a small bow as he walked off.

He was surprised when he saw his carriage gone, but he remembered that he had given Crope permission to use it soon after. His apartment wasn’t too far from the Wealthiest district in the city. It might have been unbearable as far as many were concerned, but he had walked, and even ran constantly, much further than the distance between the Chuffrey Mansion and his apartment before

The streets were surprisingly quiet for the time of day. He had little interesting to look at. It caused him to think over his conversation with Glinda too much. Sure, he wouldn’t believe Crope that often, especially back at school. Glinda he always felt was too proper to lie. He could believe he only saw Elphaba once. And Elphaba was too careful to not get mixed up with others. It must have been why he was marked for death on that one night.

He looked up into his room. Somehow, he missed his first brush with death just by trusting Elphaba and staying away from her. He’d not let himself die by continuing the chase after her. He’d take care of his family instead. His first order of business would be to set up some tutors for his children and Sarima. He wouldn’t return to the Vinkus soon. But he hoped to one day, when his sons became men, and Manek or Irji took over his throne. He hoped that he would then be able to apologize to Sarima and she’d accept it, that the family could go on in the wake of Elphaba.

For now, he’d stay here, and protect them from the shadows of the Emerald City. Perhaps he would let his children come visit. They didn’t seem to harbor any grudges against him.

He’d keep safe. For now and forever.