The hum of conversation rose over the soothing backdrop of music from the musicians. Minnie had to force herself not to yawn as she smiled through yet another conversation about the weather and latest court gossip. It seemed so many of the nobility were only ever looking for ways to discredit whoever they saw as a rival, and to advance themselves. The Princess found herself wishing that she could simply have a genuine conversation with someone. But the people most likely to provide that were mainly servants, and it would be improper.

It was difficult for Minnie not to roll her eyes at the thought of how scandalized many of the courtiers would be. People really did put too much stock in rank and appearance.

"My Lady!"

Minnie turned her head to see Daisy coming toward her, holding on to Donald's arm. Relieved, she politely excused herself from her current conversation and walked over to meet the couple. Daisy let go of Donald's arm to curtsy as he bowed.

"Your Highness."

Minnie nodded in return, smiling.

"Lord Donald, Lady Daisy. Your wedding plans are progressing well, I believe?"

Both ducks straightened and gave each other an amorous smile before nodding.

"Only a week left," Daisy said cheerfully. Minnie reached out to give Daisy's hand a gentle squeeze.

"I'm really happy for you, you know," she said. "Both of you."

She then looked at Donald.

"So, is your uncle well?"

She could tell Donald was resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

"He's fine… grumpy and stubborn as usual."

Minnie couldn't help but let out a soft laugh. It was well-known that Donald's uncle didn't make things easy for him.

"He did agree to you two marrying, though," she pointed out.

The two ducks both chuckled, looks of wry amusement on their faces.

"And that's about the only thing he's caved on," Donald said. "Otherwise, he finds something to gripe about."

"The budget, usually," Daisy added, and all three shared a laugh. She then looked at Minnie, her amused look changing to one of inquisitive concern.

"What about you, my Lady? Are you well?"

Minnie gave her friend a small smile; Daisy was one of the few people who knew how draining attending court was for her.

"Well as I can be. Though I think I've heard every piece of gossip at least three times today."

Daisy reached over and patted her arm.

"Well, rumor should be listened to with half an ear, but it can help you stay informed."

"That's true," Minnie conceded. "Though I do think some people could be nicer about it."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps, and Minnie turned to see one of the more fancily dressed lords coming toward them. She had to swallow a groan… it was yet another of her suitors, and one of the most unsufferable ones to boot. Smiling, he swept an elegant bow.

"Greetings, Your Highness… you look radiant as always."

Minnie kept her face fixed in a polite smile.

"Thank you, Lord Harold."

The man nodded, then his eyes moved to Donald and Daisy. He nodded to Donald, but when he looked at Daisy his mouth pursed, and he was very obviously suppressing the urge to sniff imperiously. Minnie's smile immediately turned into a frown.

"You will treat my lady with courtesy," she said, her voice cold now. Harold's superior look quickly dropped.

"Oh, forgive me, Your Highness, I only…"

"And you should not be apologizing to me," the Princess interrupted. The man's face dropped even more, and her annoyance rose. Donald glared at him as well, his temper clearly rising close to breaking point.

"Well? We're waiting," he growled.

Looking as though the action pained him, Harold bowed toward Daisy.

"I ask your pardon, my Lady."

"Oh, it's fine," Daisy said, her voice polite but cool. "It's nothing I haven't seen before."

With a stiff nod, Harold turned back to Minnie.

"Now then, if I may, Your Highness, I…"

Minnie cut him off, her voice still cold.

"You may not. I think you should take your conversation elsewhere."

Harold looked completely at a loss. He clearly wanted to protest but was wary of offending Minnie any further. Finally, reluctantly, he swept another bow.

"I bid you good day then, Princess."

Minnie nodded politely before turning back to Donald and Daisy, not even deigning to watch Harold leave.

"I'm sorry for that, Daisy."

The female duck waved a hand, shrugging.

"Oh, don't worry about me. Like I said, it's nothing I haven't seen before."

"That pompous windbag," Donald muttered, still fuming. "I oughta crack him one on the noggin."

Daisy took his arm with a smile, running a hand up and down it.

"It's all right, Donald… don't get yourself in trouble for me."

Donald hesitated a moment, then let out a huff and nodded. He was clearly reluctant to let it go but he always respected Daisy's wishes. Minnie smiled, but she couldn't help feeling a little sad. As much as she wished for the same thing her friends had, she knew that marrying for love was rarely a luxury that even royalty could afford. Her father had often lectured her on the importance of duty, and she was quite sure that was a hint that she could expect her marriage to be arranged.

A gentle hand on hers interrupted Minnie's thoughts, and she looked at Daisy to see a sympathetic smile on her face. Her friend was well familiar with the Princess's concerns on this subject; they had discussed it privately more than once. She could tell Daisy wanted to reassure her, but this wasn't a subject for public discussion. Instead, Minnie smiled back.

"Well, he certainly won't be invited to the wedding."

Daisy giggled and Donald cracked a smile as well, his still sour mood lightening.

"And now that you've told him off, hopefully he'll stop pestering you, my Lady," Daisy said in an amused voice.

"Thank goodness," Minnie said, rolling her eyes. "He's so insufferable."

Still smiling, Daisy patted her hand.

"Someone like that certainly doesn't deserve you."

Minnie felt a warm sense of gratitude and smiled back.

"Thank you, Daisy."

As the conversation moved on to more mundane things, her friend's words lingered in her mind. Minnie's humble nature didn't cause her to think much about her worth; she liked to think she was a decent person, and she was, but she had always been uncertain whether she would be a good match for someone… someone worthy of love.

But she had a duty to her people, and that meant that decision wasn't entirely up to her. All she could do was hope.