Minnie took a deep breath as she gazed into her mirror, nervously pressing her hands together. Daisy stood behind the chair, brushing her hair gently.

"Don't worry, your Highness," she said reassuringly. "It'll only be a short visit."

Minnie managed a smile and nodded.

"Do you think maybe this means… we can finally go home?" she asked.

Daisy bit her lip; to be honest, she doubted it, but her friend looked so hopeful that she hated to say it out loud.

"I don't know," she finally said. Minnie smiled as she gathered up some of her hair into a ponytail.

"I hope so," she said eagerly. "I'm so concerned about Father, and you've been away from Donald so long… can you hold this for me, please?"

Daisy stepped forward and held Minnie's hair in place as the princess opened a small wooden box. Carefully, she lifted out a jeweled gold comb shaped like a butterfly. As Daisy held her hair in place, Minnie placed the comb in to hold it.

"Thank you," she said, then stood and examined her appearance in the mirror. She felt slightly uncomfortable in the gold embroidered red gown, preferring to dress simply, but Daisy had insisted (or more appropriately, whined) until Minnie agreed; she had compromised by wearing no jewelry but the comb.

Daisy noticed her anxious look and gently patted her shoulder.

"It'll be all right," she said softly. Inwardly, she hoped it was true.

…

Mickey hopped on one foot as he struggled to pull on his other boot. The council session today had gone on way longer than he thought, and he was really starting to worry that he'd be late getting over to see Minnie. They'd only had a few hours in the past couple of days, but he had no intention of missing any of it. He was worried about her too… she'd seemed upset about today and he wanted to give her support in any way he could.

"Need some help?"

Mickey almost fell over at Oswald's voice, then gave the boot a final yank before turning to the door with a small grin.

"Nope, I'm good," he said. "Just gonna go out for a while. I swear, that room's like a furnace sometimes."

Oswald smirked as he leaned against the doorway.

"Probably cause of all the hot air," he said, making them both laugh. He fell in step beside Mickey as he headed out and down the hallway and cocked his head slightly as he took in the prince's appearance. He had changed into plainer garb, which wasn't that unusual, but this time he had even removed his gold chain.

"So where do ya walk all the time, anyway?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Y' know, last time people were startin' to ask questions and I'm the one who's gotta think up the excuses."

Mickey grinned sheepishly as they stepped through a door leading outside.

"Sorry, Os… I didn't mean to take so long. Guess my mind wandered a bit more then I thought."

He whistled and Pluto came trotting up. Oswald grinned and scratched the dog's ears before looking back at Mickey.

"Sure ya don't want someone t' go with ya?"

"Nah, that's okay," Mickey said. "I'll be fine.

Oswald nodded and dipped his head before giving him a teasing grin.

"Try to get back before they wanna raise an alarm."

Mickey couldn't help grinning back.

"Got it."

He couldn't help feeling a little guilty as he headed off toward the forest. He had never kept a secret from those closest to him, especially his best and only real friend, but he knew Minnie was afraid of people knowing he was seeing her and no way was he taking any risks with her safety. But still, he was determined to find out whatever trouble she may be in, so he could help her out of it and make sure she would stay safe.

…

Minnie stood straight and poised as her stepmother swept into the room. She smiled and executed a curtsy as Daisy did the same behind her.

"Your Majesty," she said. The queen moved forward, looking at her with critical eyes; it was as if she was doing no more than studying a newly made gown.

"Hmm," she said, her voice cool and disinterested. "Adequate. But remember, a lady never speaks out of turn."

Minnie tried hard not to bite her lip in frustration; last time, when she had stayed quiet, her stepmother had scolded her for not showing sufficient respect. She stood quietly and waited as the queen began inspecting the room, not even glancing in her direction. It seemed she couldn't wait to be gone.

"Well then," she finally said. "Everything seems in order. I trust you understand that I cannot stay long… I must get back to tell your father that you are well."

Her voice seemed to grow slightly colder as she continued.

"He's been quite concerned about you, you know."

Minnie felt her heart leap at those words; she didn't even notice the disdain on her stepmother's face. Forgetting her composure, she stepped forward eagerly.

"Your Majesty, I've been so concerned about him too. I was hoping that… that I might be able to come home, or perhaps visit…"

Behind her, Daisy inhaled sharply in warning, but Minnie remembered herself too late. She tried not to shiver as the queen narrowed her eyes, glaring at her.

"He is only recently recovered," she said coldly. "I hardly think now is the time to burden him further."

Minnie felt her eyes start to burn and quickly lowered her head.

"I… I'm sorry…" she whispered. "I only thought…"

"A princess thinks of others before herself," came the harsh reply. "I hope you will remember that next time."

Minnie's heart fell; it took all her willpower to swallow the lump in her throat.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

She kept her eyes on the floor, barely hearing the queen's next words.

"I will hope for an improvement, even if I cannot expect it."

There was a rustling of fabric, then sharp footsteps walking away. After a few moments, Minnie slowly moved to the window and watched as her stepmother swept into the waiting carriage, ignoring the bowing guards. As the cavalcade mounted up and began to move away, Daisy came up and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Your Highness…" she said softly. "I'm sorry."

But Minnie barely noticed.

"I don't understand," she whispered. "What did I do wrong? What?"

Daisy bit her lip as she racked her brain, trying to think of what to say. She had constantly been taught that it wasn't her place to question her superiors, but seeing her friend put down like this was certainly leading her to question the reason. And the more she thought of it, the more there simply didn't seem to be one.

"I'm sorry," the duck finally said helplessly. Minnie struggled to hold back tears as she stared out over the trees and tried not to be angry with Daisy too. She knew it wasn't fair, but why couldn't she forget the principles of rank just once? Why couldn't she just be a friend, even for just a minute?

Suddenly, a movement in the trees caught her attention. When she looked closer and made out what, or rather who it was, her heavy heart immediately lifted. Mickey stepped forward, staying partly hidden in the trees, and gave her a small wave.

"Daisy," Minnie said, her voice sharper than she intended. "Please let me be for a while."

The hand on her shoulder disappeared, and Minnie turned to see her lady in waiting looking at her in confusion.

"Your Highness…"

Minnie immediately regretted her tone and gently touched Daisy's hand, managing a small smile.

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to snap like that," she said. "I just need to be alone for a while. Please."

Daisy sighed, but smiled slightly as she curtsied.

"Yes, your highness."

Gathering her skirts, the lady in waiting moved to the door, but hesitated.

"My lady," she said softly. "I'm sorry I can't do more."

Minnie gave her a slight smile.

"It's all right, Daisy," the princess said softly. Daisy smiled back before opening the door and slipping out. As soon as the door closed, Minnie turned to the window and waved to Mickey. As he and Pluto emerged from the trees, Minnie hurried to her bed and slipped the book out from under her mattress. She quickly turned the pages forward as she returned to the window, and once the small canary flew up into the room she turned them forward and turned Mickey back to his true form.

"I'm so glad you came," she said, smiling when he grinned at her.

"Well, sure! Said I would, didn't I? I know y' were nervous about that other visit."

Minnie's smile faded and she turned away, trying to hide her tears. To her surprise, a hand gently gripped hers. She turned to see Mickey looking at her, his face full of concern.

"Minnie…" he said slowly. "Are ya all right?"

She took a deep breath and tried to smile dismissively, but Mickey kept his grip on her hand and she found herself looking directly into his warm blue eyes. They were so soft, so gentle and inviting…

Almost unconsciously, she sank down on the window seat and he sat beside her, still holding her hand and smiling encouragingly. Minnie found herself telling him the whole story; from the reason she was here to her stepmother's earlier visit. He never interrupted but listened quietly, occasionally frowning or gently squeezing her hand.

"I just… I just don't understand what I did wrong," Minnie finally said. "I've tried and tried, but it never seems to be enough…"

Unable to speak anymore, she closed her eyes tightly as tears began coursing down her cheeks. She struggled to hold them back, not wanting to imagine what Mickey must think of her, but within a moment she was folded in a gentle hug.

Utterly stunned, Minnie almost pulled back, but Mickey didn't move.

"It's alright," he said softly. "It's alright."

Slowly, Minnie pressed into his chest as the tears came again. He didn't move, but rubbed her back in small, slow circles. Somehow this one simple action brought her more comfort than she could ever have imagined.