A/N: So guys! I really love Elena of Avalor and I absolutely adore Gabe and in my mind they'd be so cute (I'm a fucking sucker for Royal/Guardian dynamic)

A/N #2: Daniel belongs to ninolahiffe on tumblr as do both of Gabe's Dads.

Part 1

The moon seemed brighter than most nights. It was almost as bright as the sun with the way it illuminated the barracks. It seemed to illuminate the rows of beds making them seem like dominos ready to be toppled. The room smelled pleasant of sea salt and sweat. All the beds where full save for one; it was obvious that it had been previously used from the messy state it was in. The blanket hand been kicked to the end and the pillow folded.

The owner of the bed was one Gabriel Nuñez. Gabriel didn't know when he could sleep. Growing up in a kingdom ruled by an evil witch never seemed to toughen him up like others. Both his fathers insisted that some people responded differently to trauma. He didn't really know if insomnia was a good response but he was able to play it off so he figured it wasn't too bad.

He stood in front of the barracks with his hands behind his back in the proper style that a soldier would always keep them. He looked up at the moon hoping and praying that it would help him fall asleep.

Elena rarely slept. That was what happened when one was stuck in an amulet for forty-one years. She sat on the balcony of her room watching the ocean as it flowed. Her mind flowed to her cousin. She pitied him. He lived on and made a place for himself while she was hidden away.

Her mind drifted to Isabel and her grandparents who had also been captured. Everything seemed like a blur since then. She played with her hair taking in the night sky by the coast. She felt a bit scared as the new crown princess. She had thought she was ready to be queen but as time went on, she was beginning to question if she was ready to lead or if she even could.

"I'm the princess…" She murmured. "I should be able to do this."

Early morning, Elena found herself first at the breakfast table by herself waiting for everyone. She was surprised at how late everyone would be to breakfast seemed that day.

"Gabe did you even sleep last night? I heard the commanders and you talking." She heard the soldiers at the door talking

"Haha, I have never slept a day in my life." One of the boys said.

"Gabe?" she called.

"Hmm?" the young man turned to her. "Yes your Highness?"

"Oh nothing… I was just curious as to why no one's here yet." She replied a grin.

"Breakfast doesn't start for another hour, Princessa." The other guard said.

"What?" Elena squeaked. "No way!"

"I'm afraid so, your highness." Gabe said with a nod.

"Oh man..." She mumbled.

"Perhaps your highness should go get a bit more rest." Gabe suggested.

"Nah, I'll just go to the gardens." She replied.

"We will accompany you." Gabe stated.

Elena arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms challenging him to say it again.

"No thanks, I can handle myself." She replied annoyed at the prospect.

"Princess Elena, we are the royal guard. It's our job." He said.

"It's fine." She insisted. "I can take care of myself."

"My lady, forgive the impertinence, but you are still the crown princess of Avalor. Even with your skills, there will always be an enemy who even you cannot handle. It is our duty as the royal guard to accompany you." Gabe said with a serious expression.

Elena felt a bit put off by the seriousness of his gaze. "I mean… I guess." She said.

Gabe wanted to smack himself. He was being paranoid again and he probably offended the princess which honestly was very terrifying. He took a deep breath trying to keep his stone faced while they walked.

"Jeez. I'm surprised she didn't fire you on the spot." Daniel whispered.

"Her majesty isn't that petty… I think but yeah me too." He replied

He focused on anything but the princess leaving Daniel to keep an eye on her. He really needed to relax or something. He joined the guard to make his fathers proud. Not to be a paranoid young man. He took another breath inspecting the area careful to avoid any eye contact or direct view of the princess.

"Ooh, is it breakfast time, yet?" Elena asked.

"Not yet, your majesty." Daniel replied.

Gabe looked to Daniel with a relieved smile. He wasn't really sure he wanted to open his mouth after his little speech.

Please leave any thoughts :D