A.N. Takes place right after Spellbound
Lt. Nunez walked down the hall looking for Mateo. The Royal Guard had cordoned off the frozen form of Fiero, the Malvago, and pried the petrified tamborita from his grasp. Gabe needed to tell Mateo of their progress and what they planned to do with him.
He passed a linen closet from which he heard movement and stopped, putting his hand reflexively on his saber.
"Who's there?" he called. The movement suddenly stopped and the door slowly opened. Naomi walked out, straightening her dress.
"Gabe," she said, clearing her throat and walking down the hall. Gabe raised an eyebrow and looked after her, only to hear someone else come from the closet. He turned around and Mateo was there, holding his hand behind his neck and blushing. Gabe looked at him inquisitively, and then realization dawned on him.
"Perks to being a hero, eh?" he said, nudging him on the shoulder and smirking.
Mateo blushed even deeper and gazed longingly after Naomi.
"Yeah…"
Gabe straightened up. "The guards want to make a statue in your honor out of the malvago you turned to stone."
Mateo looked surprised. "Really? That would be dangerous!"
"How so?"
"I know the Codex said that the spell would be permanent on sunrise, but who knows if there's even more powerful magic that could yet unfreeze him? Who knows if he had allies or minions who may try? No, the safest thing to do would be to grind him up and throw the dust into the ocean."
Gabe looked stunned. "I guess that would be prudent. Are you sure such magic exists?"
"I'm not, but I'm not sure it doesn't."
Gabe was silent a moment.
"I'm impressed. You're not risking the safety of the kingdom, even for a remote danger, and passing up quite an impressive statue in your honor."
"I don't want to be the royal wizard for accolades or recognition. I want to use my gifts for the betterment of Avalor."
Gabe placed a friendly hand on Mateo's shoulder.
"Mateo, I may have had my doubts at first, but I am proud to call you my royal wizard. But I am even more proud to call you my friend." He smiled.
Mateo smiled back. "Thank you, Gabe. Your confidence in me is reassuring."
"Are you sure you don't want some kind of recognition? A plaque, maybe?"
The hall was long, so Naomi still hadn't gotten to the end of it by this point. She turned around, waved at Mateo, and said "Don't keep me waiting!"
"There are...other kinds of recognition I prefer."
Gabe chuckled and slapped Mateo on the back.
