(Author's Note: Yup. You read that right. I have to admit, I got really nervous about updating this. To think that it's been 3 years since the last chapter. Not to mention that 2021 marks four years since the AU idea first came to be. To say that a lot has happened in that duration would be a major understatement. I lost motivation. Don't worry, nobody forced me to continue. This was my own decision. New ideas started to come to me and I was able to find time without it affecting my personal life. To fellow writers out there, it's ok. Don't push yourselves. Writing is ultimately for your enjoyment. If it starts to feel like a chore, take time off until you feel that you are ready. If not, let it be.)

So much for subtlety.

Hand pressed to her bill, Daisy walked in circles in spite of her fatigue after hours of travel. Her bedroom provided sole confinement, but at what cost? Those shocked faces. The side looks while she ate. It said everything. She pushed it.

Unless she wants her privacy invaded to see what's up, she'll have to come out eventually and make an excuse. But first, she could use a familiar face.

Knock Knock

That must be Minnie. Wow, Duckworth is fast. "Come in." That came out too shaky. Daisy yanked some clothes from her luggage and tossed it onto her massive bed. Look busy. This is not some grand tale of reunion. It's going to be a proper chat. Something quick before she throws herself back into the open. Nice, sweet, and above all, it's got to be low-key.

"You wanted to see me, Daisy?"

"MINNIE!" Aaaand nope. Thoughts flown out the window, Daisy rushed to the door and glomped her best friend into a tight embrace. "I missed you!"

"Oh, Daisy," wheezed Minnie, getting crushed by the second. "It hasn't been that long."

"I still mean what I said." Daisy smiled. She let go and proceeded to run through her thoughts before Minnie could catch a breath. "So, how've you been? I want to hear everything that's been going on. Have things gotten well for Goofy? Any trouble? How about some good news? Oh! I brought a whole ton of stuff from my trip. I think I left a dress for you over there." She pulled Minnie towards the pile of clothes and grabbed a gown. "The color pink just screams you. Not sure if it fits- didn't check the size- but it reminded me of you so I bought it anyway. You could try it on and decide—. "Daisy caught the tense look on her friend's face. "Minnie, what's wrong?"

"Actually, I've been meaning to ask you the same thing..."

Daisy froze, then laughed nervously, "What do you mean? I'm fine. Perfectly fine."

"...You're crushing the dress."

Indeed, she was, compressing it in her hands. "Needs to be fluffed for that extra poofiness." She tossed it back. Oh no, this was a mistake.

Minnie hopped onto the bed. "Daisy, before you left, you looked down. I thought maybe you were sleepy but this was different. You looked…sad."

Daisy sat next to her. "You're right. I was… sleepy. I looked forward to the trip. It was wonderful but at the same time it felt strange, being somewhere new on my own. By myself."

"If you wanted us to come with you, you know Goofy and I would gladly-"

"No! It's not that! Not that I don't want you guys to be there with me. That's not what I'm saying. That would've been great. But we all understand that the kingdom always comes first." Alright, the jig is up. Daisy dumped her face into her palms. "I know I caused a scene back there. I was irritated. How could I be all smiles when they're coming at me like I got a target on my face. All around me — 'Margaret! Margaret! Margaret!'—Couldn't even see where I was going. I couldn't think of another way to get them to stop. They must think something is wrong with me. They'll never live it down"

"It's ok." Minnie patted her shoulder. "You did nothing wrong. I think you need to tell them-"

Another knock.

"Special delivery!" sang a voice from behind the door. After Daisy gave the word, Clara's head poked out of the doorframe, holding a large bouquet of bright red roses tied together with green ribbon and a note. "These arrived for you!"

"Oh goodie…" Daisy's face soured upon seeing the flowers but kept her voice steady, "Who's it from this time?"

"'Secret admirer', Your Grace!"

Minnie giggled, "Aww, how romantic!"

"Pfft, as if!" Daisy threw a pillow at her. "Whoever this 'Secret Admirer' is can go take a hike! Er- thank you, Clara. Can you put them somewhere else, please? Ditch the note while you're at it!"

"Right away!" said Clara, shutting the door. A gossipy "Ooooo" rang in the corridors.

"The note could've had the most beautiful writing," remarked Minnie.

"Hey, you can have it. You're the hopeless romantic here. I got no time for lovey buzz words anyway."

Minnie laughed. "Sounds like the real Daisy is ready to come out of her shell."

Daisy sighed, getting back on her feet. "I guess you're right. I should get out there and break the tension."

"You'll be fine." Minnie reassured her.

It was a case of exhaustion. That's the excuse Daisy went with along with some other 'half-truths.'

She called everyone into the ballroom, which even with the entire castle staff and Royal Court inside still wasn't at its full capacity.

Daisy stood in front of her throne, hands clasped together. "When you're sitting for hours, it takes a lot out of you. Now that I've taken a nap, I feel so refreshed. You could say the Sweet Nightingale Festival really brought my spirits high above me?" How she wished a cricket would chirp at that moment. She cleared her throat and adjusted her head to a more presentable fashion. "I appreciate the work you all have been doing while I was gone. If there was a way I could show you my full gratitude, I would.

The servants pulled an all-nighter. Daisy could tell as evident by the leftover broom sweeps behind the vases and the tower of bedsheets that burst when she opened her closet. Were they afraid she'd come for their heads at the slightest sight of dirt? Why wait until the last minute then?

"As for members of the elite, I will arrange a get-together. We can make up for lost time over some tea.

Oh boy, how great that will be…

"Everybody, get some well-deserved rest. We did well!" She finished off with a cheer. She took the nonchalant head nods as a good sign

There. That wasn't so bad. It could've used a second draft (and omitting her lame joke), but it relieved her more that it was done with. Daisy prepared to leave last. Before she could, she spotted a looming silhouette standing on one of the giant lion statues by her throne, observing the dispersing crowd left and right. This might've scared any passerby believing they were alone, but not her.

"Drake! Lurking in your natural habitat, I see."

The Captain flinched, nearly toppling the statue, though he regained his balance. "Pardon me, Your Highness. Gotta keep the element of surprise for any potential threat." He sprung from his hiding spot and landed by her side.

"Is that where you've been?" asked Daisy. "I didn't see you at the ceremony."

"Duty called, Margaret! The south division of the Marketplace collapsed and I left to evacuate folks."

This information struck Daisy. "What? Why didn't you inform me about this sooner? Were you even going to tell me?"

"There's nothing to worry about. It's been taken care of. The perpetrator has already been convicted. You didn't have to do anything."

"But what about the vendors? Are they safe? And the food? What's going to happen?"

"They're fine." He comforted her. "Fees are being paid. Repairments started today by order of Judge Hooter. The vendors affected will have to wait. They'll be back in business in no time."

While it was good news that action was done, it irked Daisy to know that she could've taken a active role instead of moping over getting the stink eye. "Maybe I should head over there at some point. See how everyone is adjusting to the construction. I could squeeze in an extra slot in my schedule-"

But the Captain shook his head. "No can do. Too dangerous."

"Too dangerous? I'm their Queen-"

"-And as their Queen, you are needed here in the castle. You just came back. The last thing we need are citizens flocking over there for your autograph."

Daisy bit the inside of her cheek. She wanted to raise her voice at him and storm out of there. Instead, she exhaled her frustration and flashed puppy-dog eyes. "I was hoping I could at least be accompanied to the gardens. I could use some fresh air."

"Up-bup-bup. That won't work on me." The Captain retorted, hands on his hips. "Don't think I don't know all your schemes, young lady. The blanket ladder? The runaway kitten? Not this time. Under my watchful eye, you will remain here until further notice. Is that understood?"

She lowered her head, mumbling. "Yes, Sir…"

"Good. Go head to bed. A nap won't suffice. I can escort you to your room."

"No thank you, I'm sure I can manage."

The Captain sighed but obeyed, bidding her farewell and leaving. Good thing too. Daisy couldn't hold her head down any longer. She looked over her shoulder, her beak curving into a devilish smirk.

"All my schemes, hm?"