"Margaret, did you have a pleasant trip?"
"I did, Countess Glamour! It was-"
"Oh good, you're awake. Tell me. Do you plan on entertaining us anytime soon or will you be resorting to the silent treatment again?"
Out of a daze, Daisy nearly dropped her teacup. The get-together comprised of the invited elite gossiping at their individual tables with newly hired staff serving tea. Within her inner circle of guests included Minnie, Goofy, and high members of the Royal Court. As advisors, these aristocrats have been around long since she could remember.
"You're a sweaty mess!" Cried a duck with large blonde hair that formed a heart.
"Just the heat, Brigitta." Daisy waved her hand sheepishly by the window.
"In the springtime? That's a good one!" Laughed Baron Von Sheldgoose, a pampered goose whose tea got cold as he was busy shining his spoon collection. When he had offered to sit next to her, Daisy was adamant her friends' occupations required them to be by her side at all times. No other reason, whatsoever.
"I've been thinking of some stuff."
"If only you could show it," remarked Countess Glamour, an African grey parrot with a permanent sneer on her face. She was the eldest of the group, having served under the Royal family for decades. "And such informal wordplay. Using words such as 'stuff,' I reckon they are an influence." She pointed her fan towards Minnie and Goofy. The former hid her scowl through bitten lips while the latter sheepishly scooped spoonfuls of sugar to his cup.
"They've got nothing to do with it." Daisy pleaded. "I was only wondering how things ran while I was away, given the whole marketplace incident."
"Oh, leave that to rest already. It's done for. A queen should never let such needless matter agitate her. Surely, you would've gotten that through your little head ages ago."
"Cut Her Highness some slack, will ya?" said Goofy, now scooping sugar obliviously. "None of us knew she'd inherit the throne so soon. It takes time to adjust. She's still learnin'."
"By your logic, George, you ought to be an expert by now," snarked the Countess, fanning her face and flashing her cold gold eyes. "Trust me, this kingdom would've sunk if I didn't make the decisions around here."
Daisy looked down into the swirling tea leaves. After much rushing back to the castle that left her breathless, her scheme had been a success. Though, it left her with even more questions than she had hoped would be answered. She thought about the construction site. Is it affecting business? Will it be finished on time as Drake assured her? What about the guardsman who didn't receive any recognition for his duty, assuming he was telling the truth?
"Delivery, Your Grace!" Said Clara in her singsong voice that made Glamour put a finger in her ear. She approached the group with a set of parchment cards in hand.
Recognizing the green lace, Daisy waved the cards off. "Later. I'd rather not read them here."
"Why not?" asked Brigitta, concerned. "Is it bad?"
"Well no, it isn't, but can't we discuss-"
"Then, I don't see a reason for the hesitation." Said Glamour. "Go on, read it. You're amongst allies, are you not? No secrets should be kept hidden from us."
Oh no.
With her guests and Clara leaning towards her direction, Daisy sighed as she grabbed the stash and opened one of the cards. In the dullest voice she could muster, she read out loud:
My Dearest Sweetest Queen,
The Big Jewel in a Stash of Other Jewels
That Passionate Feeling of Passion
For You To Gaze Upon My Orbs of Ocean Aqua
May Lady Luck Combine Your Heart With Mine
To Become One Giant Heart
For You To Be Forever Mine for Eternity
Sincerely,
Your One and Only True Love,
Secret Admirer
Her tone of voice couldn't prevent the numerous knots tying her stomach in that moment, nor the fiasco that was about to unfold.
"Got yourself a little lover there, Margaret?" Sheldgoose raised his brow suspiciously.
"Oh Margaret, it was about time you found yourself a suitable suitor! " Brigitta squealed, clasping her hands together. "Writing poems to you? Such a perfect romance!"
"What does romance have to do with it?" retorted Glamour. "It's merely a ruse to make two people tolerate each other into a glorified partnership."
"But what a beautiful glorified partnership it will be!" said Brigitta. "He'll be your everything, but he's going to want more. You know how men are. You just need to follow his every move to make sure you are the only one who matters in his life. Trust me, it's worked for me every time."
"That Esquire would rather drown in his own treasure than lock eyes with you, you ditz." Groaned Sheldgoose. "And that's if he knows you exist."
"I only see one upside to this," Intruded Glamour. "If you were to marry this admirer, pending he's worthy, he as king would take the blame for your inevitable mistakes. After all, may I bring up the time when the press had a field day with your little flings?"
Daisy's cheeks reddened. "I-I don't have any interest in looking for anyone right now, if ever. It would distract from my duties. Besides, if I did, I'd rather it be at my own pace."
"That won't take too long for you, My Queen. You possess all the traits a man could ever want out of a lady: Fame. Riches. Beauty." Sheldgoose remarked with full emphasis on the last part. "And I must say, you do look quite ravishing."
"Such a shame I can't say the same about you." Daisy mumbled.
"Beg your pardon?"
"Could we have some more sugar here, please? I'm afraid we've run out." Daisy rang a little bell, grinning as she placed the stash back into the smirking Clara's hands. The others turned to Goofy, whose cup now resembled a snowy mountainside.
"Will ya look at that…" he muttered in astonishment, attempting to take a sip. His lips touched the top of the pile while Glamour rolled her eyes.
"Coming right up!" squeaked a voice. Daisy noticed Minnie's face lighting up when a mouse arrived with a sugar pot. He gave a quick bow before placing it on the table.
"Thank you, Mister…?"
"Mickey. Mickey Mouse, Your Highness. It's a real pleasure being here."
"Before you go, would it be too much to refill our tea?" Chimed Minnie.
"Anything for you, Miss. I mean- Right away!" Mickey laughed nervously. With a whistle, a cart containing a large teapot seemingly rolled towards the table on its own. It was revealed to be a golden-furred dog pulling it with his tail. The aristocrats were less than pleased.
"What's with the pest? It'll drool all over my spoons!" said Sheldgoose as Brigitta nudged her chair farther away.
"No worries. Pluto is clean and well-trained. Very friendly to everyone too." Assured Mickey, though Pluto's glare towards Sheldgoose suggested otherwise. "He could show you all a dozen tricks if you like!"
"May one trick be to get out of my sight?" Said Glamour.
"I'm sure he means no harm." Minnie bent over from her seat and patted Pluto's head. She and Mickey smiled at each other once more.
Bunch of lovebirds, Daisy thought. It's been one interaction. How could they be enamored already?
While there was clearly no such correlation, seeing the two reminded her of that figure she met on the hill.
The one with lovely voice…
She had never heard that song before. An original composition, perhaps? If only she could visit that mansion again. Maybe they'll turn up at the marketplace sometime? No, that wouldn't work either. Those iron bars made their appearance hard to distinguish.
What a minute- the bars.
Could that have been the…
Oh goodness, no. That person was far too polite to be that raging jerk. Maybe the bars were for decoration. An odd choice of décor, but who's she to judge? Or maybe somebody else was the prisoner and the singer was simply a resident. That can happen, right?
…Or maybe the Countess was right. Don't get distracted over such things. It's not like she could do anything about it right now.
"Watch where you're pouring!"
"Sorry, Ma'am. This is heavier than I thought." Mickey struggled lifting the teapot, which was about a third his height. There was mild spillage on the table by Brigitta's side. He turned to Sheldgoose. "Uh Sir, isn't this cup already full?"
"But it's chilled, which means it's useless. Who gave you the right to judge me?" Sheldgoose scoffed, poking Mickey. Pluto growled.
"Either get rid of that mutt or get out of the premises. You are ruining this tea party." Snapped Glamour. "As of a matter of fact, I can do both. I have the authority to do so!"
"I'll speak with him." Daisy stood up, her voice stern. The table silenced as she gestured Mickey towards the door. "Follow me."
Entering the hall, Mickey panicked while Pluto lowered his head. "Your Majesty, it was an honest mistake. It won't happen again. Really, I-"
"I know it was. Sorry to scare you like that. I'm not here to punish you." She placed her hands on his shoulders, her voice softened. "There's a garden down the corridor. Clear weather outside with a nice view. Take the time off. Have a breather. I can take Pluto to the quarters. He'll be safe there."
Mickey gaped, "Y'sure? I don't want anger you any further."
"No, it'll be fine. It will just take a minute or so. Don't worry, I'm not angry at all!"
"Razzinfrazzin' tea party!"
Sitting on the steps near the quarters grumbled Daisy, a baffled Pluto sitting aside. She knew the get-together wouldn't be fun, but she really didn't want to go back. Not with those people. Every minute spent with them equated to an hour.
"I wanted to talk about the Nightingale Festival. Or talk about the weather. Normal things like that. But no! Shoving marriage down my throat because of some poem sounds like a much better topic! I don't even know the guy's name and yet they think that's the one for me. All while treating my staff like scum over spilled tea! You get it, don't you?" She looked at Pluto, who tilted his head. Daisy facepalmed. "Look at me, dumping my problems onto a pet! What am I going to do?"
They're waiting for her right this second. Waiting for her to entertain them somehow. There's got to be something cheery that could be done. There should be a variety, given their- uh- tastes. Games and food maybe. Something like a party, perhaps? No, it's got to be much bigger than that. Something that everyone could find a part to enjoy…
Daisy's mind sparked. "That's it…" She smiled brightly at Pluto. "That's it!" She didn't waste a second dropping him off at the quarters and running back into the tearoom.
"Margaret, where have you been?" Sneered an annoyed Glamour.
"I know what to do!" Daisy shouted, gasping for air. The invited elite and the staff stared at her. "Don't you see? The neighboring kingdoms have these large celebrations. Festivals, Carnivals. You name it! What does Cendre have?"
"Didn't we have the Ceremony sometime ago?" Asked an aristocrat.
"Not for me, for everyone! I mean, when was the last time we had a grand event of that scale? Look at this place. Why are we cooped up here in a small marble room when there's a ballroom right there? Why have it if we're not going to use it? And that's just the thing we need! We'll have a ball. No- a masquerade ball!"
"Interesting." Glamour closed her fan. "Go on."
"Picture it! Chandeliers! Music! Dancing!" She lifted Minnie from her chair and spun her around, laughing. "Colorful costumes all around. A long buffet you can grab and go!" She stopped to hold whatever composure was left, steadying a dizzy Minnie. "It's been a busy time. It only makes sense to have a night off. Everybody can come. And I don't mean the people in this room. All are invited!"
Sheldgoose gasped, "Don't tell me you're thinking of inviting commoners into the palace."
"Well, why not?" Daisy crossed her arms. "What would make this stand out if only a certain handful of the population show up? A bigger number means the more word is spread out. The kingdom would be booming better than ever."
"It's possible," Goofy rose up. "There's a lotta things to consider like accessibility and resources, but we're well beyond the budget needed. Doesn't hurt to try."
"Exactly! And…" Daisy paused, then mumbled. "There's a chance that secret admirer will show up."
"Ooh! I'm in!" Squealed Brigitta. Everyone else started praising the idea.
Daisy nodded. "Alright, then it's settled. Goofy, look up all the residents in Cendre. I'll write the letters. We shall make arrangements immediately! I want this to be held as soon as possible!"
Knock, Knock, Knock
Before one could say "Come in?" The doors slammed wide open. In stormed the Captain.
"Absolutely not! Pardon the intrusion, but I've been hearing something about a masquerade ball and everyone being invited. That just spells a recipe for disaster!"
Daisy recoiled. She completely forgot about his input. "Of course, no one can enter the palace if they don't have an invitation or suitable attire. It's not like anyone can go in and out all willy-nilly."
"Doesn't make it any less perilous. I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I refuse to let this arrangement happen."
"That's too bad. I thought, given your expertise, you could help keep watch. Be part of the get up. But, I should've know that'd be too much for you to handle, Drake. Everyone has their limits, after all." Daisy hid her smirk.
"Limits? Now see here! I'll have you know that I am the flyswatter to the nest of crime! There's not a challenge I can't handle. Fine, you can have your little masquerade, but I'm warning you. All of you-" He pointed to everyone in the room. "You'll never know what sort of trecherous fiend will cross our paths!"
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP-
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BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP-
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BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP-
"Do you ever get tired?" Donald asked the fluttering bird, which shook its head. He had been stepping in and out the front door, looking out into the setting landscape.
Nothing.
"Hey, Uncle Donald! You coming to dinner?" Yelled Huey from inside.
"Yeah, be right there. I… thought I saw someone." Finally accepting that she won't reappear, Donald dragged himself over to the dining room, where Scrooge, Gladstone, and the kids sat around the table. He assisted Beakley with the plates ("I'll be careful this time, Mrs. B").
This may have not been a great idea, going back and forth one-by-one while the iron ball scraped behind him. Instead, he rested the stack on both his head and hands, balancing like a performer. This garnered laughter from Webby and the triplets, but a disappointed sigh from Beakley.
"Very careful, I see," She muttered, pulling a plate off his head.
The family recounted their epic tale of the harbor as they ate. Scrooge started with a story about the time he wrestled oysters for a pearl as a young lad until the kids took over from there.
"There was this super creepy looking cave by the bay, completely loaded! And then this giant squid came up and wrecked our boat in half! Like BLAM!"
"Not true, Dewey. There was some damage, sure, but nothing serious. Von Drake can fix it. Besides, we wouldn't have dealt with the squid in the first place if Louie hadn't tried stealing the Forbidden Gem of the Ocean."
"There's nothing 'forbidden' about it, Huey. That's just a load of superstitious phooey. What was a squid supposed to do with a ton of treasure, anyway? It's not like they have underwater currency."
"Sounds like you kids had quite the trip," said Donald, unsure whether he was outraged at the danger they were thrown in or envious of their adventure. Or both.
"Well, Scrooge wanted to do more than have them see the sights." Commented Beakley, cutting her meal.
"Either way, it was so cool! We couldn't calm it down until one of us threw doughnuts at it. It worked!" Exclaimed Webby until she looked at Donald. "…Which means we didn't get to eat them… But at least we know they were good enough to put a giant sea creature in a happy mood!"
"Quite boring if you ask me," yawned Gladstone, checking his hair through his fork's reflection. "Today, I was crossing the road and someone actually yelled at me. Something about 'getting out of the way.' Could you believe they'd do something like that? Anyways, guy's wagon reached a bump, and it just so happened to drop exactly three bags of candy." Not needing to look away, he pulled the bags from his coat and threw them into the air. They landed perfectly onto the amazed triplets' hands. "Goes to show what Lady Luck can do for you if you matter."
"What matters-!" Scrooge cut in. "-Is that we made a successful journey with the scars and loot to prove it! Sooner or later, kids, you'll find yourselves as heads of the estate. The largest this kingdom will ever know! It will take a load of hustlin' and-"
"Oh, don't start with that." Interrupted Donald without thinking. He quickly shut his beak, eyes widening.
"What are you spewin' now, Nephew?" Scrooge's mood shifted.
The kids eyed each other awkwardly while Beakley groaned as if to say "Here we go."
Donald sensed it too, but he couldn't stop himself. "I mean- Let them be kids and enjoy their fun, alright? Don't bring business into this. They're going to have their own wants and needs when they grow up. They shouldn't be thinking about that sort of pressure now."
"Pressure? That's ridiculous! You just don't want to admit you'd rather loaf around to reach my level than by pullin' yourself by the bootstraps. Or shackles, lest we forget!"
"I've stayed in this miserable mansion for years, shining your gold on a daily basis. It sits there, reminding me of your grand achievements that would blow up in my face if I tried them. I've washed half of this entire place in a day's time, going to surfaces Mrs. B or even spiders wouldn't dare go. All for whatever measly coin your miserly self could muster!" Donald stood up, heated. "I'm not you, Uncle Scrooge! They're not you! Are you going to consider them failures if they can't reach your level? Don't want to? The fit you threw when Fethry and Della left! Sure was a sight!"
"That was different!" Scrooge slammed his hands on the table, reaching face to face with his nephew. "Fethry couldn't tell a boot from a hat, but the boy had vision. Della could've gone whenever she pleased. She proved to be far more capable of fending for herself. What do you have?!"
"Ah-HEM," Beakley cleared her throat. "You two can continue spoiling this occasion for the children or you can set aside your argument, tuck your tail between your legs, and settle on a conclusion."
Donald lowered himself, turning away from Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby. "Sorry, kids."
"Right…" Scrooge sat back down, adjusting his glasses. "I see one day of solitude wasn't enough for you. I'll find us a new place to explore. Boys. Webby. We'll leave first thing in the mornin'."
"Wow," uttered Gladstone. "This has surely been a nice supper, Uncle McDunkle, but I've had quite an exhausting day. I think I'm heading to bed. You guys have fun tomorrow."
"Gladstone, ye comin' along."
"What?"
"With a lil' bit of family time, work won't be so boring to you. Maybe your 'luck' can be useful for once. Set an example for the kids of what happens to those who expect all for nothin'."
Gladstone was aghast, but one look at the triplets with their bags of candy mellowed him out slightly. "Well, this could be a blessing in disguise…"
"Good." Scrooge grabbed his cutlery. "Now let's not leave this food to waste. We shall dine like the McDucks we ought to be."
When all was done, Beakley led the children to their bedrooms. Gladstone left next, still processing his sudden change of plans. Donald stayed behind to pick up the dishes as Scrooge walked away silently.
"So, I guess I'll be cleaning that loot then?" He mustered before dodging Scrooge's throwing cane.