Elena left Gabe at his post by the door as she entered the grand council chamber, Naomi at her side. Looking around, she could see that Francisco and Luisa had already taken their seats, as had Esteban. She heard a pointed cough and a muttered, "It's about time."
"Did you say something, cousin?" Elena asked lightly, though she had heard every word.
"No, of course not, princess," Esteban replied smoothly.
Naomi looked at Elena and rolled her eyes but said nothing as each headed to their respective seats around the table. Elena glanced around, thinking about how fond she was of this room. It had several wide, arching windows that allowed sunlight to pour through; colorful tapestries depicting various scenes from Avalor's history hung on the walls; and bright, plush rugs scattered the floor that were nice for bare toes to burrow down into. Elena knew this because she would oftentimes slip her heeled shoes off during council meetings when no one could see what she was doing. She knew that this was not "princess behavior," according to her cousin, but she couldn't bring herself to care. She walked around in heels all day, she could afford to enjoy a few moments of freedom while cloistered away for hours at a time in grand council meetings.
Looking around the room, Elena said, "Are we ready?" Receiving nodded affirmation from her four council members, she cleared her throat and hit the gavel on the table two times, saying loudly, "This grand council meeting on the 19th day of Marzo of the year nine hundred and fifty six shall now commence."
As these words were spoken, the royal scribe began hurriedly taking notes.
"What is on the agenda for today?" Elena asked the chancellor.
"Well, we have several extremely important items to discuss today," Esteban began, looking at the list of notes in front of him. He continued, "We have received reports, from the villages near the northern borders of Avalor, that thievery and highway robbery has been on the rise. The roads between villages are simply not safe anymore. Merchant caravans and travelers are routinely attacked by highwaymen. Leadership from the various villages have united together to request royal attention on this matter."
Luisa shot a concerned glance at her husband and said, "We must send assistance to these poor villagers. We cannot stand by and allow this to happen."
Naomi nodded in agreement and said, "Absolutely, it is the right thing to do! We need to let the people know that their crown princess cares about their welfare even though they live so far away from the capital. I think we can spare a military unit or two to increase patrols and protect the villagers."
Francisco looked around the room and added, "I would also put forward that we should send someone to discreetly investigate this matter. There must be a reason for the sudden increase in highway robbery."
"Perhaps it would be wise to consider the cost. Not just monetarily but what it would mean for the safety of our city," Esteban quickly added, "let's not be hasty."
Elena rose from her chair and began pacing the room – biting her thumbnail all the while – as she thought, considering each of the council member's suggestions, "Think, Elena, think!" She muttered under her breath as she paced. Her instincts told her to rush to the villagers aid but Esteban had a point.
"Are you walking around barefoot ?!" Esteban asked in shock, "a princess–"
Elena shushed him with a wave of her hand, still pacing, deep in thought.
Finally, she paused and turned to face her council, looking at each of them, she said, weighing each word carefully, "Perhaps...perhaps we can do all of the above. I agree that it's exceptionally important to extend our hand to protect the villagers, but at what cost? I suspect the villagers would love nothing more than to protect themselves, but let's face it – most of them are are simple farmers or tradesmen. They have never had the resources or training needed to protect themselves. Let's send a small contingent of soldiers to train up volunteers from the villages to form a militia. We can provide them with the resources and equip them to protect themselves under the guidance of the royal military. It will give them ownership over the issue without feeling invaded by a barrage of soldiers." Most of the table was nodding in agreement. Esteban pursed his lips and twirled his mustache; Elena wasn't sure if it was a thoughtful look or a disapproving look.
"Abuelo, I also agree with you that this situation warrants a thorough but discreet investigation. I find it very odd that this rash of highway robbery has come up so suddenly. Avalor has always been a peaceful kingdom – where are these bandits coming from and why?"
Francisco smiled proudly at his granddaughter and said, "I believe that your suggestions are wise and well thought out. It really is the best and most balanced option. Well done, mija."
Esteban curled his mustache between his fingers and said, "Yes, I do believe your suggestion has merit. It extends royal support to the village while maintaining order and protection around the city."
Elena and Naomi both stared at him in shock.
"Wait...did you just agree with Elena without a fight?" Naomi asked incredulously.
Esteban looked affronted, "Why would I disagree when we both want what's best for the kingdom? This may be a sign that she's starting to take her role as crown princess seriously."
Elena rolled her eyes at the backhanded compliment, but, not wanting to argue, said graciously, "Thank you, cousin. It means a lot to me to have your support in this. Shall we vote?"
"All in favor," Esteban said as 5 hands were confidently raised in agreement.
"It is settled then," Esteban started, "I will make the arrangements."
Elena took her seat and asked, "What is the next order of business?"
–––––
The meeting stretched on for hours as they discussed royal matters of varying degrees of urgency and importance. Sometimes with a heated argument between Elena and Esteban, in which Elena could sense her magic flaring in proportion to her irritation. Thankfully she was able to calm herself enough to maintain control.
After 3 hours, Elena – weary from the unending need to control her magic – said, "Anything else, Esteban?"
"Just one more thing, we need to decide on the issue of Malvara."
Naomi's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "What issue?"
Elena quickly said, "It's an issue that came up over breakfast and I didn't get a chance to fill you in before the meeting. Cousin, will you please explain?"
Esteban proceeded to reiterate the request from Malvara to send an ambassador to their court indefinitely.
Naomi said slowly, as if trying to reconcile the facts by speaking then out loud, "So this strange, reclusive kingdom in the north is suddenly interested in establishing ties with other kingdoms? Not only that, but the same kingdom that Shuriki came from? Something feels off about this."
"I agree," Francisco replied, Luisa nodding in agreement, "however, we cannot deny them based solely on a feeling. Inter-kingdom politics must be handled delicately, and it would be unwise to disregard the possibility of peaceful ties with our northern neighbor simply because they are a mystery and the fact that Shuriki was born there."
Luisa added, "This could be a lovely opportunity to learn about our neighbors and perhaps gain an ally and trading partner in the process."
Elena, playing with the end of her ponytail as she considered this, asked, "What do we know about them?"
"We know they are an island nation in the north. They have a reputation for isolation and have never allowed envoys from our kingdom to cross their borders in the past. I believe your father tried once," Esteban explained.
Elenas eyes lit up as she remembered a detail from her conversation with Mateo and piped in, "We also know that they are an ancient people who were – or possibly still are – powerfully gifted with magic."
Three sets of eyes stared incredulously at the princess, who gave an embarrassed little cough and nervously moved a strand of hair behind her ear.
"What? I asked Mateo if he knew anything about the Malvaran people and he found this tidbit in the antiquities of the ancient archives."
Esteban stared at the princess a moment longer, cleared his throat and said, "Regardless, I believe that we should accept their offer, this is too great an opportunity to pass up. Strategically, it would be wise for us to pursue strong alliances with all of our neighbors."
"Hmm…," Elena said as she tried to weigh the pros and cons, "I cannot find a good reason to deny them this request. We currently have ambassadors from several other kingdoms residing in our court, and they are key agents in maintaining our friendship with their respective kingdoms. Any other thoughts before we vote on it?"
Naomi said, "You're right, of course. I still feel uneasy about this but maybe it's just because they are the unknown."
"Shall we vote?"
"All in favor?" Esteban asked.
All 5 hands raised, some more confidently than others.
"By unanimous vote, we shall agree to accept the Malvaran ambassador in our court for an extended visit. I will make the necessary arrangements "
"I believe our business for today has concluded," Elena said, as she discreetly slipped her feet back into her shoes, and hit the gavel on the table, "meeting adjourned!"
–––––––
Later that evening, her royal duties for the day tended to and dinner with her family complete, Elena made her way through the palace towards the garden – reflecting upon the events of the day. As she rounded a corner just before the entrance to the garden, she saw Gabe standing guard just outside the garden entrance. He had been chatting with his partner in the guard, however, at the sight of Elena approaching, both guards snapped to attention and with a salute, Gabe said, "Good evening Princess!"
"It's ok, you don't have to do that. So, are you on garden patrol duty tonight?"
"How'd you guess?" Gabe said with a smirk, "It's one of those rotating duties and tonight is my night. Are you off to the garden for your evening walk?"
"Yes, it's become a bit of a tradition for me," Elena said with a smile.
"Would you like some company?" Gabe asked hopefully.
Elena blinked at him, a little confused after he had seemed so fearful and hesitant when she revealed her secret earlier that day. Regardless, she already had plans to meet Mateo this evening. She wanted to him down gently, so she replied, "Oh Gabe, no thank you. I already have plans to walk with a friend. I've had a long day and after the grand council meeting and the dozens of people I've had to work with all day, I really just need some quiet time. I hope you understand." She said this as she moved an imaginary strand of hair behind her ear.
Gabe looked slightly crestfallen but recovered quickly, "Of course, princess. Enjoy your walk with Mateo, and please call if you need anything at all."
Surprised that he knew who she had planned to meet – she didn't realize that the entire palace had noticed who she spent most of her free time with and enjoyed speculating the why – she said "Of course," as she nodded to him and continued on her way.
By the time she entered the garden, the sun had been replaced by the moon, bathing the garden in its ethereal light. Knowing she was alone, Elena removed her shoes and tucked them under a nearby shrub. She much preferred to walk the garden in her bare feet, enjoying the feel of grass between her toes. As she rounded the first bend and was out of site of the palace door, the princess turned her face up to the moon – throwing her arms out wide – and twirled, feeling absolutely free in that moment.
Once she had collected herself, Elena smoothed her dress and continued down the path, taking in the unearthly beauty of the moonlit garden. She took in the neatly trimmed hedges that flanked the garden walls; meandering paths winding lazily between grassy plots laden with sprawling trees and glassy ponds; and the flower beds scattered throughout containing countless flowers, shrubs and bushes, all of which were bursting with brightly colored blooms in various shapes and sizes.
Her favorite spot in the garden was a secluded area in the farthest corner from the palace. It was a small, cozy area surrounded on all sides by tall flowering bushes and trees that arched overhead – creating a leafy canopy that allowed just enough of the filtered moonlight through to see by. One tree had an old swing hanging from a lower branch of an oak tree. A lovely archway draped with grape vines marked the entrance. It was like her own secret world where only kindred spirits could enter.
Elena made her way through the garden, thinking of how uncomfortable the encounter with Gabe had been. She didn't want to hurt his feelings and considered him a dear friend, but she just didn't feel that way about him. She was too busy with ruling the kingdom to really even consider a romantic relationship with anyone.
She also suspected that Naomi was smitten with the young royal guard. Naomi was too proud to pursue it, especially since it was pretty obvious to anyone with eyes that Gabe had another romantic interest. Elena smiled as she considered ways she could play matchmaker between her two friends. As she laughed to herself, she heard a familiar and welcome voice greeting her, "Hey Elena!"
Elena turned eagerly towards the source of the voice, "Hello Mateo," she said with a warm smile.
Mateo stepped out of the shadows and onto the moonlit path. Elena looked around, "Why were you lurking in the shadows? Are you hiding something?" she teased, crossing her her arms, eyes twinkling with amusement.
"What?! Me, no, I have nothing– No! I was just– Why would you even say–," Mateo sputtered, looking a bit like a child who was caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Elena could see the reddening of his face, even in the moonlight.
"Calm down, Mateo, I was only teasing," Elena laughed.
"Right, of course you were! I knew that," Mateo said in an attempt to be smooth, but realizing that he was utterly failing, gave up and flashed a sheepish grin at the princess as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck.
Elena had spent many evenings walking through the garden with Mateo but had never shown him her secret spot. She decided that tonight was as good as any, so she grabbed him by the elbow and said, "Come on! I want to show you something!" and took off running with the young wizard in tow.
"Where are we–"
"You'll see in a minute!"
She hauled him to the far end of the garden, where the trees grew much closer together; as they neared the entrance to her secret spot, she slowed and – releasing his elbow to put a finger to her lips – said in a low whisper, "Follow me." She reached out and pushed the curtain of vines out of the way and motioned for him to enter.
As Mateo walked through the archway, he looked around – awestruck – and said, "Wow, Elena! I had no idea this was even here. This is probably the most beautiful place in the entire garden and I bet very few even know about it!" He noticed the arching tree branches overhead and the moonbeams filtering through and lighting the space.
"This is my very favorite space in the entire palace grounds. I've come here since I was a child whenever I wanted to play alone, to find some quiet or just to think. I loved that swing!" She said pointing at the old swing, "I would swing as high as I could, pretending I could fly, but I haven't swung on it for ages! After everything you've done for me, I figured you ought to be let in on the secret," Elena said softly.
Mateo smiled and said, "Elena, I'm honored that you would share your secrets with me." He wanted to mention the other secret she had shared with him recently but decided against it since he was fairly sure that while they could not be seen, they could still be heard. He would be a lousy secret keeper indeed if he was so careless.
Elena crossed the clearing to a moonlit patch of grass, motioning for Mateo to join her as she settled herself in a comfortable seated position.
"Of course I share my secrets with you, you are my best and most trusted friend, though I don't have a whole lot of them. Typically, I'm not a secretive person, but I'm sure you can understand why I have the few that I do."
"Yes, I suppose I do. I still can't figure out why the crown princess of Avalor would even associate with someone like me, let alone share her deepest secrets," Mateo said looking at the ground as he idly picked at a few blades of grass.
"'Someone like you'? What do you even mean by that? And seriously, are you really going there? Again?" Elena asked her royal wizard in a mock stern voice. "Have you forgotten how we met?"
"You mean when Princess Sofia rescued you from the amulet?"
"That is exactly what I'm referring to but you keep forgetting that she never would have been able to do any of it without you. You were the key to my rescue and the rescue of my grandparents and Isa. It was your choice to defy the law and study magic at a young age that led to securing the freedom of all Avalor. Not only that but you are an exceptionally talented wizard."
"So you associate with me because of my magic?"
"No! I'm saying that you are brave, talented, kind-hearted, and worthy of friendship and trust. I will be eternally grateful to you for rescuing me. Against all odds you helped rescue me from 41 years of captivity and then you helped me to defeat that witch! Do I really seem like the kind of person who only associates with people of 'noble birth'?"
Rubbing the back of his neck, Mateo grinned crookedly at the princess, saying, "No, I know you aren't. That is one of my favorite things about you. You have a big heart and you truly care for your people and are worthy of their love in return."
"Thank you," she said simply and continued, "Those events pushed us together and finding a true friend in the process was an added bonus. The two of us get along, it's as easy as breathing. I don't know if you've noticed but there are precious few people that I can truly be myself around and you, mi amigo, are one of them. I have to act the way a princess is expected to act, though as I'm sure you've noticed, I fail at that daily," she laughed as she wiggled her bare toes in the grass. "I have to talk, walk, dress, and even eat like a princess. Do you know how sick I am of hearing, 'that is not princess behavior'?" Elena said, giving a fairly convincing impression of Esteban.
Mateo laughed, "I'll admit I don't have quite the same pressures as far as my behavior goes. Everyone expects a wizard to be a little quirky," he flashed her a grin as he continued, "but I can kind of understand the feeling. Since I was appointed your royal wizard, the pressure of living up to everyone's expectations that I will be as great a wizard as my grandfather has been a little overwhelming and I'm afraid I'll never live up to him."
Elena peered carefully into her friend's eyes, and – seeing the hint of doubt – shot him a wicked grin as she pushed his shoulder, knocking him to the ground as he said, "Ouch! Hey! What was that for?!"
Laughing, Elena said, "I'm trying to knock some sense into you. You don't see yourself clearly. I know you're amazing and are just starting to explore your full potential but you refuse to see it!"
"Okay, okay! I'm amazing. Are you happy now?"
"Yes, and don't you forget it!"
"You know, it feels insolent to say about royalty, but you are my best friend. I love that we can talk for hours at a time and I love that I have a skillset that I can use to help you. You know that I'd do anything for you, Elena."
Feeling a little awkward about voicing these thoughts, Mateo rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously. Elena smiled warmly in return.
"We make a good pair, you and I," she said, looking fondly at her friend.
They sat awhile in companionable silence for a little while, simply enjoying each other's company and the beauty of the garden around them.
Elena was first to break the silence, "How is your mami doing?"
"She is doing well. I know she is keeping busy but I think she misses me."
"Don't you see her everyday?"
"Not since I finished school in diciembre and was appointed your royal wizard. Most nights I sleep down in the workshop."
"Wait, what? You sleep in the workshop? Why in the world would you sleep there?"
"Most days I'm working on potions or trying to learn new spells or refine old spells and time gets away from me so rather than make the journey across town and up the hill in the middle of the night, I sleep in the workshop. Those wingback chairs are remarkably comfortable."
"I wish you would have said something before. You don't have to sleep in the workshop! There's not even a bed down there! I honestly thought you went home every night. You know, Alacazar had a suite in the palace when he was royal wizard. First thing tomorrow I will make the same arrangements for you."
"Really, you don't have to do that."
"Nonsense, I want to do this and it's not like there's any shortage of rooms in the palace," Elena replied, "I'll not have my royal wizard sleeping in a wingback chair every night. You need to be well rested, and, besides, you are practically part of the family! I want to do this for you, please?"
She leaned over and draped her arm across Mateo's shoulders and gave him a friendly hug, bringing a smile to his face.
"Fine, and thank you."
She leaned back and returned the smile, though it faded slightly as she realized the time. Sighing, she said, "We should probably head back before Gabe sends out a search party."
"Why would he do that?"
"I ran into him just before I got to the garden. He was hoping for an invitation to walk with me but I turned him down."
"What made you turn him down?"
"First of all, I already had plans to walk with you and, believe it or not, I actually look forward to our evening walks. Second, it is pretty obvious to anyone paying attention that he is interested in being 'more than friends' with me. I value his friendship and think he's a great royal guard, but I'm not interested in him like that."
Mateo had a feeling in the pit of his stomach that he couldn't quite identify, suddenly feeling irritated with the young guard but at a loss as to why, asked, "Why aren't you interested? He seems really nice, he's willing to protect you with his life and I've overheard several palace maids giggling and saying how attractive he is."
Elena gave her friend a sad little smile and said, "Those are all good qualities but those qualities could also be applied to a good friend. While I consider Gabe to be a good friend, I find that he can be quick to judge and is not always as kind as he could be. If doing the right thing conflicts with his sense of duty, he will choose duty first every time. Did you hear him in the workshop earlier today when I shared my secret? He was almost afraid of me and my magic and was quick to insist that I lie to my people rather than embrace the gift, make the most of it, and – most importantly – prove myself to be a queen who stands for honesty and integrity."
"Oh I heard him in the workshop. His attitude was actually making me pretty angry, I was seriously tempted to zap him."
Laughing, Elena said, "While I appreciate the thought, I don't think that will be necessary. He is entitled to his opinion just as I am entitled to mine. I will be sad, however, if he allows his opinions to drive a wedge into our friendship."
Mateo could see the sadness and resignation in the princess's eyes and pushed, "I can understand that, but I think there's more to it, isn't there?"
Elena looked him in the eye and said, "Truthfully, what I want or find attractive probably doesn't matter either way because as crown princess and the future queen of Avalor, I'm expected to marry for the good of the kingdom. I can't bear the thought of giving my heart to a man just to have it broken because of a stupid marriage alliance with another kingdom." Her gaze turned towards the ground as she toyed with a stray wildflower in the grass.
As she continued to stare at the ground, a finger gently lifted her chin and her eyes met Mateo's kind but concerned gaze. She thought of how much she loved his crooked smile and wondered why she had never noticed the way his tousled hair framed his face or how a little crease would form between his eyebrows when something was bothering him. She felt the heat rising in her face and shook her head a little to clear her thoughts.
Watching the princess carefully, Mateo withdrew his hand and said quietly, "That does not sound like you either. You are the most optimistic person I know and this sort of talk sounds like you've already accepted defeat. You've always been a little unconventional in your rule, the people know this and most of them love that about you. Why should your choice of who you spend the rest of your life with be any different?"
"Because, I know that there are a lot of things that in the grand scheme of things will make very little difference to the future of Avalor, like walking around the garden in bare feet or thumb wrestling with my sister at the dinner table–"
"Wait, you thumb wrestle with your sister at the dinner table?"
Elena dismissed the questions with a wave of her hand, "That's not the point, the point is that those things are trivial and while they may cause people to 'talk', they won't impact the kingdom. Marriage alliances can make or break a kingdom. They can secure peace for centuries."
"But Avalor is a peaceful kingdom, we have never had any true enemies. Why is this an issue? And besides, you have made many unconventional decisions that could have affected the kingdom. Like that time you decided to go against the rule of the council and befriend Charocca on the Monfuego. That could have gone seriously wrong. And I have a hard time believing that you are concerned with carrying out tradition for tradition's sake. And don't get me started on when you decided to chase down the moth fairy during the eclipse last year. Or last Navidad, you were insistent on creating new traditions and not doing things just because that's how they were always done." As he continued, the rhythm of Mateo's speech increased in speed and his hands gestured emphatically with each word. Elena half expected him to leap to his feet and start pacing the clearing.
The princess gently placed her hand over his mouth, which effectively halted the young wizard's tirade, "Shhh...Mateo, what has gotten into you? I didn't realize you felt so passionately about my choices, or lack thereof."
Mateo shook his head and she removed her hand, "I didn't realize it either," he said quietly, "but you looked so sad and resigned to that fate. I know there are worse things than an arranged marriage, but I don't like the idea of you not having a choice in who to love. As your friend, it is my duty to look out for your happiness, and I know that an arranged marriage would not make you happy. After everything you have suffered on behalf of this kingdom, I think you deserve a little happiness. Well, actually, I believe that you deserve a lot more than 'a little' happiness but I think you know what I mean."
Elena took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she did so, and tilted her chin towards the sky until her face was bathed in moonlight. "Perhaps you are right. It's not like there are any marriage alliances in the works anyways. Really, though, it makes no difference when it comes to Gabe. I am not interested. He's a great guy but I simply can't think of him as anything closer than a brother. Much like Naomi is my sister." Mateo raised an eyebrow with a little smirk and said, "What about me?"
Laughing, Elena said, "What about you? You are closer than a brother, you are the best friend that I have ever had. I can tell you anything and be myself. I'm not sure I can even do that with anyone in my family. I don't have to words to describe what you are to me."
Mateo smiled, "Well at least there's that."
"Indeed. But seriously, the moon is getting pretty high in the sky. I know I need to get some sleep and you should too. Go see your mami, sleep at home tonight. I'm sure Skylar will gladly give you a ride. I'll make the arrangements for you to have your own suite of rooms tomorrow. No more sleeping in chairs, you crazy wizard!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Mateo said, laughing.
The two friends stepped out of the secret garden and Elena gave a loud whistle as they made their way down the path. The sound of large, beating wings filled the air as a jacquin landed in front of them.
"Hola! Princessa! Long time, no see!" Skylar greeted the princess.
"Hey Skylar, sorry. My schedule's been pretty loco lately. I've missed you!"
"Aww, stop, you're making me blush. So, what can I do for you, princessa?"
Elena walked over to Skylar and scratched him behind the ears. The jacquin leaned into her touch and was practically purring. With a small giggle, Elena said, "It seems that our royal wizard has been working late nights and hasn't had the energy to walk home in the middle of the night. I was hoping that you would be so kind as to give him a ride home."
As he gave a little shake of his head and a stretch, Skylar looked at the princess and said, "Well, I like that wizard, so, sure! I'll give him a ride."
"Thanks Skylar! You're the best!"
"Yeah, thanks Skylar," Mateo added and turned towards Elena, "I suppose I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Count on it! We've got some serious studying and practice to do. Thank you for walking with me and talking with me. I always enjoy my time spent with you," Elena said as she leaned over and kissed Mateo on the cheek. "Hasta mañana, mi amigo!"
"Hasta mañana, Elena," Mateo said as he climbed onto Skylar's back. The jacquin took off and as Elena watched the pair fly off into the distance, she thought about how thankful she was to have Mateo's friendship and wondered if it was, indeed, true that she considered him to be more than a brother or a friend, then what, exactly, did that make him to her?
