Mickey couldn't help but grin as the unmarked carriage pulled into the large yard of the estate. Oswald and Ortensia waited as well with the bunny children all lined up. As promised, all were behaving themselves; none of them made a fuss about getting ready and were restraining themselves from expressing their excitement with their usual boisterousness, though Mickey could tell from how they were quivering that it was taking quite a bit of effort. The three guards who had accompanied the carriage, plainly dressed but with their weapons on full display, dismounted and gave curt nods of greeting before one moved to open the carriage door and offer a hand.

As Minnie emerged, holding the skirt of her simple pink gown, Mickey's smile widened. He gave a polite bow as she approached, knowing the others were doing the same.

"No, please… no need for that," Minnie said, smiling as well. The bunnies immediately perked up, eyes shining as they all gazed at her with admiring looks. Oswald and Ortensia gave them an approving nod as both stepped forward.

"Welcome, madam," Ortensia said. "How wonderful to finally meet you."

Minnie held out a hand with another smile.

"You must be Ortensia. Wonderful to meet you too. And Oswald, it's good to see you again."

She shook each of their hands, then Ortensia looked at the bunnies.

"Children, what do we say?"

"Thank you for coming, ma'am," all seven chorused, still grinning widely.

"Well, hello there," Minnie said. "Thank you very much."

"Mick told ya their names?" Oswald asked.

"Oh, yes," Minnie said. "But I'm afraid I'm not quite sure who is who."

"Well, then, allow me," Ortensia said cheerfully. Each of the children stepped forward as their mother spoke their names one by one. Lillian, the youngest, clearly couldn't resist her excitement.

"I'm named after my gramma!" she piped with a wide smile.

Mickey heard Ortensia stifle a good-natured giggle as Minnie smiled back, reaching out to gently pat the little one's head.

"I see," she said. "Well, it's a very lovely name."

Lillian preened happily as her siblings looked at her with admiring looks.

"You all have fine names," Minnie said, causing the others to look just as proud.

"You've got a real pretty name too, ma'am," said another. "N' long."

Minnie let out an amused chuckle.

"I suppose it is, isn't it? But thank you."

"Alright, then," Oswald said. "How 'bout we head in an' we can all catch up?"

"I'd love to," Minnie said, then directed a grateful smile to her small party. "Thank you all… my father will decide when I can return."

The three guards bowed their heads.

"It was our pleasure, my Lady," said the senior one. "We hope you have a pleasant visit."

After exchanging brief goodbyes, Minnie fell in beside Mickey as they headed inside. She reached out a hand to touch his, a subtle gesture of affection.

"And I'm glad to see you too," she murmured.

Mickey felt a pleasant warmth fill him as he gave hers a light squeeze.

"An' it's great to see ya too."

Mickey caught Oswald's amused huff but pretended not to hear it.

The rest of the afternoon passed in pleasant banter as all of them chatted about what each had been doing the past few months. One specific topic, namely the upcoming coup, was avoided for the sake of the bunny children, though Mickey knew it was on their minds just as much as his and the others'. They didn't mention it either though, taking turns chattering about their various activities when asked. As promised, they were on their best behavior; normally by now they'd have grown bored with all the 'grown up talk' and scurried off to play, but this time they seemed excited to be included, listening to Minnie in particular with rapt attention.

"All right, children," Ortensia finally said. "Why don't you all run along? I'm sure you'd like to get some play in today."

The bunnies looked disappointed, but for once made no protest.

"Yes, Mama," they all said. After a polite goodbye to the Princess, they scurried out. Mickey could hear their hushed, excited chattering, certainly already recounting the excitement of the past few hours. Once they had left, the adults grew more solemn as their conversation turned to the more pressing matter at hand.

"Everyone's gettin' things set," Oswald said. "They're just waiting for the go-ahead."

Minnie nodded, pressing her lips together as her expression grew troubled. Mickey frowned; as always, he felt compelled to ease whatever anxiety she had.

"Minnie, it's okay," he said gently. "We all chose to do this, and none of it's your fault."

Minnie looked at him with a weak smile.

"I wish I could believe that. I keep thinking, maybe if I'd tried harder, done more…"

"There wasn't anything you could do," Ortensia said gently. "Your father is just incapable of listening to anyone, even you."

Minnie let out a quiet sigh.

"I know. The thought just… won't leave me."

"Anyone'd feel that way," Oswald said, his voice gentle. "Just remember, ya don't have to feel bad."

Minnie gave him a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

Mickey couldn't help but smile himself; he'd known it would happen eventually, but it was good to see two of the most important people in his life finally be friends. A glance at Ortensia revealed she was certainly thinking along the same lines. Standing, he walked over to Minnie and took her hand.

"And ya don't hafta worry about us," he said. "We know how t' take care a' ourselves."

Minnie smiled up at him, though she couldn't quite hide the sadness, and gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

"Isn't that the truth."

Mickey heard Oswald's soft chuckle, but he could hear the unease he was trying to hide. Mickey knew he was afraid… they all were. But his father always said, being brave didn't mean being unafraid. It meant doing what was right even if you were scared. Mickey hoped he was proud that he and Oswald were taking his advice to heart, and he had a feeling he was.