The people of Anaheim could still remember a time they had lived without oppression and fear. At first King Marcus had been an effective ruler; a little hardhanded and firm, but fair. But since the Queen had passed, it seemed to set him on a downward spiral. Now hardly anyone even recognized him anymore. He seemed to look so much older than his years and ruled with an iron fist that most could only recognize as tyranny. The hopes of the people now rested with the King's daughter, Princess Minerva. So much of her mother could be seen in the girl, and despite her father's attempts to instill his new ideals of despotism, the Princess remained fair-minded and kind. But now there was talk of something new to place their hope in. Whispers were spreading of an underground resistance building against King Marcus, one that claimed to fight for his overthrow and the installment of his daughter on the throne. Few dared say so out loud, but many now hoped for the victory of the Resistance and the removal of the once respected King who had become no more than a tyrant. Yet still the question remained… in this time when freedom was no more than a dream, could these rebels truly hope to claim victory? Only time would tell.
"Come now, Your Highness! Rise and shine!"
Light streamed in as the curtains were thrown open, and the Princess couldn't hold back a groan as she shielded her eyes.
"Oh, please, Clarabelle… not now."
"No can do, my Lady!" the cheerful voice replied. "Mustn't be late!"
Princess Minerva, known affectionately as Minnie, felt another urge to groan. She turned on her back and stared up at the canopy of her bed; she could vaguely remember a time when she had eagerly anticipated greeting her father in the morning, but since her mother died ten years ago it had become something she dreaded. Her father now acted with cold indifference, quick to rebuke and slow to praise… if he did at all.
But she was a princess, and even royalty had duties that must be fulfilled even if undesirable. So, with a sigh, Minnie sighed and threw back the covers and rose. She was a petite mouse, almost delicate, but any who knew her knew not to underestimate her. If the situation called for it, she could be tough as nails, and her friends knew there was a good deal of sass under her dignified exterior.
Pushing her feet into her slippers and pulling on her robe, the Princess crossed the room with graceful strides, seating herself at her vanity. Picking up her brush, she began running it through her long, curling black hair as she gazed into the mirror. Her reflection revealed a lovely face, yet it was solemn… almost gloomy. Letting out another sigh, she schooled her features into a smile. It would fool most people, but anyone who looked closely would see the melancholy in her dark brown eyes. Luckily for her, not many people did look closely… especially her father.
Meanwhile Clarabelle, a tall cow in a maid's uniform, bustled about the room.
"Any preference as to what to wear, my Lady?"
Minnie gave her a small smile in the mirror.
"Oh, go ahead and choose something for me. You always have a better idea of what Father expects than me."
Clarabelle returned her smile with noticeable sympathy.
"Of course. Though anyone can see you look fine in anything, Your Highness."
Minnie couldn't help but let her smile widen at the praise, though it remained humble.
"Thank you, Clarabelle."
Letting out a quiet sigh, she set down her brush and studied her reflection for a few more moments before standing. Turning from her vanity, she saw that Clarabelle had laid out one of her finer gowns: a deep purple one with fine gold embroidery on the bodice and hem. She cast the cow a smile of thanks before picking it up and moving to her changing screen.
Before long she was dressed, with an emerald necklace and earrings the complimented the gown beautifully. Facing Clarabelle, she held out her arms and turned in a circle.
"Well? How does this look?"
Clarabelle looked her up and down, then clapped her hands.
"Lovely! An absolute vision!"
Minnie gave her a smile.
"I believe Father will likely disagree but thank you."
Clarabelle's smile grew sad as she walked over and took Minnie's hands, lowering her voice.
"Don't let him get you down, Your Highness."
"Yes, I know," Minnie sighed. "It's just… he's changed so much since Mother…"
Her voice trailed off as she gazed down at her hands for a few moments, then took a deep breath and looked up.
"I just wish things could be different."
"Anyone would, my Lady," Clarabelle said, patting her arm. "But remember, we're all here for you."
Minnie's smile widened at that; despite all the lords and ladies at court falling over each other for her favor, it seemed most of her true friends were the servants. At least they looked beyond appearance. Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on her bedroom door, and she turned, knowing who it likely was.
"Come in."
The door opened and a duck in a fine blue gown entered. Smiling, she curtsied.
"Good morning, Your Highness… you look beautiful."
Minnie smiled.
"Thank you, Daisy."
Daisy was one of the few ladies of rank whom Minnie could count as a true friend. She had come from humble origins, but that changed when she was engaged to Donald Duck, the nephew of Lord McDuck. Still, she was anything but superficial thanks to her modest background, and truthfully, Minnie envied her. Not many nobles had the luxury of marrying for love, and her and Donald's engagement had sent the court whirling with controversy. People were even more surprised that Donald's stingy uncle had agreed to it. Minnie had a sneaky suspicion that it was the closest he would get to admitting he cared, the old grump.
Daisy walked over to Minnie and took her hands, inquisitive concern in her eyes.
"Are you ready?"
Minnie felt a twinge of dejection at the question but managed a small smile and nodded.
"As ready as I can be, I suppose."
Smiling back, Daisy gave her hands a gentle squeeze.
"Whatever he says, try not to let it get you down," she said softly. "He's just taking out his misery on everyone else."
Amusement broke through the Princess's melancholy; as usual, Daisy wasn't mincing words in saying what she thought.
"What would I do without you?" Minnie said. Daisy grinned and winked.
"Think nothing of it, Your Highness. It's my pleasure."
She then stepped back and to the side, and Clarabelle took the opportunity to give Minnie a gentle pat on the shoulder.
"Good luck, my Lady," she said, her smile gentle and encouraging.
Minnie smiled back, nodding in gratitude.
"Thank you, Clarabelle."
The maid nodded back, then all three left the bedchamber. Out in the drawing room, Clarabelle moved to open the main door. With deep breath, Minnie clasped her hands in front of her and strode forward, Daisy following a few steps behind as protocol dictated. As much as Minnie wanted to treat her friend as an equal, she knew she was expected to follow etiquette, especially by her father.
Minnie didn't say anything as she strode through the castle halls, nodding with a smile as passing servants and nobles bowed and curtseyed while murmuring her title. Finally, they reached the large, heavy double doors that led to the throne room. As soon as they saw her, the guards outside straightened, giving her a brisk salute.
"My Princess," the elder guard addressed her. "His Majesty is expecting you."
Minnie nodded formally, but then both guards gave her a subtle but encouraging smile. She felt a warming sense of gratitude and smiled back. The guards then pulled the doors open, and Minnie took another deep breath before moving forward with calm, steady strides.
The throne room was as large as it was magnificent, its walls adorned with paintings of past rulers and an equally magnificent painting of the royal crest stretching across the vaulted ceiling. But Minnie's eyes immediately moved to the throne, where her father sat. As usual, his expression was impassive and cool, showing no emotion even when they rested on her. When she reached the stairs of the dais, he dipped his head in a small nod, his voice cool and distant.
"Daughter."
Keeping her features schooled and calm, Minnie swept a deep, elegant curtsey.
"Good day, my Lord," she said, keeping her tone deferential and formal. Her father's tone remained the same, though she thought she heard a slight note of impatience in it.
"You may rise."
Minnie did so, keeping herself from pressing her lips together in unease as her father's impassive eyes scanned her up and down before finally speaking again.
"I presume you have been attending to your duties with attentiveness?"
"Yes, Father," Minnie replied. "I have been working very diligently."
Her father hummed in acknowledgement, his expression never changing as he scanned her again. Finally, he gave another slight nod and waved a hand.
"See that you continue to do so. You are dismissed."
It was no more or no less than Minnie had expected. Her polite mask still on, she dipped into another curtsy before turning away. Daisy stepped aside to let her through, then followed along behind her as she headed for the still open doors. Outside, as soon as the guards closed them, she finally allowed her face to relax.
"You did very well, Your Highness," Daisy said, and Minnie looked at her to see a bright smile on her face. She returned it, glad that it wasn't forced for a change.
"Thank you, Daisy. A promising start to the day, I suppose."
