The Dungeon

Chapter 1 – Alliances and Treaties

King Vegeta sat on his gilded throne, impatience evident on his face from having to summon his own son to make his appearance in front of the foreign dignitaries of Chikarou. His wife, Queen Tyrennes, was making light small talk with funny looking skinny man. Even after twenty-seven years of marriage she still took his breath away. Suddenly there was a large bang as the solid wood doors flung open, nearly causing a onyx statue to tumble precariously from its perch atop the mantle. Vegeta stormed into his father's throne room, his red cape thrashing violently behind him as all eyes in the room turned their collective attention to the hot-tempered prince.

"Must you, really!" The queen berated him as she smiled apologetically to the visiting dignitaries.

Vegeta's eyes glanced over his mother before coming to rest on the cause of his fury, his father. He knelt before him and brought his fist over his heart and it thud on his newly polished armor, a gesture of respect and loyalty, before taking his seat to his father's right. His temper seethed beneath the surface but to all who looked at him a face was a stone statue, revealing nothing.

His father stood. "Now that we are all present and accounted for, we may begin with these treaty negotiations."

Vegeta barely listened to the skinny man that stood in the court. He was just simply not interested. He hadn't any choice in the matter. His father had come to his private training ground last week and made the announcement that there was to be a marriage to secure an alliance with some small planet more than seven days hyper-drive away. He, Prince Vegeta of Vegetasai, was to take an alien as his bride. To make matters worse they were not even a warrior race. He would have been happier if his father had slapped him literally in the face and insulted him directly. But this, this was insufferable. He had gone to his mother seeking refuge only to be met with, "Stop throwing such a temper tantrum, it really is beneath you" before being dismissed. So, he was stuck until he could formulate a better plan.

Vegeta was brought from his thoughts by his father's heavy hand on his shoulder. "Still not paying attention? This is your future bride we discuss and a joyous occasion. Be proud son." His father gloated.

Vegeta looked up and noticed the throne room was empty. He followed in silence behind his mother and father to their private chambers. He would plead his case, in private, one more time. He had no time for such frivolities right now, not with war on the horizon with the Cold Empire.

Once they entered his father's drawing room his father let out a sigh. "Alright, out with it!" His mother sat quietly at the table as his father paced.

"You know why I stand before you. It's simple. I do not wish to marry this girl." Vegeta stood with his arms crossed in front of his chest defiantly.

His mother stifled a giggle and smiled. "You haven't met the young princess yet. I understand she is quite beautiful and will bare you many sons."

"I have no interest in such things." He returned the argument to his father. At least he would be sensible. "We are preparing for war. What business have we courting with such a planet of weaklings at a time like this."

"I have heard your complaint and it is noted. The war is the main reason for this treaty and it has to be now!" His father's temper was similar to his own and at the moment Vegeta was pushing it to its limits.

"So conquer these people and their fancy technology you're so fond of. Don't make me marry one of them" Vegeta said with a smirk.

"Enough!" His father put his hand up to stay any further interruption. "These people are scientists and explorers. They have weapons capable of defeating Saiyans." Vegeta was about to open his mouth again but the stern look from his father made him reconsider. "We sent a scout there twenty years ago and he never returned. We could conquer them but it would not last long, their people are weak and would die out quickly as slaves." The king sat beside his wife. "They need us to defend them from the Cold Empire and we need their weapons. It really is as simple as that."

Vegeta's scowl deepened. "So we submit to their demands and I marry the girl!" There was no response. "Fine! She can have her own chambers and leave me alone!" Vegeta deadpanned.

"No." The king said plainly.

Vegeta's hands balled into fists at his side. "No!? What do you mean no! I am to live with this princess and bed her?" Vegeta asked with disbelief.

"Yes. The marriage is not legally binding if not consummated. If accepted to marry the princess the initial treaty will only be good for one year. If no child is produced it would be up to the princess to decide if the treaty is to be continued or if she will return to her home world." The king explained.

Vegeta's eyes widened in momentary shock, "What do you mean, accepted?" He asked his father. The queen stifled another laugh before standing and taking her leave from the men.

His father motioned to the now open chair, "Sit" he commanded. Vegeta did as he was instructed as he waited further explanation.

"By the Great Oozaru! You do not listen at all, do you? Yes, my son, accepted! There is to be a tournament of sorts. You are not the only suitor to be had or more simply, we are not the only planets seeking an alliance here. The King wishes to know whomever he gives his daughter's hand to in marriage will be able to protect her. Whoever wins the tournament, wins the princess." The king smiled, he knew he had Vegeta's interest now. "They say some may not even survive the ordeal" his father said with a grin.

The king stood indicating any further deliberations were done. "I suggest tonight you eat, drink, and be merry. Tomorrow, you leave for Chikarou. You can take your personal council with you." The king did not wait for a response but dismissed Vegeta to concentrate to the task at hand.

Vegeta returned to his own chambers in an even fouler mood then when he had left them. He was not surprised when his old teacher, now member of his elite guard and council sat at his table waiting for him.

"Your highness." The older Saiyan stood and greeted him.

"Bardock." Vegeta stated as he threw his cape on the chair. "I am in no mood for your nonsense tonight old man. Tell the council and my personal guard to be ready to leave in the morning for an unreserved amount of time." Vegeta was bested by his father, if only for the moment. He threw himself into a chair and poured a glass of wine. He looked up when Bardock footsteps fell short of the door.

"Was there something on your mind, Bardock?" Vegeta asked with a sigh. Obviously, he was not going to leave until he said his piece.

"I ask you to take me with you to Chikarou." The older Saiyan asked. He towered over the prince in height and was well decorated in battle. He could have demanded to go but yet still asked his permission to accompany him on this mission. This was unusual behavior for his councilor. Vegeta pondered his mannerisms.

"It is more of a diplomatic mission. My skills would be useful." Bardock added.

Vegeta cocked an eye brow at him. Bardock stepped closer to the prince. "My son was deployed there twenty years ago, barely more than a whelp. They thought a pup would not arouse suspicion and to the best of my knowledge, never was found out, nor have we heard anything from him since. I would like to know what became of my youngest child." Bardock looked at the prince, hopefully.

Vegeta smirked at him. "I did say my council, did I not? Last I checked you were part of that council. I expect you ready to board by 0800." Vegeta already could tell he was going to regret bringing the old man when a goofy grin covered his face as he left Vegeta's chambers.

Vegeta spent the rest of the evening gathering his maps and personal belongings. When supper arrived he found he had no appetite. He met with two commanding generals in the army to be sure that training regimens were to be maintained in his absence. He wanted daily reports sent on the progress of his troops and his intelligence officers. Most importantly, he wanted no-one to know he was off planet and even more importantly, why.

~ 4 ~