Minnie watched as Mickey and Oswald donned dark cloaks, trying not to look as stricken as she felt. Ortensia and all the bunny children stood with her, and she could tell they were feeling the same way. The bunnies looked more morose than she had ever seen them, and she could see Ortensia's eyes glistening, but both were making just as much effort to be strong. Oswald looked over at his family, then gave Ortensia a gentle smile before lowering his gaze to the kids.

"Hey now, what's with th' long faces?"

One of the smaller bunnies sniffled before rushing forward to hug Oswald's leg.

"We wanna go with you an' Unca Mickey, Daddy."

The other bunnies raced over as well, squeaking agreements. Oswald's smile grew sadder before leaning down to return their hugs.

"I know ya do. But we need you kids here, t' take care a' the ladies while we're gone. So can ya be brave an' do that for us?"

The bunnies still looked sad, but all either sniffled or wiped their eyes before nodding.

"We can be brave, Daddy," said one of the older ones, puffing out his chest. "We'll be real brave, like you."

Oswald nodded as he reached out to tousle the bunny's ears.

"Good man."

All the bunnies nuzzled closer, then drew back and ran to hug Mickey as Ortensia approached. Mickey turned his attention to his nieces and nephews, giving Oswald and Ortensia their moment.

"Do ya think we could fight, Unca Mickey?" asked Lillian as she nestled against him. The mouse chuckled.

"Lil' troopers like you? I got no doubt. So we're countin' on ya t' hold down the fort here."

All the bunnies nodded, then another girl looked up with big, teary eyes.

"You'll come back though, won't ya? You an' Daddy?"

Mickey felt a lump rise in his throat; he hated it when they asked that. He wanted to reassure them without resorting to lying but didn't want to scare them either.

"Hey," he said, placing a hand on the bunny's head. "You remember what me an' your dad promised ya when we started?"

She nodded, and Mickey went on.

"Then I want ya to hold on t' that, okay? We've kept it since then, haven't we?"

All the bunnies nodded, and one of the younger boys spoke.

"N' you an' Daddy neva break a promise."

"That's right," Mickey said. "And we're not gonna now."

Minnie smiled when the bunnies' expressions grew less troubled and they snuggled closer, but then Mickey looked up at her and her smile faltered. He and Oswald were putting on brave faces for their family, but even if she couldn't see it, she could almost sense his fear. Fear that this might be the last time he saw them. Straightening, he walked over to her and took her hands, giving her a gentle smile. Despite her inner turmoil, she couldn't help but smile back.

"I know you said I don't need to apologize, but I still want to say… I'm sorry you must face this, for me."

Mickey lifted a hand and brushed a lock of her hair back.

"I know," he said gently. "But ya don't have t' feel guilty. None a' this is your fault, and there wasn't anything ya could a' done to change things with your dad."

Minnie pressed her lips together, tears stinging in her eyes.

"I know," she whispered. "It's just… I know he's already in so much pain, and what this may do to him…"

Mickey cupped her cheek in his hand, wiping away an escaping tear with his thumb.

"Sometimes, steppin' away is the best thing t' do for someone. Maybe it'll do th' same for him."

Lifting her own hand, Minnie placed it over his.

"I hope so."

Oswald spoke then, a small smile on his face too.

"An' even if it doesn't, ya always got us."

Minnie felt remarkably touched at those words; given how suspicious he'd been of her at first, it warmed her heart more than anything to hear the rabbit acknowledge her as family like that. Apparently, Mickey guessed her thoughts because his smile turned into a mischievous grin.

"Told ya," he said. "Tough nut t' crack, but once ya do he's a big ol' softy."

Oswald snorted, a look of both amusement and irritation on his face.

"Watch who you're callin' a softy, mouse. I've seen you do some less than manly things yourself."

The bunny children all burst into giggles, nudging each other. That brought a smile back to Minnie's face as she wondered whether she'd ever find out what these 'less than manly' things were. She caught a slight blush on Mickey before he drew her into a heartfelt hug. Minnie returned the embrace just as fiercely, praying that she would be able to do it again soon.

And maybe more…

That thought made her own face heat, and she hoped it wasn't visible as her and Mickey drew apart, their hands still joined. She swallowed the lump in her throat and gave Mickey's hands a gentle squeeze.

"Be safe," she murmured. "Please."

Mickey returned her small smile with one of his own, though he was unable to hide the sadness on his face.

"Don't cha worry, Minnie. Me an' Os know how t' handle ourselves."

Oswald puffed out his chest.

"Sure do… 'cept when I gotta get his scrawny tail out a' trouble."

Mickey shot a smirk at the rabbit.

"Watch it, cottontail… I have yet t' tell th' kids how many times I've done th' same for ya."

Oswald quickly cleared his throat before rocking on his feet in an attempt to look nonchalant, prompting more titters from the little bunnies. Minnie couldn't help but giggle herself, then her face grew more solemn again as Mickey pressed a kiss to her hand.

"My Lady," he murmured.

Stepping forward, Oswald swept a bow himself.

"We'll put our all into this, Your Highness."

Minnie managed a smile and nodded.

"I know. I only hope there's as little loss as possible. Please, be safe… both of you."

Both Oswald and Mickey nodded in return. On impulse, Minnie moved forward and took both Mickey's hands before placing her forehead on his.

"I love you," she whispered.

Mickey smiled before reaching out to tilt her face up and pressing a kiss to her lips. Even the bunny kids were quiet.

"I love you too," he whispered as he drew back.

That one statement was all that kept Minnie from breaking out in tears as she stood with Ortensia and the children, watching the men they loved leave. If she was going to be Queen soon, she would have to show just how strong she was willing to be for the people she loved, and those she was to rule.

I have to be strong. For them, and for everyone depending on them.