Elena was not allowed time to dwell on her blissful romance- the next week would prove to be extremely trying.
On Monday, there was a heated dispute at the docks- where Dona Paloma imported goods through Naomi's father, Daniel Turner. According to the business agreement, Dona Paloma was required give Mr. Turner a 3% shipping fee for all transactions. Dona Paloma had quite adamently insisted on paying Mr. Turner only 1%.
When Elena heard the news, she rushed off to the docks to play peacekeeper. She didn't want Esteban handling this sort of thing, because he had no knack for diffusing conflict. Arguments between her friends caused her considerable anxiety and she wanted to ensure that her subjects would get along.
Gabe greeted her warmly with a kiss on the cheek when he escorted her to deal with the crisis, his hand lingering on her waist. So, she arrived to the docks with butterflies in her stomach and flushed cheeks from thinking of his lingering touch.
Dona Paloma rushed to her as soon as Elena stepped out of the coach. Naomi and her father were right on her tail, shouting angrily at her.
"Crown princess Elena, thank goodness you're here! I have been accused of such horrible trickery and it is not the case at all. I was simply following the contract. This man is trying to hurt my reputation as a business owner.", Dona Paloma huffed and crossed her arms.
Naomi was seething with anger. "This woman made a VERBAL agreement to 3%. I don't care what that retched contract says!"
Elena put an arm around Naomi's shoulders, steering her away from Dona Paloma, lest she slap her in anger. "Woah, woah, slow down Naomi. What does the contract say and Mr. Turner, did you read it before you signed it?"
It turned out that Mr. Turner had not read the contract fine print before signing it. Dona Paloma had included a tiny script at the bottom to state that 3% would only be paid if the imports were from Peru. It took a bit of persuasion for Dona Paloma to pay the difference. Elena had to remind her that if she tainted her business relationships, she would lose her source for imported goods. Dona Paloma eventually coughed up the 3% when Elena promised the castle would shop at her store for upcoming coronation decorations.
Elena sighed in the coach on the way back to the castle. Gabe spoke to her from the driver's seat, "You're really good at that, you know. You were born for this, princess."
"Thanks Gabe. I just hope Dona Paloma will change her greedy ways."
They pulled up to the castle, behind three other royal carriages. "What's all this?" Elena wondered.
"We weren't expecting anyone... Ah there's Esteban. Esteban! Who are our visitors?" Gabe called out.
As Elena emerged from the coach, Esteban announced, "May I present, Crown Princess Elena of Avalor!"
Three young men and their guards bowed regally to Elena. "Esteban! What's going on?"
"Well, Elena, as your cousin and chancellor, I think it is my duty to advise you to make the right decisions for your future and for Avalor.", he said with a slight bow.
Elena recognized one of the young men and her stomach sank. "Elena, my dear, it's so nice to see you again!" Oh no! Prince Alonso of Cordoba!
A sidelong glance at Gabe revealed a stiff posture and grim expression. She bit her lip nervously. "Oh heeey, Alonso. Little early for the coronation, aren't you?"
Alonso took Elena's hand and kissed it, adoringly. She quickly pulled away. "No hermosa, not just for the coronation. I am here to court you, of course!"
"Court me?!", she squeaked.
"Yes, my darling. When the chancellor informed me you were seeking a husband, I knew I must come at once! Think of it- neighboring kingdoms of Cordoba and Avalor, both ruled by King Alonso and Queen Elena. Magnifico!"
Elena shrugged away from Alonso with a polite half-smile and grabbed Esteban by the ear. She angrily whispered, "You are in SO much trouble, Esteban!"
He rubbed his ear but managed to maintain his dignified composure. "Elena, now let's not be rude. We must finish introductions to your very special guests and invite them inside the castle. Lieutenant...", the word rolled off his tongue like an insult, "...carry their bags upstairs at once."
With a look of pure malice, Gabe roughly stacked the bags up and hauled them into the castle.
"May I present, Prince Juan Marco of Santa Fe and Prince Horatio Gonzalez of Buenos Aires."
Elena curtsied to the gentleman politely though she was seething with anger on the inside. At least she could count on her abuela to give Esteban a mouthful about this stunt. That is, assuming she wasn't in on it, too.
"Come inside, gentlemen. We will have a feast tonight to celebrate your arrival." Elena did not want to insult the princes by turning them away. She felt it was her duty to honor her guests with a formal event. Even this much felt like a betrayal to Gabe. Her heart ached for him; he was as worthy and honorable as any prince, yet Esteban made no mention to the other princes that she was already being courted. She supposed she would have to let them down easy and apologize for them being misled.
Through gritted teeth, she said, "Dearest cousin Esteban, would you show our guests to their rooms? I would like to have a little siesta before the feast this evening."
The young men waved cheerily to Elena as she escaped quickly to her quarters. She threw herself down on her bed in exasperation. A soft knock on the door perked her up. "Who is it?", she grunted.
Isabel answered, "It's me... I heard the news. I wanted to make sure you were ok."
Elena sighed. "Come in, Isa. I'll be ok. I just need to figure out how to deal with this... diplomatically. Do you know where Abuela is?"
Luisa's voice sang from the hallway, "Right here Elena!" She peeked her head into the doorway. "I will have Esteban by the huevos for this, mija! Excuse the language, Isa. I am all wound up like a burrito over this."
Isabel giggled and Elena cracked a half smile. "Maybe I should just let YOU deal with him, then!"
Luisa narrowed her eyes and vowed, "I will, Elena. But first we have to get through the next few days. Now, it is customary for the princess to entertain one date with each suitor."
"But abuela! You already know how I feel about Gabe!"
"Hush mija. We must follow the customs. Gabe will understand." Luisa stroked Elena's back soothingly. "Just three dates, and you can announce that you have chosen Gabe as your suitor."
Isabel asked, "Does Gabe know you are going to choose him as suitor? Maybe you should tell him Elena."
Elena took a deep breath and said, "No, not yet. And I'm not so sure Gabe knows what he is getting himself into by courting me. I mean, does he really want to be King? I need to think about this more."
Luisa patted Elena's head and murmured, "You will know what is right when the time comes. Trust your heart, not your doubts. Come on Isa, let's leave Elena to her siesta."