Chapter Seven: The Valentine's Day Dance
Pulling up to the town square, it was like a whole new world. Adorned with pink, white and red hearts in a garlands strewn across the adjacent buildings. The fountain right in the middle usually flowing with water, was for this special occasion brimming with rose petals coloured in all shades of red. White ribbon made into hearts swirled around the pillars which framed the square. Ladies and gentlemen all dressed for the occasion, smiling and dancing. It was truly like a scene from a magical, whimsical dream.
Exiting out of the carriage and heading over to Gabe and Naomi, Mateo felt comfort in his seeing friends. It was custom for royalty to arrive later on in the evening to make their 'grand debut'. Naomi dressed in an aqua bluey green, sparkly Mermaid Gown and Gabe in his Royal Guard attire greeted their friend with open arms. "Here he is! The man of the hour" Gabe laughed as he put his arm around Mateo's shoulder. "Aw Mateo you look amazing I love your vest! Very regal" Naomi chuckled.
"Oh thank you both" Mateo smiled.
While the evening dusk began to set in, small talk and Gabe patrolling the food table were the events that took place right up until Armando swooped in and promptly took Mateo and Naomi's arms. "This way please Mr De Alva and Miss Turner, you will escort your appointed partners in this specific order" the Chief of the Castle dragged them both hastily.
Looking rather confused, Mateo nudged Naomi in an effort to grab her attention before the Royal Carriage pulled in.
"Naomi, who are you waiting for?" He whispered as they both lined up. Naomi first then Mateo standing right behind her.
"You'll see" she winked as trumpets began to play to announce the arrival of the Royal family.
"Welcome one and all to the Avalor Valentine's Day Dance, Please put your hands together for the Royal Family." Armando announced. The city clapping and cheering for their Royal Family really set Mateo's nerves on high alert. Not one for public appearances, let alone telling the girl who may/may not like him that he really likes her….oh poor Mateo had so many emotions flowing through him.
As the Royal Carriage opened, Armando continued his announcements.
"Chancellor Esteban Flores"
Esteban exited the carriage like a peacock on show. Dressed as regal as ever he was pristine. From his aqua blue jacket with a green sea foam sash falling diagonal down his chest to his white neckerchief. "Miss Turner" he bowed as Naomi curtsied back and looped her arm through his.
Chuckling still standing in line, Mateo should have guessed it would have been Esteban.
"Fransisco and Luisa Flores"
Both Elena's Abuelo and Abuela exited the carriage. Luisa first as Fransisco was always such a gentleman. As they walked past and the villagers cheered Mateo didn't even hear Armando call Isabel. "This must be it" he thought to himself as he saw Isabel walk past, clutching the corsage his mother made Elena, in his hand he took a deep breath in anticipation to see the girl who he was falling in love with.
"Elena Castillo Flores"
As Elena exited the Carriage, Mateo looked up and his stomach and mouth dropped to the floor. She was an Angel. A beautiful, perfect Angel sent from above. Her eyes directly looking at him. Like no one else was there. Just the two of them. Heat filled Mr De Alva's cheeks and his stomach in knots as Elena curtsied in front of him. Catching his breath he bowed as Elena whipped her arm through his.
Unable to take his eyes off her, Mateo was 100% in love. Confirmed to him right in that moment. "Elena, you look beautiful" The Royal Wizard whispered in her ear. Blushing, Elena too couldn't keep her eyes off his. The Royal Family all paired up for the first dance, even Isabel pulled Gabe in to dance with her. As the music of the band began to play, Mateo wrapped his arm around Elena's waist and took her other hand in his…" My mother made this for you, to match me (pointing to the flowers on his chest)….I hope you like it" as Mateo tied the corsage around her delicate wrist. Although improper etiquette, Elena to everyone's shock pulled Mateo close and whispered in his ear "I love it! It's perfect"
Feeling Esteban's daggers staring at her, she promptly stood back in position and held onto Mateo's hand. Such a soft gentle touch. Both of them were so nervous about telling each other how they felt although there was no time to think about that as the music began to play. Esteban and Naomi were stunning together, Fransisco and Luisa were seasoned professionals and Little Isabel with Gabe were just adorable. Waltzing around the square it was a truly, spectacular, regal event.
As the music played and more dancers joined in, Elena didn't want to stop dancing. Feeling so close to her handsome Royal Wizard she leant in to tell him how beautiful his vest was. Smiling from ear to ear he knew his mother would be so proud.
Elena looked up, smiling and waving gave a thumbs up to a lovely lady in the crowd. Raising his eyebrow looking over his shoulder into the crowd Mateo saw it was in fact his mother, Rafa waving over enthusiastically. He was so happy she was there to see them dancing.
Both of them could hear the crowd saying how lovely the pair looked together.