Mateo was curled up on the living room sofa, staring at the fire crackling in the grate. His mother had gone to the ball and had tried to get him to go as well but he had claimed that he was not feeling well, which was true: the young wizard was feeling downright heartbroken. He could not bear to watch the girl he loved become engaged to someone else in front of the whole kingdom. He had thought that they had much more time; he had not foreseen Esteban or anyone putting up such a roadblock. He had expected some challenges, certainly, but not one of this magnitude. The young wizard found that he could not help hating Esteban a little for this. If the chancellor had minded his own business, none of this would have happened.

There was a loud banging sound at the door and Mateo sprang to his feet. He stared at the door with wide eyes as whoever was outside banged on the door again, clearly determined to get inside. Mateo took his tamborita and cautiously approached the door, ready to strike if needed. He wrenched the door open and his jaw dropped at the sight of Elena. The princess's cheeks were flushed and she was out of breath, clutching a stitch in her side. Mateo stared at her in shock for a full minute before gathering his wits.

"Elena?" he exclaimed. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the ball?"

"I'm… I'm not going," Elena panted, wiping sweat off her forehead. "I'm not… going to marry… Alonso."

"What? You've called off the engagement?"

"Not… exactly. Can I come in? I feel like I'm… about to pass out."

"Oh! Of course!" Mateo slipped an arm around Elena and helped her to a chair in the living room. "Did you run all the way here?"

Elena nodded as she sank down onto the chair. "Yes," she replied.

"Why?" Mateo asked, sitting opposite of her.

"Because pain and heartbreak don't make you think clearly. I just wanted to get to you."

"Do you need water or something?"

"No, I'll be fine. I don't have much time until someone notices I'm missing and starts a search party."

"All right, we'll cut right to the chase. You said that you're not going to marry the prince but you haven't called off the engagement. That doesn't make much sense."

"I'm not going to marry Alonso; I refuse to. I haven't officially called off the engagement but I kind of… did it indirectly."

Mateo raised his eyebrows. "And what does that mean, exactly?" he asked.

"Mateo, look at me: I'm dressed in royal attire but there's something missing. Can't you see what it is?" Elena replied quietly.

The young wizard gazed at her, scanning her with his eyes. She was wearing her red ball gown with the usual combination of jewellery – Mateo smiled faintly when he saw her necklace – and her hair was tied in a ponytail like it always was. She did not have her scepter but Mateo hardly expected her to bring that thing everywhere she went. It was not until he had laid his eyes on the top of Elena's head that he realised what was the missing element.

"You're not wearing your tiara," Mateo stating, frowning.

"You're right," Elena said. "And I will no longer wear it."

"What do you mean no longer wear –" Mateo paused as the meaning of the princess's words struck him. "You're – You're giving up your crown?"

Elena nodded. "That's right. I will not be queen or even a princess if that means spending the rest of my life with someone I cannot love."

Mateo could not believe what he was hearing. He was starting to think that this was all some sort of crazy dream. "You can't love Prince Alonso?"

"Of course not. He's selfish, arrogant, narcissistic, irresponsible, lazy –"

"Okay, I get your point. But are you sure you want to give up being crown princess? The kingdom needs you."

"I know… But what kind of ruler would I be if I'm miserable in my personal life?"

"Probably not a very good one… This is a drastic step to take, Elena."

"I know, and this wasn't an easy decision to make. But I can't do what they ask of me; I just can't."

Mateo gazed at Elena for a long moment before standing up. He approached her and gently took her face in his hands. The princess looked up at him, leaning into his touch.

"You're absolutely sure you want to do this? It would bring a scandal onto your family," Mateo said, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

"And I feel horrible about that, I honestly do. But I am completely sure," Elena replied, her tone filled with confidence.

"It'll be quite a change, going from being a princess to being a regular girl."

"I'm sure I can handle the transition."

The royal wizard smiled. "I have no doubt about that. You're one of the strongest people I know."

Elena returned the smile. "We'll be able to be together now. No more sneaking around."

"I'm looking forward to that." Mateo leaned forward and gently gave Elena a kiss. The princess responded enthusiastically, wrapping her arms around his neck. Definitely not a dream, Mateo thought, smiling against Elena's lips. The young wizard soon broke the kiss and hugged her tightly, burying his face in her neck.

"I love you…" he mumbled.

"I love you, too," Elena whispered.

"You know what I want to do?" Mateo said as he pulled away. "I want to go out tonight. Why don't we take a stroll around town? It'll be quiet since everyone's at the ball."

"That sounds perfect," Elena replied, smiling. She looked down at herself. "I should have worn something other than my ball gown."

"You can borrow some of my clothes."

"Okay. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Come on, my bedroom's upstairs."

The princess smiled and stood up. Mateo took her hand and led her to his bedroom, where he opened his closet and gestured at its contents.

"Pick whatever you like. I'll wait for you outside," Mateo said.

Elena nodded and the royal wizard left the room, closing the door behind him. He leaned against the wall, unable to believe that this was really happening: Elena was giving up being crown princess and they could be together again. Not only that, they no longer needed to hide their romance from the world. Mateo was certain that Elena would receive some hardship for leaving the throne, however, and he was going to make sure to be there for her when that would happen.

The door opened and Mateo looked up, smiling at the sight of Elena. The princess shyly smiled back and closed the door.

"How do I look?" she asked.

"Beautiful, as always," Mateo replied. "Ready to go?"

"Definitely."

Mateo nodded and took her hand again before leading her back down the stairs and towards the main entrance. He opened the door and together they stepped out into the night.