Elena: So, you think that she really was trying to make my mission to make amends with King Hector that difficult on purpose?
Gabe: It's the only explanation for her attitude towards you that makes sense to me.
New male voice: I think it's simply a matter of her opinion, though. It's this other princess's fault if she thinks that way of you.
Gabe and Elena looked to where the new voice was coming from. They saw a male teenager around their ages. He looked handsome, in Elena's eyes anyway. Suddenly, Elena agreed with this beautiful new stranger.
Elena: I guess your take on it could be right, too. I'm not going to be prejudice against Princess Veronica just because she thinks that of me, though. It's just her opinion. I'm Crown Princess Elena, by the way.
Handsome Stranger: It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Crown Princess Elena. I'm Prince Fernando of the kingdom of Zoratan.
Elena: Oh, "Crown Princess" isn't really necessary. You can just call me Elena, Prince Fernando.
Fernando: I am greatly sorry if including "Crown Princess" had offended you in any way. I'll be sure to be more careful in the future.
Elena: That's alright, Fernando. Everyone seems to think "Crown Princess" is needed when addressing me at first.
Then, the mysterious prince took Elena's hand and kissed it. Elena was so caught up in the handsome prince, that she had forgotten her royal guard was also in the room. Gabe was not pleased by this stranger kissing his beloved princess's hand, but the worst of it was that she actually enjoyed it. He almost ran interference when he remembered how the retreat ended, and that was just how it ended when he was trying to come to the crown princess's defense. She would've hated him forever if he tried to rob her of a chance at the love she wanted. Gabe would just have calm down a bit for now.
Gabe: Well, might as well introduce myself, too. I'm Lieutenant Gabriel Núñez, Elena's royal guard, and have I got my eye on you. Princess Elena's pride is in a delicate state right now thanks to that Princess Veronica. I swear, if you do anything that might hurt her feelings, you'll have me to deal with.
The Prince of Zoratan seemed rather unfazed by this little threat of the young royal guard. So, Gabe decided to turn up the heat on him.
Gabe: You'll_ also have the rest of the guard, a royal wizard, and her entire family on your case if you do anything that hurts her in anyway.
Fernando: Oh, you don't have to worry about me doing anything like that. She's far too beautiful to be worth hurting, in my opinion.
Elena: I'm sorry if he tried to intimidate you, Fernando. Why don't you go get a drink or read for a bit while I have a discussion with Gabe about respecting others, and then I'll take you to meet my family and the rest of my friends.
Fernando: Gracias, Elena. I guess I am feeling a bit parched. I think I'll go get that drink you suggested.
Elena: Armando, the chief of our castle, can guide you to the kitchen to get something to drink. Armando, you're needed for something.
Armando came out to the great hall as he was ordered.
Armando: You called, your highness? May I help you with whatever task you need assistance?
Elena: Yes, Armando, there's a visiting prince here who would like something to drink. Could you by any chance escort him to the kitchen?
Armando looked at his schedule for royal visits. He thought he might have missed something about a prince visiting for the day, for there was no royal visit scheduled for that day or anytime soon.
Armando: Maybe, I just lost track of the timing of the royal visits. I need to spend less time worrying about imaginary creatures and more time focusing on things such as royal visits. I'll escort this young man to the kitchen for his drink, Elena. What is your preference, Sir?
Fernando: My name is Fernando, and I would like a nice, ice-cold glass of agua.
Armando: This way to the kitchen for your water then, young Prince Fernando.
Armando and Fernando walked off to the kitchen, leaving Elena and Gabe alone. Gabe found it rewarding at first until Elena started to get on his case about his words and actions towards Alejandro.
Elena: What were you doing just now? What was all of that about? You should be ashamed of yourself.
Gabe: I should be ashamed of myself? What are you talking about, Elena? I didn't do anything wrong.
Elena: Except interrogate someone who has done nothing to prove himself to be danger to the kingdom.
Gabe: What are you talking about now? Oh, this is about Prince Fernando, isn't it? How can you possibly be this trusting towards someone you just met?
Elena: Look who's talking, Mister Hypocrite! You were the reason Fiero got into the castle during the ball for Mateo's official promotion to royal wizard. When Esteban wanted to throw Charoca out of Avalor without getting the whole story, you were right there with him.
Then, Elena said something that made Gabe feel completely broken inside of his heart.
Elena: What I cannot believe about you the most is that you have that stupid crush on me.
Gabe: How can a princess be this cruel? You know what? I don't care about it anymore. Have fun with your new prince.