Naomi heard it, a conversation not to be heard. She tells Elena, leaving the princess with confusing feelings. Will she be able to choose?

A/N: I do not own nor am I affiliated with Disney. To whom these characters belong.

Chapter One: Gabe

Elena declared the day that Shiriki was de-throned to be national holiday. Inviting the people of Avalor to celebrate their freedom and the beginning of her rule. She and her council agreed to throw a grand ball at the castle for the people. Elena's excitement had everyone so enraptured that they, themselves couldn't help but be pulled into the revel.

In the days before the event, Elena inserted herself into all the aspects of the party planning. She was constantly moving from one location to another. Helping decide the menu, music, decorations and announcements that were being sent out. Her three friends took turns following her around on her errands. Naomi had followed her around to the printers for the announcements. Mateo helped with decorations and arranging for music. And Gabe found himself being the official food taster to the princess.

"Gabe, try this." Elena says shoving another spoonful of food in his mouth. Gabe made a small sound of appreciation.

"It's very good, a might be a bit too spicy for everyone's taste though." He really didn't know how he was managing to taste anything at this point.

"Oh you know, your right." She smiled and rips a piece of tortilla and pops it in her mouth. Gabe had to clear his throat, he really needed not to watch her do that. "Oh before I forget. I wanted to ask you to come to the ball as my guest." Gabe, whom decided to take a drink of water at that moment choked on it. To her it was innocent, to him it was more. She continued after looking at him worried that he was coughing " So no working." She reaches across the table and gently touches the top of his hand, "Are you alright?" He just nods, she still looks worried, but continues her thought. "I even got you a nice new outfit. I had someone already put in your bunk." Gabe rips a piece of tortilla and soaks up some of the sauce of the last dish and shoves it in his mouth. Mostly to distract himself, his mind racing about a possible enchanting evening with Elena. When she giggles. He looks at her confused. "You eat like an excited child." She picks up her napkin and wipes some of the sauce that dribbled a bit down his chin. "There all better." She said with another giggle. As he was about to say something another plate of food appeared in front of him, he groaned.

She continued to shoved all manner of Avalorian food into his mouth and by the time the desserts arrived at the small table, Gabe was uncomfortably full, but being rewarded with her large smile, he valiantly carried on. "How many treats should we have?" She asks brightly, Gabe stared wide eyed at the table and the half dozen sweet options and moaned painfully.

"How is it that you are still able to eat? I feel like I've gained 10 pounds."

"I'm taking much smaller bites than you. You didn't have to eat the whole plate of chimichurri."

"I couldn't help that one. It was really good." They laughed together. Elena picks a piece of a buñuelo and pops it into Gabe's mouth. This time he groaned for a different reason. Her delicate fingers brushed his lips and even if the little pastry was sweet, it didn't stand a chance at the feeling of her fingertips against his lips. It took all his control not suck them into his mouth.

They soon concluded the tasting once they both agreed that the feast was thoroughly decided on. They ventured out of the restaurant and back to the carriage. Gabe helped an equally as full Elena into the carriage. "Princess, was it totally necessary to try every dish on the Café Angelica's menu?" He asked as they both sit down.

Elena giggled. "It wasn't, but they are just so grateful for my help with saving their restaurant, that when I asked them to cater they couldn't help going overboard. I don't think I will need to eat again until the ball." Her smile was sweetly infectious, that Gabe couldn't help but fall under its spell. Then she let out a rather long, unladylike yawn. "Oh my. I guess all that food has made me tired." She nodded a bit and leaned over and put her head on his shoulder. Gabe blushed, but couldn't help but sigh happily. His feelings for her were seemingly obvious to everyone (minus Elena, that is), he was constantly being hassled by the guard for his adoration. But he couldn't help himself when moments like this would present itself.

He looked down lovingly at her, while her eyes fluttered closed. Gabe's pulsed quickened, knowing Elena trusted him so much to allow herself to be so relaxed with him. The wind in the carriage blew some of her hair into her face. He carefully moved it back behind her ear and she sighed softly at his touch. In his fantasies, he would wake her with a kiss and carry her to her room. Then they would spend the rest of the day in each other's arms. He shook his head, to break out of his fantasy. He needed to stop this, there was no hope for the future he desired with the lovely princess. But when he looks upon her serene face he couldn't help but wish.

o_O

When they finally returned to the castle, Gabe gently awakens Elena. "Princess. We have arrived. Time to wake up." She lifts her head up and looks around, slightly confused. Once she realizes what had occurred a sweet blush spreads across her cheeks.

"Oops. I'm sorry Gabe. I didn't mean to fall asleep like that." Gabe nervously rubs the back of his head and chuckles.

"I-it's alright." He stammers. They both stand up and he climbs out of the carriage and helps Elena out. Gabe scans the area and catches eyes with the guards at the entrance of the castle. They stare back with a knowing expression. Gabe rolls his eyes at them, as Elena takes his hand and climbs out of the carriage.

"You are always so understanding, Gabe." She tenderly caresses his cheek. His eyelids close slightly, to relish the feeling. He watches as she walks into the castle. He quickly shakes himself back to reality. And once the princess was inside the guards began their teasing.

"Oh Gabe." Victor, one of the guards swoons mockingly and bats his eyes. While the other, Oscar makes kissing sounds.

"You two should have more respect for our crowned princess." Gabe was irritated, but couldn't do more unless he would suffer more ridicule. He just decided to walk away.

As he walked toward his bunk in the barracks, he found himself thinking about Elena's future. She would soon be entertaining offers of marriage. And as her most trust royal guard, he would be the one to chaperone those outing. The thought causing him great distress, in the shape of a sharp pain in his chest. He quickly dismissed it, his current position didn't allow for him to looking deeper into those feelings.

As he walked he considered all the attributes he would hope the future king would have. He would have to be smart and funny. He would need to be confident, but not verbose. He would have to allow Elena to be the queen she needed to be and not easily offended by that stature. He hoped that some of his own influence would be taken in to consideration, as his princess always asked of her friends and family to aid in all her decisions. All he could hope of the man that would stand at her side was that he'd love her… as he, himself did. Gabe cursed himself. "Damn maybe I have given it too much thought."

His mood darkened as he walked into his bunk. He noticed the large white box on his bed. He ran his hand down his face, trying to imagine who brought in here and what kind jabs they'll take over a special delivery from the princess. He opened the box to find a very handsome grey suit with green embroidery on the cuffs, down the seams of the pants and along the lapels. There was the same color green shirt as the embroidery. It was fancier than anything he owned, which wasn't much. But if she wanted him to wear it, he would do so with pride.

A/N:For the non-Spanish speakers I will try and put the translation of any phrases used at the end of the chapter

Chimichurri: is a sauce that is used on grilled meats. It comes in green and red varieties.

Buñuelo: Is typically a fried dough ball. But is also found in a flat form as well. (Which is the way they shared them on the show)