Author's note: Happy Easter/April Fool's Day, everyone. I'm back from the dead with a new chapter!

I'm so sorry to keep you guys waiting for so long. School has been really stressing me out. It's mostly having to do with AP Literature essays, which really sucked the joy of writing with me over-criticizing everything I make in such a limited amount of time. But now that Spring Break has come and ended, I took the chance into finally finishing this chapter (I refuse to become the Ducktales hiatus!)

I am afraid to say that this might have to be the usual time it takes to write a new chapter unless the upcoming months are less of a hassle. Writing, editing, and rewriting takes longer than you may think. I'm certain I've made some errors here and there. I'll fix those soon. But I will say that this story is still going strong.

Thank you so much for putting up with me and I hope you enjoy!

The ceremony had begun with hundreds of citizens crowding the main gate to the castle, all unaware of the disaster just a few miles away. By now, the staff finally took a moment to breathe after their state of pandemonium earlier, which they refused to acknowledge. They along with some aristocrats hung around the entrance hall engaging in gossip while waiting for you-know-what. Among them was Minnie, who sat alone on a stairway listening to the muffled cheering outside, again overthinking her concerns.

Okay, so she might have been staring out that window for too long. She still could've sworn a cloud of dust appeared somewhere in the distance. No matter, she took it upon herself to become distant from it. She had herself to worry about. Minnie knew Clara meant well and she'd always be grateful for that. After all, there's no crime in offering a piece of comforting advice.

… If only it stopped this naggy feeling lingering in her mind…

Blaring trumpets then silenced the hall. The cheering outside was soon replaced by ascending footsteps. A click from the main doors sent everyone's heads snapping to its direction. She was coming in? Now? Already? They all kept still as guards widen the doors. Some made last minute touch ups to look presentable. However, it wasn't the Queen who entered, but the Grand Duke, much to their, save for Minnie's, disappointment.

Goofy, as he's generally known as, had been the one left in charge of Cendre during the Queen's absence. He was a lanky dog with black fur, buck teeth, and clothes that, despite its fine quality, hung loosely over his body, making them the frequent cause of his frequent clumsy trips (which happened frequently). He carried Her Highness' luggage and the intention of spreading his arms out and hollering, "Hey everybody! Queeny's here!" But before he could even start his proclamation, something clicked within the aristocrats and they all bolted out of the hall, trampling over the poor nobleman. This wasn't a shocking scene based on the staff's eyerolls.

"Tell me again why she trusts him?" asked a servant, casually grabbing the fallen luggage.

"No clue. She just does." Another shrugged as they brought it upstairs. Minnie heard this and scowled.

She went immediately to the Duke's aid, grabbing his arm and helping him sit upright. "Goofy, are you well?" The two have known each other since childhood, and even then, Minnie always felt the need to be courteous. He laid a hand to his forehead and blinked multiple times.

"Gawrsh, real frisky folk, aren't they?" He mumbled. His ability to withstand anything like it was nothing still boggled her. After leaning Goofy against a wall, Minnie glanced at the aristocrats hurrying back inside. They were now huddling around someone who she knew no doubt was Margaret.

It'd be risky to try catching up to her in that stampede given the mouse's small frame, but it's a risk Minnie was willing to take. She ran into the huddle shouting "Excuse me!" only to get shoved right back. Alright… She tried calling out by her nickname but that too got drowned out. Are these people really that desperate for a conversation? This was ridiculous.

And then the crowd stopped as if obeying a silent command, Minnie took this to her advantage and pushed her way through freely, but it was no victory. It turned out that the reason behind the sudden halt had to do with their object of attention. The Queen walked right past the aristocrats and climbed up the stairs with her head hung low, not a word spoken.

Everyone including the staff stared at each other dumbfounded. Nobody said anything, not even when Goofy regained his consciousness and blurted out, "What I miss?"

Maybe he's dreaming. Yeah, th-that's it. That's gotta be it. None of this was real. No, it was only a dream this whole time. More like a nightmare, but that's alright. Any minute now, he's gonna wake up safe, sound, and in absolutely no deep trouble whatsoever. Just have to wait for it to end.

"Alrighty, settle down, people! Settle down!"

Any minute now…

"Quit blocking my view!"

Any minute now…

"People, please!"

Any—oh, forget it. He'll force himself awake. But a lift of his hand reminded Donald once again of the heavy cuffs still locked to his wrists. The constant noise around him couldn't be blocked out any longer, and he slowly opened his eyes, having shut them tight for a while. Try as he might, no pinches to the arm will get him out of this courtroom.

After... what happened, the villagers pushed for a quick hearing, eager to watch his testimony. Pete most of all, who bandaged his head to a hilariously exaggerated amount. They cramped themselves into their respective spots as Donald was rammed to the center of it all for everyone to see. Meanwhile, the Captain and his guards had been trying to quiet them down, "Settle down already! This is supposed to be my introduction!"

"That's enough." echoed a well spoken voice. From behind the Judge's bench arrived an old goose. Despite his short and non-threatening stature, his presence alone was enough to shush everyone, much to the Captain's delight.

"Ah, Judge Hooter. Glad you could make it. Sorry you had to leave the ceremony so soon, but this is an emergency." He pulled out parchments of paper and began to read through. "The defendant here is Donald…Fauntleroy Duck" he covered his mouth to avoid incoming laughter, which didn't sit well with Donald. He continued to skim through, "Let's see...Birthday: June 9th...Parents...uh...Legal Guardian: Scrooge McDuck, Esquire." Speaking of Scrooge, he was present at the trial along with Gladstone, Launchpad, and his empty stomach. He sat behind Donald, glaring at him coldly. Not that Donald actually looked over his shoulder and saw him. He just knew.

Finding what he was looking for, the Captain handed a parchment over to the Judge. He adjusted his glasses and examined the information, "According to your records, this was not the first time you had this sort of incident. There've been previous reports of public tantrums and uncontrollable rage. But never, from what I've seen, was it ever this extreme. Captain Mallard, explain the incident from your perspective."

"Your Honor, what we had witnessed was a true catastrophe! I shall never forget it! Horses running rampant. Stands crashing into the other. Widespread panic all over the marketplace! It's a miracle help arrived just in time, led by yours truly: Drake Mallard, Captain of the Royal Guard and Defender of Justice! I am the dreaded hiatus that's overstayed its welcome!" He quickly bowed and flashed a badge that featured all his titles engraved on it. Get a load of this guy, Donald thought. Even the villagers found the Captain acting a bit overly dramatic. "Under my protective watch, Hooter, villagers were escorted to safety, so no one was hurt!" A very very evident cough soon disrupted his speech. Mallard glared at Pete, who then whistled like there were no such disruption. "-okay fine- severely hurt. Your Honor, I'm guessing Mister Pete would like to give his input since he is a key witness."

"Permission granted."

Pete anticipated this, having prepared his moment of glory. All he had to do was hold his hands together and pout, "You see, Judge. I was just mindin' my own business. Sellin' some vegetables for an honest coin. " He forced such an innocent tone you would think a halo was taped to his wrapped head. "Then he came in with that temper of his! I gave him what he asked for and yet he insulted me, throwin' coins at me and wreckin' my beloved establishment with my onion!"

"Phooey!." Donald bellowed, gripping his fists. "I wasn't 'insulting' you. I was calling you out for lying to my face! Somebody must have heard me. They would know!"

"Like anyone knows a word you say!" remarked a villager. Laughter filled the room. Donald felt his anger coming back.

The Captain too began to lose his own patience, crossing his arms. "Listen, kid. You'll get your turn to talk-"

"But this bozo was ripping me off! Overpricing rotten junk while hiding fresh batches underneath! I saw it! He's the real criminal!"

"Maybe we could go over there right now and inspect it ourselves. Oh wait, we can't. Why? Because it's busy being buried under all that debris! From what, you ask? From the calamity you caused!"

"It was an accident! Yeah, I threw a stupid onion, but I never wanted to destroy anything! How could I've known it'd turn out that way if I planned it out this whole time? Please, you gotta believe me!" Donald might as well be begging on his knees, but these folks still wouldn't be convinced. Is he nothing more than some kind of explosive in their eyes?

Of course it was Pete who ended up answering that question when he smirked, "Not so tough now, are ya, hothead?"

"CUT IT OUT!"

Villagers shrieked and cowered, guards drew their weapons, and Scrooge facepalmed. Donald breathed heavily, hearing whispers of "He's gonna do it again." He's not really helping himself, is he?

The Judge peeked from behind his chair, "So it's true. You do not deny these actions?"

Donald lowered his head in defeat. Even if what he did wasn't on purpose, he was responsible regardless. "... I don't," he sighed, waiting for his punishment.

"Very well. It is clear to myself that the defendant is guilty of the allegations made against him. However, in his defense, this incident ranged to only a small percentage of the area. Restoring the Marketplace will not be an issue with the fines Mr. McDuck will, ahem, 'happily' pay for." Scrooge nearly fainted. "There were no severe injuries as Captain Mallard mentioned. I will point out that Mister Pete's records are also questionable, so if the boy's story is indeed true, then this was no case of vandalism. Though there is a lack of true evidence for full confirmation."

"Well, Your Honor? What's the penalty?" asked Mallard, putting away his sword.

The Judge paused and thought for a moment before declaring, "Donald Duck. For property damage and disturbing the peace, your sentence shall be…hanging—" Everyone gasped all at once until he started coughing. "—Excuse me. Don't know where that came from—hanging around your house at all times!"

"Wait wait wait, you mean house incarceration?" Mallard looked at him in utter confusion. All that for what was pretty much a slap on the wrist? For Pete, the fact that he gets to roam free was satisfying enough.

"Yes, house incarceration." the Judge affirmed." For 2 full months, the boy is forbidden from leaving his residence. He will be unable to make contact outside his home or tamper any equipment that establishes him as a prisoner. Any violation to these rules will result in a jail sentence."

Scrooge got up, ready to give a piece of his mind, "Now hold on just a flippin'-"

"Mr. McDuck, if you wish to discuss this any further, we shall speak in private. But my mind has been made. Starting this afternoon, adjustments will be made to your household. Court adjourned!"

Donald's heart beat rapidly, his fingertips freezing. He was now deemed a prisoner in his own home. A home he's been yearning to leave. As villagers began to exit out, he watched Scrooge stride towards the Judge, giving his nephew a stern glance and a disappointed head shake. Launchpad looked on with worry while Gladstone did nothing else but shrug. He was carrying a sack of oatmeal...

It's moments like these where Donald would ask himself if things could get any worse, but what was the point of asking when you know it will anyway?

On what was supposed to be a celebratory day to welcome back the Queen, the one person not rising up to the occasion...was the Queen herself. The rest of the morning couldn't have been more awkward with her silence during things like feasting or unpacking her luggage. Then there's also her insistence on being alone. As of currently, she's secluded herself in her room. Margaret was an outgoing, enthusiastic, if not feisty, woman. What happened?

Unsure on how to deal with this gloomy demeanor, everyone living under the castle's roof chose the more easier route and ignored it altogether, believing it'd be temporary. But Minnie was query of that, for it was present long before the trip, growing more apparent than she feared. To soothe herself, Minnie roamed around a hall adorned with paintings of past rulers. She took particular notice of one taking up a chunk of the wall.

This painting, with its intricate golden frame, featured a king, a short duck in grey with black hair sprouting from both sides of his head and a loony expression. His wife, a taller more relaxed lady duck in a violet gown, had her hand rested around his shoulder. And in-between the couple stood a girl hugging a teddy bear. The little princess wore a pink dress, a bow on her white hair to match, and such a cute smile Minnie loved so dearly. Has it truly been so long ago since—

"Miss Minerva?"

Minnie jumped, turning around to find it was just the butler who called for her. Unfazed, he cleared his throat for good measure while she let out a queasy laugh again. Either people ought to quit popping out of thin air or she ought to be more aware of her surroundings.

"Y-yes?"

"My apologies, Miss, but Her Majesty wishes to speak to you at her quarters if you aren't currently occupied," Minnie's heart skipped a beat. Did he just say what she thought he said? Had luck decided to bless her this time around?

"N-No, not at all! Thank you so much, Duckworth. I'll be right over there! " she smiled, trying hard to restrain herself. She curtsied before the stoic Duckworth and scurried to the private corridors, not stopping until she reached the Queen's door. This was it. Her one chance. She caught her breath, raised a fist, and… stayed that way.

Should she admit to what's troubling her? How long has this really been going on for? How was she even going to approach the issue? What would she say? Would it considered rude to mention it? Oh, why does she always make things harder than it should be?! She can't let a little tension blow it. You can do this. Taking a deep gulp, she knocked.

"Come in," came a young woman's voice, more anxious than expected. Minnie slowly turned the handle and opened it gently til it was only a crack. Through it, she spotted that little princess walking back and forth. Minnie poked her head in, addressing her friend by a name only those close would know.

"You wanted to see me, Daisy?"