Authors Note: A lot happens in this chapter and I'm hoping its still readable. Elena's dream in this does get rather steamy so it's rated T for a good reason. Enjoy the chapter and if anyone has suggestions let me know!

Chapter 7

"Good morning family," said Elena as she looked at her abuelos, cousin, and sister as she sat down at the dinner table. Hmm everything smelt so good as she hummed taking some food for herself.

"You're in a good mood," said Luisa as Elena flushed.

She might have spent the last couple of days stealing a few kisses here and there with Gabe. It wasn't exactly like seeing him behind the others back. At least she hoped. Since she had confessed to Gabe just exactly how she felt about him, it was like she was walking on air. Plus the fact that two of her suitors couldn't continue on with their dates. Today she was going on a date with Felix Robles.

"You have an outing this afternoon," said Esteban as he noted that.

"How exactly are those going on?" asked Francisco as he looked at her interested. They haven't exactly been getting her opinion, as they were giving her the privacy to think things over. "Besides with what happened."

"I chose some very nice boys," said Elena as she thought of the other two. "I do feel really horrible about what happened with my last date. I understand why they couldn't continue. I'm trying to sort out what happens after my first dates with each of them."

Esteban and Francisco shared a look as Luisa eyed them both just as curious. They were the ones setting up the times for the dates and making sure that nothing wrong was with said boy. It didn't matter to Elena that they did this first, because honestly that helped her from doing it herself.

"Well after all the first initials dates are done," said Francisco as he looked at her with a small smile. "You'll chose the ones that you liked more and continue on until there is one left."

Elena nodded getting that. Although she wondered if that was fair or not. However, it was easier then one year with another and one with another. And she only had four boys left, one of which she was very close to as well.

"What do you know about Felix?" asked Elena curious to know.

"Not much. I understand his father is the captain of the royal navy," said Francisco. "I do like that you chose someone from Avalor as a requirement. A foreign prince didn't seem like someone that you would pick."

Elena thought back to when she and Gabe overheard Rico talking with Miguel. All the guards had bets that Elena would pick Gabe. Then they would wonder who would get to be captain. She wondered if her family had someone in mind that they wanted her to pick. She looked over at them a little suspicious as she had to guess.

Then she just decided to ask. "Alright, do you guys have someone in mind of who I should pick? I mean all of you were talking with the men that I did chose."

All the adults looked at each other as Naomi flurried into the room. Her blond friend had that look on her face that was a mix of confusion and upset. Elena waited for the opportunity to shift focus before bringing up another to Naomi. After her first outing she was going to spend some time with Naomi and her sister. It was going to be an afternoon without the talk of boys which just confused her enough.

"Alright I hope you pick Gabe," said Luisa. "I know he makes you happy mija. And training him wouldn't be too difficult." At that last line she gave Esteban a look who just thought about his response. It was what Elena and Esteban liked to hear.

"If I had to pick I like Lucas," said Esteban. "He's someone that I think you would like and knows a lot about Avaloran history and politics."

Of course, Esteban would think of politics. Yet, he did think about that he is someone that she would like. He probably spent some time talking to Lucas or at the very least his father. After all, King Raul wanted her to originally see his father. Elena turned her attention to Francisco as he just looked like he was caught stealing cookies.

"I pick whoever makes you happiest," said Francisco as he thought about it. "I'm not going to influence you and who you pick."

Elena grinned as she liked that response to what he thought.

"I'd picked up someone else altogether," said Naomi. "Although I agree with Francisco. It's your life and we really can't pick for you."

"I think you should pick Gabe," said Isabel as she looked up at her sister. "We do know him a lot better though and that's an advantage. Although I'm not completely opposed to meeting someone new."

Elena thought about what her sister said without that smile leaving her face. It was always fun to get to know someone.

"So after the first date with each are you going to pick?" asked Naomi as she was curious. "Or are you going to narrow it down to one after eliminating dates?"

Elena thought about it as she wanted to confide in her family about her decision. She thought about Gabe and then about the boys that she had picked. Part of her knew who she would be picking all along. And getting to know each boy was beneficial to her.

"Well I think I've had an idea from the beginning of what I wanted," said Elena carefully. "But I'm done talking about this. Naomi are we going sailing later today? You looked a little upset when you came in."

"Of course," she said. Then thought about the upset remark. "I'll tell you on the boat."

Elena nodded as she thought that it would be fun. Nice time away from court life and being royal. She looked at her family changing the subject. "What are you guys doing for the day?"

Everyone started to share what they are planning on doing today. Since Elena was going to lunch with her date she would be back at dinner time maybe. Spending time with Naomi might go a bit longer Isabel had her friends over to work on a project together. Her abuelos were going to spend sometime together. Esteban was going to be doing something that she didn't quite catch.

She started to head toward some of her duties that she had to cover this morning. This included meeting with the mayor of Avalor city. Then went to signs off on some documents that were needed and necessary to deal with a new library.

Then finally finally did lunch come along where Felix came to the palace. Elena picked out her favorite white floral dress as she double checked herself in the mirror. She twisted her hair into a braid as they got ready for horseback riding. Then Rico was carrying the picnic lunch on his horse.

Outside Elena waved as she saw Felix. He looked nice and comfortable as they got on the horses. He had a pretty white stallion that looked freshly groomed. Elena was given the reigns to Canela.

"You know we have a guard named Felix too," said Elena as she started to make conversation. "He's a really nice guy."

"I hope we don't get confused too often," said Felix as he smiled at her. "So how do you want to start to get to know each other?"

He sounded so hopeful as Elena just laughed a little. "I'm not sure. Maybe we could talk about our families? I love mine and could clearly go on and on."

"My abuela would tell us stories about your family. She was alive when Shuriki took over," he said. "Mine just has me and my brother. He's currently in school studying at some science academy. We're not exactly close. My sister is older than me and we have nieces and nephews."

Huh that was neat as they got to their picnic site as Rico got everything prepared. They weren't too far from the palace in case Esteban or Naomi needed her. Ahh that was right, Esteban was helping rule for the day with Naomi during her outing hours.

After talks about their families Elena found herself growing bored. Elena sighed as she looked across to her date. After a rather uneventful morning and getting tired she shuffled her feet as she thought about her sister at home. She smoothed her skirt as she saw Rico's reaction to her date. He looked just as bored as well. Maybe she'll talk to him one day. Small talk at the ball was one thing but now it felt like this was drawing on and on. Apparently, he was studying politics at the university. Geez, he should have been talking to Esteban.

And now she could only imagine what Lucas was like.

"And that's how I knew that…" continued Felix. Okay, time to change the conversation.

"Hey Felix, um, why don't we talk about something else. What do you like to do besides going to school?" she asked hoping he liked some outdoor activities.

"I'm good at archery," he said thinking about it. "And enjoy music."

Her eyes lite up a little at the mention of music. She loved playing the guitar and singing songs. Maybe Felix enjoyed the same. Then she remembered that prince that enjoyed tuba music. She held her tongue as she thought about asking him more. Felix must have seen her enthusiasm as he got excited.

"I'm a guitar player," he said. Yes! He was a guitar player, that Elena could relate to.

They started to talk some more as it was becoming quite comfortable.

"Oh," said Felix as Elena was starting to realize the time. "I'm going to be late for my lecture. Good luck on your other dates Queen Elena. I'm sure one of them will make a fine king."

Huh? What exactly was that supposed to mean?

"What about us," said Elena after a minute. "Shouldn't we talk about a second date?"

"I would but I think that would be a waste of our time," he said after a minute. "I mean, I do agree that we get along. However, there are two things that are holding me back. The first being that if we do go farther along, I realize that I could be the next potential monarch. The idea of being a king does seem appealing however, it isn't me. I think we don't have much in common," he said as Elena found herself agreeing. At least he didn't try to guess her opinions on Gabe. "I don't know how your other dates went but if you want to talk about them..."

Elena only laughed a little at this.

"I think that's private," she said. "I do like getting to know you and the others though."

"So maybe schedule sometime to hang out as friends?" he asked looking like he really wanted to know to more about her dates.

She giggled again as she playfully hit his shoulder. "Okay, next week?"

"Perfect," he smiled before getting up and going to his horse. This date felt more like a friend thing and she was thankful to have that. She made a note to tell her abuelo and Esteban later.

Elena watched as he went off toward his house as Elena turned back to Rico. She wondered if she had been picking the wrong guys. Then she just decided to head down to the docks as she went to dock to Rico. There was the matter of going and spending sometime with Naomi. That would surely clear her head as she wanted this courtship thing she started.

She found herself standing at the docks as she looked for Naomi. Maybe now she could figure out what she was upset about. Elena saw her blond friend talking to her parents as Elena went over to see what was up.

"Elena," called Naomi as they went down to the boat. Elena could only remember the time that they go stuck on that enchanted boat.

She got on the boat as Naomi came in behind her. Naomi waved to her parents as they skimmed across the water together. It had been a short day and she wanted to make this boating trip long to keep the day flowing, so to speak.

"Are you okay? I saw you looking upset earlier."

Naomi sighed as they didn't even leave the bay yet before watching. "It's nothing compared to what you are going through."

"Naomi, try me," she said.

"Alright I was showing this guy from my class in high school how to sail. Jorge Carson," she said as Elena remembered that name. She met him once or twice. "Apparently he went to my parents and asked their permission to go out on a date with me."

Elena wiggled in her seat as she gasped. "Naomi that's awesome, it's sweet that he went to your parents and asked. Do you not like him or something?" she asked wishing that they weren't talking about boys but this was exciting her friend was getting a boyfriend and it seemed natural that it would happen at the same time. Maybe they could double on her next date.

"I guess but I don't know, I like him, but it feels sudden and random," she said. "I mean we hung out at sailing lessons and we had a lot of the same classes. We talk here and there but it's not something that I expected."

Elena could understand that as she looked thoughtful. "You to do know each other. Maybe he's been an admirer from afar," she said pointing it out. "Well how would you know you liked him unless you went out. I mean that's the point of me going on outings with these suitors. I have to find out who I like and sometimes that means finding out what I don't like."

Naomi nodded as Elena felt as if she could tell her friend everything. The suitor business might be helping Naomi out as just as much as it helped her. Elena thought about it as she put two and two together.

She wasn't trying that hard with her dates expecting it to feel natural and they could connect. So far she hasn't felt that. And the guys she picked weren't working out because she knew who she wanted all along. They were all a bit doomed to fail from the start. She clearly wasn't trying hard enough knowing who she wanted to pick. Elena felt her heart skip a beat there. She knew who she wanted to pick. Forget about being fair she knew exactly who was wanted and now she had to break it to Lucas and Criston. Or at the very least maybe do two dates in one day.

"I know who I wanted to pick all along," said Elena. "The other boys were just confirming who I really wanted to be with this entire time. And that's Gabe."

"Aww Elena that's sweet. Now help me with my problem," she said. "Please."

"Okay, I just say go on it and see how it feels. If it's natural then go out on another," she said. "Now let's not talk about boys and talk about something else. How have your parents been doing?"

Naomi chatted on about her life as Elena was telling her what was going on with the others. They skimmed around the area as Naomi passed her an apple to eat. The two girls from the water watched the sunset together.

"Now that's beautiful,' said Elena as the sun kissed the horizon.

"Sure is," said Naomi as they had a blanket thrown over the two of them. Elena rested her head on Naomi's shoulder. The two girls watched as the stars started to come out and as the sky turned multiple colors of twilight.

After the sun was down Elena helped Naomi cart the boat back to shore and dock it. The two girls hugged as a carriage was waiting for her. Instead of Rico there was Gabe driving it as she got herself a little excited. Instead of getting in the cart Elena watched as he bridled Canela before getting up and sitting next to him. Naomi grinned as she watched them ride off.

It was comfortable between them as Elena looked up at him.

"You know you aren't supposed to be picking me up from outings," she teased.

"Hey, I'm picking you up from the harbor," he said teasing back. "It's different unless you and Naomi went on a date."

Elena pretending to think about it as Gabe gasped. "No, we were not on a date," said Elena as she grinned at him. "We had a lot of fun just talking and sailing some. Didn't go too far away from land though."

"That's good," he said encouraging the horses to go a little faster.

She thought back to her conversation with Felix about being a king and knowing that it wasn't for him. Maybe…

"Hey Gabe, if I picked you could you see yourself as a king?" she asked waiting for reaction. He bit his lip and went from looking at the road to her. Thankfully nobody was around if they went slower. "Like learning about foreign policy, conversations with other royals, making decisions that kind of thing?"

She watched as he blinked and looked down at the grass trying to think of an explanation. Elena wondered if this was going to be good reaction or not. Gabe turned to look at her with a shy smile on his face.

"I mean I don't see why not,' he said. "I know we were taught a lot of this in guard training, like polite conversation and other kinds of etiquette." Esteban was the likely person to do that and she was thankful for that. "I know Esteban can be really intense on this kind of thing."

"Soooo?" she asked drawing out the word wondering what his exact thoughts where. "Gabe please be completely honest with me okay?"

"Okay, so the thought of it is a little scary but I like it and I have you there to help," he said as Elena wanted to tease him for the corny line. However, he seemed to honest and sincere that she couldn't help but believe him. "And if I can handle Esteban giving us lectures in guard lessons I think I can handle king lessons."

That reaction just made her happy as she patted his leg.

"That's exactly what I want to hear," she said leaning up and kissing his cheek. They came up to the castle as he let Elena off, so he could put the carriage away and the horses back in the stables. Elena went off to find her family as she wanted to spend some time with them before going to bed tonight.

Luisa was in the kitchen working on helping clean. Francisco in the music room practicing with a pipe of some kind. Esteban was in the library studying… Before she could get to Isabel she wanted to stop and ask Esteban something. Swinging by the library she saw him with some paperwork around him as Elena stopped at the door.

"Hey Esteban," she said softly. "Could I ask you something?"

"Of course," he said as a few more questions sprung to mind. Esteban didn't move as he was just looking at his paper.

"First of my date with Criston. I know I'm supposed to be going on these by myself but Naomi is going on a date and I'm wondering if we could double. I know this bends the rules some which is why I'm telling you."

"That's fine, what else?" asked Esteban not even looking up from his paperwork.

A little surprised she thought of her next question. "What are some of the lessons in training to be a king that you had in mind?"

"Diplomacy, politics, law, economics, and royal history to name a few."

Now this was frustrating as he didn't even really acknowledge her again. Sitting down she got close to him and the letter he had in front of him. She read it at an angle as she saw Rogelio's name on it. Skimming she saw that Rogelio had his marriage arranged and his wife had died a couple of years ago. He had a young daughter. And his feelings for Esteban never really went away….

Oh, now this was sad as she put her arms around her cousin.

"I don't know what to do," he said.

"I'm going to say the same thing I said to Naomi about her date. Go on it and if it feels natural go on another. Esteban, your feelings won't just go away so confront them head on. It sounds like he really likes you," she said as he hugged her back.

"Okay," he said as he squeezed her back. "And I'm sorry about ignoring you at first. How was your outing today?"

"Like I wasn't even on one," she said. "Which isn't a good thing for me since I'm looking for that spark. As for ignoring me, It's fine Esteban. I'm not going to but into your love life but if you're not going to say anything I will." She was teasing this time. He was doing a good job at staying out of hers for the most part. All she had to do was respect him and give her best advice. "I'm going to find Isa, I think last night I promised that she could stay with me tonight."

"Goodnight, Elena," he said as she exited the library. She kissed her abuelos as she saw them heading toward their room wishing them sweet dreams.

Isabel was already in her room as the two girls started to head toward the bed to sleep. They didn't have to say anything for Elena to start to sing their mother's song. It didn't take long for Elena to fall asleep as well. Hopefully her dreams were of the kissing variety.

Her gaze rose as he sat at the edge of his bed with her in his lap and put his hand on Elena's skirt stroking one of her legs and the other was in the back of it. Her hands on his bare chest and the other digging into his shoulder.

She kissed him passionately, Elena settled between his legs with her legs around Gabe's waist. He lay her down and put her on giving her short kisses and her lips to her neck.

"Do you like that mi amour?" he said breath husky.

Getting excited herself Elena pushed herself into the kiss. He kissed her again passionately as Elena began to caress his chest. "Si Gabe," she said with a gasp. "Oh… your muscles… take me now."

"Whatever you want, my queen."

Gabe kissed her with passion, which enchanted Elena. Something about him taking control was… sexy in a way. His lips went down to her shoulder as she moaned out a little. Whatever it was, she loved every minute of it not daring to stop. He lowered his kisses to Elena's chest and began to just feel. This was intimacy she thought as Elena let out a big groan.

"I love you," he said as he kissed her neck. The air around them hot and sticky as she moaned out in ecstasy. Where he was touching her felt amazing and so light.

"Gabe, I love you," she cried out as his lips found the base of her throat. His hands tugged at her skirt as she…

Then she woke up as Isabel was still sleeping next to her. She brushed some hair from Isa's face as she laid back down. A week of kissing dreams and now this. Next week she had her date with Criston and then at Esteban's request Lucas. She didn't need to go on a date to know that she wanted Gabe. Two weeks and this would all be over. First there was the kiss and now touching, now she wanted to sleep with him. She wondered if this feeling was good or not before deciding that she should talk to someone. There was no way she was taking this problem to her sister. She wouldn't know what to say to her grandparents. Then Naomi wouldn't know what she was feeling, still sorting out her feelings for Jorge. The next person she could talk to this about is Gabe.