Minnie couldn't keep her beaming smile off her face if she wanted to. She watched as Daisy turned this way, then that way in front of the mirror.

"Don't worry, Daisy, you look beautiful. Besides, I don't think Donald will be focused on what you're wearing."

Her friend returned her smile in the mirror as she made one more adjustment to her veil.

"I know, but a girl still likes to look her best, especially on this day."

Minnie giggled at that before speaking again.

"I'm really happy for you, you know."

Daisy turned from the mirror, looking at Minnie for a few moments before walking over and taking her hands.

"It'll come for you too, my Lady," she said gently. "You're going to find someone, and he's going to be just as wonderful to you as Donald is to me. I know it."

Minnie blinked in slight surprise. Not for the first time, she was impressed by Daisy's apparent ability to read the subtle hints of what Minnie was feeling and know exactly what to say. That was one of the things that made her such a great friend. Smiling back, the Princess gave Daisy's hands a gentle squeeze.

"Thank you, Daisy."

"No need to thank me," her friend replied, then her look grew apologetic. "I'm really sorry that stupid Mortimer is here. I swear I didn't invite him."

Minnie set her jaw in annoyance; she had been just as dismayed as Daisy to find that Mortimer had come uninvited, but it was more for Daisy's sake than her own. This was meant to be one of her happiest days… she shouldn't be feeling guilty about that buffoon sticking his long nose in where it didn't belong.

"Don't worry about me," Minnie said with a smile. "This is your day, not mine.

She then gave Daisy a sly grin.

"Besides, I personally find it very satisfying to see everyone avoiding him."

The duck laughed at that, and Minnie was relieved to see her happy smile return.

"It is, isn't it?"

They exchanged another laugh, then Daisy spoke again in a light, eager tone.

"By the way, I made a last-minute invitation to someone else."

Minnie cocked her head; she was a little surprised Daisy hadn't told her this earlier, but it wasn't her business who her friend invited.

"Oh? Who?"

Daisy gave her a sly look of her own.

"Oh, you'll see. Just keep an eye out."

That made Minnie even more surprised, and a little confused. But before she could ask any questions there was a knock on the door.

"Almost time!" Clarabelle's cheerful voice called.

"We're coming!" Minnie called back, then smiled at Daisy again.

"I'd better get to my place. Remember, today is for you and Donald, so no worrying about me."

Daisy bobbed a curtsy.

"As Your Highness commands," she said playfully.

Minnie couldn't help but laugh, then gave her friend's hands one more gentle squeeze.

"Good luck."

At Daisy's acknowledging nod, Minnie gave her one more smile before heading to the door. Her biggest regret about today was that she couldn't be right beside Daisy to support her, but the duck had reassured that having her there was all she needed. Minnie's escort waited outside, giving her a polite smile and bow.

"Your Highness."

Minnie returned his smile.

"Lord Byron."

Despite his amiable personality, the man was well-known for being extremely dull, right down to his somewhat droning voice. Still, Minnie preferred to be escorted by him over Mortimer any day. When he offered her his arm, she took it and they headed down the castle hall toward the chapel.

"I understand the bride is a dear friend to you," Lord Byron said. "I do hope you'll allow me to offer her my sincere congratulations."

That made Minnie's smile widen, and she nodded.

"Of course."

By now they had reached the chapel, and Minnie could hear the soft hum of conversation inside. It didn't surprise her to hear Mortimer attempting to talk over them all, and as they entered the talk quieted. Those closest dropped bows or curtsies, but Mortimer only watched her with an indignant expression. Her jaw clenched in irritation, and she heard her escort tut in disapproval.

"That Prince Mortimer seems to have no concept of respect for others," he muttered. Minnie nodded, but before she could reply something caught her eye. As soon as she turned her gaze in that direction, she stopped short. There, near the aisle, stood Mickey, sapphire blue eyes twinkling as he grinned and swept a bow. Minnie barely heard Lord Byron beside her.

"Ah… I believe I may recall that fellow. Another friend of yours, isn't he?"

Her initial surprise giving way to eager excitement, Minnie nodded as she lifted her hand in a small wave.

"Yes."

Mortimer completely forgotten, she allowed her escort to usher her to their place at the front and made a mental note to thank Daisy for this. As she got in place, she caught Donald's eye, and when his eager expression grew somewhat sly, she couldn't help but raise a brow. Apparently, he was in on this too. She had barely returned his smile than music began pouring from the grand organ, and both their eyes immediately turned to the chapel entrance. Daisy stood with her father, smiling at Donald with such happiness it seemed nothing could distract her from him. In fact, Minnie knew nothing would distract them from each other, no matter what disapproval some might be watching with.

Daisy's father began escorting her down the aisle, a wide smile on his face as well. All her family was watching with the same expression, as if they might burst with pride. Minnie found her thoughts turning to her own father and felt a twinge of annoyance. He hadn't bothered to attend, of course… even when the time came for her own wedding, Minnie was certain he would come only out of obligation, not because he wanted to support her.

Don't think of that now, she scolded herself. This is Donald and Daisy's day… be happy for them.

That was enough to banish all thoughts of her father, and her smile came back. She focused only on her friends as the ceremony began, and their clear joy warmed her all the way through. Almost on impulse, her eyes moved to Mickey, and as if he sensed her eyes on him, he glanced over at her. His grin widening, he gave her a quick wink. Her own smile widened, and entirely against her will a slight blush heated her face. She immediately returned her gaze to the front, hoping that he hadn't noticed.

As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, Donald and Daisy's glowing smiles made Minnie's heart melt. Donald leaned in to kiss her, but Daisy, clearly too eager to be proper, pulled him in to close the distance more quickly. Minnie heard a few startled murmurs from the audience, but rather than disapproval most of them were followed by amused chuckles. Minnie let out a soft giggle herself.

Let the naysayers gossip. They can never understand.

Honestly, the Princess rather felt sorry for those people. They had their own ideas about happiness, but she doubted most of them had even truly known it. As her friends turned to face the audience, applause immediately began. Minnie joined in with enthusiasm, and when Daisy looked in her direction, she gave her a nod. Smiling widely, her friend returned it, and Minnie knew she was thanking her for her support. But there was no need for it.

After all, what are friends for?