Read Oz: The Great and Powerful Junior Novel Disney Book Group for Free Online

had no more time to ponder the strange behavior of the people. The carriage had reached the palace. Unlike the rest of the city, the palace was in pristine shape. It glittered and sparkled in the sunlight and seemed to go on forever. Pleased, Oz got out of the carriage and followed Theodora inside and down a long vaulted corridor. At the end stood a set of tall double doors that opened all by themselves when they approached.
    Oz’s eyes grew wide. Behind the doors was the most opulent room he had ever seen. It was a large chamber, decorated in green, with huge windows that looked out upon the city. The floor beneath his feet was made of green marble and covered with an intricate design. Hanging above them were huge chandeliers, their soft light casting warm shadows on the walls. At the far end of the room, a short flight of stairs led up to a huge emerald throne.
    “Is that it?” Oz asked. “Is that my throne?”
    But it was not Theodora who answered. From behind him, a voice responded, “Do you like it?”
    Turning, Oz found himself looking at a stunning woman. She appeared to be a bit older than Theodora, but with the same dark hair and ruby lips. But while Theodora’s eyes were full of innocence, this woman’s were penetrating, as though she knew more than she was willing to let on. Smiling, she looked Oz up and down as she brought a hand to her throat and touched the large emerald jewel that hung around her neck.
    “I’ve personally kept watch over it,” the woman went on, “waiting for your arrival.”
    “Much obliged,” Oz said, tipping his head and giving her one of his most charming smiles.
    The woman responded in kind. “Praise be you’re here at last, and the prophecy shall be fulfilled. This is a glorious day for us all.” Then the woman gave Oz a charming smile. “And may I add,” the woman said with an extra glint in her eye, “you are as handsome a king as we’ve ever had.”
    “Flatterer,” Oz said, as he turned back toward Theodora. “Who is this fetching woman?”
    Theodora stepped up, placing herself by Oz’s side. “Wizard,” she said, “this is my sister.”
    “I am Evanora, the royal advisor,” the woman added. “I have protected the Emerald City whilst we awaited your arrival. I am here to serve you as I have served the king before you.”
    Oz waggled an eyebrow. “I look forward to being served,” he said, his voice teasing.
    Evanora flashed a wicked smile. “Oh, sister,” she began, “I like him already.”
    As Theodora glanced jealously between the two of them, Oz bounded up the stairs and took a seat on the throne.
    The smile on Evanora’s face faltered briefly. But before Oz could notice, she forced a new one. “Yes, have a seat. How does it feel?”
    “Fits like a glove!” Oz exclaimed.
    “Knuck will show you to your quarters. We’ll chat more later?” Evanora asked.
    “Can’t wait!” Oz exclaimed. He was like a kid in a candy store. Spotting Finley, he called out to his newfound friend. “Monkey, my bag!” he barked.
    “Yes, Wizard,” Finley said as he grabbed Oz’s bag. “Right away, oh great and powerful one,” he said with a hint of sarcasm that went undetected by the sisters, but not by Oz, who quickly ushered the monkey out and followed him close behind.

    When they were alone, Theodora turned to her sister, giddy. “Isn’t he wonderful! Didn’t I say he would come?” But her sister didn’t agree.
    Evanora’s features hardened and the smile completely vanished from her face. She was not pleased. Not pleased at all. What was her sister thinking ? Theodora had always been the young and impulsive one, but this was pure madness.
    “You dare escort that oaf in here!” Evanora spat. “Allow him to climb into that hallowed throne—”
    “And why not? He is the Wizard,” Theodora protested.
    Evanora scoffed. “Or so he says ! Did it not occur to you that he might be an impostor, in league with the Wicked Witch? Sent here to kill