prologue
The University of Shiz was a place of wonder, magic, and—most importantly—reputation. At least, that’s how Glinda Upland saw it. One didn’t simply attend Shiz; one thrived at Shiz, basking in the glory of its social hierarchy, where beauty and charm were just as powerful as spells and enchantments.
Glinda had always been at the top of that hierarchy. It wasn’t just her impeccable curls, her dazzling smile, or her ability to make people feel like they were the most important person in the room (until they weren’t). It was the way she carried herself, the way she commanded attention. And she was determined to remain the most charming, most graceful, most perfect young woman in all of Oz.
But there was one problem.
Kissing.
Or, more accurately, her lack of certainty that she was an exceptional kisser.
Now, Glinda had kissed before. Small pecks, fluttering brushes of lips at parties, a few stolen moments under moonlight when she was feeling particularly indulgent. But nothing of real consequence. And with her first real date with Fiyero coming up, she absolutely refused to risk being anything less than perfect.
She needed practice.
But not just with anyone. No, no, no. If she practiced with some unsuspecting suitor, rumors would fly, reputations would be questioned, and Oz forbid, she might develop feelings for someone unworthy.
She needed someone safe. Someone who would never mistake her practice for actual romance. Someone who wouldn’t fall hopelessly in love with her (as so many did). Someone who was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, completely and utterly uninterested.
Elphaba Thropp.
It was almost too perfect.
Elphaba, her insufferable, sarcastic, infuriating roommate, the one person at Shiz who had no interest in social climbing, flirting, or even acknowledging romantic interactions. If Glinda had ever seen someone who radiated un-kissability, it was Elphaba. Which meant that if Glinda could make her weak in the knees, then she could make anyone weak in the knees.
There was just one tiny issue.
Elphaba hated her.
Okay, maybe hate was a strong word. But Elphaba certainly tolerated her with the enthusiasm of a cat forced into a pink tutu.
Glinda, of course, was undeterred. She had a plan, and Elphaba would go along with it.
She had to.
Because when Glinda Upland set her mind to something, nothing could stop her.
Not even Elphaba Thropp.