Dearly Devoted

Chapter 8

What was one to do when faced with an insurmountable problem? When all attempts at resolving it had failed, or returned little results? Such questions weren't unfamiliar to Yuna, but this time around, she was having a difficult time coming up with a solution. She'd spent days pondering her options, but always coming up with so little by way of answer.

What was she supposed to give to Katakuri for his birthday?

Yuna was normally quite skilled at selecting gifts for those close to her. It was easy enough to know what her brothers would appreciate most on their honorary day of the year. Genji was fond of puzzles and various curiosities that kept him occupied all day long, and she knew of one very crafty artisan in Seiiki who enjoyed making such contraptions. Denji, alternatively, was partial to more practical things. Getting him a new sword polishing kit or set of boots when his were worn was an easy enough feat.

Even her father, the King, couldn't be easier to give gifts to. A simple rose from the garden was enough for him, a reminder of his late wife, their mother. Most years all he asked for was a day for the four of them to spend together as they shirk their duties for a few hours. It was a rare time when he could bring himself to leave the kingdom in the hands of his trusted advisors and guards for awhile—rarer still that he could bring himself to put aside the needs of the country to be a little selfish with his own family.

She was social by nature, finding it easy to get to know those around her and file the information away for later, for occasions such as this. Surprising someone with a well-chosen birthday gift was so satisfying, to see them smile so widely. But Yuna knew so little about her own husband...

What kind of things did he like? What did he appreciate? Were kind words worth more to him than gestures or actions? Or did he prefer being in the presence of those important to him? Were gifts a welcome trinket, or was he only fond of things that were more practical? Realizing that the answer to such questions eluded her even still, to the man she'd married no less, was a distressing notion. And the worst part was that it hadn't been a lack of trying...

Katakuri had already left home that morning for his daily tasks around the island. Whatever they may be...And rather than visit the town as she normally would, Yuna found herself standing in the open garden, staring down at the tiny people milling about in the distance, continuing to contemplate.

The sun's gentle heat should have lifted her spirits, but Yuna couldn't help the sigh that escaped her. She'd been stuck for days, taking every opportunity possible to think of something-anything at all-that she could present to Katakuri for his birthday. Brulee had offered to help, but some part of her felt like it wouldn't mean quite as much unless Yuna figured this out for herself.

Which was inherently ridiculous, she knew, but let it be known Yuna was also steadfastly stubborn as a mule...

The party to celebrate the triplets' birthday wasn't yet for several hours, hosted in one of Big Mom's large dining halls at the main castle, but she felt each minute tick by with frightening speed. There was little time to hand-make anything, and her attempts at finding something to purchase for him in the markets the day before had proved fruitless. Surely if he'd wanted anything from his own island's town, he'd have already gotten it for himself.

Pacing back and forth along the garden's railing, her eyes tracked the movements of those in the town below, absentmindedly observing those who were simply going about their day. Juno had informed her that the town would host it's own small celebration of their Minister's special day down in the market while the Charlotte Family all gathered on the main island. The main course, naturally, would be donuts. From this distance, one couldn't hear the noise of the townspeople going about their business, baking and setting up decorations and stalls to serve food to the rest of the citizens.