AN: Here it is guys. The final chapter as a Thanksgiving present for all my American readers. Thank you all and its been quite a ride. Stay tuned for Darkness of the Night being continued next.

A few days after the execution, Oscar was taking a break from his work and was walking in the gardens with Melena. They spoke quietly for a while, just enjoying each other's company. He guided her to a bench and sat down with her, growing quiet for a moment, looking at their joined hands. Melena finally spoke, prompting him. "Oscar? Are you okay?"

He looked up and looked her in the eye, looking conflicted. "Melena, do you love me? I mean, more than just a friend." He pulled away and sighed. "Oz, I sound like an idiotic teenage boy."

Melena smiled at him and leaned forward, giving him a gentle kiss before pulling away. "Yes I do, Oscar. I love you." His whole face lit up with the force of his smile and he kissed her back. He pulled back suddenly and stood up, frantically patting his pockets, looking for something. Finally, he found it. He drew out a small velvet box and got down on one knee, in front of her. He opened it to reveal a beautiful sapphire ring. It was a swirling pattern of diamonds, criss crossing around a larger diamond and two smaller sapphires. Melena gasped.

"Will you marry me? Be my queen?" Oscar looked at her, holding his breath.

'Oscar…it's beautiful. But, I can't. Not yet. Have you talked to Elphaba about this? I know she considers me her mother, but we should get her approval first. This involves her and so many choices have been taken away from her. I love you, but let me talk to Elphaba first." Melena knew this wasn't what he wanted to hear, and worry for him shone in her eyes.

Oscar pulled back, disappointed, but he saw the wisdom in her decision. He got up, taking her hand in his. "Would you like me to speak to her with you, or is this something better left between you two?"

Melena leaned into him, and spoke again. "I think it would be best if I spoke to her alone. You are her father legally and biologically. I would be her step-mother. I know she loves me, and you, but this is something I must do alone." She kissed him gently once, before going inside in search of Elphaba.

She found her curled up in Fiyero's arms, both of them asleep in front of the fire in the library. A book was lying open, pages down on the floor as if it had been dropped. She walked over softly, and shook Fiyero's shoulder to wake him up. He opened his eyes and looked up at her curiously. "Melena? What's wrong?"

"Can I have a moment alone with Elphaba please?" Fiyero nodded, sensing the importance behind the request. He gently nudged Elphaba. "Fae, sweetheart, wake up. Your mother is here. She wants to talk to you." Elphaba opened her eyes and blinked a few times trying to focus before she sat up. Fiyero kissed her gently before rising and leaving the room.

Melena looked at Elphaba in concern. "Elphaba, sweetie, are you okay? You never fall asleep in the middle of the day."

Elphaba sighed, not wanting to admit anything, but found she couldn't hold back from the woman she considered her mother. "I…I can't sleep at night. I keep having nightmares about Avaric and…and Frex. Every time I close my eyes, they are waiting. I just fell asleep in Fiyero's arms and for the first time, I haven't had a nightmare." She looked down, tears in her eyes. Melena's heart shattered and she gathered Elphaba in her arms. "Have you told anyone what is going on?" When she felt Elphaba shake her head, she knew immediately what was going on. Elphaba had not allowed herself to have her break down yet, trying to prove to the others that she was okay. "Elphaba, sweetheart it's okay to cry. We would never judge you. What you went through was horrendible, and the execution wasn't much better." She rocked Elphaba back and forth as she finally broke. "Shhhh. It's okay. You're safe. They can't hurt you anymore." Elphaba's body shook as she sobbed into her mother's arms.

Eventually she calmed and sat, secure in her mother's arms. "I'm sorry Mama." Melena shook her head and just held her tighter. "Don't apologize baby girl. Never be afraid to come to any of us if you need to talk or are scared. We are there for you, no matter what. Okay?" She tilted Elphaba's head so she was looking into her eyes. Elphaba nodded and wiped her tears before looking at the older woman.

"Fiyero said you wanted to talk to me?" Melena nodded.

"Elphaba, you know your father and I love you very much right?" When Elphaba nodded slowly, wondering where this was going, Melena continued. "We also love each other very much. He asked me to marry him." She had to stop as Elphaba let out an excited exclamation. "That is so exciting! I can't believe it!"

Melena laughed at her before sobering. "Elphaba…I …I told him to wait until I spoke to you." Elphaba stopped and stared. "Why? What do I have to do with any of this?"

"I know you see me as your mother, but I didn't know if you would like the idea of me actually being your stepmother, legally. I did not know if you would accept Oscar and I being married. "

Elphaba looked at Melena, stunned. "Mama, nothing would make me happier. I would love to see you marry Papa. Go back there and tell him yes!" Melena laughed at Elphaba's enthusiasm.

"Ok ok, I will." She squeezed Elphaba tightly. "You sure you will be okay?"

Elphaba nodded. "It will take time, but I refuse to let this ordeal drive my life. I will be fine, given time and patience." Melena nodded and gave her a quick kiss in her hair before going to find Oscar.

She found him out in the garden, staring at the frozen pond. She sat down next to him and took his hand, speaking softly. "Is your offer still on the table?" Oscar jumped when he felt her hand entwine with his and looked at her.

"Elphaba agreed?!" Melena nodded, with a smile on her face. "She agreed. She was excited." Oscar beamed and slid the ring onto her finger. She held her hand out, admiring the ring for a while, leaning her head against Oscar's shoulder. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her hair. "I love you."

Elphaba had grabbed a cloak and shoes and followed her mother outside. From her hiding place in the shadows cast by the statues, she smiled. Life was good and she would be okay, as long as she had her parents and Fiyero to help guide her.