All things considered, the city itself hadn't changed much. But still, Minnie could tell things were different. The atmosphere itself felt lighter somehow, and there was no mistaking the happiness and relief of the inhabitants. People were crowding on the sidewalks, cheering and waving as the carriage passed by. Their excitement was infectious, and Minnie found she couldn't stop smiling herself as she waved back.

Still, she couldn't suppress a slight twinge of sadness; now more than ever, she wished her father had made better choices… if only so he could share in this with her. Whatever his flaws, there was still some of the good man she'd known in him, and the last thing she'd wanted was to hurt him. Though from what Mickey had told her about the King's surrender, it was more of a relief for him than pain. Maybe now, free of the burden he'd carried, he could move past his lingering grief and bitterness.

Minnie knew he would likely never be the same person he was before her mother's death, but she was willing to accept that. All she truly wanted was for him to find some way to be happier, find meaning in life again.

It was almost strange to see the castle again… it had barely been a month since she left, yet so much had happened since then it felt like it had been years. Even on the grounds, there was barely any sign of damage from the battle… a sure sign that the staff had been hard at work for weeks. Minnie knew they were doing their jobs, but she still found herself touched by the effort. After the carriage stopped, the guard who opened the door surprised her by sweeping a deep, respectful bow before offering his hand.

"Welcome home, my Lady," he said with a warm smile. She returned it with genuine gratitude as she took it and stepped out. Several other residents and staff were gathered in the courtyard, each of whom bowed or curtsied as soon as they saw her, smiles on their faces. Minnie nodded, and her smile widened even more when she saw Donald and Daisy approaching arm in arm.

Deciding to overlook decorum at least once, the Princess quickly moved to greet them. Her friends seemed just as willing, and Daisy returned her embrace without a word of protest.

"Oh, my Lady! It's so good to see you!"

"And you!" Minnie replied happily. "I'm so glad you're all right, and everyone else!"

"Oh, tush!" Daisy scoffed, tossing her head in playful indignance. "We can take care of ourselves, just like you."

"I can vouch for that," Donald said with a grin. Minnie let out a soft laugh, then her mood sobered a little.

"And is my father…"

Daisy's smile grew gentler, and she gave Minnie's hands a gentle squeeze.

"He's fine. He's in confinement right now."

The Princess let out a quiet sigh, unable to suppress a twinge of guilt. But before she could say anything, Daisy gave her hands another squeeze.

"He said you can see him when you want to."

Minnie blinked, not sure if she heard correctly, and Daisy stepped forward to give her another gentle hug.

"We told you the truth. He isn't angry at you, and he doesn't blame you." Drawing back, she smiled as she continued. "So you shouldn't feel like any of this is your fault either."

Minnie found a smile creeping onto her face too.

"I know… thank you, Daisy."

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Minnie still took care to keep her posture immaculate as they entered the castle. She was used to public scrutiny, but there were higher standards she had to meet now.

"So where are Mickey and the others?" Donald asked. "They didn't come with you?"

Minnie smiled, nodding to acknowledge the bows and curtsies of those they passed.

"No, not now. Mickey and Oswald wanted to spend some time home with their family. The kids were so glad to have them back, they didn't want to pull them into all this again so soon."

Daisy gave an amused huff.

"Well, from what we've heard about those little ones, they'll be itching for excitement soon enough. Almost makes me worried about how much trouble they'll get up to here."

Minnie couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, don't be too worried. They can be a handful, but they're still very sweet children… they don't try to make things harder for people."

"Bet they still do sometimes, though," Donald said with a roll of his eyes. Daisy took his arm with another soft laugh.

"Isn't that the case for most kids?" Her voice then grew a little sly. "Of course, you'll learn that when we start a family."

Donald's face froze for a moment, and Daisy laughed again.

"Oh, relax, I'm not expecting just yet. Shouldn't be long, though."

Donald's face reddened a little, a sheepish chuckle escaping him, and Minnie pressed her lips together to keep from giggling.

"I'll certainly be looking forward to that," she said, and Daisy returned her smile with warm, shining eyes.

"Us too. Not every child can have the Queen as an honorary aunt."

Minnie felt her heart melt at those words, her eyes brimming. They had been close for some time, but Daisy had never openly referred to her as family. On impulse she reached out a hand, and her friend immediately reached out her own to take it.

"Daisy…" Minnie said softly. "You, all of you, you've been there for me so long, and I… I can't thank you enough."

Daisy gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"No need to thank us, my Lady. Having you as a friend is thanks enough."

Donald nodded, smiling widely as he placed an arm around Daisy.

"Place wouldn't be th' same without you, madam."

Minnie chuckled, a happy warmth filling her chest.

"And I wouldn't be able to call this place home without any of you."

Her thoughts then moved to Mickey and his family, her smile growing wistful as she thought. Even if the friends she had in the castle were the ones who made it feel like home all these troubled years, she felt just as at home during those days in Anaheim too. It gladdened her to know she had another place to feel welcome, one where she could be appreciated for the person she was under her title… and someone who loved her, with all her strings attached.