Author's Notes:

1. I thought of starting off the reunion between Gabe and Elena on a rocky start, beginning with an argument or a fight or a disagreement but decided against it. These two have suffered so much already that will be unfair.

2. Thank you for the reviews, feedback and inputs. I really appreciate them. As I'm writing the last few chapters to this story, I would like to give special thanks to storyteller362, Ember Reverie and Jznna1010 for the glowing reviews. Thanks also to the Guest who pointed out a flaw in my story; something to do with a line I wrote about Esteban. I appreciate feedback like that.

3. storyteller362, I can't thank you enough for all the help and inputs you provided me. You are very generous.

Anticipation

"Elena, wake up mija." Elena felt someone gently shaking her. She opened her eyes, adjusting to the light of the rising sun streaming through the windows. She didn't know she had fallen asleep in the Grand Council Room, her head on the table with her arms as pillows. She suddenly sat up. Gabe, she thought. Did something bad happen to him last night?

She looked up and saw that it was her grandmother. All fear left Elena's heart when she saw that her abuela's eyes were gleaming. As Elena looked at Luisa, hope filled her eyes.

"We won Elena! Gabriel and King Joaquin won!" Luisa told her granddaughter.

"Abuela! Is that true?" Luisa nodded. "That means Gabe is coming home!" Elena said almost to herself, her voice just above a whisper, when she realized the impact of her abuela's words. Oh, how her heart danced with joy!

Elena suddenly stood up and hugged her abuela tightly. "It's finally over! Gabe is coming home!" Elena still couldn't believe it. Gabe was finally coming home to her. Tears of joy now filling her eyes.

Luisa smiled behind misty eyes. Her heart was filled with happiness seeing Elena like this, so full of life and love and anticipation. She silently thanked the heavens that this terrible nightmare was finally over.

Together, Luisa and Elena searched for Queen Teresa to tell her the wonderful news. They found her in the gardens. Relief and joy filled the queen's face when she heard the news. She hugged Elena, glad that she could finally go home to her country, to her husband.

Elena went back to her room after that to take a shower and change her clothes. Her duties still awaited her. However, everybody noticed the spring in her steps. The fire and zest were back. Her eyes were no longer lonely; instead they were filled with hope. Relief washed over her family when they saw that the old Elena was back.

Elena learned the full account of last night's events during the Grand Council meeting. A herald from Cariza was dispatched as soon as the war was over and reached Avalor at dawn. Elena's heart swelled with pride and love when she learned just how brilliant Gabe was. He orchestrated the whole attack which ended the rebellion. His perfect timing, stealth and tactics spelled the difference between victory and defeat.

"But Gabriel won't be back until after a few days," Esteban said.

"Yeah, with all the clean up that needs to be done and bodies to bury," Naomi chimed in as Esteban just rolled his eyes.

"Ay, Miss Turner," Esteban said exasperated. Naomi just shrugged.

Elena just laughed at her friend. "I have waited for Gabe for a few weeks now, what's a few more days?" Elena said, laughter still in her eyes. Yes, she could wait for a few days more.

"Gabriel is also going to spearhead the creation of a Peacekeeping Force in Cariza," Francisco added. "Cariza's armed forces was severely depleted. We cannot leave Cariza undefended until they can get back on their feet"

"That is such a brilliant idea," Luisa said, eyes shining with pride. Gabriel was like a grandson to him and she was very proud that he was making great strides in the military.

The meeting moved on to other matters. Elena was back to her spirited and spunky self. Luisa was correct. Nothing was more important to Avalor than a happy queen.

Elena looked up as she heard a knock on her door. She's already in bed but she is still reading a book about Maruvian history.

"Come in," Elena called out. She smiled when she saw that it was Isabel. She beckoned for the younger princess to come and sit beside her.

"Elena, I heard the news. Is it true? The war is over?" Isa asked her sister.

"Yes, Isa, it is finally over," Elena answered, a warm smile on her lips.

"Gabe is coming back, isn't he? I missed him so much," Isa told her. "And that would mean Cat is going home," she added with a tinge of sadness.

Elena hugged her sister. Caterina and Isabel had grown closer during the few weeks the Carizan princess was staying with them.

"But it's alright I guess," Isabel continued. "I know she misses her home. And I know you miss Gabe."

"Yes, Isa. I miss Gabe so much. And I can't wait for the day he finally comes back."

"This war taught me an important lesson too, Elena. We must never take anyone for granted. We never know when circumstances would take them away from us," Isabel said wisely.

Elena smiled at her sister. Isabel was young but she's so wise and perceptive of her surroundings.

"You're right, Isa. That is why we will show Gabe just how much he means to us."

"And you should show Gabe how much you love him." Elena hugged her sister and kissed her head. Yes, she would definitely do that.

Elena dove into her work more feverishly than before. She wanted to get a lot of things done before Gabe comes home. She had no idea when that would be but she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. There were still a lot of things he needed to do in Cariza to make sure they were not vulnerable from attack before he could set up the Peacekeeping Forces. So Elena kept herself busy.

Elena was visiting Cristina's village. She's Isabel's best friend. It was a little disappointing that Isa couldn't join her. So Elena went with Esteban and Naomi instead to formally open the new community center which will essentially function as both cultural and government center in the village. They were a long way from Avalor City, she thought. With the poor conditions of the roads leading there, it took them all morning. This had to be one of the most far-flung areas of the kingdom.

There were a lot of fanfare and celebration. The community center was one of the bigger news the village had in years. There was also an ongoing discussion about improving the road conditions for faster, safer and easier travel from the village to the city.

The news of the Avaloran army coming home came late. Gabe made sure first that it was safe to leave Cariza so he didn't have an exact date. He just took the soonest possible time to come home. He sent a messenger ahead to let the Grand Council know that they were coming.

As it turned out, Gabe picked the worst time.

He was so excited as soon as they entered the city. His heart was pounding when the army entered the palace grounds. The townspeople were already assembled, their families cheering for them. Gabe looked up the palace stairs, only searching for one face. There was Luisa, Francisco, Mateo and Isabel. But no Elena. His heart sank.

He ascended the stairs to the loud cheers of the crowd. He was being hailed a hero. Gabe felt humbled by everything. He didn't expect this. He was just doing his job.

Francisco stepped forward to shake his hand, the Avaloran pride shining in his eyes.

Luisa caught him in a tight bear hug. Isabel jumped at him and he laughed as he caught the little princess and swung her in the air. Isabel squealed in delight.

But his eyes were searching for someone.

"Elena is still in the village but she will be back soon," Luisa said, eyes filled with kindness and understanding. Gabe nodded.

Blanca and Roberto Nuñez were standing with the royal family. Tears of happiness rolled down his cheeks when he finally hugged his mother. Roberto's eyes were filled with unspoken pride and love. Gabriel Nuñez, his son, came home a hero.

Elena and Esteban got back to the palace late. They dropped off Naomi at her house. As soon as the carriage entered the palace gates, Elena felt that something happened while they were out. Could it be? Did Gabe arrive and she was not there to welcome him home?

"Princess Elena! Chancellor Esteban!" Armando greeted them at the door.

"It is my honor to inform you that Captain Gabriel Nuñez and the Avaloran Armed Forces have returned from their successful mission in Cariza," Armando continued.

In her delight upon hearing the news, Elena hugged Armando, surprising the head of the castle.

"Where is he?" Elena asked excitedly.

"He's still in a meeting with the general," came the reply.

"Armando, as soon as they're done, please tell him I want to see him. I'll be in my room," Elena said. She wanted somewhere private so she would be free to talk to him away from prying eyes and loose lips.

Armando just nodded.

After the celebrations died down and the soldiers had gone home to be with their families, Gabe went to report to the chief of the Avaloran Armed Forces, General Luna. The meeting took longer than expected and it was late when they finished. He wanted to see Elena. She should have been back from the village by now but it was already late, thought Gabe. He would just go home to his parent's house.

"Captain," Armando called out.

"Hi Armando," he greeted the head of the castle. "And since when did it become 'Captain'? I'm just Gabe," he said smiling.

"It feels inappropriate now," Armando said a bit embarrassed. "Anyway, Gabe. Princess Elena wants to see you. She's waiting for you in her room."

"Thanks, Armando," Gabe replied, suddenly nervous.

He was not sure what awaited him. He headed to Elena's room but suddenly didn't have the courage to knock. It was funny really. Gabriel Nuñez, the soldier who didn't feel an ounce of fear in the face of certain death, was now freaking out outside Elena's door. A lot of things were running through his head. Was she going to reprimand him for running away to war? Was she going to inform him of her and Mateo's engagement and subsequent wedding? He let out a heavy sigh. Gabe steeled himself and willed himself to knock. Whatever her news was, he would be ready for it.

"Elena, it's me," Gabe said outside the door.