Minnie's eyes darted around as she hurried down the street, making sure her hood remained up. It was early evening, though not yet dark enough to light the lamps. She knew the odds that someone in the castle would want to speak to her were slim… indeed, that was why she had chosen this time. But she was still tingling with nerves, alert for any sign that risked discovery.

But people only continued to hurry about their business, and all Minnie ever received was an occasional nod. Many knew by now that you couldn't be too careful who you spoke to, even so much as a greeting. The idea brought a familiar sense of sadness, and the Princess felt the familiar debate rise in her. Obeying her father meant turning her back on the people she was meant to serve and doing what was best for her future subjects meant betraying and deeply hurting him. He had been in such a dark place for so long, and Minnie believed that she may be the only light left in his life. The idea of leaving him with nothing was almost more than she could stand.

But there isn't any other choice. He may be my father, but he told me himself… my duty is to my kingdom and its people, and I must let nothing interfere with that. That much, I can obey him in.

Finally, she reached her and Mickey's old meeting place, glancing up at the familiar sign swinging slightly in the wind as she stepped into the tavern. The buzz of conversation filled the air as her eyes scanned the tables, which were nearly all full of patrons. It wasn't long before her gaze landed on a smaller table on the far side of the large room. She couldn't keep herself from smiling as she recognized the small figure seated there.

As Minnie approached, Mickey looked up, and his wide smile filled her with a warmth she hadn't felt since the last time they saw each other. Pushing back her hood, she returned his smile as she sat down on the other side of the table.

"Mickey, I'm so glad to see you," she said, placing a hand on his. "You look wonderful."

Mickey's smile widened, his eyes shining as they drank her in.

"Never better. You're a sight for sore eyes yourself."

The Princess felt a slight blush tinge her cheeks; she heard many people tell her she was beautiful, but it felt far more sincere coming from those she cared about… and especially from Mickey.

"Your family is still doing well?" she asked. The other mouse nodded, still smiling.

"They're okay. Oswald's a little stressed, so Ortensia's worried about him, but they're fine otherwise. The kids are being little firecrackers as usual, but I think they're worried too… they've been a little subdued."

Minnie nodded, noting Mickey's signs of weariness with a similar pang of concern. She didn't ask the question she wanted to, but his reassuring look told her he knew what it was.

"Anyway," he said, keeping his tone casual. "I wanted to talk to ya about whether you can come visit soon."

Minnie blinked at that. She knew he was referring to when the Resistance might make its move, but it seemed the question itself was genuine. Keeping her own voice under tight control, she replied with her head cocked.

"You mean… you really want me to come?"

Mickey's head bobbed in a nod.

"Sure. It's really great in Pomona this time of year, and Ortensia and th' kids really wanna meet ya."

His expression never changed, but there was a strange intensity in his eyes… a pleading look that told her what he wanted to say just as clearly as any words. But she still hesitated; of course, Mickey and the other rebels would make her safety the highest priority, and it made sense strategically, but another thought kept tugging at her.

I should be the one who stops all the chaos, who makes things right, not the one who runs away.

She came back to herself at the sensation of someone taking her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. She looked into his warm blue eyes, and again seemed to hear what he was saying without him having to say a single word.

You're not running away.

Drawing in a deep breath and releasing it, Minnie squeezed his hand back. Her voice was the lowest she could make it when she spoke.

"But you… you remember what I asked? I know it might be a lot to ask, but he… he's the only family I have left. And I'd rather risk his forgiveness than his life."

Mickey nodded once again, his face set in a look of utmost sincerity.

"We'll do everythin' we can to make sure that's all ya risk," he murmured in a just as soft voice. Minnie managed a small smile. It wasn't a complete guarantee, but she knew she couldn't ask Mickey to jeopardize his own followers' lives. She raised her voice, carrying on as if in normal conversation.

"Things have slowed down… perhaps I might be able to get away in a week or so. I can send a letter if that works, and you can confirm it."

Mickey gave one more confirming nod before speaking, stroking his thumb over her hand.

"You should probably get back. We can't risk ya gettin' missed."

Minnie felt a pang of regret at that, as she felt before whenever she had to leave. She found herself wishing she could simply be going to visit him… so they could see each other anytime, so she could enjoy a small interlude of peace with him and his family, getting to know them all. But it seemed peace was a luxury that not even she could afford anymore.

Many people have lived without it far longer than you, she scolded herself. If you have to give it up yourself, it's a small price to pay.

On impulse, she squeezed his hand again.

"It was really wonderful to see you," she murmured.

Mickey looked at her with a gentle smile, his sapphire eyes shining.

"You too," he said in a similar soft tone. "Hope ya can come,"

"If I have anything to say about it, I will. Stay safe."

With that, she gave his hand one more squeeze before rising from her seat, wishing they could risk the more intimate parting they both clearly wanted, and headed out with brisk but calm steps. As always, she remained tense the whole way back to the castle… even knowing that Mortimer and his brutish grunt were far away, she felt even more on edge than before. She had gotten Mickey into danger once and was terrified of doing it again. He'd been lucky the first time, but she doubted it would hold out a second time, and he was taking more risks than she wanted already.

Minnie glanced around, taking in the people passing her. Even though she had known for some time, it felt strange knowing that many of them now favored her over her father. It made her sad, thinking of the respect they once had for him.

But he brought it on himself.

With that thought, she turned into the alley with a new sense of purpose. Her role since birth was to do her duty for her people, whatever that entailed. And that was what she would do.