Chapter 20

Keira sits at the kitchen table, her delicate hands moving with quiet precision as she threads vibrant strands of yarn through the intricately designed hairpin. The silver and gold of the pin gleam softly under the morning sunlight streaming in through the window. She has been working on it for hours, carefully choosing each gemstone and color to reflect her relationship with Mark.

A strand of deep red symbolizes the strength they've drawn from each other. Green signifies the growth she has experienced since coming to live in the valley, and white stands for the purity of the life she has begun to understand beyond her royal duty. The gems, too, are chosen with care—a pink stone for tenderness, a sparkling yellow one for warmth, and a soft, pale purple stone for the serenity she feels in Mark's presence.

But now, as she steps back to admire her almost-completed work, Keira feels that something is missing. The centerpiece—something to tie it all together, a final touch that would symbolize her bond with Mark in a way that felt complete.

Her eyes fall on a small, empty space at the heart of the pin. It calls for something... blue. A sapphire, perhaps, or a deep blue lapis lazuli that represents the calmness and depth she has found in her new life. It will be the final piece that completes her journey, a reflection of her newfound peace and the quiet but unbreakable bond she shares with her husband.

Keira sighs, pushing aside her collection of stones in frustration. She didn't realize she had run out of blue stones, and without that final piece, her hairpin would remain incomplete. She digs deeper into her box of materials, her fingers sifting through vibrant gems, but there's nothing—no blues, no sapphires, not even a simple piece of lapis lazuli.

Determined, she gets up from the table and heads out to Mark's storage shed. The warm Spring air greets her as she makes her way across the farm, the scent of blooming cherry blossoms calming her nerves. The shed is a treasure trove of supplies, and surely something here would be blue enough to use. She carefully sorts through Mark's stockpiles of metals, rocks, and leftover farm goods, but despite her thorough search, there's nothing suitable for the delicate piece she's working on.

Still undeterred, Keira heads back to the house and starts rifling through the many chests and storage containers in the living room. Mark is meticulous when it comes to organization, so she's careful to place everything back exactly as she found it. But after searching each chest, she still hasn't found the elusive blue stone she needs.

Keira briefly considers going to the excavation site to ask Flora for any blue stones she might have come across. Flora had often mentioned finding old gems and artifacts while digging, and the thought tempts her. But then she remembers that Mark does most of the digging for the dig site, and he usually ships most of what he finds to the market. Besides, if she asked Flora or even Mark directly, the hairpin wouldn't be a surprise anymore.

As Keira stands in the middle of the living room, thinking hard, an idea dawns on her. There is one other place she hasn't searched: the room she shares with Mark. Normally, she respects his things and wouldn't think of going through his personal belongings. But ever since Mark had welcomed her into his life and shared his room with her, they had become a true partnership. He wouldn't be upset if she took a quick look around, especially for something as small as a stone, right?

Her heart pounds slightly as she walks toward their room, unsure of what she'll find, but she's determined. The hairpin has to be perfect, and she won't rest until she finds the piece that ties it all together.

Keira scours the room carefully, opening drawers and looking through Mark's belongings. She sifts through bits and pieces of his life—small trinkets, old tools, and odd keepsakes—but nothing seems to fit as the centerpiece for her hairpin. There are a few colorful items that catch her eye, but none of them hold the special quality she's searching for.

She's about to give up when she opens a drawer and lifts one of Mark's shirts. Underneath, something catches the light—a vivid, electric blue feather. Keira tilts her head, her curiosity piqued, and reaches down to pick up the object. It's a feather, sleek and soft, with a rich, deep blue that almost glows under the sunlight filtering through the window.

"What a pretty feather!" she whispers to herself, holding it up and marveling at its vibrant hue. The way the light dances along its edges, casting a soft shimmer, takes her breath away. Her mind races, and suddenly, the answer becomes clear. The feather would make the perfect centerpiece for her hairpin. It's delicate, beautiful, and holds just the right amount of elegance.

Excited, Keira rushes back to the kitchen, her heart fluttering with anticipation. She grabs the blue yarn from her materials and begins to carefully tie the feather in place, securing it as the final touch to her creation. The gentle texture of the feather against the gemstones and the colored yarns feels just right, as if it was always meant to be a part of her design.

Once completed, Keira can barely contain her excitement. She quickly fastens the hairpin into her hair and stands in front of the small mirror by the window. Her reflection stares back, and her eyes widen in delight. The blue feather sticking out from her hair is a striking contrast against her dark locks, giving the hairpin a touch of uniqueness that she never expected.

She runs her fingers through her hair, adjusting the pin slightly, and smiles at her reflection. It's perfect. More than she could have hoped for. The feather adds an extra layer of elegance, and she can already imagine the look on Mark's face when he sees it.

"I can't wait for Mark to see this," she murmurs to herself, her heart swelling with pride. For now, though, she admires the hairpin one last time in the mirror, satisfied with her work and the small, personal piece of herself she has woven into it.

Later that afternoon, the familiar creak of the front door signals Mark's return. His boots crunch on the path outside as he steps onto the porch. "Keira? I'm home!" he calls out, his voice warm and inviting, as usual.

Keira's heart flutters with excitement. She's been waiting for this moment all day. Without hesitation, she rushes to the door to greet him, her hand instinctively reaching up to adjust the new hairpin, making sure the blue feather sits just right. The door swings open, and she stands there with a bright smile, eager to show Mark her creation.

"Mark! Look!" she beams, stepping forward to let the sunlight highlight the feather in her hair.

But as soon as Mark's eyes land on the feather, his expression shifts drastically. His easy smile falters, his face paling as his eyes widen with shock. He freezes for a moment, staring at the feather as if it were something dangerous.

"Where—where did you get that?" Mark asks, his voice sharp and urgent.

Keira, taken aback by his reaction, tilts her head in confusion. "I found it in our room. It was in one of your drawers," she explains, her brow furrowing as she tries to understand why Mark looks so panicked.

For a moment, the tension between them is palpable. Mark exhales slowly, his posture relaxing slightly, though there's still a shadow of something heavy in his eyes. Relief washes over him, but it's clear he's wrestling with something deeper. He glances at Keira, seeing her innocence, her confusion, and knowing she has no idea what the feather truly represents.

Seeing his reaction, Keira steps closer, concerned. "Why do you have this feather, Mark? What's wrong with it?" she asks gently, sensing its significance.

Mark hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. He takes a moment, trying to gather his thoughts before answering. "That feather... It was supposed to be a gift. A long time ago," he admits, his voice quiet, almost distant. "For someone... it doesn't really mean anything anymore. I forgot I even had it."

Keira blinks, her confusion deepening. "A gift? For someone else?" She glances at the feather in her hair, suddenly unsure if she should be wearing it. The thought crosses her mind that perhaps it carries a meaning she hadn't known. "If it's important to you... I should give it back." She starts to untie the feather from the pin, her fingers gentle but deliberate.

But Mark steps forward quickly, stopping her. "No, Keira. You should keep it. It's yours now," he insists, his voice firmer this time. He forces a smile, trying to brush off the awkwardness. "Honestly, I feel silly for holding on to it for so long. I should've given it to you sooner."

Keira hesitates, looking into his eyes, sensing that there's still more to the story. But seeing his sincere expression and the way he's trying to move past it, she nods. "Are you sure?" she asks softly.

Mark nods. "Absolutely. It looks perfect on you. It's yours."

A small smile tugs at Keira's lips as she gently reties the feather into her hair. "Thank you, Mark," she says, her voice filled with gratitude. "It's beautiful... I'll treasure it."

Mark's smile falters just a little, but he quickly covers it up. "Good. I'm glad," he says, though his gaze lingers on the feather for a moment longer than usual.

As Keira turns and heads back inside, her footsteps light with excitement, Mark stands there, staring after her. His heart is heavy, the weight of old memories pressing down on him. He had thought the past was buried and forgotten, but seeing that feather again had stirred something in him—something he wasn't ready to confront.

The following afternoon, the sun hangs high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the valley as Mark finishes packing his bags for another round of deliveries. The air is crisp, with a slight breeze tugging at the edges of his shirt as he closes the door to the house behind him. Just as he's about to head down the path, he hears the familiar sound of Keira's footsteps.

"Mark," she calls softly, hurrying up to him. "Can I help you today?"

Mark turns to her, surprise flickering across his face. He chuckles softly and shakes his head. "It's okay, Keira. I've got it all handled. You don't have to worry."

But Keira, with her usual persistence, steps closer, her expression earnest. "I want to help," she insists. "The sooner you finish, the sooner you can come back home. I... I like when you're home."

Her words catch him off guard. Mark smiles, a warmth spreading through his chest at her thoughtfulness. "Well, if you put it that way..." He pauses, thinking for a moment. He pulls a small package from his bag and hands it to her. "Here, you can take this one to Griffin at the Blue Bar. He'll know what it's for."

Keira nods eagerly, her face bright with enthusiasm. She takes the package from him and gives a small wave before heading off toward the bar, her pace quick and determined.

As Keira arrives at the Blue Bar, she knocks politely on the door. The muffled sounds of dishes clattering from inside grow quiet, and the door swings open to reveal Muffy, busy cleaning up after the lunch rush. The bar smells of freshly cooked food, and the midday light filters through the windows, casting a golden hue across the room.

"Come in, Keira," Muffy greets her with a smile, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "What brings you here?"

Keira steps inside, glancing around the cozy bar. "I have a package for Griffin," she explains, holding up the parcel. "Is he here?"

Muffy shakes her head, setting the dish towel aside. "He's out for a bit, but I can take that for him." She walks over to Keira and takes the package, setting it carefully on the counter.

Just as she's about to turn away, Muffy's eyes catch on something—something bright and blue. Her gaze fixes on the feather in Keira's hair, her eyes widening slightly. She gasps softly, stepping closer.

Keira blinks in confusion. "What's wrong?"

Muffy reaches out slowly, her fingers brushing against the feather delicately as if it were made of glass. "What a pretty feather," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "Did Mark give this to you?"

Keira, slightly taken aback by Muffy's reaction, nods. "I found it in our room," she explains. "Mark said I could keep it."

Muffy's smile falters for a brief moment, something unreadable flickering across her face. She glances at the feather again, her eyes softening with nostalgia. "I'm surprised he still has it," she whispers, almost to herself.

Keira tilts her head in curiosity. "What do you mean by that?" she asks, her eyes searching Muffy's face for answers.

But Muffy just shakes her head, brushing off the question with a quick smile. "It's nothing important," she says, her voice light again. "Don't worry about it."

Though Keira feels a small tug of curiosity in her chest, she doesn't press the matter further. Instead, Muffy's mood seems to brighten as she changes the subject. "Hey, since Griffin's not back yet, how about you hang out with me for a while? I could use a break, and it's always nice to have some company."

Keira nods, happy to spend some time with her friend. "I'd like that," she replies.

Keira sits on a stool at the bar, her hands resting gently on the polished counter. Muffy stands behind it, wiping down the surface, a playful grin on her face as she adopts the role of bartender. "So, Keira," she begins with a teasing tone, "what can I get for you? I'm not Griffin, but I can whip up a few drinks."

Keira smiles, but shakes her head softly. "Oh, no, thank you. I've never had alcohol here. It's all very different from what I'm used to."

Muffy raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Really? Have you ever had any kind of drink before?"

Keira nods, her gaze softening as she reminisces. "Well, back in my time... my mother used to let me drink a special kind of wine called Sake. It's a type of rice wine from the Hanabishi culture. We drank it during festivals, celebrations, and even for rituals, like marriage." She pauses, her voice turning wistful. "My mother would prepare me for marriage by teaching me about the customs and serving me Sake. It became something we shared together... I miss it. Drinking Sake always reminded me of her and those quiet moments we had together."

Muffy listens intently, a tender smile on her face. As Keira speaks, the fondness in her voice strikes a chord, and Muffy can't help but feel moved by the weight of Keira's memories.

Suddenly, Muffy's face lights up with an idea. "Wait a minute," she says, disappearing for a moment and rummaging through a cabinet behind the bar. After a few moments, she returns, placing a sleek, frosted bottle on the counter in front of Keira. "Look at this!"

Keira gasps, her eyes wide with surprise. "Sake!" she exclaims, her hands trembling as she reaches out for the bottle. The familiar label brings back a flood of memories, and for a moment, it's as if she's back in her mother's arms, sharing quiet, peaceful moments under the soft glow of the lanterns in her old village.

"Where did you get this?" Keira asks, her voice filled with awe.

Muffy chuckles and leans against the counter. "Griffin got it for me as a wedding present. It came from Wagashi Village—a town pretty far to the east, known for its traditional foods and, of course, sake. I used to drink it sometimes, but ever since I got pregnant, I've stopped."

Keira turns the bottle in her hands, admiring it with reverence. "I didn't think I'd ever see Sake here," she murmurs softly, her heart swelling with gratitude.

Muffy smiles, watching Keira's face light up with excitement. "Well, lucky for you, there's plenty left. Why don't we drink some? You seem to miss it, and it sounds like it has special meaning for you."

Keira looks up at Muffy, her eyes shimmering with appreciation. "Are you sure?" she asks gently.

"Of course!" Muffy replies, giving her a reassuring nod. "I'll probably never finish it anyway, and it seems like it would mean a lot more to you."

Keira hugs the bottle close to her chest, her heart filled with warmth. "Thank you so much, Muffy. You have no idea how much this means to me."

Muffy pops the lid off the bottle and pours the sake into two small shot glasses, sliding one across the bar to Keira. The clear liquid gleams under the light, and Keira cradles the glass in her hands before bringing it to her lips. As she takes a sip, the familiar warmth of the rice wine spreads through her, carrying her back to the memories of her mother. She's transported to a different time—sitting quietly with her mother in a peaceful room, surrounded by soft lantern light, the scent of cherry blossoms in the air. For a moment, she's lost in the nostalgia, smiling to herself as she swirls the glass gently.

Muffy takes a sip as well, but her gaze doesn't stray from Keira's hair, particularly the blue feather nestled within it. There's a brief silence before Keira notices the intent way Muffy is staring, and she tilts her head, a little puzzled. "What's wrong?" Keira asks, her voice soft, as if not wanting to break the moment.

Muffy snaps out of her thoughts, smiling warmly. "Oh, nothing really. It's just… that feather. Do you know what it means?"

Keira blinks, her hand instinctively reaching up to touch the delicate feather in her hair. "No," she admits with a small shake of her head. "Mark let me keep it. He said it was supposed to be a gift for someone a long time ago, but it didn't mean anything anymore."

Muffy's smile falters for a moment, but then she chuckles softly. "It's called 'The Blue Feather of Happiness.' It represents something really important—a choice. You see, when a person loves someone deeply, they give them this feather as a way of proposing marriage. It's a symbol of choosing someone you want to spend the rest of your life with."

Keira's eyes widen in surprise. She looks at the feather again, her fingers brushing over its smooth surface. "Oh..." she murmurs, clearly taken aback. "But, Muffy, what is love?"

Muffy's brow furrows, and her glass pauses halfway to her lips. "You don't know what love is?" she asks, astonished.

Keira shakes her head, her expression earnest. "No. In the Hanabishi language, there is no word for love. I've heard it on TV sometimes, like when a cat said he loved pasta or when two men said they loved fighting. It's a strange word. I always thought it just meant someone really likes something. But not too long ago, Mark asked me if I loved him... and I didn't know how to answer."

Muffy sets her glass down, clearly struck by Keira's words. She taps her fingers lightly on the bar, thinking of how to explain something so fundamental, yet so complex. After a moment, she sighs softly. "Well, love can be a lot of things, but at its core, it's when two people care for each other so much that they want to be together. It's not just about enjoying someone's company; it's a deep connection that makes you want to be there for them, even when things get hard."

Keira's eyes brighten, and she clasps her hands together. "Ah, so love is like marriage!"

Muffy chuckles nervously, shaking her head. "Not exactly. People can be in love without being married. And sometimes, people can be married but not in love." She shrugs with a sheepish smile. "It's complicated."

Keira frowns slightly, her brow furrowing in thought. "So love and marriage aren't the same?"

Muffy nods. "That's right. Ideally, you'd want both—love and marriage together—but it doesn't always work out that way."

Keira leans back, resting her hands on her lap. "Love sounds very confusing… and complicated."

Muffy leans forward on the bar, sensing Keira's confusion about the concept of love. With a soft sigh, she decides to share her own story. "You know, Keira," she begins, her voice gentle, "there was a time when I thought I understood love... but I was wrong."

Keira tilts her head, intrigued, as Muffy continues.

"Years ago, I went through a really hard time. I thought I'd found the one, someone who would finally want to be with me forever. But... I was wrong. He didn't want to be with me." Muffy chuckles dryly, but there's a sadness behind it, a lingering hurt. "I remember standing on the bridge, crying my eyes out. I felt like no one would ever want to marry me. I had been on so many dates, but every time I thought it was going to be different... it never was."

Keira listens quietly, her eyes soft with empathy.

"That day, while I was standing there, Mark found me. He asked me what was wrong, and I just... spilled everything. I told him that I was afraid no one would ever love me enough to marry me." Muffy pauses, a small smile touching her lips as she recalls the moment. "Mark took my hands in his and said, 'You will meet the man who will make you his wife very soon.' I was so shocked by how confident he sounded. I didn't even know if I believed him at first, but something about the way he said it... made me want to believe."

Keira's eyes widen slightly, imagining Mark offering those reassuring words to a heartbroken Muffy.

"Not long after that, I was working here in the bar, like any other day, when Griffin—my boss at the time—came up to me. He dropped to one knee, and proposed with a diamond ring." Muffy laughs softly at the memory, but there's a bittersweet note in her voice. "I was so surprised. I always saw Griffin as my boss, even as a father figure in some ways. But... I wanted to be married so badly that I didn't care. I said yes."

Keira furrows her brow, digesting Muffy's story. After a moment of silence, she asks the question lingering in her mind. "So... does that mean you don't love Griffin?"

Muffy laughs, shaking her head. "No, no, of course I love Griffin. He ismy husband and father of our child. But, honestly, I didn't love him when I first said yes. Our marriage... well, it didn't start off as some grand love story." She sighs and leans back, her eyes distant as she recalls the early days of her marriage. "After we got married, we had a lot of problems. I loved shopping, and the bar wasn't bringing in much money. Griffin and I argued constantly. There were days I thought our marriage wasn't going to make it."

Keira listens intently, her expression thoughtful.

"But everything changed when I got pregnant with Myo," Muffy continues, her voice softening. "Griffin became this... different person. He took care of me, went out of his way to make sure I had everything I needed. I saw a side of him I hadn't noticed before. And... something in me changed, too. I realized that I did love him. I just hadn't understood it before. After that, I was willing to make sacrifices for our marriage. I started tailoring my own clothes instead of spending money on new ones, and I focused more on my family."

Muffy smiles warmly now, her gaze meeting Keira's. "That's why I started the club for married women. I wanted to help others understand what I learned about love and marriage. It's not always easy, and it's not always about that initial spark of passion. It's about being there for each other, working through the hard times, and growing together."

Keira nods slowly, absorbing Muffy's story. "So... love can come later, even after you're married?"

Muffy nods. "Exactly. Sometimes love isn't immediate. It grows over time, through shared experiences and commitment. Marriage is a choice, but love... love can be something that evolves. It's not always straightforward or easy, but when it's real, it's worth every bit of the effort."

Keira looks up at the feather in her hair again, her fingers brushing it lightly. Muffy's story had given her a lot to think about. Love, marriage, sacrifice, growth—it all felt like pieces of a larger puzzle, one that Keira was slowly beginning to understand.

Keira leans back on her stool, her gaze becoming distant as she begins to share her story with Muffy. A soft smile crosses her lips as she says, "Maybe my parents loved each other too. I like to think they did."

Muffy, intrigued, asks, "What do you mean?"

Keira takes a deep breath, her eyes flickering with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "In the Hanabishi royal family, the relationship between the king and queen is... different. Most royal couples aren't close at all. The king rules the land, and the queen takes care of the castle in his absence. The queen's duty is to dedicate her entire life to the king and the kingdom. Her personal needs, her desires—they're not important. Many queens live short lives because of it. Some even go mad from the pressure and loneliness." She pauses, her expression darkening. "If a queen becomes unfit to rule or loses her mind, the king is expected to take her life himself. It's a terrible responsibility."

Muffy's expression shifts to one of shock and sorrow as she listens to the harsh realities of Keira's world. "That's awful," she whispers.

Keira nods. "Yes. It's a harsh system. But... my parents were different, or so I've been told. People say they were quite close. Their bond inspired many people within the kingdom. My mother never spoke ill of my father, not once. She always told me how much she waited for his return, no matter how long it took. She would spend hours preparing for the day he came back from battle, always wanting to look her best for him."

Keira smiles softly as she continues, "My mother even had hobbies. That's something a queen is usually forbidden from having because it distracts from her duties. But my mother found ways to keep herself occupied, sewing and painting to pass the time while waiting for my father. She was... always so strong, so patient. It was rare for a queen to have that kind of personal joy."

Muffy listens quietly, a small smile on her lips, touched by the story of Keira's parents. "It sounds like they did love each other."

Keira nods. "I like to believe they did. I always admired their relationship, even though I didn't fully understand it back then. I hoped that when it came time for me to marry, I would have the same kind of bond they had. A strong connection built on mutual respect and care."

Muffy places a hand over Keira's gently. "That's what love is, Keira. It's not always flashy or obvious, but it's there, in the small things, in the dedication, in the waiting. Your mother sounds like she loved your father deeply."

Keira looks down, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe... I think she did."

Muffy smiles warmly. After a pause, she asks the question that's been on her mind. "Keira... do you love Mark?"

Keira blinks in surprise, clearly taken aback by the directness of the question. She frowns, lost in thought, as she searches for the right answer. "I... I think so?" Her voice is uncertain, but there's a quiet honesty in it.

Muffy chuckles softly, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "I think you do, too. You might not fully realize it yet, but it sounds like you're already feeling it. Love is something that sneaks up on you. It doesn't always hit you like lightning. Sometimes, it grows slowly, quietly, until one day you look up and realize it's there."

Keira smiles faintly, her fingers brushing the blue feather in her hair. "Maybe. I'm still trying to understand what love is. But... when I'm with Mark, I feel... safe. And happy."

Muffy nods knowingly. "That's a good place to start. Give it time, Keira. You'll figure it out. And when you do, you'll know."

Keira glances up, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I hope so."

Muffy raises her glass of sake with a smile. "To figuring it out, then."

Keira lifts her own glass, a warm smile spreading across her face as they toast to the journey of love, both its challenges and its quiet joys.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm, orange glow over the valley, it was time for Keira to head home. She and Muffy shared a final laugh as they stood at the door of the Blue Bar.

"Thank you for today," Keira said, bowing her head slightly. "I learned a lot."

Muffy smiled warmly, patting her shoulder. "Anytime, Keira. You're always welcome here. And remember, love takes time. Don't overthink it. Just enjoy it as it comes."

Keira nodded, waving goodbye before setting off on the path that led back to the farm. The gentle breeze of the late afternoon ruffled her hair, and she absently reached up to touch the blue feather nestled in her hairpin, its color shimmering in the fading light. The feather had become precious to her, even though she didn't fully understand its significance yet.

Meanwhile, Muffy stood by the bar's doorway, watching her friend walk away. As Keira disappeared down the path, Muffy's gaze lingered on the blue feather. A soft smile tugged at her lips, but behind that smile was a bittersweet memory. She could never forget the last time she had seen that very feather.

Her thoughts drifted back to that fateful day—Griffin had just proposed to her in the bar, catching her completely off guard. She had been overwhelmed, but just after saying yes, the door had swung open. There stood Mark, holding the same blue feather in his hand. The look on his face had been hard to read, a mix of nervousness and regret. She had sensed he was there for a reason, but Mark had quickly excused himself and left, believing that Muffy never saw the feather.

Muffy's heart had twisted in that moment. She had known then, though neither of them said it out loud, that Mark had come to make his own proposal—with the Blue Feather of Happiness. But fate had different plans. She had already accepted Griffin's ring, and though her marriage had been challenging at first, she had grown to love Griffin deeply over time. It was a complicated, painful memory, one she had locked away for years.

And now that same feather, so full of unspoken history, was with Keira.

Muffy sighed, shaking her head softly as she turned to go back inside the bar. She had kept that moment to herself all this time, and it wasn't her place to tell Keira the truth. Mark's story with that feather was his own to tell—or not. And whatever path Keira and Mark were on now, it was clear they were writing their own story together.

With one last glance at the empty road, Muffy smiled faintly and went inside, leaving the past where it belonged.