Minnie looked up from her book as a few knocks sounded at her door.

"Come in," she called. Daisy stepped in, and when Minnie saw the letter in her hands she stood, her heartbeat quickening in anticipation. Before she could ask, Daisy walked over and held out the letter with a smile.

"I thought you'd be happy to see this," she said cheerfully. "The seal's not broken, so no one else read it."

Minnie returned her smile as she took the letter.

"Thank you, Daisy."

The lady in waiting nodded but hovered nearby as Minnie broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. Her smile widened when she took in Mickey's familiar script; up till now, someone else had clearly done the writing. This could only mean he was improving, and his message soon confirmed it.

Hope ya haven't been too worried since my last letter… still sleepin' a lot. But feeling way less tired, and this morning the doc said I should be on my feet in a few days. Glad to know, I'm startin' to feel kinda stir-crazy stuck in bed all the time with everyone hoverin' over me. I know they've got good intentions and all, but all this attention gets kinda overwhelming. The kids are really puttin' a lot of effort into bein' good an' helping all they can, but I think they're about ready to explode. Don't doubt the little rascals'll be back to their old hijinks when everything's back to normal. But enough about me… how're you and everyone else doing? Sure you've been busy with one of your ritzy events comin' up, but hope ya have fun.

The corner of Minnie's mouth quirked up as she lowered the letter. She knew Mickey was referring to the annual harvest ball. It was a popular event, but she was sure she'd have way more fun if he could be here. Undoubtably Mortimer would be after her again; her teeth clenched in annoyance at the thought. He had been even more unsufferable than usual lately, pursuing her with newfound determination and a strong sense of self-satisfaction. This only added to the certainty that he had something to do with Mickey's attack, and the thought made Minnie's blood boil, instilling her with a new determination to bring him down. It was at the ball that she planned to put her plan into motion, with Donald, Daisy, and Clarabelle's help.

As Daisy had thought, Clarabelle was immediately eager to get involved… she didn't know Mickey as well as the others but was just as resolved to see Mortimer gone, as much for Mickey's sake as Minnie's.

"The way he's been acting, he's just beggin' to be knocked down a peg or two. And doing an awful thing like that to such a nice boy… lands sakes. I'll be blowed if he's gonna get away with this!"

Minnie looked up as Daisy stepped forward with an enquiring, slightly concerned expression.

"Well? How's he doing?"

The Princess gave her a smile and nod.

"Much better. He says the doctor said he'll be well enough to be up soon."

A smile came to Daisy's face as well.

"That's great news." Her smile faltered. "Only problem is, that he's okay can't stay secret for long. If Mortimer was behind this, he'll find out."

Minnie pressed her lips together, her brow creasing a little.

"I know." Moving to her desk, she set Mickey's letter on it. "But if my idea works, by the time he does he won't dare try again… it would only make people more suspicious."

"Unless we're wrong and it isn't Mortimer behind this."

Minnie turned to face Daisy again.

"It's possible," she admitted. "But it's most likely. If someone from the Resistance had turned him in, the soldiers would want him alive. And no one else has any reason to do something like this to him."

Daisy crossed her arms as she frowned.

"And that means he might know about you two meeting. If he tells your father…"

Minnie felt a stab of fear at that thought, but she took a deep breath and kept herself calm.

"I don't think there's much chance of that," she said. "Mortimer wants me for himself, and I wouldn't be much use to him in a dungeon or stripped of my position."

At that, Daisy's frown turned into a dry smile.

"Well, in that case, it seems him being a complete louse actually works in our favor."

Minnie couldn't resist a soft chuckle at that.

"And even if it does come to that," she said. "There's always a chance Father will take my word over his." Her face grew solemn, and she lowered her eyes to the floor. "I'd… I'd like to think being his daughter still counts for something."

Daisy's smile widened a little and she reached out to pat Minnie's arm.

"I'm sure it does."

Just then there was a knock on the door, and both turned.

"Come in," Minnie called. The door opened and Clarabelle stepped in.

"Your Highness, my Lady" she said with a smile. Minnie smiled back.

"Hello, Clarabelle."

The maid nodded, then her look grew somewhat concerned.

"So, have you heard from your friend? How's he doing?"

"A letter just came," Minnie said. "He's doing much better, he should be up soon."

"Wonderful news!" Clarabelle said, clapping her hands. Then she stepped a little closer and lowered her voice. "Then I suppose the plan is on?"

Minnie nodded, her voice just as quiet as she replied.

"Have you found out anything?"

Clarabelle's brow furrowed, and she spoke so quietly it was hard to hear her.

"I've gotten some of the other staff in, and my friend Clara saw something. You know how Mickey told you what else he remembers from the attack?"

Minnie nodded, unable to stop a rush of anger. From what Mickey had told her, she was more convinced than ever that Mortimer was behind it all. And Clarabelle looked just as angry when she went on.

"Clara was delivering some laundry, a little earlier than usual. She overheard Mortimer talking to someone, so she poked her head in. The idiot was bragging away about how there's nothing in his way now. And then Clara saw who he was talking to. It was this guard… Mortimer called him Pete."

Minnie's eyes widened.

"Yes?" she prompted.

"Well…" Clarabelle said, crossing her arms. "I know Mickey still doesn't remember everything about who attacked him, but from what he said, this Pete fits the description pretty close. It's looking more and more like your hunch is right, my Lady."

Minnie felt her simmering anger rise to a boil as Clarabelle spoke; it certainly wasn't a surprise, but somehow, having it further proved enraged her even more.

"That dirty rat," she muttered. "Of course he had a grunt do his dirty work."

She exchanged a glance with Daisy, who looked just as mad.

"Don't you worry, Your Highness," she said, narrowing her eyes. "We'll make sure he doesn't get away with it. We're all in this together."

Minnie's anger lessened just a little, and a grateful smile came to her face as she looked between her two friends.

"Thank you… both of you."

"Think nothing of it," Clarabelle said with a smile. "Anyone important to you is important to us."

A look of slight concern then came to the maid's face, her voice still low enough for only Minnie and Daisy to hear her.

"So, will you be making a decision about whether, well… whether you'll keep meeting him?"

That question struck a soft point for Minnie, and a frown immediately came to her face. She had always known she would have to decide about that soon but had been doing her best to avoid it. She knew what she wanted to do, but was it the right thing to do? Oswald's words echoed in her head again.

What you gotta ask yourself… do ya care enough about him t' stay away?

She didn't even have to think about her answer, as much as she didn't want to admit it. If staying away from Mickey was what it took to keep him safe, she would do it.

"I don't know for sure what he wants," she said slowly. "And it's a decision we both need to make. But… it might be best if…"

A lump rose in her throat, and she had to swallow hard before continuing. Still, she couldn't keep a slight quiver out of her voice.

"If we don't. At least until Mortimer is gone for good."

Clarabelle and Daisy both looked at her, and she saw the sympathy in their eyes. Then, in a complete breach of protocol, Daisy stepped forward and wrapped Minnie in a gentle hug.

"It won't be forever, Minnie," she murmured. Clarabelle stepped forward to pat the Princess's shoulder with an encouraging smile.

"We'll make sure of that."

Minnie felt her heart grow a little lighter, and a small smile came back to her face as she returned Daisy's embrace.

"Thank you," she said softly. "You're the best friends anybody could ask for."

Daisy patted her back.

"Same to you, dear Princess."

That made Minnie's smile widen; hearing someone say that meant the world to her. Maybe she would never be enough for her father, knowing she was enough for her friends was all she needed.