I love the way you talk to me, And how you listen with such care

As crown princess, I gladly spend most of my days listening to the people of Avalor with the hope that I might learn how to best care for their needs –– today was no different. Serving my people brings me great joy, but sometimes I am reminded that I am only one with thousands relying on me –– which can easily become overwhelming.

Evening had finally come, and I was free to take the time to be refreshed –– mind, body, and soul. The irresistible pull of the palace garden –– my place of peace and refuge –– tugged at my heart as I made my way through the empty palace halls, alone. As the entrance to the garden neared, my pace quickened until I was running –– running towards the few hours of peace and solace that awaited just on the other side of those doors.

As I burst through the doors, and out into the garden, I was struck by the calm solitude that flooded my senses. The cool, floral scented breeze gently caressed my cheeks in welcome while the soft chirping of crickets and the hooting of owls harmonized as well as any symphony could. It was heaven.

Humming a soft melody to myself, I meandered happily along my favorite winding path, and just as I rounded a corner, I noticed a figure in the distance. Pausing, I squinted to try and make out who it was and what they were doing. I had been walking the garden nearly every evening for a year and had never encountered another soul –– aside from the one who usually accompanied me, but he said he'd had work to do this evening.

The figure was silhouetted by a handful of glittering, glowing orbs that bobbed in the air behind him as he stood under a large oak tree –– one of my favorites –– that had taken root on a tiny island encircled by the bubbling creek running through the palace grounds. As I drew nearer, my heart skipped a beat as my lips twitched up into an involuntary smile. I knew who exactly who it was –– I would recognize his familiar, endearing silhouette with that adorable messy hair anywhere.

Mateo stood –– his posture expectant –– facing my direction as if he were waiting for someone. I don't think he could see me yet, since his eyes weren't adjusted to the dark. I noticed a blanket spread out on the ground at his feet with a basket set upon it. Curiosity piqued, I approached the tiny island. Crossing the bridge and stepping into the ring of light, I found his gaze focused on mine, and as he smiled mischievously, I couldn't help but to grin in response.

"I thought you had work to do," I said by way of greeting.

"I've finished it."

"Really? Considering the fact we've only been apart for an hour, that was fast."

"I've been done for quite awhile, actually. I've just been waiting for you."

"Well, here I am."

Holding out a hand, which I eagerly took, he led me over to the blanket. He then gestured for me to sit, and, once I was settled, sat himself next to me.

"So? What is all this?"

"You'll see," he said mysteriously as he opened the basket and pulled out a teapot, a cup, and a small bowl. Setting them in front of me, he poured tea from the pot into the cup, added the tiniest bit of lemon and honey, and handed the cup to me.

Examining the cup of tea, I gave it a sniff and smiled –– it was my favorite spiced tea. Just the way I like it.

He then handed me the small bowl, which –– to my delight –– was full of Avaloran chocolates, and stood to move behind me. I looked over my shoulder to watch him sit directly behind me as he leaned against the tree, and reached forward to pull me back so that I was leaning against his chest.

"So," he said quietly into my ear as he wrapped his arms around my waist, "tell me about your day."

My throat constricted with emotion as I realized exactly what he'd done. Just that afternoon –– a few hours ago, really –– I'd been feeling weary in between meetings and had mentioned that what I wanted more than anything at that moment was to relax with him, a hot cup of tea and all the chocolate I could eat.

Tears of happiness lined my eyes as I looked over my shoulder at him, and said, "You listened to what I said earlier?"

He squeezed me a little tighter and said, "Of course I listened to you. I always listen to you. Your words, mi amor, are the most important words in my life."

In that moment I realized that he loved me so much that he wanted to be the one to selflessly take care of me the way that I tried to take care of everyone else.

I love that boy more than my own life, and didn't think it was possible to love him anymore than I already do, but my love grows a bit more each day –– especially each time that he surprises me by demonstrating his love for me in a new and different way.

Mateo is one of the few people who takes the time to listen to me and understands my heart –– he hears my words and understands my intent. And that is one of the things that I love most about this beautiful soul who has captured my heart with his love. I love the way that he listens to me.