Story in a nutshell: Gabe picks the new captain and Elena is just excited.

Authors Note: Not much, I got a second job at my local hospital that I hope becomes full time (yay me?). Writing won't be slowed down any since I update once a month now. And I'm still going down in order of suggestions, if you have any I'll post a date when I'm close to accepting new ones. Action scenes are not my forte so I do apologize for skimming them over.

Please enjoy and let me know what you think!

Elena looked at the note on the staff board and shuddered, she hated to get up early but the guards were used to it. They had rotating shifts and on the clock any point during the day and night. It was an effective system. Too bad she had to be at the meeting to get an idea of who would be captain next. With a deep sigh she turned and looked at Gabe.

"I'm going to kill you," she said.

"If you do make sure it's after the new captain is selected," said Gabe smirking and kissed her cheek. "You know you don't have to be there."

"But I should they're mostly my guards."

That was a feeble protest, but she just grinned anyway. Since she was marrying Gabe it was necessary to pick a new captain of the guard. They had an obstacle course that candidates went through and Gabe had earned his title that way. She glanced at the time of eight a.m. and groaned though. She hated to get up before nine unless she had to.

Snapping her out of her thought she could see her abuela from the corner of her eye and nudged Gabe. He glanced over at her and saw the food in her hands. Oh boy, that was more taste testing for them. Elena could swear that she ate her weight already this month or maybe more. Luisa waved to them and then waved back.

After another round of taste testing did Elena finally start some of her royal duties. Mostly just signing some paperwork and then going to open the knew school which just went through a renovation. Once she was caught up on everything did, she head toward Gabe's office area. Then a familiar voice called for her.

"Elena," shouted the familiar voice of Antonia dressed in her regular clothes.

Today must have been her off day and waited for her. There went spending some alone with Gabe but that was okay. They were going to have their entire lives together. Not to be too mushy, she thought in her mind. She was very much a romantic but not enough to say that kind of stuff to random people.

"Antonia!" she said and hugged her friend. "How are you?"

"Fine, um, I'm off today and was recently visiting my papa actually," she said nervously. "Since he heard you were marrying Gabe, he and I talked about possibly trying out for captain for a while. I just wanted to see what your opinion would be. As a professional of course…"

Her voice trailed off, but Elena just squealed in join. Antonia would be a great replacement!

"That sounds like a fantastic idea! Gabe loves you, well not like he loves me, but he thinks that you're a great guard. I don't see why you shouldn't."

Sincere in her approach she blinked up at Antonia to go for it. The young woman nodded slowly and then a grin crossed her face. She stood up taller and more confident.

"I should totally do it and I will be at the try outs tomorrow. Is there anything else I should know?"

"Don't touch enchanted swords," said Elena with an almost cheerful tone. She remembered how it went the last time. She liked how her court was shaping up to be minus a few exceptions and such. That didn't seem to matter though since Antonia would be a great addition. "Do you need help or advice?"

"I've seen the field being set up. Um I guess that we can't practice it or anything. Is there anything that you can tell me? Without the guys thinking that it was unfair that I know you personally?"

Looping her arm through hers she led her to the kitchens talking to each other about it. Elena was recalling the entire story of what happened with Gabe getting his job. Of course it was mostly in a nice way and would probably make Gabe blush at how great he did when he went back for Rico. Then telling her what she could without it feeling weird. Smiling at Gabe in the kitchen they sat down trying more wedding food ready to completely miss dinner again.

About two days later it was the final day of try outs. Three people remained in the race for the captain. Antonia had made it and now it was a chance to prove that she could win. Elena stretched across her bed until her body splayed across it almost with room to spare. With that her eyes popped open and groaned. Today was the day of the captain picking and blearily glanced around the room.

From his spot Gabe passed her a small breakfast.

"I had it called up from the kitchen," he said sheepishly. "And I cleaned up your clothes."

Right they were "busy" last night before she threw on her normal clothes eating between each layer. A few deliberate strands of hair framing her face. Then turned to Gabe and got a surprise.

"What happened to your uniform?" she asked looking him over and eyed just well it fit him. Plus he looked good noticing how his muscles bulged.

"The dressmakers wanted me to try out the new everyday outfit."

He shook his head not understanding clothes before heading down to the arena. Well Gabe lead the guards and Elena waved to all of them. A sharp eye out for Antonia and nodded at her slightly when they caught eyes. She was going to win this fair and square.

From her spot with Isabel next to her and Francisco on her other side they gazed across the field. Only Hector and Rico were her remaining competition. Both were good of course but Elena was cheering for her friend.

The flags were waved, and they were off going into the course adrenaline fueled. At first it looked like Hector was going to win with Rico coming up second. Slowly but surely Antonia was catching up and not going to be out of breath like the others soon.

Elena's brown eyes watched them in case of cheaters, but they were good sports so far. They rounded the bend and started the rock climb. Since the courses changed depending on the captain leaving, Gabe chose different kind of situations that they might be in.

She was glued to the trail that they were blazing in the thickened wooden area made by Mateo. Antonia stealthy getting ahead of them, but Hector caught up to her.

"Elena," said Isabel turning to her and hiding her face. "I can't look let me know who wins."

She and Francisco shared a look and smiled leaning to see better.

"The winner is Antonia Bello!" shouted the ref from across the field leaving everyone watching clapping for her.

Elena hurried across the field ready to announce her the next captain. Gabe was holding the box that held his old sword to give to her. She had the sash that was made special for each captain with their first badge of honor. Plus, one to give to Gabe too.

All the guards in the stand stood attention for her as she walked by. People who had watched the tryouts waited for the small ceremony that was included.

"I Queen Elena Castillo Flores herby announce that Antonia Bello is the next captain of the royal guard."

"And I Gabriel Nunez present you this sword and this badge of honor."

Elena pinned it to her jacket, and she accepted the sword. It was like an all new beginning. A new captain of the guard and husband. What more could Elena ask for right now anyway? Well besides a chocolate bar, she thought, ready to get some to share. Antonia was going to be great.