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I couldn't believe it. I was dreaming again, the same dream I had ever sense Glinda took control and I was imprisoned. First I would witness Nessarose's death, then Glinda and Elphaba together. And it would always end at the clock. But tonight, I didn't quite reach the part about the clock, and when I woke, there was someone carrying me, but that wasn't all. Why had I woke up in a real bed? Cells didn't have real beds. Or at least mine didn't. And there was one of my maids when I was put down—I could see her clearly now, and I should have known her touch to begin with. Why was she here? And why was I in the throne room?

It all became clear when the beautiful blonde girl walked through the door. My heart stopped instantly. Glinda. Of course, Glinda had sent for me. I was her prisoner after all, she could do what she saw fit. She was speaking now, but I could barely comprehend what she was saying. "…And after all that thinking, I've come to a decision. I would be willing to giv you a second chance, if you could prove to me you deserve it. So I will grant you one week."

And there it was. The excitement filled me. Oh what I could do with one week! Glinda had no idea what she was doing, surely. Otherwise she wouldn't have allowed it. "Yes… Of course Glinda—I mean Your Goodness." That phrase was still a little sickening, no matter how many times I forced myself to say it. Her goodness. There was nothing good about her, at least in my opinion.

She was speaking again. I really needed to be more attentive didn't I? "Now, of course, there will be a few minor specifications. I can't just allow you to wander around Oz after all, that would end well for no one. So you will do your—shall we call it probation?—away from Oz through a gateway I found when that girl left. I've had it cleared, but the one major thing is that I will come see you each day and you won't know when. So for Oz's sake don't do anything wrong."

So that was it. I had waited almost a month for her to call me, and now she was as good as saying she would watch my every move. Okay, maybe I had earned it. Was this how Elphaba had felt? If it was, I would simply have to tell her I was sorry when she returned to the Emerald City, she was bound to. Oh yeah, I couldn't. The Witch of the West was dead. And there was that phrase again. "Yes Your Goodness. Do what you must.. I respect your decision."

"Good." She sounded relieved, maybe because she wouldn't have to put up with me much longer, I didn't know. "You leave at the twelfth hour. Be ready when I send for you. And only get the necessities."

I smiled, something like hope shining through for the first time. "You're going to allow me to return to my rooms?" She nodded and I took the maid's hand, for once truly grateful for Glinda's mercy and letting myself be lead away, smiling as I saw the familiar room.

Yes, this was where I had woke up this morning. There was my bed, only half mad. And there was one of my finest dresses, hanging with a few others on the door. And that was when it hit me. While I was doing "probation" as Glinda called it, I wouldn't have access to my maids or anyone else. I would be responsible for taking care of myself. Okay, so maybe that had been awhile. But I could do it for a week right? Wait, where was my personal stylist? I was overly anxious. There were people looking after me wherever I looked. I had missed them, and I would keep missing them. At least until I could win Glinda's trust again. And that would be a grand adventure, taking one final deceit that I hadn't figured out yet. But it would be the best.