Minnie watched anxiously as the newcomer and her visitor spoke, hoping that no one would hear. If someone discovered him, he may not be able to come back and she would lose any chance of getting to know him. Her eyes widened as the tall cow pulled a book out of her bag and started flipping through it, then tapped her finger on a particular page. She began speaking as the male mouse watched curiously.

Minnie squinted, trying to get a better look, but something caught the corner of her eye and she turned. A red leather book sat on the window seat beside her. Cocking her head, the princess slowly picked it up. She didn't remember taking this book to the window; come to think of it, she didn't remember ever seeing it. She opened it to the first page and read the words on it.

Turn the pages forward and the man will come to thee. Turn the pages back and a man again you see.

Frowning in confusion, Minnie looked back out the window. She blinked in surprise when she saw the tall newcomer looking directly at her with an expectant look. The princess slowly looked back at the book, then out the window.

Well… she thought. I may as well try.

Taking a deep breath, Minnie took the first page of the book and turned it, then the second, the third. What happened next was so fantastical she thought she was dreaming. The young male mouse suddenly stiffened, and a golden mist swirled up to enclose him. Minnie gasped and dropped the book, tightly closing her eyes and opening them again. The mist was gone, and so was he.

Minnie pressed a hand to her mouth; had she made him disappear? Did she hurt him somehow? A fluttering motion interrupted her frantic thoughts, and a small canary suddenly flew up and settled on the window cushion, watching her. As the princess looked at the little bird in confusion, it raised its wings and chirped.

Unable to resist, Minnie held out a hand. The canary hopped on her finger, and she lifted it to get a better look at the charming creature, gently stroking the soft feathers on its chest. Suddenly, she saw the bird's eyes and her heart skipped a beat.

They weren't black, but a deep, warm blue… and unmistakably human. A fierce blush instantly heated her cheeks and she lowered her hand. The canary hopped down to the window seat and looked up at her. Her heart beating fast with excitement, Minnie picked up the book and turned the pages back. The bird raised its wings and another swirl of mist rose. The princess closed her eyes, and when she opened them the handsome stranger stood there. They stared at each other, then looked out the window.

Below, Clarabelle waved at the young ones with satisfaction, paying little attention to the baffled dog standing nearby. Deciding that now was as good a time as any to bow out, she pulled up her hood and headed back toward the woods. As she thought about what that prince had said about nobody knowing he was there, she decided it was best not to tell anyone about this little job.

And even if she did, she could tell them not to tell anyone. Sweet and simple.

Back in the tower, Minnie slowly stood and lowered her eyes shyly. She hadn't spoken to a man in a long time, much less one her age, and to her embarrassment she was completely at a loss as to what to say or do. When she finally glanced up, her visitor chuckled uneasily and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Heh… well, that's one way to make an entrance."

Minnie couldn't help giggling at that. Her royal breeding finally came back to her and she drew herself up, smiling politely.

"M-may I ask…" she asked softly "What is your name? Who are you?"

The male mouse looked almost disappointed for some reason, but quickly smiled and performed a graceful bow.

"Prince Michael of Anaheim, at your service, miss." He shifted uneasily. "But most folks call me Mickey."

Encouraged by the fact that he seemed just as nervous, Minnie swept a small curtsy in return.

"I-I'm Princess Minerva," she said, holding out a hand. "But I like to be called Minnie."

Mickey took her hand and she blushed as he lightly kissed it.

"Pleased t' meet you," he said, then looked up with a smile. "Minnie."

"And you, Mickey," Minnie said, smiling back. "I… I haven't seen anyone come to this part of the forest for a long time."

Mickey looked almost sheepish as he grinned and scuffed his boot on the floor.

"I wasn't expecting t' find anyone out here myself. Do y' live here?"

Minnie couldn't help frowning as she glanced away and nodded, irritated at his choice of words. Of course, he wouldn't know any better, but it was impossible for her to think of this place as a home; all she could see was a prison. A gentle hand on her arm made her squeak with surprise and turn back to Mickey. Her eyes widened at the gentle look in his warm blue eyes.

"Are you all right?" he asked softly.

In the face of his genuine concern, Minnie felt her annoyance lift.

"Yes, I'm fine," she sighed. "It's just… this isn't my real home. I was sent here."

Mickey's ears drooped slightly and he looked at his feet, looking almost like a little boy caught in a mistake. It was so endearing that Minnie couldn't help smiling.

"Aw, gosh… I'm real sorry," he said in a glum tone. "I didn't mean t' upset you."

"No, you don't have to apologize," Minnie said. "You didn't know."

He looked up in surprise, and Minnie realized that she had placed a hand on his sleeve. Blushing slightly, she quickly drew it back.

"So, um… what happened when I used the book?" Minnie asked, then began looking him over.

"It-it didn't hurt, did it?" she asked worriedly. Mickey smiled and shook his head.

"Pinched a bit, but it tickled more," he replied. "Must've been the feathers."

Minnie giggled and sat down again on the window seat. Mickey remained standing and glanced uncertainly from the seat to her. Minnie was confused at first, but then she realized he wasn't sure if he should follow her or wait for permission.

"You can just sit," she said, unable to stop herself from giggling. "I don't mind."

He immediately grinned and sat down on the seat as well. Minnie smiled back.

"That's one good thing about being out here," she said. "Not having to follow those ridiculous rules."

Mickey frowned slightly at those words.

"Y' mean you're here by yourself?" he asked.

"Oh, no," Minnie said, shaking her head. "There just aren't many situations requiring things like that."

Mickey smiled, but Minnie could see a strange sadness in his look.

"Kind of wish I could have that."

Minnie frowned slightly, but decided to shrug it off. A thought came to her as she remembered his introduction.

"You said you're from… Anaheim?" she asked. At his nod, Minnie gasped excitedly.

"Oh, you must be King Walter's son! My father met with him when I was a child… I remember he talked about you a lot!"

She quickly dropped off when she saw the sad look on Mickey's face at the mention of his father.

"I, uh… I guess y' haven't heard," he said quietly. "He… he died about a month ago."

Minnie gasped, putting a hand to her mouth. While she had lost a parent herself, she was too young at the time to remember much. She couldn't imagine how she would feel if she lost her father.

"Oh… Mickey, I… I'm so sorry."

He gave her a little smile, but it was clearly strained.

"No, it's all right. I'm doing okay."

Minnie felt a sudden urge to reach out and comfort him, but her breeding still took over and held her back. Instead she glanced out the window, searching for a way to change the subject.

"That's a nice dog you have," she finally said. To her relief, Mickey immediately grinned and nodded.

"His name's Pluto," he said. "Might not be one of the most fancy out there, but he's a better dog than any of 'em."

Minnie smiled at his words.

"He certainly seems smart. I've never seen tricks like his."

Mickey chuckled, looking a little sheepish at the memory of his fall.

"Yep, we've worked on 'em since he was a pup."

His smile suddenly faded into concern as he looked at her.

"I don't mean t' pry, but you looked sad when we came. Is something wrong?"

Being a princess, Minnie had never been one to show personal feelings easily. But as she looked at Mickey, she suddenly felt her throat tighten.

"It's just…" she said softly. "My father, he's ill, and… I'm so worried about him."

Mickey's eyes grew distant for a moment, but it quickly passed and he looked at her with sympathy. Then, to her surprise, he reached over and placed his hand on hers.

"I know how ya feel," he said. "But if it makes ya feel any better, my mom got a letter from him just this afternoon. She told me it said your dad hadn't been too good, but it's gettin' better. So I don't think ya have to worry anymore."

At those words, tears suddenly filled Minnie's eyes and she looked down, trying not to cry from the sheer relief. Mickey quickly stood and placed his hands on her shoulders, startling her.

"I'm sorry," he said, looking anxious. "I didn't wanna upset ya, I just…"

Unable to stop herself from giggling, Minnie took his hands in hers, quickly stopping his stuttering.

"Thank you so much, Mickey," she said, smiling gratefully. He stood frozen for a moment, then closed his hands around hers and smiled back.

"You're welcome," he said.

After a few moments, Minnie realized that she was still holding his hands. Blushing, she quickly let go and smiled shyly. Suddenly, the fading light outside caught her eyes and she realized it was nearly evening.

"Oh, my!" she gasped. "How did it get so late?"

Mickey groaned and rubbed his neck, looking disappointed.

"Oh boy…" he muttered. "Guess I better get back before they send people after me."

Nodding in agreement, Minnie reluctantly stood.

"Can… can you come again?" she asked softly, hoping she wasn't being forward.

Mickey grinned before bowing gracefully.

"If it pleases you, m' lady," he said in a posh accent. Minnie giggled before curtsying in return.

"Tomorrow?" she asked. Mickey nodded and took her hand, kissing it again.

"You got it," he said.

Blushing, Minnie picked up the book and turned the pages, turning him back into a canary. After he flew back to the ground, she turned them forward. She giggled as Pluto happily leaped up and licked his face. After he calmed down, Mickey looked up and waved. Minnie smiled and waved back.

"Excuse me, Your Highness?"

Minnie jumped at the knock on her door, then quickly smoothed down her gown and stood from the window seat.

"Y-yes, Daisy… come in," she said, glancing out the window. Her lady in waiting entered and smiled sympathetically.

"Is everything all right?"

Not wanting to give herself away, Minnie quickly pushed down the happiness from Mickey's news and put on a sad smile.

"Yes," she said softly. "Thank you, Daisy."

Daisy nodded, but she still couldn't help noticing that something seemed different about her friend. Despite her sad face, there was a lightness there that she hadn't seen in a long time. She seemed almost… happy. It wasn't her place to ask, but she couldn't help wondering.

If she was, why would she be hiding it?