It was late in the evening when the entourage returned to the palace, tired and hungry, but mostly pleased with the results of their impromptu trip to the prison –– all except Esteban. He was convinced that the prisoner was lying about everything and refused to believe that Malvara was up to anything. Elena asked her companions to join her in her private dining room, saying that she would call for a late dinner to be served for them while they had their emergency council meeting. She also sent a guard to fetch Naomi and Gabe for the meeting.

Thankfully, the kitchen staff realized that the royal family had been away for the evening and assumed they would be hungry when they returned, so they had set aside the food prepared for the head table. It was a welcome site when the meal arrived and was set upon Elena's table. There was a platter of pork tamales, bowls heaped high with spicy Avaloran rice and frijoles, pans of cheesy enchiladas, steaming hot corn tortillas, savory pozole, and – to top it all off – a gorgeous caramel flan for dessert.

Naomi and Gabe had arrived by then. Elena explained what was going on and invited them to join the rest of the group for the late meal, or at least dessert. She also told Mateo, in no uncertain terms, that he was to sit and eat with them. "Mateo, if you are so concerned about my safety in my own room with guards stationed at every entrance, you can sit next to me." She pulled out the empty chair to her right and gestured for him to sit.

Once everyone had plates filled to the brim with the delicious, hot food, Elena stood up and – swallowing nervously –– said, "Before we go any further, we need to clear the elephant from the room." With one hand on her hip, she looked at the faces around the table as she raised the other and conjured a half dozen sparkling orbs of light and sent them floating around the room with a flick of her fingers. "With the exception of Gabe and Naomi, you all surely noticed the magic that I unintentionally performed this afternoon."

Naomi quirked an eyebrow at this news and said, "Oops, guess the cat's out of the bag!"

"Mija! Of course we noticed! How long have you been a sorceress?"

"A sorceress? How can this be?" Esteban stammered.

"You already know that I absorbed a bit of magic from being stuck inside a magical amulet for over 40 years. It's just turned out to be more than we initially thought. I knew months ago when the magic started manifesting unpredictably –– usually when I was upset –– but I wanted to get a grasp on it before I told anyone of it. I have been working with Mateo for weeks now towards mastering this new gift."

Francisco's eyebrows knit with concern, and he said, "Mija, why did you keep it a secret in the first place? A queen must be worthy of trust from her people. Secrets and palace intrigue do not cultivate trust."

Elena, head bowed apologetically, said, "I know, abuelo. I will admit that the reason I kept it a secret in the first place was because I was worried that, after Shuriki, everyone would turn against me for being magically gifted. I have since realized that being honest will go a long way towards earning the trust of my people. I would like your advice. I need help figuring out how to go about spreading the word."

Francisco opened his mouth to answer when Esteban leapt from his seat, a frenzied look in his eye, with an emphatic, "No!"

Six sets of incredulous eyes stared at the chancellor's outburst.

Elena said, "Excuse me?"

Esteban cleared his throat and straightened, clearly trying to compose himself before continuing. "I do not think it wise, princess, to allow this information to reach the public. Think of the rumors, the panic it could spark. This would truly create a scandal!"

"A scandal for whom, exactly?" Luisa asked carefully, a warning look flashing in her eyes.

Esteban began pacing the room agitatedly, "For the entire royal family, of course! People will talk. Speculate. Rumors will abound!"

Naomi rolled her eyes and said, her voice dripping with irony, "Really, chancellor? You think that telling the people of Avalor the truth would cause more rumors and speculation than allowing them to find out when the truth inevitably comes out at an unexpected time?"

"No, that is not what I meant! I simply think that this is a delicate matter that must be carefully thought through. I believe that Elena was correct in her concern that the people would reject another magical ruler. Avalor does not need another Shuriki."

Mateo ground his teeth in anger as Elena flinched, gasping as though she had been slapped, her lovely chocolate brown eyes sparkled with unshed tears. Naomi clenched her fists on the table as her expression became livid, and Francisco looked mortified at what the chancellor had just implied. Even Gabe looked angry at the implication of that last phrase.

Mateo reached under the table and found Elena's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. She responded with a thankful squeeze of her own and didn't let go.

"Esteban!" Luisa cried out in shock. "How could you say such a thing?"

Esteban rounded on them and slammed his palms on the table. "I mean that not one of you knows what it was like to live under the rule of that evil sorceress! I do! I don't think that our people have forgotten either."

Luisa spoke soothingly, "Esteban, you are right. None of us knows what it was like when Shuriki was queen, but Elena has proven herself to be unselfish and determined to do right by her people. She is nothing like Shuriki. Would it be any better to live under a queen who has no trouble lying to her people for her own benefit?"

"Yes! We must protect the people from this truth!"

Francisco rubbed at his chin thoughtfully and said, looking at Elena, "Mija, this is a difficult situation. I see Esteban's point, however, I do believe that our highest priority is to be honest. You can demonstrate your kindness, fairness and integrity to the people. But if you were to lie about this, everything you stood for would be questioned. A single lie can destroy your entire reputation."

"As one of the 'people'," Naomi interjected, "I think that it is a comfort to know that our future queen is devoted to her kingdom and has the power to protect Avalor from another threat like Shuriki. Especially if Malvara turns out to be the problem we think they are."

Luisa patted Elena's other hand and said kindly, "You have a beautiful heart, mija. Everyone will love you no matter what powers you possess. It is time you cast those worries away. There may be a few who don't like it but they will be won over in time. Just keep proving your love and devotion to Avalor just as you have been doing. Nothing has changed, not really."

Esteban shook his head disbelievingly and took his seat, placing his head in his hands.

Elena looked around the room, gratitude shining on her face, and said, "Thank you everyone for your support and opinions. Now, we need to decide how to go about making this truth common knowledge? We can't just make a royal proclamation, 'By royal decree, the crown princess has the power to manipulate the forces of nature, but it's ok because we all know she's nice'."

Mateo snorted from beside her and she responded by elbowing him playfully in the ribs.

Francisco pursed his lips in thought, "That is an excellent point. It must be done correctly, so as not to cause a panic."

"Everyone already knows that Elena is 'chosen by the scepter of light', so why don't we ease them into it being more than originally thought?" Naomi suggested. "Very few actually understand magic at all, so if at the next royal function they see the scepter glow when she touches it and then see her do bits of magic without it, then it may just become commonly accepted fact without making a big deal out of it."

Elena had stood and was pacing again. Mateo smiled as he noticed that her shoes had been abandoned beneath her chair and that the little crease had formed between her brows. His greatest desire in that moment was to be allowed to take her in his arms and sooth her worry.

The crown princess chewed her thumbnail as she paced. Think Elena! Think! Pausing and turning back to the council, Elena threw her hands up and said, "It's all just so strange! If it were anyone else and had Shuriki not been the previous 'queen'," Elena said this last word derisively sketching air quotes with her fingers, "no one would care. It would just come out naturally, without fanfare. Telling everyone directly will be weird but not telling them would create a scandal when the truth comes out. How can we––" she paused. "Wait! What if … what if we sent people out to spread the word? It wouldn't be a royal proclamation, just people telling their families and friends and letting the word spread that way?"

Francisco's eyes lit up, "Yes, I do believe that idea has some merit. Who would we send though? It would need to be someone we can trust to tell the facts and who are completely loyal to you."

Naomi exclaimed, "I can do it! I can make sure the word is spread up and down the docks. Gabe and Mateo could also spread the word to their families who will spread the word to their friends. Maybe Isabelle can tell her school friends too, and her friends in the village!"

"Elena," Luisa added, looking pleased with these ideas, "don't you have a few trusted friends in the merchants guild? I have a few trustworthy friends at court as well."

"Now just wait one moment!" Esteban exclaimed. "Have we really thought this through? Think of the talk! With this plan we are practically begging the people to gossip and start rumors of their own! Think of Malvara! What do you think this will do for our chances at peace with them?"

Elena gaped in disbelief for a moment before finding her words, "Esteban! Were you not paying attention at all to the prisoner this afternoon? It's pretty clear that Malvara has no intention of establishing peaceful ties with Avalor."

"All I heard was a monster trying to save his own skin and you bought into it so easily. I've always said you were far too soft hearted, Elena! And this may be the time it destroys everything!"

"Esteban!" Francisco reprimanded his grandson. "If you are going to take part in these discussions, you must calm yourself. Your assessment of the situation is exceptionally biased and your behavior towards Elena all day has been antagonistic and harsh. Luisa and I were there too and we completely agree with Elena's assessment of the prisoner's story."

His grandparents were probably the only two in the entire kingdom of Avalor that could correct the chancellor with any hope of him listening. Esteban hung his head in shame for his behavior, and mumbled, "My apologies, princess."

Naomi looked confused and said, "Could someone please fill me in on what happened during your trip to the prison this afternoon?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Naomi!" Elena said quickly. "Let's get you up to speed, shall we?"

Elena proceeded to tell Naomi everything from when they arrived at the tower until they left. She told her about the prisoner's reluctance to speak and how she got him to open up out by confusing him with compliments about his swordfighting skills during their duel. She highlighted how he had completely panicked when she mentioned the ambassadors impending visit and how that was the turning point that convinced him to join their side and tell them everything he knew.

"Wow." Naomi was stunned. "He wasn't trying to kill you. He was trying to kill me and kidnap you? I did not see that coming."

"I know! I don't think any of us did. All evidence pointed to an assassin, not a kidnapper. We'll have to deal with that too at some point. But right now, what I need from you is a merchant ship that sails as far and wide as possible, has a mostly Avaloran crew and spends little time on this side of the sea. And that has a captain that would be willing to add a new man to their crew –– tomorrow."

Naomi frowned in confusion, "Too easy, but why?"

"Well, part of the deal with our not-an-assassin is that we would protect him from any harm that Malvara would seek to deal to him. I decided that the best way to hide him would be as a ship's crew member. If he cuts his hair, shaves his beard off and changes his name, he could blend in with any Avaloran crew easily. Once he's away on the ship, we would feed the ambassador false information about how he had died in an escape attempt."

"Well, plenty of ex-criminals join up as crew members, so this shouldn't be too hard. Ok, between my dad and me, we'll get him squared away. When is he arriving?"

"I ordered the prison to transfer him to the palace dungeon first thing in the morning."

"Ok, consider it done."

Elena yawned, looking around the room at her council and said, "If there is no further emergency council business, I believe it is time for bed."

The council members nodded at Elena, except for Esteban. He had fallen asleep in his chair and was muttering to himself in his sleep about messes he was going to have to clean up. Naomi snickered and elbowed the chancellor in the side, causing him to awake with a yelp.

Elena cleared her throat pointedly and he looked bleary-eyed up the table at her. "Alright, I declare this emergency council meeting adjourned!"

The adult council members filed out of the room as the servants on duty bustled in and cleared the table. Naomi, Gabe and Mateo remained. Once the servants cleared out, Elena gestured for them to follow her to the much more comfortable sitting room.

The 4 of them sat comfortably on the two overstuffed loveseats, Gabe and Naomi sat together on one while Elena and Mateo took the other. Elena was starting to feel sleepy but wanted to talk with her friends before retiring for the night. Mateo had casually slung his arm across the back of the couch so, in spite of her traitorous racing heart, she leaned into him and sleepily laid her head in that comfy spot on his shoulder and said, "So, now we have a better idea of where the trouble is coming from and that Malvara does not have friendly intentions towards us. I'm still not sure what to do about it. I think that even if we rescinded their invitation to the palace, they would still continue whatever plot they are up to."

Gabe had been quietly absorbing the information all night and Elena could see the wheels turning in his mind. As a royal guard, this was his area of expertise. His passion was being a royal guard and protecting the kingdom. Naomi had noticed this too and turned to look at him, "What is it, Gabe? You look like you're trying to solve one of Isabelle's physics equations."

"Ha ha, very funny, Naomi," Gabe said sarcastically and continued, "I think– I think we need to let them come. It would be easier to find more clues if they are plotting under our noses rather than in hiding. You know what they say, 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer.'"

Mateo spoke up, "What about this plot to injure and kidnap Elena? That right there is enough to keep me awake at night with worry. There is no way that they will stop after just one attempt."

"Yeah, that will probably keep me up at night too. I think the current guard rotation at night and having us with her at all times during the day is the best solution short of having a dozen guards follow her around every minute of the day."

Elena didn't bother raising her head as she gave a half hearted groan from across the room, as she mumbled, "No guards."

Mateo laughed at her drowsy response, "No, I think our current arrangement will suffice. I know Gabe and I can't watch out for you 24 hours a day but I worry about you at night."

Gabe added, "I agree with that sentiment, but I just remind myself that my brothers in arms are just as well trained and just as devoted to protecting their sovereign as I am."

Sighing, Mateo said, "You're right, of course." He smiled a little as he felt Elena press into him just a little more, almost as if in acknowledgement and appreciation of his concern.

"We must be extra vigilant, however. This is a huge threat and we cannot let the enemy succeed." Gave looked over at the princess and said pointedly, " And SOMEONE needs to make sure she doesn't wander off alone in the middle of the night. AGAIN."

Elena opened one eye and raised a drowsy thumbs up in acknowledgement of the reprimand.

The three of them all laughed at their half-asleep friend and her antics. They talked over the information about Malvara for awhile longer until Elena sat up and yawned, "Alright, I can't stay awake a moment longer so unless we are all having a slumber party in my sitting room we should call it a night."

Naomi looked at the clock and noticed that it was nearly midnight and said, "I am not going all the way back home at this hour. I'm voting for slumber party."

"That's fine, you can sleep here tonight. I've got plenty of room."

The four friends stood and Elena walked over to Gabe and put a hand on his shoulder, "Thank you for your advice. I feel better knowing that I have you watching out for me."

Gabe shrugged, "Just doing my job! Good night princess!" He turned to Naomi and reached out to take one of her hands. Kissing it, he said, "Goodnight, Naomi!" She smiled and said, Goodnight Gabe." He turned and left the room.

Naomi left to wash up before going to sleep, so Elena turned back to Mateo. A small smile graced her face as she reached out and took his hand, giving it a squeeze. She said sincerely, "Thanks for everything you did today. You are amazing and I am so thankful that you stick by me and put up with the nonsense that is my daily life." She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Mateo blushed a little and raised his free hand to rub the back of his neck. He had not been expecting a kiss, though he welcomed it. "Aww, Elena. We're close enough that you should know by now that, like it or not, I will stick by you to whatever end. You don't have to thank me for that. You know I'd do anything for you." With a grin, he squeezed her hand and, feeling a little bold, leaned in and brushed his lips tentatively across her cheek. She gasped in surprise and her fingertips were drawn to the spot like a beacon. Mateo flashed her favorite crooked grin and said, "Goodnight, princess." He gave her a little bow, and, though it pained him, took his leave for the night.

Elena watched him leave – her fingertips still grazing the spot where his lips had been – feeling a slow warmth spreading through her and a strange fluttering feeling in her stomach. Smiling to herself, she wandered into her bedroom. Naomi had finished in the washroom so Elena went to get ready for bed. Halfway across the room, Elena turned and said, "I've got that huge bed that I'm sure could fit 10 of us and plenty of pillows so you are welcome to sleep there. Just don't take my special pillow with the jacquins on it. It's my favorite."

Naomi laughed and said, "Yes ma'am! No jacquin pillow and sleeping on that bed sounds perfect." She ran the last few steps and threw herself across the squishy, soft bed.

Laughing at Naomi's enthusiasm, and thinking that she was glad to have her friend with her tonight just in case she had another nightmare, Elena continued the trek to the washroom. As she went through her evening routine, she carefully considered recent events. Not the recent events she should probably be concerning herself with as crown princess but recent events between herself and her best friend.

She had been noticing little things about him for months now that she had found endearing and had slowly been realizing how attractive she found him to be – on the inside and out. Elena had been able to attribute these feelings to the depth of their friendship but now– now she had felt a steady pull towards him. It was like gravity –– a force that she wasn't strong enough to resist, even if she had wanted to. The more she submitted to the pull, the stronger the bond between them became. It made her happy to have such a deep and meaningful friendship with her royal wizard. His friendship made her a better person.

But it became confusing the day Naomi suggested Mateo meet up with some school girl. Elena had been filled with an undiluted fury at the very suggestion. That had taken her by surprise. Then that evening they had visited the horse stable together –– when he had fallen into her arm and she had looked him in the eye, their faces so close together –– she had felt shy with him for the very first time. Since then, there had been a steady progression of incidents that had encouraged her to look twice at their friendship.

This was all so confusing! He was her best friend, for heaven's sake! She couldn't think of a single time when he had instigated anything less than gentlemanly, so this was all on her. She did not want anything to come between them and was sure that his feelings for her stretched no farther than the boundaries of friendship. And even if she gave in to that little voice telling her it was more, she had to remember her duty as crown princess. If she opened her heart like that and ended up in a marriage contract, it would destroy her. Worse, it would destroy their friendship. Elena was determined that nothing would come between them, he was far too precious to her. She renewed her resolve to protect their friendship, to protect her heart, and –– most importantly –– to protect the heart of the one person in Avalor who needed protecting from her.

She did not know what was in store for her in the near future but she needed to be prepared for anything. It took a valiant effort, but the crown princess of Avalor shoved that little voice to a distant corner of her mind and told it to hush up and be good.

–––––

Mateo couldn't sleep. He didn't care what Gabe said, he didn't trust anyone but himself to truly protect Elena. He supposed he trusted Gabe too, but these days Mateo was uneasy whenever she was out of his sight. It had been bad enough when there was a mysterious enemy out to eliminate the princess, but now– now there was a dark and deadly group of sorcerers who were determined to capture the princess and do who knew what with her. And that nightmare… It sounded so real and had accurately described a dark ritual in general, he was afraid that it was more than a nightmare but a glimpse of what was to come. The thought of that nearly undid him.

He knew that he couldn't be with her 24 hours a day. It would be completely inappropriate for him to be in her room while she was sleeping and he would be useless to her if he didn't sleep at regular intervals. He also couldn't risk becoming overbearing and protective because that might push her away as surely as a confession of love would.

As he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts turned to his friend's recent behavior. Most of the time, everything was normal. They were simply best friends. They laughed, they talked and just enjoyed time with each other. Of course, Elena always had little to no sense of personal space around him, which he had developed a special appreciation for in the last week. But every once in awhile, he thought he saw a hint of something he couldn't quite define in those warm, chocolate brown eyes. He could hear her heart leap into overtime those few occasions he had a reason to touch her, like earlier when they rode together on the jacquin. He had been sitting close enough to her that he could actually feel her heart beating at an incredible rate. Was it a coincidence or could this possibly be a reaction to him touching her?

It seemed too much to hope for, yet the evidence was there. It didn't change anything as far as he was concerned. He was determined to keep his feelings to himself and wait for her to change things, and to be content if she didn't. It was completely up to her. But –– he thought, as he rolled over and closed his eyes –– it seemed that there was now hope where, previously, there had been none.

–––––

Elena was restless. She had been attending to her duties as crown princess all day. Normally she loved her role as crown princess. Serving her people was one of her greatest joys in life. But today– today was a challenge. She supposed everyone had off days and today was hers.

Early that morning, Inigo had arrived, as agreed upon. Elena had gone to meet him in the dungeon, accompanied by Gabe, Mateo and Naomi. She had him released from his cell and introduced him to Gabe and Naomi, who would be helping him get to his ship. They had brought the supplies needed to give him the much needed makeover. They cut his hair and allowed him to shave his beard. Naomi had brought a few changes of clothes that would be commonplace aboard an Avaloran ship. She sent him along with Naomi and Gabe to the docks, where Naomi had secured him a position as a crewmember.

Elena had spent the rest of the morning attending meetings and reviewing proclamations, Mateo trailing her in Gabe's place. By the time the midday meal arrived, she was so restless that she could barely sit without fidgeting. Naomi and Gabe returned to the palace halfway through the meal. By the time the meal came to a close, Elena had decided that she desperately needed some time outdoors. She caught Mateo's eye.

I need some time outside the palace. Can we walk the garden?

You're the boss. Mateo grinned at her.

With a mischievous grin, Elena leapt from her seat and took off running out the door, calling over her shoulder, "Come on boys! I'll race ya to the garden!" Mateo and Gabe quickly followed after her, Naomi just behind them.

As they chased her through the palace and into the garden, Mateo thought that he was pretty sure she just needed some fresh air after a long morning, but he was also sure that she needed a lesson in not running off alone and a little payback for the wake up call she had given him the previous day. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he pulled out his tamborita, pointed it at his fleeing princess and cried, "Levaloot!"

With a cry of surprise, Elena floated into the air and glided back to where the three friends had stopped to await the fleeing princess. By the time she touched the ground, light as a feather, her arms were crossed and a look of mock annoyance was written upon her face.

"Really, Mateo?"

Behind Mateo, Gabe and Naomi were doubled over in fits of laughter.

Gabe, still laughing, gave Mateo a slap on the shoulder, saying, "Now that is a handy trick! It was fun seeing it used on someone else for a change." Elena shot him a glare but was clearly fighting a smile.

Mateo stared down his beloved princess, arms crossed and one eyebrow raised, and said with a smirk, "I just didn't think it was a fair race. I also thought you could use a little payback for the yesterday's wake up call."

Elena gave in and started laughing with the others. "Fair enough. Ok, seriously though, I need a walk and some fresh air. I am so restless that I can't think clearly."

The four friends made their way through the palace garden. It was a beautiful, sunny spring afternoon. The air was warm and the scent of the spring flowers danced along in the breeze. Elena thought that there was nothing more glorious than the feeling of the sun on her skin, or the knowledge that she was surrounded by friends.

Mateo watched appreciatively as the princess closed her eyes, twirling and dancing down the garden path, clearly enjoying the sunshine. When she opened her eyes and caught his gaze, the smile she sent his way evoked images of dazzling starlight on a clear summer night, the warmth of firelight on a chill morning, and the sparkling weave of magic swirling through the air during the casting of a spell.

Gabe and Naomi were trailing behind the royal wizard and the crown princess, chatting quietly to one another. Elena skipped over to Mateo, linked elbows with him, and they strolled arm in arm through the garden, meandering down the winding paths

Mateo had noticed her restlessness this morning and wondered what the source of it was. "Have you had any word from the Malvaran ambassador? He is due to arrive in two days, isn't he?"

Elena sighed, "No word has arrived, but we have no reason to believe that his plans have changed. He is due to arrive in two days so we prepare, no matter how crazy it makes me."

"Why would it make you crazy?"

"To start with, I can't stand the thought of pretending we don't know that Malvara has something terrible planned for us. The idea of playing nice with the ambassador, knowing that it's a ruse and that he's an evil slimeball sickens me. Then there's Esteban."

"Uh oh, what's wrong with Esteban this time."

"You know how he is. Whenever a royal visitor is expected, he becomes even more critical and nitpicks every little thing. I've been chastised about my less than perfect princess behavior in the last few days more times than I can count. It's a good thing I've got a better hold of my magic because I've nearly lost it a few times.

"And the decisions! Endless decisions to make. Which room should we give the ambassador? What color sheets should we use? Select a menu for his arrival feast! Select a menu for the royal ball! Which place settings should we use for the feast? What–"

Mateo smiled, letting her continue her rant. He knew she needed to get it out of her system and was happy to be her listening ear. He gave the hand she had linked through his elbow a sympathetic pat.

Elena paused for a moment, closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath. She looked at Mateo and grinned sheepishly. "I'm sorry you had to hear that."

"No apology needed. I expect you don't have many people you can express your frustration to."

Elena considered this for a moment, eyes gazing into the distance. "No," she said thoughtfully, "I suppose I don't. I usually keep it all in because I don't want anyone to know how much the crown weighs on me sometimes."

"Why would you hide something like that when you have friends and family who love you and are glad to be there to share in your struggles, to help you overcome them?"

"I just don't want to add worries or problems to what anyone is already going through. I'm strong enough to bear my own burdens"

"I know you are strong enough but that other stuff is ridiculous!"

Elena raised an eyebrow and looked at Nateo in disbelief "Excuse me?"

Mateo stopped and turned to face the princess. Reaching over to take one of Elena's hands, he looked into her eye, all traces of humor gone – replaced with a tender expression. Elena felt he was peering into her soul. Softly, he said, "Elena, you are never a burden. I, for one, nearly always notice when something is weighing you down. It causes me a lot more worry not knowing what the problem is than when you allow me to come alongside and bear the burden with you. I'm sure your family feels the same. But if it bothers you that much, at least promise you'll never feel like a burden around me. I assure you, you're not. I will always be here for you." He smiled her favorite crooked grin which earned him a dazzling smile in return.

"I promise." Elena whispered. She was quiet for a few moments, until she spotted something and perked up. "Look! It's my second favorite spot in the garden!" She pulled him across a bridge to a tiny island surrounded on all sides by a bubbling creek. A graceful weeping willow arched overhead, shading the entire island. The creek was crystal clear and the grass was extra plush beneath their feet. The bubbling of the creek running over the stones was pleasant and inspired feelings of peace.

Elena sat in the grass and removed her shoes, practically purring at the feeling of the grass on her feet. Mateo settled himself beside her, close enough that their arms brushed slightly.

"You seem exceptionally restless today, why is that?"

"I don't know! I didn't sleep well last night, too many thoughts were chasing each other around in my mind. I would think that would cause me to be tired and lethargic, not brimming with energy. I just can't sit still and it is completely throwing my focus off. I know I'm worried about the arrival of the ambassador and all of the new developments with Malvara, but I can't imagine how that could have anything to do with this."

Brow furrowed in thought, Mateo took a moment to consider when an idea hit him. "Elena, when was the last time you practiced with your magic?"

The princess was taken aback by this question. "Hmmm. I think it was two days ago, unless you count the unexpected outburst yesterday at the prison tower. And even then," she grinned mischievously, "it was just a few minutes of waking you up."

"That's it! You need to make sure to actively practice with the magic on a daily basis. Otherwise it will build up, needing to be released. That's probably why it slipped out so easily yesterday at the prison."

Elena's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I never thought of that. The magic builds up? I had no idea! Is it the same for you, as a wizard?"

"Yes, actually. I am still working towards mastery of the magic within me, but ever since I overcame that initial obstacle of training the magic to my will, I have had to be sure to work with it every day. As a wizard, it is not going to slip out the way it does with you. However, it will build up to the point where I am filled with nervous energy and become completely distracted."

Elena pursed her lips, considering this. Her eyes brightened and she smiled in relief. "Now that my secret is out, I can practice whenever and wherever I want. So I suppose I can start now. What should I do?"

"Let's try something new. Since we are outside, you can practice working with the elements around you. Do you think you could conjure a breeze?"

"I don't know, I can try. It's a little harder to picture things that are invisible. I think that's why I had a hard time undoing the freezing spell yesterday. I didn't know how to picture it."

"It is a little different, but since you can't see the wind, you can imagine the effects of the wind. Close your eyes."

Elena closed her eyes, smiling.

Mateo continued, "Imagine the leaves on the trees fluttering in the breeze. The coolness of the air brushing along your skin. The grass swaying in the breeze."

Elena spent a few moments concentrating on how she wanted the breeze to manifest. When she thought she had a clear picture of what that would look like, she summoned the will to turn those thoughts into reality.

There was a sudden roaring sound, the breeze had manifested as a huge, gusting windstorm.

Hair whipping across her face, Elena turned panicked eyes to Mateo and saw him rolling in the grass in fits of laughter. Eyes narrowing, Elena thought Stop! No more wind, please stop! The wind stopped.

Out of breath, Elena turned a glare upon her supposed best friend who was still laughing. "What, may I ask, is so funny?"

Mateo attempted to reign in his laughter. It took a few minutes but he eventually gained control over his amusement. Straightening, he turned to Elena, his eyes twinkling in amusement, and said, "Sorry, that was just a bit more than a breeze and the look on your face –– it was priceless."

"You could have helped!"

"I could have but you managed to fix it on your own. Good job! But seriously, that is something the can happen when you let the magic build up for too long. When you finally release the magic, it can come out in large unpredictable bursts. Hopefully you got that out of your system. Let's try again."

Eyebrows raised uncertainly, Elena said, "Are you sure that's a good idea? I might destroy the garden next time."

"You can't be afraid of your magic. Show it who's boss! I know you can do it!"

Taking a deep breath, Elena steeled herself for the worst but tried to have a confident mindset. When she was ready, she tried to will a gentle breeze into existence. This time, she felt a soft, swirling breeze flowing through the clearing. She opened her eyes and could see the breeze carrying leaves and flower petals in a beautiful swirling pattern around her. She willed it to swirl around Mateo and it moved as she asked it to.

Mateo smiled at his student and said, "Well done! That is perfect. I knew you could do it!" Elena cast a relieved smile in his direction. She was glad that she had managed to avoid destroying anything. She closed her eyes, willed the breeze to stop and it obeyed.

Elena remembered how he had laughed at her just a few minutes before and how he had cast the floating spell on her. In retaliation, she looked at the creek in front of them and imagined sending a splash of water into Mateo's face. When she added her will to the vision, she apparently had a little too much will because the splash was big enough that it soaked both of them from head to toe.

Utterly surprised that the magic had turned on her like that, she spluttered and looked at Mateo, who looked just as surprised. He was soaked, his usually tousled hair dripping in his eyes. Elena found the combination of the surprised look on his face and his dripping hair in his eyes to be adorable. She couldn't help the fit of giggles that overtook her. "Sorry! That didn't go exactly as I planned. I was trying to splash you a little, not dump a bucket of water over both of us."

He shook his head at her in mock irritation. "Really, Elena? It's going to be like that, is it? Oh, it's on!" He couldn't maintain the irritated look for long and burst out laughing right along with the princess.

"I'm afraid to attempt drying us magically. I might roast us alive if it goes wrong. Do you have a spell for that?"

"You're lucky that I do, though I should let you walk back to the palace soaking wet and explain that to Esteban."

Elena gasped in mock horror, "You wouldn't!"

"No, I wouldn't. Let's see…" Mateo pursed his lips and started listing spells on his finger, trying to remember the specific spell. "Aahh! I remember now!" He picked up his tamborita from where he had set it on the ground next to him.

"tibio secaroso!" he said, pointing the tamborita at Elena. A whoosh of warm air swirled around her and she found herself to be warm and toasty, as if she was sitting in the sunlight. Mateo repeated the steps and pointed the tamborita at himself.

"Wow! That was amazing! And so convenient. I can't wait to learn more useful magic like that!"

"You will, eventually. You need a bit more practice before attempting something like that. As you observed, it seems like a simple enough task but could go seriously wrong. You know, though...I was thinking that we should try practicing with the scepter. You're going to have to use it sooner or later and it would probably be wise if you could wield it without passing out. Especially if there is truly a cabal of dark sorcerers coming to cause trouble."

"That's not a bad idea. I don't have many obligations this afternoon, let's go try it out now. Where's Gabe?"

They looked around and saw him and Naomi sitting in the grass just on the other side of the creek, deep in conversation. Elena smiled as she could see that Naomi was over the moon with happiness. Mateo rose to his feet, brushed off his pants and turned to offer a hand to Elena, who happily accepted his assistance. He then offered his arm and she took it. Crossing the bridge, the pair made a beeline for their two friends.

Mateo snorted in amusement as Elena called out, "Hey Gabe! Naomi! Stop doing anything we shouldn't see!"

Gabe snapped his head towards them so fast that Mateo was surprised he didn't get a crick in it. The young royal guard's face turned a fantastic shade red as he processed Elena's words. Naomi rolled her eyes and said, "Very funny, Elena."

"We are heading back to the palace so I can practice working with the scepter. Are you guys coming?"

Gabe sprang to his feet and reached down to help Naomi. "Of course I'm coming. I'm still on princess duty."

"Sure, I'll come. I'd like to watch."

The four friends meandered back through the garden and up to the palace, chatting companionably the whole way. Elena thought that spending a beautiful sunny afternoon surrounded by loved ones was her personal definition of a perfect day.