Six: Grateful

Plot: Originally written for Ship Appreciation Week on Discord, Elena tells Mateo how thankful she is for him.

The innocence of a child wasn't something she would brush off as Elena glanced st the sleeping figure on her lap.

Sofia and her had been back in Avalor for a week after what they've chosen not to discuss to many happened back in Enchancia. Only the grand council and Mateo knew about Paulownia and Shuriki alongside Sofia's violent vengeful nature that came out of nowhere.

Elena had Mateo teach Sofia magic in the hopes of calming down the violent anger the girl had inside. It was only twice a week but slowly there was improvement.

"She used magic from the amulet today. Some of which I didn't know about myself. It's interesting to say the least," Mateo smiled, noticing the two. "Am I interrupting anything?"

"No. Sofia just climbed into my lap and passed out," Elena said, taking Sofia to her bed before laying her down. "I have to thank you for doing this. With you teaching Olivia, I thought you would decline—"

"Elena I'm with you no matter what. "

"I know Sofia living here is still an adjustment to well all of us but I only want her to be safe and grow up to be a respected, responsible, and generous woman. Roland and Miranda would've wanted it."

"They would have," Mateo agreed. "Sofia's still adjusting to magic and sometimes she flinches, often apologizing for it but I assure her it's okay."

"I've seen how patient you are with her. You know how magic affected Sofia so you take it slowly and never rush her," Elena smiled.

"Have you been listening into our lessons?"

"What else would I do when I have a free day in my schedule?"

The royal wizard blushed at the compliment. He knew Elena and Naomi had a falling out the day the crown princesses had returned from Enchancia and since then Elena fancied him.

It was unusual at first Mateo had to admit it and while they were still friends and not an item for Sofia's benefit, everyone else were placing bets on the relationship.

Well the jaquins were anyway. Sofia herself was with Skylar on them tying the knot in a few years time with it being the hopes of happening before she was twenty one.

"We should let Sofia sleep," Elena suggested with a smile, cutting off his thoughts. "Though I'm grateful you've been there for the both of us. You couldn't have done it."

"I want to. You both helped me in the past and now I'm returning the favor."