Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Seal of Aravas ❯ The Contract ( Chapter 2 )
Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any part of Dragonball Z with the exception this fanfic.
Seal of Aravas
By DBZ Vegeta
Chapter 2 - The Contract
Princess Bulma watched as Chi Chi escorted Prince Vegeta from the hall to his chambers. Man, that was a close one, she thought. Another second and he would have gotten a hold of me, and even with the suppression cuffs he could have done some damage to me. She always had a sense of the inner strength of people, ever since she was a child and her parents had discovered her latent abilities. Telepathy, telekinesis, and empathy had been rated very high in her family. Normally only one-ability would manifest in a generation, but in her case she had all three.
Leaning back in her chair, she reached out her mind and found his, it seemed that he had calmed down sufficiently to be relaxing, finally. Withdrawing without his notice, she turned her attention back to the meal the Chi Chi had prepared, she was starving. The training she had been working on was taking quite a bit of her energy and she didn't seem to have enough time to eat between sessions. All she could do was work harder and hope that Vegeta would agree to the contract. She could really use his strength and determination soon, especially with that little display Yamcha had pulled today.
I am really going to have to do something about him soon, or there is going to be trouble. Rumors had been abounding lately, about how the kingdom was doomed and that I was not doing anything about it. It is even worse now that that idiot upstairs went and destroyed the Seal of Aravas. I only hope that we have time to rectify this matter before disaster befalls us, she shivered at the thought.
Pushing back from the table, she discovered that she had lost what little appetite she had. I need a bath and about a week worth of sleep, she yawned as she crossed the hall to the circular staircase that Chi Chi and Vegeta had climbed not long ago. Striding down to the end of the hallway she entered through a set of double oaken doors.
"My Lady, I have prepared your bath, I knew that you would be wanting one before resting." came Chi Chi's voice from the bathroom door.
"Oh, thank you Chi Chi. I really appreciate it I am so tired. Please wake me before dinner." Bulma said through another yawn. Smiling at Chi Chi as she left, she closed the bedroom doors quietly and proceeded into the bathroom, striping out of her training clothes as she walked toward the steaming tub. The bathroom was large and beautiful, done in light gold and cream colors with blooming flowers and plants tucked into every available space. It almost looked like an indoor jungle. The sunken tub had steps that led into the swirling water, which at that moment look so inviting, that it took all Bulma's willpower not to dive in.
Removing her bra and panties she stood for a moment at the end of the tub, arms stretched high over head. Her breasts shifted with the stretch and her well-toned body gloried in the sensation of freedom from constricting clothing. She slowly sank into the tub, hot water caressing her tired limbs and releasing her from the worries she had. I will worry about Vegeta and that contract later, she thought, but just the thought of him stirred her unconsciously. She closed her eyes remembering those deep ebony eyes that had almost poured into her soul. His fingers, though spread to closed about her throat, had been long, slender, and masculine, looked like they could easily caress away her cares and bring her to satiation.
What am I doing?, she bolted upright in the tub, her eyes snapping open. Fantasizing about a man who just tried to kill me and who is a total arrogant jackass. I really must be tired, I am losing it., she thought.
Purposefully, she strode out of the tub, grabbing up one of the thick cream colored towels waiting beside the steps. Wrapping it sarong style around her naked body, she strolled into her bedroom and plucked a soft silk nightshirt from her dresser. Dropping the towel and kicking into the corner, she pulled the nightshirt over her head and settled it around her hips. Yawning loudly again, she crawled into the large four-postered bed and under the cream colored satin sheets. Sleep came quickly and ebony eyes filled her dreams.
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I give up, thought Vegeta struggling with the lacing on the shirt that dratted servant had left. He couldn't seem to get the lacing to cooperate, I just leave it undone. Striding across the room to the mirror, he surveyed his appearance. I will have to say that this does not look bad at all., he smirked at his reflection.
Hearing a knock at the door he strode across the room as the door swung inward. Expecting the servant, he was surprised to see a head, with a long blue braid curled around the top like a coronet, peeking around the door jam.
"Oh, hello Vegeta, I was just wanting to see if you wanted to walk down with me to dinner." Bulma said as she came around the door. His breathing stopped momentarily at the figure in front of him; she was dressed in a long flowing cream-colored gown that was cut to show off her spectacular figure. Shaking his head to clear these unwanted thoughts. "Who are you? You still have not introduced yourself to me yet." he stated in a low voice, trying to compose his thoughts.
"I haven't," she said in surprise. "I am Princess Bulma, Ruler of Aravas. You seem to be in a better mood after your rest. Would you like some dinner?", holding out her arm to him to escort him down the hall.
He looked down at her arm and growled lightly, "Better mood, huh. I would be in a better mood if I had these damn cuffs off and was long gone from here."
A sad smile crossed her face, "I am sorry Vegeta, but until I can trust you, I cannot remove those cuffs. But in the morning, after you have made your decision about the contract, which we will discuss tonight, I may be inclined to at least change the power settings so that you can use some of your powers." Standing back and looking at him carefully, thinking that he looked wonderful in the clothes that Chi Chi had left him. "Now, how about some dinner, I am sure that you are hungry." Turning back to the door, she proceeded to walk down the hallway. Looking back over her shoulder she saw that he had stopped in the doorway. "Come on", she teased lightly. "We don't have all night", giggling quietly she turned and lightly descended the spiral staircase to the outer chamber.
Following her down into the out chamber, Vegeta saw that she was standing next to the circular table on the balcony, the same table she had been at earlier this morning. Except now it was set for two people with candles illuminating the dinnerware. She stood by her chair looking up at him expectantly, as he crossed the room. He totally ignored her and sat down in the seat across from her. Fine, if he wants to be that way, jackass., she thought as she pulled out her chair and set down.
No sooner than she sat, that a white livery coated butler appeared and placed salads and wineglasses in front of each of them. Vegeta stared down at the plate full unrecognizable food, "What is this?" he said poking at it with a fork. "It's a salad Vegeta, one of the dishes that come with our dinner." Bulma commented as she picked up her fork to take a bit of the lettuce. "What, you don't like salads?" she said.
"No, this isn't food fit for a Saiyan. I only eat meat and in large quantities." he snapped.
"Well, I am soo sorry" she said sarcastically. "But since you are in my household, you will eat whatever is given to you. But," seeing his mutinous expression "I will ensure that you get enough to satisfy your appetite."
Finishing their salads, the plates were removed and the main course served. "Could you please bring an extra large portion for Vegeta, Mr. Beck. I seems that Saiyans have a very hearty appetite." she said when the butler reappeared. "Of course, madam. Right away." he said leaving to get the additional food.
"Now, let's us talk about your contract." Bulma said looking over at Vegeta who was eating quite quickly, yet with manners. Vegeta looked up, slightly distracted from his food. Even though it was not what he was used to, it was good.
The contract appeared at her fingertips. Seeing his startled expression, "It is one of my powers." she explained. "I may even be able to teach you, depending on how your mind functions. Oh, don't look so upset, I don't mean that you are dumb or anything", seeing the fierce expression cross his face. "But I will not go into that know. Your contract will consist of three subcontracts, each one must be fulfilled for the contract to be complete and your sentence nullified. If any one of the items is not complete, then unfortunately I will have to finish the sentencing that the council decreed, your immediate execution." she looked at him seriously. "You will only be told each task as they come to pass, this main contract provides for your lodging, the room that you occupy now will be yours for the duration of your stay with us. It provides for your meals, as much as you wish at anytime you desire. The kitchens are open to you whenever you feel hungry and the kitchen staff is on call twenty-four hours a day. It also provides for your specialized training for each upcoming task……."
"What?!?" he bellowed standing up from his chair. "I do not need any assistance in training for any task. I am the strongest man alive and will not need your special training." Having just about enough of this nonsense, Vegeta pushed back his chair and prepared to leave the room.
"Wait!" she cried, "If you are the strongest man alive, how did you get taken by my guards", she sneered. "I would think that you would be interested in learning the techniques that captured you."
Whirling back around, he strode over to her chair towering above her trying to intimidate her. "I have no need of your special training, unless of course you mean something of the intimate nature", he said leering down at her. Her eyes flashed, turn from warm blue skies to hard cold ice in seconds.
"Well" she said, looking his body up and down suggestively. "I wouldn't be sure that you could handle such training, since you are weak enough to be captured in the first place." Standing up and pushing him back from her, she strode across the balcony to lean against the banister, enjoying this banter completely. "I am sure that you would never survive. But, if you work hard at this training, you never know what might happen." she looked up at him from under half-lidded eyes.
Advancing upon her, he placed his hands on either side of her body, effectively trapping her against the banister. Leaning down, his lips brushed against her ear as he whispered "I wouldn't be so sure about that woman. I think that it would be you who wouldn't be able to handle it." Laughing softly at the shivers that raced over her skin, he bent and inhaled her sweet fragrance; it was like vanilla and roses. Dipping his head to her neck, he breathed softly out against her skin, enjoying the reactions he was getting. She was so responsive to his presence.
"Stop", she stammered slightly. Pushing him away, she strode back to the table, trying to control her emotions. He was so intoxicating, but she had known him barely half a day, she couldn't let herself react to him like this. Also, he was an arrogant jackass and she need to complete their business so she could escape to her room.
"I will leave the contract here for you to review. If you have any questions, I will be glad to answer them in the morning." she turned and placed the papers next to his plate. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am suddenly very tired. Good night" and with that she strode purposefully across the room and up the stairs only breaking into a run after she was out of sight.
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More to come, Chapter 3 - The Bargain Sealed. Please review, I will only add another chapter with 5 or more reviews. Thanks.