Dearly Devoted

Chapter 2

Yuna knew the very moment the ship sailed across the waters' unseen boundaries into Totto Land's territory. The brisk, salty sea air that had accompanied their 7 hour journey disappeared with a gust of strong wind. Replacing it was the sugary scent of candy and confectionary goodness, a tantalizing hint of the promised paradise that Big Mom's country was said to be. No matter how you tried to mask it, the sweetness settled in and stuck in your lungs. It felt like breathing through a bag of cotton candy. Even the giant container of caramel they'd brought along with them as part of the agreement didn't carry as strong an aroma as this.

The waves settled from the plunging and rolling currents they'd encountered on their way here, calming as they grew closer to the heart of Totto Land. They had yet to see any of the islands that comprised the Yonko's territory, but given the laden sweetness in the air, she was sure they were nearing one of them at the very least. The heaviness of the air weighed on her, especially given her long-sleeved, floor-length gown that covered her from head to toe. The pastel pink gown had been specially made for this trip, in order to make a good impression on the Yonko who had agreed to protect their small country. Now, it simply felt stifling.

The crew of seamen sailing the ship all kept on alert, watching in all directions for any sign of approaching vessels. It was only half of the usual crew a ship like this would carry, plus half a platoon of castle guards, at Yuna's insistence. Her father and Daigon himself had adamantly vied for her to be accompanied by 2 full platoons of castle guards in addition to the full crew sailing the ship, but she had adamantly refused.

"We are already in a state of vulnerability. Reducing our numbers by so many just to escort me is absurd." She'd said, then gave a hard stare at her family members. "And you all will be staying here. We can't leave our people without their leaders in a time like this."

It had caused a full-blown argument, one that Yuna had eventually won out of pure stubbornness, but Denji, Genji, and her father had all realized that she spoke a good bit of truth even if they didn't want to hear it. To leave their people without troops to protect them and their leaders to guide and reassure them, they would be doing more harm than good. Denji in particular had stormed out of the room looking especially livid, and she wondered if she had somehow cracked the relationship they held.

The one compromise she had been forced to accept, like it or not, was that Daigon himself would see her safely to Big Mom's territory. She had grumbled and fretted about it, but he was nearly more stubborn than her and had been steadfast in making sure he personally saw this duty through until she was safely to her destination.

Standing on the deck down beside her, the man in question grimaced, covering his nose with clear distaste just as the princess spotted what she thought to be a ship on the horizon. Yuna looked his way, frowning. "What's wrong?"

"Never really liked candy..." He muttered with a small shake of his head. "Gives me a headache, this air. It's suffocating."

Unable to help him in any way, Yuna turned back to the water before them. The shape in the distance was indeed a ship now that she had a better look, and before long a second silhouette joined the first, making a beeline for Seiiki's vessel. The men around her gripped their weapons a little tighter, and she gave a quiet sigh.

"Remain calm." She spoke above the gentle wind, drawing the eyes of those intent on protecting her. "They're expecting us. There is no need to be so nervous."

"We're dealing with an Emperor of the Sea." Daigon stepped closer, eyes never straying from the approaching ships. "One can never be too careful."

"I understand, but if fear is the first impression we display, it will only serve to make us seem more exploitable." Yuna replied evenly, keeping her voice steady even as her heartbeat quickened in pace. "We represent Seiiki Kingdom, and I know our navy is comprised of courageous men. Let's show them that bravery instead."