Minnie scanned her bookshelf, idly wondering what would appeal to her most. In truth, she wasn't sure how well she'd be able to concentrate. Her mind was on what might be happening beyond the castle walls, out in the city. Mickey's letters had been less frequent than usual lately, and in his last one he had said that things were getting busier, but she should be on the lookout for more news soon. She knew he couldn't go into detail, but she was pretty sure he was talking about upcoming Resistance activity… something major.

Though she hadn't yet attempted to use the hidden tunnel, Minnie had been listening extra closely to court gossip, and along with the increasing unsavory talk about Mortimer… which was more satisfying to hear than she'd admit… there was talk of unrest in the city. It seemed her father was growing uneasy; raids and attempted arrests had increased, which were often thwarted by Resistance fighters. This suggested their numbers and organization were greater than suggested. No one dared say so openly, but there were some rumors that the soldiers were growing concerned about the possibility of open revolt. And if they were worried, that was saying a lot.

Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by three raps on her main doors. Turning from the bookshelf, she cleared her throat before answering.

"Come in."

The guards outside quickly opened the doors and Daisy came hurrying in, followed closely by Clarabelle. At the looks on their faces, Minnie immediately frowned as her heart began skipping nervously.

"Daisy, Clarabelle, what's wrong?"

Daisy glanced at Clarabelle, who stepped forward and spoke in an anxious, almost grim tone.

"One of the other maids just came to me, Your Highness. She's terrified… saying that Mortimer got angry with her and threatened her."

Minnie immediately frowned, both concern and anger rising in her.

"Where is she now?"

"Clarabelle brought her back to the servants' quarters," Daisy replied. "We came straight here to get you."

Minnie nodded.

"All right. Do you think she'll talk to me?"

"Definitely," Clarabelle said with a smile. "The servants might be scared of the King, but they still trust you."

"Lead on, then," Minnie replied.

She followed her friends out into the castle hall and over to the western wing, where they headed through one of the doors to the inner corridor used by the servants. After a few moments, they reached one of the dormitories, where a scared looking maid sat on one of the beds, being comforted by a few others. They looked up as Minnie and the others approached, then quickly rose and dipped into anxious curtsies.

"No, please," Minnie said, waving a hand. "No need for that."

With an encouraging smile, she moved toward the frightened looking maid and reached out to take her hands.

"Clarabelle told me something happened to you with Prince Mortimer. Please, will you tell me what it is?"

The maid looked almost awe-struck by the familiarity Minnie was showing, but finally cleared her throat.

"I-I'm sure it's nothing, my Lady… but when I went to his chambers to deliver some linens, he was so angry. I don't know why, but he came over and knocked them out of my hands. He told me if I was even a moment late next time, he'd go straight to the King and make sure I never worked anywhere again." She shivered. "It wasn't even so much his voice, it was the look in his eyes… I think he was about to hit me before a guard interfered."

Minnie clenched her jaw in anger. She found she wasn't that surprised by Mortimer displaying such behavior, but the idea still infuriated her. Still, she also felt a small hint of triumph… this was just the sort of slip up she needed to get the pompous fool thrown out for good. Smiling, she gave the maid's arm a gentle pat.

"Don't worry, I'll speak to my father right away. He can't ignore something like this."

The young female cat looked up at her, her eyes wide and anxious.

"But Your Highness… would he truly…"

Minnie knew what the woman wanted to ask and patted her arm again.

"He'll listen," she reassured. "And trust me, he wouldn't stand for something like this."

Though it won't be so much concern for your safety then the insult to himself, she couldn't help but think. She kept that to herself though.

"It would help if you came along, to tell your side of the story."

The maid began trembling again.

"But, what… what if the Prince…"

"Don't worry about him," Minnie said. You'll have my word behind yours... I believe you."

The maid gazed at her, then a tremulous smile came to her face, her eyes shining."

"I… thank you, Your Highness, thank you so much."

The Princess gave another nod, still smiling.

"Then come on, I'll go straight to him and request an audience."

The cat was still trembling, but she nodded.

"Y-yes, my Lady."

Together, with Minnie in the lead, the group headed out into the corridor back to the main halls of the castle. They were about halfway to her father's chambers when a guard suddenly came around a corner, his footsteps quick and hurried. As soon as he saw them, he rushed over and gave a quick, reverent bow.

"Your Highness, ladies," he said. "Please pardon me, my Lady, but the King has requested your presence at once." He glanced at the young maid.

"And you are Gabrielle Catra, miss?"

Looking thoroughly frightened by now, Gabrielle nodded.

"His Majesty has requested you as well," the guard said. By now the maid was trembling more than ever, and Minnie felt immediate unease at those words; her intuition told her that the only reason her father could have to request Gabrielle now was if he knew about what had just happened, which meant Mortimer had likely gotten to him. Doubtless he had told his own fabricated version of events. But if that was the case, why would he want Minnie there? Collecting herself, she kept her voice calm as she replied.

"Yes, of course." She turned to Daisy and Clarabelle, who immediately curtsied.

"We'll wait back in your chambers, my Lady," Daisy said. Minnie gave her and Clarabelle a grateful smile, then directed a reassuring look to Gabrielle before turning back to the guard.

"Please, lead on."

The guard gave another bow, then turned and headed down the hall. With Gabrielle following behind, Minnie strode after the guard. She kept her poise immaculate, her expression calm, but her heart was racing. She found herself thinking back to the question she had asked herself not long ago… would her father truly take her word over another's? She wanted to believe that he still cared, but she just couldn't suppress the doubt.

I suppose we'll find out soon enough.