Prologue

Captain Gabriel Nunez felt like a fool. He was not expecting that Elena would lie to him. She of all people knew that he would do anything for her. He would even willingly lay down his life for her. But he could not just stand back and let Elena face Shuriki head on. Elena was smart and courageous, sometimes to a fault. However, when it came to Shuriki, she loses all common sense and would rashly put herself in danger without realizing it. Gabe understood that for Elena, this was personal. But it didn't mean that the Crown Princess of Avalor can just go out there without a game plan. As much as he hated to admit it, Elena was still no match for Shuriki. She was sorely mistaken if she thought that she can defeat a powerful sorceress just by sheer willpower.

Gabe sighed as he played the events over and over in his head. He cared about Elena and lately he realized, not just in a friendly way. He had always admired her spirit, her spunk, her beauty, her heart. If he didn't know any better, he would say that he was in love with her. He shook his head at the thought. Gabe knew his place. He knew Elena could only offer friendship and nothing more. She made that clear when they were stuck in the royal sailboat. And Gabe is fine with that. His only joy was knowing that he get to see her every day.

The day they turned into jaquins, Gabe realized something. And that realization sent bitter pangs to his heart. The little lie that Elena made caused him see things clearer than ever. He needed more time to sort things out. This was the reason why he's in front of the Grand Council now, or the majority of the Grand Council. He only needed the majority vote anyway. And Señor Francisco, Señora Luisa and Chancellor Esteban would surely approve this.

"Are you sure Captain?" asked Francisco. He was still holding Gabe's letter, asking the Grand Council to grant him at least two weeks leave. He needed to clear his head and sort things out. Sort his life out.

"Yes, Señor. There is something I need to do," Gabe said.

Estaban asked, "But what about Elena? You are her royal guard. She cannot be left unprotected, even if says she does not need protecting."

"I have made arrangements. Rico will take over as her royal guard while I'm on sabbatical," Gabe answered.

"Very well. It seems like your mind is set. We'll see you in two weeks," Francisco said and the Luisa and Esteban nodded in agreement. Francisco was not comfortable with the idea of having Rico guard Elena. He was a good man but Rico is not Gabriel. Gabriel shows more concern, more care towards Elena. But the young captain's mind looked made up. Something was bothering Gabe and he looked like he really needed that time off. Francisco just wasn't sure how Elena would react to this situation. She, Naomi and Mateo were spending the whole day sailing. Funny, Gabe was not there with them.

After leaving the Grand Council room, Gabe went to the barracks and gathered some of his things. He's going to visit his parents tonight and leave tomorrow morning. He knew exactly where to go when he needed to clear his mind, or when he was about to make a life-changing decision.

Elena came back to the castle later that she expected. She had a fun day with Naomi and Mateo. It was her day off and Naomi and Mateo did not have school. So they went sailing. Just her and her friends having a good time being young. Too bad Gabe was not able to join them. Sure, he had other duties being Captain of the Royal Guard. But he never passed on an opportunity for a fun day with his friends. If Elena's right, he has been avoiding her.

Ever since the whole jaquin incident, she noticed a change in Gabe. She just can't put her fingers on it. Sure, he was still the loyal guard. But something in his eyes told her that things were not the same. He didn't look at her the same way anymore. That look which always warmed her heart, that look which always calms her when things are not going as planned, that reassuring look is gone. Instead, she saw hurt and pain.

She knew that lying to him was wrong, very wrong. Gabe was one of her closest friends but she thought that he just didn't understand how important it is for her to end Shuriki once and for all. This was something that she needed to do and she didn't want to hear otherwise.

Once she reached her bedroom, she immediately took a hot shower. After a long day at sea, a hot shower is definitely a good idea. But her mind kept coming back to Gabe. She needed to talk to him, if she ever catches up with him. She'll do that tomorrow. Content with her plan, she changed into her nightgown and went to bed.

She had no idea that she will never have the chance to talk to Gabe for a long time.