"Isa should have been back by now!" Elena said again as she paced back and forth across the foyer of the palace. The Crown Princess of Avalor had been waiting just over an hour now for the return arrival of her younger sister Isabel. Isa, as Elena called her, had been invited as a special guest at a University in the kingdom of Paraiso, just south of Avalor. Isa, being quite intelligent and a budding scientist and inventor had been chosen from her school to give a lecture on the future of girls in science. Unfortunately, the lecture had been just before the Navidad holiday and now Elena found herself wondering if her beloved sister would make it back for the celebration.
Elena let out a sulky and heavy sigh as she plopped herself down on the grand staircase and frumpily rested her head in her hands, elbows upon her knees. She watched the hustle and bustle of the staff as they readied the palace for the festivities to come in the following days. Usually the preparations excited Elena, but without Isa, none of it seemed to be the same.
"Princess Elena!" A very deep and official sounding voice boomed from behind the opening front doors followed by the entrance of Captain Gabriel Nunez. A momentary glimpse of cheer overcame the princess's face at the sight of her royal guard and close friend. It always humored her when he used his "Captain's voice", as she liked to tease. Still, Gabe insisted on using it in the presence of others, always wanting to uphold a professional appearance. Elena rose to greet Gabe and it didn't take long for her frown to return once she saw the apparent look of concern in his eyes. His face had always been far too expressive of his emotions and she knew immediately that something was wrong.
"What's the matter?" She quickly asked.
"The recent storms that swept through the south the past few days did a lot of damage and after last night's heavy rains…" He hesitated and frowned along with Elena, knowing how much the news he had to deliver was going to hurt her. He stared at her sympathetically before continuing. "The main roads from Avalor to Paraiso were washed out. They're completely impassable by coach… Isa won't be home for Navidad."
Elena's heart sank and her mind raced, trying to find a solution. Isabel had to make it home to be with her.
"The back roads?!" Elena questioned. "What about the back roads? Isn't there an alternative route?"
"Yes" Gabe answered but he woefully shook his head. "But they're too dangerous right now. They're expecting more storms tonight and plus, there's been an excessive amount of crime on those roads and with Fiero and the Delgados still on the loose, the Paraiso guards wouldn't permit Princess Isabel to travel that way. And I agree with them. It isn't worth the risk."
Elena knew that Gabe was right and she agreed too. Isabel was at least safe where she was. Elena knew that there was nothing more that she could do. She hung her head, excused herself and aimlessly wandered away.
Gabe watched Elena as she left. She was usually such a perky and fun loving princess so seeing her in such a state made his heart ache. Knowing that Elena would be needing a friend, he followed her, finding her sitting alone on the couch in the library. He paused at the doorway before entering. Elena barely looked up at him. Gabe immediately dropped any formalities, letting himself relax as he walked over to Elena and rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. She placed her hand atop his and scooted over, making room for Gabe to take a seat next to her. As he did, Elena lowered her heavy head on his shoulder and Gabe instinctively wrapped one arm around her, holding her tight and remaining silent, simply supporting her and letting her be sad.
"Isa and I have never been apart for the holiday… well with the exception of the forty one years I was trapped inside the amulet… but I just mean… we've never celebrated the holidays without one another." Elena softly vented. "The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time and now I just feel so…" Elena let her thought hang in the air as she tried to explain her feelings.
"Lost?" Gabe finished for her.
"Yeah" Elena nodded, lifting her head and meeting Gabe's eyes in amazement, thankful that with him, it was never necessary to explain herself. He always just seemed to know exactly how she was feeling. His presence alone was enough to put her slightly at ease and her frown began to settle into a look of gratitude as their eyes lingered on one another as they so often did.
Just then, another royal guard hastily burst into the room. Gabe and Elena, startled out of their moment of intimacy, jumped up from the couch. Gabe returned to his position of military attention as he saluted his Lieutenant and Elena gathered her personal emotions as she too straightened herself up, ready to jump back into her duties as Avalor's princess.
"Excuse me Captain Nunez, Princess Elena" The guard greeted. "I don't mean to interrupt but we've just received word about some activity in the South villages of Avalor. The Delgados may be involved."
"Thank you Lieutenant! Assemble a team of guards and we'll leave at once!" Gabe responded and the guard set off on his given task.
"I'm going too!" Elena stated, never being one to sit back and let others handle the problems within her kingdom.
"Elena, No. Not this time" Gabe told her. He was used to arguing with her over such things, usually losing the fight. It wasn't that he didn't believe in her ability to aid or lead in any fight but she was going to be Queen and her safety was always Gabe's top priority and putting herself in unnecessary danger was something he couldn't and shouldn't permit. It was a constant conflict between the pair but both had grown to trust and understand the other's point of view over the few years that they'd known one another.
"I want to get out there and do what I can to help my kingdom. It's that or sit around here sulking over Isa!" Elena explained.
"Isa not being able to get home is exactly why you should stay right here!" Gabe told her. "Your Abuelos already have one granddaughter gone for the holiday, they'd want to at least have you here. Plus, tomorrow is the night before Navidad celebrations and there's so much to do to prepare for the festivities. You're needed here!"
Elena scrunched up her face in disappointment. She knew that Gabe was right, if only for her Abuelos. "Fine" She sighed in a huff as she crossed her arms. Gabe couldn't hold in his victorious grin as he rolled his eyes at Elena's childlike reaction to her defeat. Becoming more serious again, he placed his hands on her shoulders again, looking her directly in the eyes and reassured her that everything would be alright. He then suggested that she do her best to enjoy the holiday. Elena gratefully responded to his sensitivity towards her and wished him luck before he headed out on his mission and she to find her Abuelos to explain the situation to them.