Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Endlessly ❯ Chapter 11
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Froglady15 
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Suspense / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.03.2014 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.2K | Visits: 826 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama / Suspense / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.03.2014 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.2K | Visits: 826 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Just my Husband, laptop, my 3 dogs and a very overactive imagination… Dragon Ball Z and any songs mentioned in this fic DO NOT belong to me. I'm just borrowing them for my own twisted amusement.
Chapter 11
Vegeta woke up a few hours earlier than normal. He hugged Bulma closer to him briefly. He couldn't believe he had almost claimed her the night before. He didn't even want to think what they would be facing today if he hadn't come to his senses. It pained him that he couldn't have just done what he wanted and take her as his mate now. A part of him wanted to wake her up and do just that and worry about the consequences later. There wasn't anything anyone could do if he had bonded to the Woman. He cursed his father silently, knowing that if he did just that, it would put Bulma in too much danger. If his father did away with Bulma, it would lead to his ultimate demise as well. He knew full well that if he created a bond with her it would be full and complete.
A huge part of him felt relieved that he had finally revealed the full extent of his feelings for her. The other part was ashamed that he had reduced himself to that. What was she doing to him? He had been grateful however that she hadn't exploited his weakness for her. She had understood how hard it had been for him to verbalize his feelings and hadn't pressed him for more. Even more surprising to him had been her acceptance of him. He knew she cared for him. That much was obvious. However he hadn't been expecting her to just accept an eternal bond with him so soon. This just solidified his trust and faith in their union all the more. He was sure of his decision. He just had to make sure she was sure of hers. Judging by the fact that he hadn't frightened her off in the least, he knew she felt just as strongly for him as he did for her.
He breathed in the scent of her hair, gently kissed the back of her neck and got out of bed. He watched her sleep as he changed into his training uniform.
Vegeta grabbed his scouter and connected it with Kakarott's. The clown had better be up. He thought with a scowl.
"Hey, Vegeta!" Kakarott greeted.
"I need you to come stand watch at my personal quarters." Vegeta said. "I'm going to train for a bit while she's still asleep."
"Alright, Vegeta. I'll be right there. I'm just finishing my breakfast." The younger Saiyan replied. "Do you want me to bring you or Bulma anything?"
"Nothing for me. Maybe something for the Woman though."
"Alright. See you in a few minutes." Kakarott replied, ending the communication.
Vegeta sat at the other side of the room and watched Bulma sleep for a few minutes while waiting for Kakarott. She looked so peaceful; her hair cascading everywhere looking like a blue waterfall over the pillow. He felt a twinge of guilt as he noticed the bite mark he had left on her lower lip. He had always made sure to never mark her or damage her in anyway. He hoped he hadn't left one on her neck as well. That was all he needed was for everyone to see that. He wished that he was in a position that he could have been proud to have marked her. Someday soon, little one. Very soon. He thought to himself. He just had to get stronger. Achieve Legendary status and then he could have her. No one would be able to stand up to him. No one would dare. He would also be able to protect her from anyone who would dare harm her. They would find a way around this. He knew they would. Then he would make her his queen. And what a fine queen you'll make. He thought, smirking to himself.
He could sense Kakarott approaching.
Vegeta got up and kissed her gently on the cheek and left the bedroom and headed to the door to let Kakarott in.
"Hey, Vegeta." The younger Saiyan greeted with two plates full of food.
"Come in." Vegeta said, letting him in. "I need to train for a while. Stay here until I get back and I will take Bulma to your Father's to start on the capsule project. If she wakes up before I return, notify me."
"Sounds good, Vegeta." Kakarott nodded.
"Bulma's not going to be able to eat all of that." Vegeta said looking at the two full plates the younger Saiyan had brought.
"I know that, Vegeta." Kakarott laughed. "One is for me and the other is for her."
Vegeta shook his head. "Stay here until I return and do not leave under any circumstances. I mean it." He growled.
"Don't worry, Vegeta. Hey, can we train later?"
"Later. Maybe when Bulma is working with your father." Vegeta nodded. That wasn't a bad idea. She should be fine with Bardock for a few hours. As much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't be with her every second of the day and neither could Kakarott.
Vegeta left the room and headed to the training center. He needed to get a good work out in. The training area on the ship was alright, but he needed the benefits of a proper facility. Maybe there was someone there he could pound to a pulp to relieve his pent up frustrations on.
Once he got there, he found the training center surprisingly empty. No matter. He could spar with Kakarott later on. He started a warm up of one-handed pushups followed by sit ups. By the time he was half way through, Nappa and Raditz had shown up to train.
"Your Highness," Nappa greeted. "You're back."
"Hmmn." Vegeta replied not stopping his work out.
"So, is it true that you went back for that blue-haired girl?" Raditz asked. He had been dying to know the details behind this turn of events. He had known his Prince had liked her more than he had initially let on.
"How do you know about that?" Vegeta asked, already irritated. He had been hoping to get his mind off of the woman and their predicament for a little while. It didn't look like that was going to happen now.
"Asia told me." Raditz replied.
"Oh, she did, did she?" He shrugged, not caring and continuing with his sit ups.
"Yea. She was some pissed!" Raditz said with a chuckle at the memory.
"She caused quite the scene at the banquet over it too." Nappa said shaking his head. In his opinion females were foolish and only good for one thing, which was why he never had any intent on taking a mate for himself ever. That's what the harems were for.
"Good." Vegeta replied simply. Hopefully she made a fool of herself.
"She kinda came on to me after you left the banquet." Raditz said with a frown. "It was weird. Anyway, she said you and Kakarott were leaving to go pick up that Blue-haired girl and she wanted to know everything about her. I only said she was a random tavern wench but she was insisting that she was a brilliant scientist or something? I don't know. I only said that I bought her for you for the night because I thought she had happened to catch your eye and that's all."
"Hmmn." Vegeta replied not even pausing from his sit ups. He wasn't sure how much he should tell them especially if Asia thought they could be pumped for information. He was thoroughly annoyed by this turn of events. Would she never give up?
"Awe, come on!" Raditz whined.
"There is nothing to tell." Vegeta growled. "I decided that my father was right and that it was time I acquired a concubine. She is more than adequate enough."
"I'll say." Nappa agreed.
"If Asia persists in asking you of anything, tell her nothing." Vegeta growled. "In fact, if she comes on to you again, go for it. Do not hold yourself back on my account."
"I thought you two were to be mated?" Raditz asked frowning.
"That is what she and my father have decided. It is by no means what I have decided." Vegeta said cryptically. "Take her for yourself should the opportunity present itself. You would be doing me a favor."
"I couldn't do that, my Prince!" Raditz exclaimed. "Not to say that I don't want her. She's everything a Saiyan female warrior ought to be, which is why it is only right that you take her as your mate."
"I don't want the damned female!" Vegeta bellowed in frustration. "The next time she takes a pass at you, take it. I am not interested in her."
Raditz and Nappa looked at each other and frowned. Had they heard him right? They had never heard their Prince express any outright interest in her but they had never heard a blatant disinterest either. They assumed his non response where she was concerned was just his way of keeping his feelings to himself. Everyone knew the Prince did not like any obvious displays of affection or emotion. He was always very stoic no matter the occasion.
"I appreciate your permission on the matter, your highness, but are you absolutely sure?" Raditz asked. He had been silently admiring her for a while but never made known his interest because he was sure Vegeta was interested in her. Asia had made it well known around the kingdom that they were an item.
"I am." Vegeta replied.
"Why?" Nappa asked in confusion. "She's the best this planet has to offer in strength, not to mention beauty; and she's smart. If you wanted to take a mate, she'd be the one, your Highness."
"I know all of that that, Nappa!" Vegeta growled feeling like he was sitting here having the exact conversation with his father as he was with his companions. It wasn't doing anything but annoying him. "I do not care! I am completely uninterested in her."
"Alright then," Raditz shrugged. "Just don't try to kill me if she turns her interests elsewhere."
"Oh believe me, I won't. I'll thank you if by some miracle she turns her interests to you." Vegeta chuckled. "Just don't blame me when she proves to be an untrustworthy choice of mate."
"What makes you say that?" Raditz asked with a frown.
"Her father is a politician. I do not trust politicians. I guarantee you the only reason she is interested in me is to advance her father's position. He wants the throne for himself." Vegeta said.
"Paragus is the highest ranking in the advisors. There's no higher place he could get for himself." Raditz said.
"He wants the throne, and he is trying to use her to take it for himself." Vegeta replied matter of factly.
"He can't just take the throne for himself." Raditz said with a laugh. "He may be the in the highest position of all the elders, but his strength level is pathetic. How could he ever hope to take the throne?"
"No, but with his daughter as queen he can be even more influential than he already unfortunately is. I do not trust either of them." Vegeta growled. Was he the only one who could see the obvious plot that was unfolding should he decide to take her as his mate? He didn't care that she was strong, beautiful or intelligent. He didn't trust her father and he sure didn't trust her. Her neediness and refusal to accept his dismissal only further solidified his decision. He knew she was a prize. Any of the high ranking elites would be more than thrilled to take her as their mate. She would find herself a good place in life if someone else chose her. She would have to know that. This instance she had though, bothered him to no end. Her throwing herself at him combined with his father's constant nagging only made him dig his heels in further on the matter.
"I don't get your point of view, your highness but if you're okay with it, I'd like to make a play for her." Raditz said with a smirk.
"You have my approval. I have no interest." Vegeta sighed hoping this would be the end of it.
"You'll be sorry!" Raditz laughed. Asia was high class. If he could convince her to take him as her mate he would be the happiest Saiyan alive!
"I doubt that." Vegeta snorted. He was really hoping Asia would turn her attentions to Raditz if he pursued her. Though, he had a horrible feeling in his gut that it wouldn't make much difference. He would wait and see. If she turned her interest away from him then it would prove to him that he had been wrong in his judgment of her. It didn't matter to him though. He had never been interested in her. He hated her father enough that she could have been anything and everything and he would have never considered her as a potential candidate as his queen.
Her father had been a huge influence in convincing his father to send him away to learn under Lord Frieza. His father had at that point still been too grief stricken over the death of his mate to have made an educated decision where his son was concerned. Paragus had taken over many of the serious decisions during that time. Vegeta hated him for it. He even hated his own father for being so weak as to have let someone else convince him that it would have been a good idea in the first place. Even at that time, Frieza's reputation for being cruel and demented had been well known. How could his father have let anyone convince him that sending his son to a madman to learn was a good idea? Vegeta could not understand. He could understand now, having met Bulma and feeling as strongly about her as he did; he could understand his father's grief over losing his mate. He could not understand handing your only son to someone so evil. He would always hate his father for that and he would hate Paragus even more for even suggesting it and persisting in it. He had to have known his father had been in a weakened state at the time to even consider agreeing to such a thing. So what had his motive been? Had he been hoping that he would have never survived under Frieza's direct rule? Then what? Had he been hoping that his father would sink in to such a state of depression of having lost both his mate and only heir that he would continue to let him lord over everything for him forever? How long had he been campaigning Asia around as a potential mate for him or his father should the opportunity arise?
His father's reply in acknowledging that if he had no heir he would have taken Asia as a mate yesterday only confirmed Vegeta's suspicions he had already had for years. It didn't matter to Vegeta that Asia might just be an innocent pawn in her father's quest for the throne for himself. As far as he was concerned, that was reason enough to stay far away from her. The last thing he wanted was to be tied down to that bastard in any way shape or form. He wouldn't put it past him to have her poison him or make arrangements to have him assassinated once their union became official.
"So what brought this on? The new girl?" Raditz asked, interrupting Vegeta's train of thought.
"Hardly." Vegeta snorted. "I've never been interested in her. I merely tolerated her bothersome presence to appease my father."
"So about the girl you brought back, she's been rumored to be your concubine. Is that true?" Nappa asked. He thought this whole situation was very strange. Vegeta never shared his father's opinion where keeping women on the side was concerned.
"It is." Vegeta replied.
"Why now? You detest courtesans, concubines and the whole bit." Nappa argued.
"It does not matter. I have decided the time is right for me to take a concubine and that is that." Vegeta growled. Could he not have a decent work out? He had left Bulma to clear his mind for a few hours. Not discuss her! He should have just stayed with her.
Nappa frowned. "Forgive my boldness, my Prince, but I cannot smell her on you."
"Meaning?" Vegeta asked irritated.
"Meaning her scent should be all over you. You've been with her over a week now." Nappa said.
"I showered her scent off of me before I came to train. I did not want the distraction." Vegeta replied, knowing it wouldn't be a sufficient excuse. He can't believe he hadn't thought of that before. He guessed he'd just hoped no one would notice or question him on it. He could remember the numerous times he met with his father and could smell the stench of his women from the night before all over him. It disgusted him.
"You haven't had her yet, have you?" Raditz smirked. He had noticed it but hadn't dared mention it.
"Alright, fine! I haven't!" Vegeta barked angrily.
"Why not?" The two Saiyans asked in shock.
"I don't know." Vegeta replied. "I was going to, but she had said she hadn't been with anyone before and so I didn't the first night and haven't since then."
"So?" Nappa said. "Take her. Bonus if she's untouched!"
"Enough!" Vegeta growled. "My affairs are none of your concern!"
"Whatever." Raditz shrugged.
"Just don't be running your fool mouths off to Asia. It is none of her business." Vegeta growled. "Now, are we going to spar or what?"
"Of course, your Highness!" Raditz and Nappa replied. "Let's go!" The three Saiyans began to spar. Vegeta threw his two companions this way and that with little to no effort, not even breaking a sweat. After about a half hour of intense sparring, Vegeta got a message on his scouter saying that Bulma was awake.
"That's enough." Vegeta said, sending Nappa into a wall. The larger Saiyan was out cold. "I have to leave. Take him to a regeneration tank. Tomorrow morning we'll meet back here for another sparring session."
"Yes, my Prince." Raditz limped over to where Nappa was passed out.
"And you are not to discuss me or the Woman with Asia. I do not care what she wants to know. It is off limits." Vegeta growled, leaving the training center.
"Of course, your highness." Raditz agreed.
Vegeta was half way back to his room when he got a call from his father wanting to see him immediately. Vegeta groaned to himself. It was going to be a long day…
-0-0-0-
Bulma woke up for the first time in the last week without the feeling of Vegeta's arms around her. She sat up in confusion wondering where he had gone and how long ago he had left. She hoped she hadn't over slept too much. She had to get to the lab to help Bardock.
She couldn't help but feel a little hurt that he wasn't there. She knew she was being silly. She had known life would be different once they landed on Vegeta's home planet. She was sure he had a morning routine. She just felt like last night had been a huge step for them. He had always found a way to let her know by his actions that he cared about her. But last night he had actually verbalized his feelings for her.
The memory of it made the butterflies in her stomach flop overtime. He had been so passionate and intense. The intensity had scared her a little, but she put that behind her. She knew that he would never do anything to intentionally harm her. When she had voiced the slightest concern that things were getting too carried away, he had stopped immediately. She would never forget the concern in his face. If she hadn't said anything to him she wondered where they would have been this morning. He had mentioned that he had wanted to take her as his mate. The thought overjoyed her. She had never met anyone like Vegeta. He was dark and passionate, honorable and very protective of her. Even going so far as to protect her from himself.
She wouldn't forget how hard it had been for him to actually verbalize his feelings. "I feel very strongly about you." Was what he had said. She smiled to herself at the memory. It was so formal yet adorable at the same time coming from someone who didn't like expressing himself. She just hoped that he didn't regret his admission to her last night and that's why he wasn't there when she woke up. Something told her she was just being silly though. She just had to wait until she saw him.
Bulma crawled out of bed and made it to the huge washroom. There was a shower stall to the left when you walked in and on the right, next to the huge vanity was a huge soaker tub that was large enough to accommodate three or four people. Bulma looked longingly at the tub wishing she had time to take a nice hot bath. She hadn't had one since before she had been taken from her home. She decided tonight she would indulge. For now, she would have to settle on a quick shower.
She turned on the water to warm and looked herself over in the mirror quickly while he was waiting for the water to warm up enough for her. She frowned a bit when she noticed the obvious bite mark on her lower lip from Vegeta last night. Upon further examination, she noticed a small bruise on her neck as well where he had nipped her. That should be able to easily be covered up she thought to herself. But what was she going to do with the mark on her lip? It was obviously a bite mark. No amount of cover up was going to fix that. She sighed and just hoped maybe no one would ask.
Bulma relished in the feel of the nice hot water from the shower.
Once she was done and had finished her hair and makeup she was quite pleased with her appearance. The bruise on her neck had been easily covered up with makeup. Her lip was another story, but she had put on a very neutral lip color similar to her natural color. It was still there, but made it less obvious. She decided to pull her hair up into a high ponytail even though Vegeta had expressed his preference for it to be down. She was going to be working in the lab most of the day. The last thing she needed was for her hair to be hanging all over the place. She chose for herself a long white blouse that was nice and airy and flowed to her hips. Vegeta hadn't been exaggerating when he had mentioned that it was hot here. So she chose this blouse so that she wouldn't over heat. She wore a pair of black leggings and finished her outfit with a black belt and flip flops. Chick and practical at the same time.
When Bulma emerged from the bedroom she was surprised to see Kakarott sitting at the table.
"Hey, Bulma! I brought you some breakfast." The cheery Saiyan greeted pointing to a plate on the table.
"Thanks, Kakarott." Bulma smiled. That had been thoughtful of him. She sat down across from him and began to eat. "Where's Vegeta?"
"He went to the training center to get in a quick work out since you were still asleep. He should be back at any moment. I called him already."
Bulma nodded, continuing to eat. She still had that nervous feeling that it was because of what had happened last night.
"Vegeta always gets up early to train." Kakarott said, sensing her nervousness at his absence. "He trains then meets with his father and the other elders and then trains some more or takes care of anything his father needs him to."
"Oh." Bulma nodded. "He didn't tell me about his day to day schedule."
"Yea, Vegeta sometimes forgets to mention things like that, especially when he's stressed." Kakarott said.
Bulma smirked. Typical male.
"What happened to your lip, Bulma?" Kakrarott asked.
"Oh, I slipped and accidentally bit it." Bulma replied; her face turning red. Vegeta had been very explicit that no one was to know what was going on between them.
"Vegeta didn't do that?" Kakarott asked in confusion.
Bulma shook her head. Great. I'm going to be explaining this away all day.
"As long as Vegeta didn't do that." Kakarott shrugged, accepting her story. "I know he really cares about you, but it's complicated. He can't mark you."
"What would be the problem if he had?" Bulma asked, slightly annoyed.
"It wouldn't necessarily be a problem." Kakarott replied. "Well, I don't think it would be. I think it would be great if he wanted to take you as his mate. I think you two are perfect for each other. The only reason it would be a problem is because traditionally Saiyans only mate with other Saiyans. And Vegeta being the Prince of our entire race, well, he'll be expected to take a Saiyan woman, like Asia, as his mate. If he ever does mark you in any way and his father happens to notice, he would be very upset."
"So you're saying that I wouldn't be accepted." Bulma said. She already knew much of everything Kakarott was trying to tell her. She had figured out a lot of it on her own from what Vegeta had mentioned to her here and there.
"No. You wouldn't. Not only that, but any children you might have won't be accepted as proper heirs either." Kakarott said, shaking his head in sympathy. "If he did take you as a mate, it would put you in a lot of danger."
"Yea, I know." Bulma nodded. "Things were quite a bit different on my planet. You could marry anyone you wanted so long as both parties were agreeable to it. In most cases, anyway."
"It's like that here too, sort of. A long as you take a Saiyan as your mate. In a case where Vegeta is concerned, class and strength is important. In my case, I don't rank as high, so I could take anyone I want. Most males look for a strong female so that their children will have a high fighting power."
Kakarott explained. "I could even take you as a mate if we both wanted. It would be heavily frowned upon, but no one would stop us. The only major issue would be if we had any children, they would never have any place in our society other than being a slave. I know it's not fair, but unfortunately that's the way it is."
Bulma nodded. The more she thought about this, the more impossible it seemed. Sure, Vegeta might care about her, but it wasn't possible for them to be together. Anyway she looked at it she'd just end up being heartbroken or hurt. He had seemed so sure last night that things could work out for them. They just had to wait. So what should she do? Wait and hope on Vegeta or start distancing herself now so that she wouldn't be too disappointed later on? Ugh, this is hopeless. She thought to herself. It was then she noticed Kakarott was talking to someone on his scouter, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"Okay, Vegeta. We'll catch up with you later then." Kakarott said into his scouter and disconnecting.
"What's that all about?" Bulma asked.
"Vegeta isn't meeting us for a while. He has to go meet with his father first. So I'll take you to see my father so you guys can start working. Vegeta will come get you later on." Kakarott said. "You ready to go?"
"I'm ready." Bulma nodded, getting up. She was a little disappointed that Vegeta wasn't able to come himself but if he had to be somewhere else, he had to be somewhere else.
"Great! Let's go!" Kakarott said, grabbing the door.
"Hey, can I go back to Amira's real quick on the way? She said she'd have some more clothes for me. It's on the way to the lab." Bulma asked. She was really excited to see how her new wardrobe had turned out.
"Sure. Why not?" Kakarott agreed, leading Bulma out of Vegeta's personal quarters. It didn't take them long to make it to Amira's work place.
"Hello, my dear!" Amira greeted. "Ready for your new wardrobe?"
"I am!" Bulma nodded excitedly.
"I put everything I have so far in this basket." She said, handing Bulma a huge basket. "I still have more to do, but this should last you a few days."
"Awesome! Thanks!" Bulma exclaimed, taking the basket from her.
"How did the Prince like your dress yesterday?" Amira asked.
"He liked it a lot." Bulma said, blushing.
"He must have. He marked you, didn't he?" She asked, referencing her wounded lip.
"What? No, I fell and bit it." Bulma lied. Is everyone going to bring this up today? She thought to herself.
"I see." Amira replied with a raised eyebrow. "So he still hasn't made a move? This is very odd. Then why has he brought you here as a concubine if he has no intention of using you?"
"I don't know." Bulma shrugged. "It shouldn't matter anyway. What goes on is between us. Not anyone else."
"That's where you're wrong." Amira replied with a laugh. "It matters to everyone. I think you'll find now that you have a supposed close relationship with the Prince, it is anything but private."
"And why is that?" Bulma challenged.
"You're arrival has stirred a bit of an uproar," Amira said. "Do you know how many women would have killed for your position?"
"So I've heard." Bulma said, rolling her eyes.
"I like you, Bulma. I don't mean to pry. I was brought here as a slave too. I was just lucky enough to not end up in the harem because of my skills. I understand your confusion." Amira said, sensing the younger girl's agitation. "Just watch yourself. There will be a lot of jealous women out there and get used to people asking personal questions about the Prince. Do not trust anyone."
Bulma nodded. "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure. This is a planet that thrives on strength. There is no room for weakness of any kind. You, I'm afraid, don't look like you have much in terms of physical strength. Everyone will find it odd that he has taken an interest in you in the first place, not to mention wonder how you've lasted so long." Amira explained.
"I told you yesterday. He's very considerate." Bulma said, feeling her face grow red again.
Amira shook her head. "He may be now. But don't be surprised later on when you get hurt and a few broken bones because he finally decides to use you for the reason he's keeping you around."
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." Bulma said, wanting to end this awkward conversation already.
"Come back in a few days." Amira said. "I have a few other projects that require my immediate attention, but come in a day or two and I'll have the rest of your wardrobe finished."
"Sounds good! I can't wait!" Bulma said turning to leave.
"Ready to go?" Kakarott asked.
"I am." Bulma said. She was really looking forward to getting to the lab. Finally! Something she was familiar with.
They were half way down the hallway when they ran into a tall, beautiful Saiyan woman.
"Hello, Kakarott." She said, stopping them.
"Umm. Hi, Asia." Kakarott replied nervously. This was not good…
"And who is this?" She asked looking pointedly at Bulma. "I saw you yesterday but never got the opportunity to actually meet you."
"Oh. I'm sorry. My name is Bulma. Bulma Briefs." Bulma replied, remembering not to extend her hand since no one here seemed to carry the same tradition.
"I see." Asia replied, looking Bulma over as if assessing her. "I'm Asia. Vegeta's fiancée." She enunciated just to make sure she got her point across.
"Oh. Okay." Bulma nodded. "Nice to know."
"What? Are you implying that Vegeta never mentioned me to you?" Asia growled angrily, taking a few steps closer to Bulma.
"Hmmmm.." Bulma replied tapping her chin with her right index finger and looking up and to the right as if trying to search through the recesses of her mind for some important piece of information. "Nope. I'm sorry. Doesn't ring a bell, I'm afraid."
"I don't believe you." Asia said defiantly. "We've been engaged for two years. I am his intended and will be the next queen when he takes the throne. There's no way he would have not mentioned me; especially to someone as weak and insignificant as you."
"He didn't," Bulma said innocently with a shrug. "He did mention at one point, what was it he said? Oh, right he had mentioned that "some bothersome wench" persisted in following him around in hopes of becoming his mate. That must be you then, I take it?"
"Why you little.." Asia raged walking closer to Bulma and raising her arm as if to strike her.
"That's enough!" Kakarott bellowed, stepping between Asia and Bulma.
"For a slave, she obviously hasn't learned her place yet." Asia objected.
"That's not for you to decide." Kakarott replied glaring at her.
"What does he see in her anyway?" Asia raged. "She's too small and delicate to be of any fun."
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Bulma said, knowing it probably wasn't a good idea to provoke her yet continuing to anyway.
Asia smirked. "Well, just wait. Either he'll tire of you or break you in half one day. Then we'll see whose laughing."
"Alright." Bulma replied boldly. "Until then, I guess."
"Let's go." Kakarott said, escorting Bulma away from Asia before things got ugly.
"Watch yourself, little one." Asia taunted. "Until next time."
Bulma just smiled back sweetly in reply and followed Kakarott down the hallway toward Bardock's lab.
"That wasn't smart to taunt her." Kakarott said once they'd turned a corner and were well away from Asia.
"I know." Bulma sighed. "I just couldn't help it. She was just so condescending."
"I know, but she's not a nice person. She could have seriously hurt you." Kakarott warned.
"I'll keep my distance." Bulma said.
"Good! The last thing we need is for you to provoke Asia into hurting you. She's very manipulative. She won't forget what you said." Kakarott replied, opening the door to the lab.
-0-0-0-
Asia seethed as she continued down the hallway towards Amira's to pick up another new dress. She had decided to have some new ones made once she had found out that Lord Frieza was coming for a visit. Usually that meant there would be a banquet every night. She couldn't afford to look plain. Especially since Vegeta now had a bed slave. As much as Asia hated to admit it, the girl was absolutely gorgeous, which just made her even angrier. He couldn't have just found some average-looking girl with a decent body?
She was so weak! Asia had tried to measure her up and couldn't, concluding that the girl couldn't have much more of a fighting power than that of a house pet. What could possibly be the attraction if he couldn't be with her without possibly breaking her?
It angered her even more at the possibility that Vegeta either hadn't mentioned her or had spoken poorly of her to this girl. She wasn't sure what to believe. Either way, she needed to let this girl know that there was no competition. She would come out on top and that was that. She just needed to find a way to get rid of her.
She reached Amira's and decided to let the matter drop for now. She'd have plenty of time to plot the blue-haired girl's demise later on.
"Hello, Asia!" Amira greeted cheerfully.
"Hello, Amira." Asia greeted. "Did you get a chance to finish any of the dresses I had requested for next week?"
"I did." Amira nodded. "I have two done for you. One I need you to try on again and the other two I haven't had the chance to start on yet."
"Alright. Let me put it on." Asia said taking the unfinished dress from the seamstress. "What's taking you so long? Usually you have everything done within a day or two."
"I do apologize." Amira said. "I have been very busy. The Prince's royal concubine needed a new wardrobe so I quickly whipped her up a few things."
"Really?" Asia huffed. "And what's your opinion of her?"
Amira shrugged, not sure how involved she wanted to get into this. "She seems like a nice girl, extremely delicately built. I don't understand why the Prince would have chosen her. However, stranger things have happened."
"I met her briefly on my way here. I think she's a mouthy little thing." Asia said still seething over their encounter.
"She is confident. That's for sure." Amira agreed. "Wherever she came from, she was no slave. She carries herself well. Maybe that's the appeal."
"I don't know, Amira. But I have to find a way to be rid of her." Asia growled, coming out of the dressing room. "I will not have my mate fooling around with other women. It is wrong."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it, my dear." Amira replied starting to place pins where the dress needed to be taken in.
"Why do you say that?" Asia asked, suddenly interested. Maybe Amira had something she could use.
"Well, he hasn't actually been with her. You know that, right?" Amira replied.
"No. How could I know that? They've been together for at least a week. And she is beautiful. Why would you guess that he hasn't had her?" Asia asked hopefully. This could be interesting.
"Well, I noted how delicate she was and I asked her how she had lasted a full week with the Prince, seeing as she's as delicate as she is and her reply was that he was "Considerate." When I noted that he must not have taken her yet she got all embarrassed." Amira replied. "She turned even a darker shade of red and didn't deny it when I mentioned that they obviously hadn't been intimate then."
"So, he's taken her as a concubine but hasn't done anything with her yet?" Asia said in confusion.
"That's the impression I'm under." Amira replied.
"But why?" Asia asked. "What would be the point in that?"
"I don't know. But I'm sure you have nothing to worry about where she's concerned." Amira said. "He can't be that interested in her if he's not using her."
"Perhaps." Asia replied. "It doesn't make sense though."
"It doesn't." Amira agreed.
"Unless maybe he really likes her." Asia said. "I saw the way he looked at her when they arrived yesterday. I didn't like it. He also insisted she stay with him in his personal quarters rather than with the other pleasure slaves."
"It's probably nothing more than an infatuation then." Amira said, looking over the finishing touches she pinned into the dress. "If he's not using her as a bed slave, he'll either tire of her and dismiss her or use her one night and either break her or be bored."
"My thoughts exactly. Something that breakable can't be much of any fun." Asia smirked. "In any case, I'll have to keep my eye on her."
"I honestly think you're over reacting, dear." Amira replied. "You can take that one off now."
"We'll see." Asia shrugged, walking to the change room to change again. Well this was a fruitful morning. Now to find a way to use this information to my advantage. She thought with a grin.
Chapter 11
Vegeta woke up a few hours earlier than normal. He hugged Bulma closer to him briefly. He couldn't believe he had almost claimed her the night before. He didn't even want to think what they would be facing today if he hadn't come to his senses. It pained him that he couldn't have just done what he wanted and take her as his mate now. A part of him wanted to wake her up and do just that and worry about the consequences later. There wasn't anything anyone could do if he had bonded to the Woman. He cursed his father silently, knowing that if he did just that, it would put Bulma in too much danger. If his father did away with Bulma, it would lead to his ultimate demise as well. He knew full well that if he created a bond with her it would be full and complete.
A huge part of him felt relieved that he had finally revealed the full extent of his feelings for her. The other part was ashamed that he had reduced himself to that. What was she doing to him? He had been grateful however that she hadn't exploited his weakness for her. She had understood how hard it had been for him to verbalize his feelings and hadn't pressed him for more. Even more surprising to him had been her acceptance of him. He knew she cared for him. That much was obvious. However he hadn't been expecting her to just accept an eternal bond with him so soon. This just solidified his trust and faith in their union all the more. He was sure of his decision. He just had to make sure she was sure of hers. Judging by the fact that he hadn't frightened her off in the least, he knew she felt just as strongly for him as he did for her.
He breathed in the scent of her hair, gently kissed the back of her neck and got out of bed. He watched her sleep as he changed into his training uniform.
Vegeta grabbed his scouter and connected it with Kakarott's. The clown had better be up. He thought with a scowl.
"Hey, Vegeta!" Kakarott greeted.
"I need you to come stand watch at my personal quarters." Vegeta said. "I'm going to train for a bit while she's still asleep."
"Alright, Vegeta. I'll be right there. I'm just finishing my breakfast." The younger Saiyan replied. "Do you want me to bring you or Bulma anything?"
"Nothing for me. Maybe something for the Woman though."
"Alright. See you in a few minutes." Kakarott replied, ending the communication.
Vegeta sat at the other side of the room and watched Bulma sleep for a few minutes while waiting for Kakarott. She looked so peaceful; her hair cascading everywhere looking like a blue waterfall over the pillow. He felt a twinge of guilt as he noticed the bite mark he had left on her lower lip. He had always made sure to never mark her or damage her in anyway. He hoped he hadn't left one on her neck as well. That was all he needed was for everyone to see that. He wished that he was in a position that he could have been proud to have marked her. Someday soon, little one. Very soon. He thought to himself. He just had to get stronger. Achieve Legendary status and then he could have her. No one would be able to stand up to him. No one would dare. He would also be able to protect her from anyone who would dare harm her. They would find a way around this. He knew they would. Then he would make her his queen. And what a fine queen you'll make. He thought, smirking to himself.
He could sense Kakarott approaching.
Vegeta got up and kissed her gently on the cheek and left the bedroom and headed to the door to let Kakarott in.
"Hey, Vegeta." The younger Saiyan greeted with two plates full of food.
"Come in." Vegeta said, letting him in. "I need to train for a while. Stay here until I get back and I will take Bulma to your Father's to start on the capsule project. If she wakes up before I return, notify me."
"Sounds good, Vegeta." Kakarott nodded.
"Bulma's not going to be able to eat all of that." Vegeta said looking at the two full plates the younger Saiyan had brought.
"I know that, Vegeta." Kakarott laughed. "One is for me and the other is for her."
Vegeta shook his head. "Stay here until I return and do not leave under any circumstances. I mean it." He growled.
"Don't worry, Vegeta. Hey, can we train later?"
"Later. Maybe when Bulma is working with your father." Vegeta nodded. That wasn't a bad idea. She should be fine with Bardock for a few hours. As much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't be with her every second of the day and neither could Kakarott.
Vegeta left the room and headed to the training center. He needed to get a good work out in. The training area on the ship was alright, but he needed the benefits of a proper facility. Maybe there was someone there he could pound to a pulp to relieve his pent up frustrations on.
Once he got there, he found the training center surprisingly empty. No matter. He could spar with Kakarott later on. He started a warm up of one-handed pushups followed by sit ups. By the time he was half way through, Nappa and Raditz had shown up to train.
"Your Highness," Nappa greeted. "You're back."
"Hmmn." Vegeta replied not stopping his work out.
"So, is it true that you went back for that blue-haired girl?" Raditz asked. He had been dying to know the details behind this turn of events. He had known his Prince had liked her more than he had initially let on.
"How do you know about that?" Vegeta asked, already irritated. He had been hoping to get his mind off of the woman and their predicament for a little while. It didn't look like that was going to happen now.
"Asia told me." Raditz replied.
"Oh, she did, did she?" He shrugged, not caring and continuing with his sit ups.
"Yea. She was some pissed!" Raditz said with a chuckle at the memory.
"She caused quite the scene at the banquet over it too." Nappa said shaking his head. In his opinion females were foolish and only good for one thing, which was why he never had any intent on taking a mate for himself ever. That's what the harems were for.
"Good." Vegeta replied simply. Hopefully she made a fool of herself.
"She kinda came on to me after you left the banquet." Raditz said with a frown. "It was weird. Anyway, she said you and Kakarott were leaving to go pick up that Blue-haired girl and she wanted to know everything about her. I only said she was a random tavern wench but she was insisting that she was a brilliant scientist or something? I don't know. I only said that I bought her for you for the night because I thought she had happened to catch your eye and that's all."
"Hmmn." Vegeta replied not even pausing from his sit ups. He wasn't sure how much he should tell them especially if Asia thought they could be pumped for information. He was thoroughly annoyed by this turn of events. Would she never give up?
"Awe, come on!" Raditz whined.
"There is nothing to tell." Vegeta growled. "I decided that my father was right and that it was time I acquired a concubine. She is more than adequate enough."
"I'll say." Nappa agreed.
"If Asia persists in asking you of anything, tell her nothing." Vegeta growled. "In fact, if she comes on to you again, go for it. Do not hold yourself back on my account."
"I thought you two were to be mated?" Raditz asked frowning.
"That is what she and my father have decided. It is by no means what I have decided." Vegeta said cryptically. "Take her for yourself should the opportunity present itself. You would be doing me a favor."
"I couldn't do that, my Prince!" Raditz exclaimed. "Not to say that I don't want her. She's everything a Saiyan female warrior ought to be, which is why it is only right that you take her as your mate."
"I don't want the damned female!" Vegeta bellowed in frustration. "The next time she takes a pass at you, take it. I am not interested in her."
Raditz and Nappa looked at each other and frowned. Had they heard him right? They had never heard their Prince express any outright interest in her but they had never heard a blatant disinterest either. They assumed his non response where she was concerned was just his way of keeping his feelings to himself. Everyone knew the Prince did not like any obvious displays of affection or emotion. He was always very stoic no matter the occasion.
"I appreciate your permission on the matter, your highness, but are you absolutely sure?" Raditz asked. He had been silently admiring her for a while but never made known his interest because he was sure Vegeta was interested in her. Asia had made it well known around the kingdom that they were an item.
"I am." Vegeta replied.
"Why?" Nappa asked in confusion. "She's the best this planet has to offer in strength, not to mention beauty; and she's smart. If you wanted to take a mate, she'd be the one, your Highness."
"I know all of that that, Nappa!" Vegeta growled feeling like he was sitting here having the exact conversation with his father as he was with his companions. It wasn't doing anything but annoying him. "I do not care! I am completely uninterested in her."
"Alright then," Raditz shrugged. "Just don't try to kill me if she turns her interests elsewhere."
"Oh believe me, I won't. I'll thank you if by some miracle she turns her interests to you." Vegeta chuckled. "Just don't blame me when she proves to be an untrustworthy choice of mate."
"What makes you say that?" Raditz asked with a frown.
"Her father is a politician. I do not trust politicians. I guarantee you the only reason she is interested in me is to advance her father's position. He wants the throne for himself." Vegeta said.
"Paragus is the highest ranking in the advisors. There's no higher place he could get for himself." Raditz said.
"He wants the throne, and he is trying to use her to take it for himself." Vegeta replied matter of factly.
"He can't just take the throne for himself." Raditz said with a laugh. "He may be the in the highest position of all the elders, but his strength level is pathetic. How could he ever hope to take the throne?"
"No, but with his daughter as queen he can be even more influential than he already unfortunately is. I do not trust either of them." Vegeta growled. Was he the only one who could see the obvious plot that was unfolding should he decide to take her as his mate? He didn't care that she was strong, beautiful or intelligent. He didn't trust her father and he sure didn't trust her. Her neediness and refusal to accept his dismissal only further solidified his decision. He knew she was a prize. Any of the high ranking elites would be more than thrilled to take her as their mate. She would find herself a good place in life if someone else chose her. She would have to know that. This instance she had though, bothered him to no end. Her throwing herself at him combined with his father's constant nagging only made him dig his heels in further on the matter.
"I don't get your point of view, your highness but if you're okay with it, I'd like to make a play for her." Raditz said with a smirk.
"You have my approval. I have no interest." Vegeta sighed hoping this would be the end of it.
"You'll be sorry!" Raditz laughed. Asia was high class. If he could convince her to take him as her mate he would be the happiest Saiyan alive!
"I doubt that." Vegeta snorted. He was really hoping Asia would turn her attentions to Raditz if he pursued her. Though, he had a horrible feeling in his gut that it wouldn't make much difference. He would wait and see. If she turned her interest away from him then it would prove to him that he had been wrong in his judgment of her. It didn't matter to him though. He had never been interested in her. He hated her father enough that she could have been anything and everything and he would have never considered her as a potential candidate as his queen.
Her father had been a huge influence in convincing his father to send him away to learn under Lord Frieza. His father had at that point still been too grief stricken over the death of his mate to have made an educated decision where his son was concerned. Paragus had taken over many of the serious decisions during that time. Vegeta hated him for it. He even hated his own father for being so weak as to have let someone else convince him that it would have been a good idea in the first place. Even at that time, Frieza's reputation for being cruel and demented had been well known. How could his father have let anyone convince him that sending his son to a madman to learn was a good idea? Vegeta could not understand. He could understand now, having met Bulma and feeling as strongly about her as he did; he could understand his father's grief over losing his mate. He could not understand handing your only son to someone so evil. He would always hate his father for that and he would hate Paragus even more for even suggesting it and persisting in it. He had to have known his father had been in a weakened state at the time to even consider agreeing to such a thing. So what had his motive been? Had he been hoping that he would have never survived under Frieza's direct rule? Then what? Had he been hoping that his father would sink in to such a state of depression of having lost both his mate and only heir that he would continue to let him lord over everything for him forever? How long had he been campaigning Asia around as a potential mate for him or his father should the opportunity arise?
His father's reply in acknowledging that if he had no heir he would have taken Asia as a mate yesterday only confirmed Vegeta's suspicions he had already had for years. It didn't matter to Vegeta that Asia might just be an innocent pawn in her father's quest for the throne for himself. As far as he was concerned, that was reason enough to stay far away from her. The last thing he wanted was to be tied down to that bastard in any way shape or form. He wouldn't put it past him to have her poison him or make arrangements to have him assassinated once their union became official.
"So what brought this on? The new girl?" Raditz asked, interrupting Vegeta's train of thought.
"Hardly." Vegeta snorted. "I've never been interested in her. I merely tolerated her bothersome presence to appease my father."
"So about the girl you brought back, she's been rumored to be your concubine. Is that true?" Nappa asked. He thought this whole situation was very strange. Vegeta never shared his father's opinion where keeping women on the side was concerned.
"It is." Vegeta replied.
"Why now? You detest courtesans, concubines and the whole bit." Nappa argued.
"It does not matter. I have decided the time is right for me to take a concubine and that is that." Vegeta growled. Could he not have a decent work out? He had left Bulma to clear his mind for a few hours. Not discuss her! He should have just stayed with her.
Nappa frowned. "Forgive my boldness, my Prince, but I cannot smell her on you."
"Meaning?" Vegeta asked irritated.
"Meaning her scent should be all over you. You've been with her over a week now." Nappa said.
"I showered her scent off of me before I came to train. I did not want the distraction." Vegeta replied, knowing it wouldn't be a sufficient excuse. He can't believe he hadn't thought of that before. He guessed he'd just hoped no one would notice or question him on it. He could remember the numerous times he met with his father and could smell the stench of his women from the night before all over him. It disgusted him.
"You haven't had her yet, have you?" Raditz smirked. He had noticed it but hadn't dared mention it.
"Alright, fine! I haven't!" Vegeta barked angrily.
"Why not?" The two Saiyans asked in shock.
"I don't know." Vegeta replied. "I was going to, but she had said she hadn't been with anyone before and so I didn't the first night and haven't since then."
"So?" Nappa said. "Take her. Bonus if she's untouched!"
"Enough!" Vegeta growled. "My affairs are none of your concern!"
"Whatever." Raditz shrugged.
"Just don't be running your fool mouths off to Asia. It is none of her business." Vegeta growled. "Now, are we going to spar or what?"
"Of course, your Highness!" Raditz and Nappa replied. "Let's go!" The three Saiyans began to spar. Vegeta threw his two companions this way and that with little to no effort, not even breaking a sweat. After about a half hour of intense sparring, Vegeta got a message on his scouter saying that Bulma was awake.
"That's enough." Vegeta said, sending Nappa into a wall. The larger Saiyan was out cold. "I have to leave. Take him to a regeneration tank. Tomorrow morning we'll meet back here for another sparring session."
"Yes, my Prince." Raditz limped over to where Nappa was passed out.
"And you are not to discuss me or the Woman with Asia. I do not care what she wants to know. It is off limits." Vegeta growled, leaving the training center.
"Of course, your highness." Raditz agreed.
Vegeta was half way back to his room when he got a call from his father wanting to see him immediately. Vegeta groaned to himself. It was going to be a long day…
-0-0-0-
Bulma woke up for the first time in the last week without the feeling of Vegeta's arms around her. She sat up in confusion wondering where he had gone and how long ago he had left. She hoped she hadn't over slept too much. She had to get to the lab to help Bardock.
She couldn't help but feel a little hurt that he wasn't there. She knew she was being silly. She had known life would be different once they landed on Vegeta's home planet. She was sure he had a morning routine. She just felt like last night had been a huge step for them. He had always found a way to let her know by his actions that he cared about her. But last night he had actually verbalized his feelings for her.
The memory of it made the butterflies in her stomach flop overtime. He had been so passionate and intense. The intensity had scared her a little, but she put that behind her. She knew that he would never do anything to intentionally harm her. When she had voiced the slightest concern that things were getting too carried away, he had stopped immediately. She would never forget the concern in his face. If she hadn't said anything to him she wondered where they would have been this morning. He had mentioned that he had wanted to take her as his mate. The thought overjoyed her. She had never met anyone like Vegeta. He was dark and passionate, honorable and very protective of her. Even going so far as to protect her from himself.
She wouldn't forget how hard it had been for him to actually verbalize his feelings. "I feel very strongly about you." Was what he had said. She smiled to herself at the memory. It was so formal yet adorable at the same time coming from someone who didn't like expressing himself. She just hoped that he didn't regret his admission to her last night and that's why he wasn't there when she woke up. Something told her she was just being silly though. She just had to wait until she saw him.
Bulma crawled out of bed and made it to the huge washroom. There was a shower stall to the left when you walked in and on the right, next to the huge vanity was a huge soaker tub that was large enough to accommodate three or four people. Bulma looked longingly at the tub wishing she had time to take a nice hot bath. She hadn't had one since before she had been taken from her home. She decided tonight she would indulge. For now, she would have to settle on a quick shower.
She turned on the water to warm and looked herself over in the mirror quickly while he was waiting for the water to warm up enough for her. She frowned a bit when she noticed the obvious bite mark on her lower lip from Vegeta last night. Upon further examination, she noticed a small bruise on her neck as well where he had nipped her. That should be able to easily be covered up she thought to herself. But what was she going to do with the mark on her lip? It was obviously a bite mark. No amount of cover up was going to fix that. She sighed and just hoped maybe no one would ask.
Bulma relished in the feel of the nice hot water from the shower.
Once she was done and had finished her hair and makeup she was quite pleased with her appearance. The bruise on her neck had been easily covered up with makeup. Her lip was another story, but she had put on a very neutral lip color similar to her natural color. It was still there, but made it less obvious. She decided to pull her hair up into a high ponytail even though Vegeta had expressed his preference for it to be down. She was going to be working in the lab most of the day. The last thing she needed was for her hair to be hanging all over the place. She chose for herself a long white blouse that was nice and airy and flowed to her hips. Vegeta hadn't been exaggerating when he had mentioned that it was hot here. So she chose this blouse so that she wouldn't over heat. She wore a pair of black leggings and finished her outfit with a black belt and flip flops. Chick and practical at the same time.
When Bulma emerged from the bedroom she was surprised to see Kakarott sitting at the table.
"Hey, Bulma! I brought you some breakfast." The cheery Saiyan greeted pointing to a plate on the table.
"Thanks, Kakarott." Bulma smiled. That had been thoughtful of him. She sat down across from him and began to eat. "Where's Vegeta?"
"He went to the training center to get in a quick work out since you were still asleep. He should be back at any moment. I called him already."
Bulma nodded, continuing to eat. She still had that nervous feeling that it was because of what had happened last night.
"Vegeta always gets up early to train." Kakarott said, sensing her nervousness at his absence. "He trains then meets with his father and the other elders and then trains some more or takes care of anything his father needs him to."
"Oh." Bulma nodded. "He didn't tell me about his day to day schedule."
"Yea, Vegeta sometimes forgets to mention things like that, especially when he's stressed." Kakarott said.
Bulma smirked. Typical male.
"What happened to your lip, Bulma?" Kakrarott asked.
"Oh, I slipped and accidentally bit it." Bulma replied; her face turning red. Vegeta had been very explicit that no one was to know what was going on between them.
"Vegeta didn't do that?" Kakarott asked in confusion.
Bulma shook her head. Great. I'm going to be explaining this away all day.
"As long as Vegeta didn't do that." Kakarott shrugged, accepting her story. "I know he really cares about you, but it's complicated. He can't mark you."
"What would be the problem if he had?" Bulma asked, slightly annoyed.
"It wouldn't necessarily be a problem." Kakarott replied. "Well, I don't think it would be. I think it would be great if he wanted to take you as his mate. I think you two are perfect for each other. The only reason it would be a problem is because traditionally Saiyans only mate with other Saiyans. And Vegeta being the Prince of our entire race, well, he'll be expected to take a Saiyan woman, like Asia, as his mate. If he ever does mark you in any way and his father happens to notice, he would be very upset."
"So you're saying that I wouldn't be accepted." Bulma said. She already knew much of everything Kakarott was trying to tell her. She had figured out a lot of it on her own from what Vegeta had mentioned to her here and there.
"No. You wouldn't. Not only that, but any children you might have won't be accepted as proper heirs either." Kakarott said, shaking his head in sympathy. "If he did take you as a mate, it would put you in a lot of danger."
"Yea, I know." Bulma nodded. "Things were quite a bit different on my planet. You could marry anyone you wanted so long as both parties were agreeable to it. In most cases, anyway."
"It's like that here too, sort of. A long as you take a Saiyan as your mate. In a case where Vegeta is concerned, class and strength is important. In my case, I don't rank as high, so I could take anyone I want. Most males look for a strong female so that their children will have a high fighting power."
Kakarott explained. "I could even take you as a mate if we both wanted. It would be heavily frowned upon, but no one would stop us. The only major issue would be if we had any children, they would never have any place in our society other than being a slave. I know it's not fair, but unfortunately that's the way it is."
Bulma nodded. The more she thought about this, the more impossible it seemed. Sure, Vegeta might care about her, but it wasn't possible for them to be together. Anyway she looked at it she'd just end up being heartbroken or hurt. He had seemed so sure last night that things could work out for them. They just had to wait. So what should she do? Wait and hope on Vegeta or start distancing herself now so that she wouldn't be too disappointed later on? Ugh, this is hopeless. She thought to herself. It was then she noticed Kakarott was talking to someone on his scouter, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"Okay, Vegeta. We'll catch up with you later then." Kakarott said into his scouter and disconnecting.
"What's that all about?" Bulma asked.
"Vegeta isn't meeting us for a while. He has to go meet with his father first. So I'll take you to see my father so you guys can start working. Vegeta will come get you later on." Kakarott said. "You ready to go?"
"I'm ready." Bulma nodded, getting up. She was a little disappointed that Vegeta wasn't able to come himself but if he had to be somewhere else, he had to be somewhere else.
"Great! Let's go!" Kakarott said, grabbing the door.
"Hey, can I go back to Amira's real quick on the way? She said she'd have some more clothes for me. It's on the way to the lab." Bulma asked. She was really excited to see how her new wardrobe had turned out.
"Sure. Why not?" Kakarott agreed, leading Bulma out of Vegeta's personal quarters. It didn't take them long to make it to Amira's work place.
"Hello, my dear!" Amira greeted. "Ready for your new wardrobe?"
"I am!" Bulma nodded excitedly.
"I put everything I have so far in this basket." She said, handing Bulma a huge basket. "I still have more to do, but this should last you a few days."
"Awesome! Thanks!" Bulma exclaimed, taking the basket from her.
"How did the Prince like your dress yesterday?" Amira asked.
"He liked it a lot." Bulma said, blushing.
"He must have. He marked you, didn't he?" She asked, referencing her wounded lip.
"What? No, I fell and bit it." Bulma lied. Is everyone going to bring this up today? She thought to herself.
"I see." Amira replied with a raised eyebrow. "So he still hasn't made a move? This is very odd. Then why has he brought you here as a concubine if he has no intention of using you?"
"I don't know." Bulma shrugged. "It shouldn't matter anyway. What goes on is between us. Not anyone else."
"That's where you're wrong." Amira replied with a laugh. "It matters to everyone. I think you'll find now that you have a supposed close relationship with the Prince, it is anything but private."
"And why is that?" Bulma challenged.
"You're arrival has stirred a bit of an uproar," Amira said. "Do you know how many women would have killed for your position?"
"So I've heard." Bulma said, rolling her eyes.
"I like you, Bulma. I don't mean to pry. I was brought here as a slave too. I was just lucky enough to not end up in the harem because of my skills. I understand your confusion." Amira said, sensing the younger girl's agitation. "Just watch yourself. There will be a lot of jealous women out there and get used to people asking personal questions about the Prince. Do not trust anyone."
Bulma nodded. "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure. This is a planet that thrives on strength. There is no room for weakness of any kind. You, I'm afraid, don't look like you have much in terms of physical strength. Everyone will find it odd that he has taken an interest in you in the first place, not to mention wonder how you've lasted so long." Amira explained.
"I told you yesterday. He's very considerate." Bulma said, feeling her face grow red again.
Amira shook her head. "He may be now. But don't be surprised later on when you get hurt and a few broken bones because he finally decides to use you for the reason he's keeping you around."
"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." Bulma said, wanting to end this awkward conversation already.
"Come back in a few days." Amira said. "I have a few other projects that require my immediate attention, but come in a day or two and I'll have the rest of your wardrobe finished."
"Sounds good! I can't wait!" Bulma said turning to leave.
"Ready to go?" Kakarott asked.
"I am." Bulma said. She was really looking forward to getting to the lab. Finally! Something she was familiar with.
They were half way down the hallway when they ran into a tall, beautiful Saiyan woman.
"Hello, Kakarott." She said, stopping them.
"Umm. Hi, Asia." Kakarott replied nervously. This was not good…
"And who is this?" She asked looking pointedly at Bulma. "I saw you yesterday but never got the opportunity to actually meet you."
"Oh. I'm sorry. My name is Bulma. Bulma Briefs." Bulma replied, remembering not to extend her hand since no one here seemed to carry the same tradition.
"I see." Asia replied, looking Bulma over as if assessing her. "I'm Asia. Vegeta's fiancée." She enunciated just to make sure she got her point across.
"Oh. Okay." Bulma nodded. "Nice to know."
"What? Are you implying that Vegeta never mentioned me to you?" Asia growled angrily, taking a few steps closer to Bulma.
"Hmmmm.." Bulma replied tapping her chin with her right index finger and looking up and to the right as if trying to search through the recesses of her mind for some important piece of information. "Nope. I'm sorry. Doesn't ring a bell, I'm afraid."
"I don't believe you." Asia said defiantly. "We've been engaged for two years. I am his intended and will be the next queen when he takes the throne. There's no way he would have not mentioned me; especially to someone as weak and insignificant as you."
"He didn't," Bulma said innocently with a shrug. "He did mention at one point, what was it he said? Oh, right he had mentioned that "some bothersome wench" persisted in following him around in hopes of becoming his mate. That must be you then, I take it?"
"Why you little.." Asia raged walking closer to Bulma and raising her arm as if to strike her.
"That's enough!" Kakarott bellowed, stepping between Asia and Bulma.
"For a slave, she obviously hasn't learned her place yet." Asia objected.
"That's not for you to decide." Kakarott replied glaring at her.
"What does he see in her anyway?" Asia raged. "She's too small and delicate to be of any fun."
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Bulma said, knowing it probably wasn't a good idea to provoke her yet continuing to anyway.
Asia smirked. "Well, just wait. Either he'll tire of you or break you in half one day. Then we'll see whose laughing."
"Alright." Bulma replied boldly. "Until then, I guess."
"Let's go." Kakarott said, escorting Bulma away from Asia before things got ugly.
"Watch yourself, little one." Asia taunted. "Until next time."
Bulma just smiled back sweetly in reply and followed Kakarott down the hallway toward Bardock's lab.
"That wasn't smart to taunt her." Kakarott said once they'd turned a corner and were well away from Asia.
"I know." Bulma sighed. "I just couldn't help it. She was just so condescending."
"I know, but she's not a nice person. She could have seriously hurt you." Kakarott warned.
"I'll keep my distance." Bulma said.
"Good! The last thing we need is for you to provoke Asia into hurting you. She's very manipulative. She won't forget what you said." Kakarott replied, opening the door to the lab.
-0-0-0-
Asia seethed as she continued down the hallway towards Amira's to pick up another new dress. She had decided to have some new ones made once she had found out that Lord Frieza was coming for a visit. Usually that meant there would be a banquet every night. She couldn't afford to look plain. Especially since Vegeta now had a bed slave. As much as Asia hated to admit it, the girl was absolutely gorgeous, which just made her even angrier. He couldn't have just found some average-looking girl with a decent body?
She was so weak! Asia had tried to measure her up and couldn't, concluding that the girl couldn't have much more of a fighting power than that of a house pet. What could possibly be the attraction if he couldn't be with her without possibly breaking her?
It angered her even more at the possibility that Vegeta either hadn't mentioned her or had spoken poorly of her to this girl. She wasn't sure what to believe. Either way, she needed to let this girl know that there was no competition. She would come out on top and that was that. She just needed to find a way to get rid of her.
She reached Amira's and decided to let the matter drop for now. She'd have plenty of time to plot the blue-haired girl's demise later on.
"Hello, Asia!" Amira greeted cheerfully.
"Hello, Amira." Asia greeted. "Did you get a chance to finish any of the dresses I had requested for next week?"
"I did." Amira nodded. "I have two done for you. One I need you to try on again and the other two I haven't had the chance to start on yet."
"Alright. Let me put it on." Asia said taking the unfinished dress from the seamstress. "What's taking you so long? Usually you have everything done within a day or two."
"I do apologize." Amira said. "I have been very busy. The Prince's royal concubine needed a new wardrobe so I quickly whipped her up a few things."
"Really?" Asia huffed. "And what's your opinion of her?"
Amira shrugged, not sure how involved she wanted to get into this. "She seems like a nice girl, extremely delicately built. I don't understand why the Prince would have chosen her. However, stranger things have happened."
"I met her briefly on my way here. I think she's a mouthy little thing." Asia said still seething over their encounter.
"She is confident. That's for sure." Amira agreed. "Wherever she came from, she was no slave. She carries herself well. Maybe that's the appeal."
"I don't know, Amira. But I have to find a way to be rid of her." Asia growled, coming out of the dressing room. "I will not have my mate fooling around with other women. It is wrong."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it, my dear." Amira replied starting to place pins where the dress needed to be taken in.
"Why do you say that?" Asia asked, suddenly interested. Maybe Amira had something she could use.
"Well, he hasn't actually been with her. You know that, right?" Amira replied.
"No. How could I know that? They've been together for at least a week. And she is beautiful. Why would you guess that he hasn't had her?" Asia asked hopefully. This could be interesting.
"Well, I noted how delicate she was and I asked her how she had lasted a full week with the Prince, seeing as she's as delicate as she is and her reply was that he was "Considerate." When I noted that he must not have taken her yet she got all embarrassed." Amira replied. "She turned even a darker shade of red and didn't deny it when I mentioned that they obviously hadn't been intimate then."
"So, he's taken her as a concubine but hasn't done anything with her yet?" Asia said in confusion.
"That's the impression I'm under." Amira replied.
"But why?" Asia asked. "What would be the point in that?"
"I don't know. But I'm sure you have nothing to worry about where she's concerned." Amira said. "He can't be that interested in her if he's not using her."
"Perhaps." Asia replied. "It doesn't make sense though."
"It doesn't." Amira agreed.
"Unless maybe he really likes her." Asia said. "I saw the way he looked at her when they arrived yesterday. I didn't like it. He also insisted she stay with him in his personal quarters rather than with the other pleasure slaves."
"It's probably nothing more than an infatuation then." Amira said, looking over the finishing touches she pinned into the dress. "If he's not using her as a bed slave, he'll either tire of her and dismiss her or use her one night and either break her or be bored."
"My thoughts exactly. Something that breakable can't be much of any fun." Asia smirked. "In any case, I'll have to keep my eye on her."
"I honestly think you're over reacting, dear." Amira replied. "You can take that one off now."
"We'll see." Asia shrugged, walking to the change room to change again. Well this was a fruitful morning. Now to find a way to use this information to my advantage. She thought with a grin.