Minnie let out a quiet sigh as she gazed into her mirror, running a brush through her long hair, and wishing she had no huge ball to attend tonight. She tried to remember that it wasn't so much to remember her mother's death than to honor her life, but that thought rarely made it much easier. In addition, it was hard to look at her father and remember how much he had changed… his Queen may have brought out the best in him while she was alive but losing her had brought out the worst.

A knock on her bedroom door interrupted the Princess's thoughts, and she turned in her seat.

"Come in."

The door opened and Daisy stepped in. She smiled at Minnie, but her eyes were full of the solemnity she always showed on this day. It wasn't just out of concern for Minnie, she knew… like many others, Daisy had much admired Minnie's mother and was very saddened by her death.

"Pardon me, my Lady, I hope I'm not intruding."

Minnie returned her smile with a small one of her own.

"Not at all… I could use a little company right now."

Daisy nodded, then held out a hand and Minnie's smile automatically grew when she saw the letter, then the seal. Daisy laughed softly.

"I figured this would perk you up a little."

Nodding, the Princess took the letter and broke the seal.

"He always sends a letter for today. It's probably the only thing I look forward to now."

Unfolding the letter, she began reading Mickey's pleasantly familiar script.

To Her Highness, Princess Minerva.

Hope you're doing okay… I know today's a hard day for ya. I've said this a buncha times, but I'm real sorry about your mom. I didn't really know her that well, but Ma always talked about how nice she was. It's probably not much of a comfort, but I know how ya feel. Me and Oswald miss Ma and Dad a lot, and we think about 'em all the time. He said to say he's sorry too, by the way, and so does Ortensia and the kids. We'd come pay our respects too but guess your dad doesn't think we're important enough. So, all we can do is send our well wishes to you and him. I know you'll be real sad today, but I know you'll hold your head up through it all too. Just remember, it's okay to show you're sad. Don't worry about what people say, it's not any of their business. I'll be thinkin' of ya… let me know how you're doin' when ya can.

All my best, Mickey.

Minnie felt a familiar warmth in her chest as she smiled and impulsively pressed the letter to it. She knew he had kept his words toned down more than he wanted, strictly to those of one friend addressing the other, but she could almost feel the hidden affection and love behind them. Knowing he was thinking of her brought her more comfort than any of the sympathies the courtiers would express tonight. She would have to write back as soon as the ball was over; she always did, no matter how late it was, because she knew Mickey would be worrying.

"Thank you, Daisy," she murmured. "I needed this."

She heard her friend approach, then give her shoulder a gentle pat.

"That's why I brought it. And if you need to talk at all today, you just let me know."

Minnie's smile widened as she looked up. One of the best things about Daisy was that she always seemed to know when Minnie needed to not be addressed as a superior.

"Thank you," she said again, giving Daisy's hand a gentle squeeze before letting out a sigh.

"Maybe it's selfish of me, I know everyone has the right to mourn… but I always wish we could do this privately, just family and friends.

"I don't think that's selfish at all," Daisy replied. "It must be hard sharing such a personal day with so many other people."

Minnie gave a halfhearted shrug.

"Ah, well… that's the life of royalty. Constantly being in the public eye. It's hard sometimes, but I'm used to it."

"Still," Daisy said in a soft voice. "I wish things could be easier for you."

The sincerity in those words brought a smile back to the Princess's face.

"Having such wonderful friends already makes things easier for me."

Daisy raised a brow, a sly smile coming to her own face as she lowered her voice to a whisper.

"As much as having a certain someone in your life?"

Minnie blushed a little at that, but her smile never faltered.

"Yes… very much so."

…

Standing beside her father, Minnie continuously ordered herself not to let her poise slip. Back straight, head up, hands folded in front… the same as her mother. Her gown, rich black velvet with small borders of silver trim, might be considered rather plain for a ball, but this wasn't like other balls. Her father, who had acknowledged her only by a small nod, was dressed in simple mourning as well, along with everyone else in the ballroom. Wherever she looked, Minnie saw somber faces, even some with tears in their eyes. Even Mortimer had looked convincingly solemn enough to fool most people, but she had barely looked at him since she and her father had made their entrance. And Minnie certainly intended to avoid him as much as possible this evening… she simply didn't have the heart to deal with his games for long.

The King looked out over the crowd, and what few whispers were still circulating the room fell silent. Raising his head, standing tall, he spoke in his deep, imposing voice that somehow seemed to carry throughout any room.

"Welcome, all. I extend most heartfelt thanks on behalf of myself and my daughter to you for assembling here tonight and showing your support at this sad time. Tonight, we gather to honor a woman of rare quality… a wise councilor, a gifted leader, a kind soul who offered relief to the downtrodden and support to the helpless. And above all, a loving mother and devoted wife." Only now did his voice waver and he hesitated for a moment, deep shadows in his eyes that seemed to never completely fade. "We gather tonight to honor the memory of Her Majesty, Queen Serena Vivienne Beatrice Mouse."

All present bowed their heads, their reverent voices filling the vast chamber.

"May she rest in peace."

Despite the tightness in her throat, Minnie managed to speak the words in a calm, dignified tone. She took a deep breath and blinked back the threatening tears before raising her head. Composure was expected of her, even in times of mourning, but she wouldn't hide her sadness. Mickey's words ran through her mind, so clearly that she could almost hear his high, gentle voice saying them.

It's okay to show you're sad. Don't worry about what people say, it's not any of their business.

Then, almost unbidden, the next words came.

I'll be thinkin' of ya.

A warm feeling filled her chest; she still couldn't smile, but the heaviness she had been carrying all day seemed to lessen. The only thing that would truly make things better was if he was there… either in the crowd, sending her silent reassurance, or up here with her, taking her hand with no concern for propriety.

Either option would be enough to lift her spirits, but she found herself wishing for the second one more. It would be far more of a comfort to be facing this with someone that she knew loved her as much as she did him, rather than someone she couldn't stop loving but could no longer know for sure whether he felt anything for her beyond what obligation demanded.