Minnie couldn't help but feel apprehensive as she strode through the castle halls. Her father hardly ever summoned her at this time of day, unless he was displeased about something. Daisy's voice came from behind her, apparently guessing how she was feeling.

"Try not to worry too much, my Lady. I'm sure it's nothing serious."

Her words brought a smile to Minnie's face, though the words didn't encourage her much. It might not be something serious, but it was very disheartening to have her father constantly finding fault in something she did.

"Thank you, Daisy," she said. "But we both know why he usually does this."

After a brief pause, Daisy's footsteps sped up and Minnie felt her hand touch her arm. She turned her head to see her walking beside her with an encouraging smile. That made her own smile widen; as usual, Daisy was willing to ignore protocol to give Minnie some form of comfort when she needed it. Placing a hand on her lady's, she gave it a gentle squeeze. Daisy nodded, then fell back again.

By now they had reached the doors to her father's chambers. The guards outside straightened at their approach.

"Princess," one said respectfully. "His Majesty is expecting you."

Both guards opened the doors, and Minnie took a deep breath before stepping inside. She moved across the sitting room to the door leading to her father's study. Taking a moment to brace herself, she lifted her hand and gave the door a few sharp knocks. Her father's voice came from inside.

"Enter."

Her head high but eyes lowered, Minnie opened the door and stepped inside. She sank into a curtsy, knowing Daisy was doing the same behind her. Marcus spoke again.

"Rise, daughter."

His tone was dry, as always, but lacked its usual undertone of disapproval. Minnie blinked in surprise as she rose, but kept her features schooled as she lifted her eyes. Her father didn't look as severe either. In fact, his expression was almost pleased.

"Minerva," he said brusquely. "I have news."

Minnie waited for him to elaborate, her face calm.

"A letter has arrived from Burbank. Prince Mortimer, the king's fourth son, has requested permission to court you."

Minnie blinked again; she was familiar with the name but knew nothing else about the King of Anaheim's fourth son.

"I have given my permission," her father went on. "And he will be arriving in two weeks' time. I expect you to receive him with the grace required of you."

It took a moment for Minnie to absorb his words, then she came back to herself. Despite her inner unease, she lowered her eyes again.

"As you wish, Father. I will do so."

Marcus gave a curt nod.

"Good. See that you do."

He moved to sit at his desk, waving a dismissive hand. Knowing the audience was at an end, Minnie sank into another curtsy before turning and heading for the door. Daisy moved to let her pass, then followed along behind. As soon as they were back out in the hallway, she spoke up in a curious tone.

"I've heard of Prince Mortimer, but not much about him. Have you, my Lady?"

Minnie shook her head, a thoughtful frown on her face.

"No, I haven't either. I do know his father is very admired and respected… I imagine he would instill the same qualities in his sons."

"Well, either way, he would have to instill quite a bit to make any of them worthy of you," Daisy said cheerfully. Minnie cast her a grateful smile.

"You're sweet, Daisy," she said. "But we both know it's not a question of whether I consider him worthy… it's whether Father does."

She heard Daisy let out a soft huff, but even she refrained from publicly criticizing the King. The two walked in silence for a while before Minnie spoke up again.

"So, tell me, how is your instruction going?"

She heard a sigh, and even though she wasn't looking she knew Daisy had just rolled her eyes. Even though Lord McDuck had given his permission for her and Donald to marry, he had absolutely insisted that Daisy receive lessons on how to be a proper courtier. Daisy made no real complaints about it, but often joked about her instructor.

"Well enough," she said. "Of course, it's hard not to learn when your etiquette coach is more like a drill sergeant. She can be a real tyrant sometimes."

Minnie couldn't help but giggle; from personal experience, she knew Daisy was very much right.

"Lady Magica can be strict," she agreed. "But I think she means well. And Lord McDuck has known her for years… she'd be more than willing to do him a favor."

She heard a chuckle escape Daisy too.

"She may be hoping for a few favors in return, from what I hear."

Minnie's smile widened; Magica was one of the three ladies constantly competing for Lord McDuck's attention. It irritated him to no end, according to Donald.

"Well, she'll likely be hoping for quite a while," the Princess said. "We know what he's like."

Both she and Daisy shared a laugh at that; Donald's uncle had always been determined to show that he was well past such nonsense. Once, though, Daisy had told Minnie that she and Donald suspected he got a little appreciation out of it, even if he'd never admit it.

"Oh, you should have heard her yesterday," Daisy said, then put on a fussy, almost pompous voice. "Stand up straight, Miss Duck… a proper lady never slouches. Keep your back straight, shoulders back. Try to… float."

"Ah, the floating speech," Minnie said, smiling. "I lost track of how many times I heard that from her. Is she still tapping your shoulder with that rod?"

"Every time I make a mistake," Daisy replied with a roll of her eyes. "I don't know how she thinks that's going to make me remember better."

"Well, like I said, I think she means well," Minnie said again. "She's just… very disciplined. And conscious of her status."

Daisy let out another amused chuckle.

"I would certainly agree with that."

The two walked on in silence for a few moments, then Minnie glanced over at Daisy.

"Do you ever… regret any of it?"

Daisy looked back at her, a slight frown on her face. Minnie quickly rushed on.

"I mean, all the rules and regulations, the constant pressure."

For a moment, she was afraid she had offended her friend. But Daisy only studied her face with a thoughtful expression, then finally spoke.

"Sometimes… I wish it wasn't so complicated. But I don't regret any of it, not for a minute. Knowing I'll be with Donald through it all is enough for me."

Minnie knew she should be happy, but the words only brought a sense of sadness. Daisy continued to study her a few more moments, then a small smile tugged at her face, and she reached out to touch Minnie's arm.

"You'll find your reason too, my Lady," she said, her tone gentle. Minnie looked at her, brow furrowing a little.

"How can you say that?" she asked softly.

Daisy just continued to smile.

"Call it instinct, Your Highness. And my instincts have never been wrong yet."