Thanks to all of you who reviewed.
Special thanks to Bluebanany, your first review was very constructive. I considered all your recommendations. I hope it shows. I will try to improve with every single chapter. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review.
It is inspired by a Spanish soap: Amor Real. Hope everyone likes this chapter.
Chapter 4
Bulma, for some reason, did not feel like horse riding that morning. She remembered what she did with Vegeta the night before. She felt a little embarrassed but her memory brought her joy. She had seen a herd of mustangs. She was impressed by Vegeta's token of kindness. That morning, she dressed casually. She wore a white cotton dress that covered her knees. She headed downstairs where she was sure everyone would be starting on breakfast.
She usually never had breakfast with her parents or with the guests. The first thing she did was horse ride and she would eat breakfast alone after coming back from riding. But today she felt different and she knew something would happen.
She met Prince Vegeta in the hallway. She gulped as though she knew her life would change. Prince Vegeta turned to face her; he had a very serious expression on his face. She nervously smiled back. When she reached him, he offered her his hand and she took it.
"I will say what I need to say. I don't like to waste time. My father and I need to return to our planet. And I won't be coming back unless…I have an incentive."
Bulma's heart was racing. She dreamt with his moment so many times. The only difference was that Prince Vegeta was not Yamcha. She didn't want a marriage proposal from Vegeta. She wanted it from Yamcha.
Bulma understood. She had to answer him now. If she did not accept to marry the Prince he would never return. Bulma remembered her mother's words. If she married the Prince, her planet would be safe and most importantly her father.
"I need to know if you…"
Bulma interrupted the Prince. "I accept Prince Vegeta." Bulma wanted to save both the awkward moment of getting engaged. She wanted to save herself that. She was agreeing to a marriage with a man she didn't love. She didn't want to fake happiness and accepting as quick as possible was the best way.
Vegeta was pleasantly surprised. He had the Queen's word but it was really up to the Princess. "That settles it then. I want you to know that I will be as gentle as a Saiyan can be, I promise."
She listened to his words very carefully. He would try to be as gentle with her as possible and those words scared her a little bit. He didn't show the excitement or happiness a man who just became engaged would exhibit. She imagined how Yamcha would have reacted if his love was honest. But the Prince didn't even smile. He only looked at her and grabbed her hand to lead her to the Kings and the Queen.
But in the inside, Vegeta was really happy. He was truly in love with her but showing his emotions was not something he was used to. He was a Saiyan, he was a warrior, and he would only show his emotions when they were married and she was completely his.
"I accept Prince Vegeta. But I just ask for your patience and for you to give me time."
"Shall we let the old ones know?" Vegeta asked and Bulma nodded.
They came into the dining room and her parents were there. Her father looked better. Even his cheeks were a little red, a good indication.
The servants immediately accommodated them and served their food. She stayed quiet while eating. She felt very nervous. Her mother was eyeing her and the kings were very friendly.
Vegeta couldn't take it anymore. He had to tell them. So he did. The Queen was excited so was King Vegeta. King Briefs noted Bulma's quietness. Bulma had always been a loud child. She expressed her emotions the moment she felt them. He always imagined that Bulma's reaction to her engagement would be over the top but it was not the case. She was very quiet and only nodded and smiled. There was something wrong.
"This is happening too fast. They've only known each other for three or four days." King Briefs spoke. Bulma looked at her father.
"Sweetheart, Bulma doesn't think so or she wouldn't have accepted the Prince." Bunny reassured the King.
"I don't know. I like Prince Vegeta very much but I think we are rushing their engagement." King Briefs looked deep into Bulma's eyes.
"Dad, mom is right. There is a reason why I accepted the Prince." Bulma gazed at the Prince and put her hand on his hand. Vegeta looked at her hand and felt his cheeks burn.
Bulma was telling the truth. She was marrying the Prince for a reason. She was not specific about the reason but she had to provide an honest answer to appease her father's suspicion. That act alone did it.
Vegeta did not give her an engagement ring. King Vegeta and Prince Vegeta explained that they had to return to their planet and the Prince would return with a Saiyan engagement ring in two weeks. That was how long it would take the Prince to get to his planet, take care of his responsibilities as Prince, and return to Earth for his bride. Bunny of course would start the preparations for the wedding.
Bulma asked for the marriage to take place in earth. That was all she would ask Vegeta. He complied with her petition. Only the most important Saiyan leaders would travel to Earth for the wedding ceremony. The same thing applied for the humans. Only the most important humans would attend the wedding. Bulma didn't complain about this. She really didn't care.
At first, Bunny complained, she wanted the Prince to stay two more days to organize the announcement of the engagement but the Saiyans didn't give in. An engagement party was not Saiyan tradition and they were doing enough with allowing the wedding to take place at Earth and not in Vegetasei. Of course, Bulma would have gotten her way but she didn't ask and she didn't want to. The engagement party was something she wanted to avoid. Her mother had to deal with it. The wedding was to take place the day after the Saiyans return to Earth.
The Prince ordered Kakarot to stay behind to look after the Princess. He would feel better if a Saiyan stayed with her. He would have some sort of representation. He only trusted Kakarot with that. Of course, Chichi loved that idea. She would be with her best friend and with her husband while the wedding preparations were taking place.
/////
Later that day Vegeta and his father were getting ready to return to their home planet. King Vegeta asked King Briefs for a moment alone. In the throne room, King Vegeta would assure the king of planet Earth.
"I understand you are worried about your daughter's engagement with my son. But they like each other and it would be best to unite our planets as soon as possible."
"Why do you say that King Vegeta?" Briefs was getting worried now.
"In about three weeks I'll have a meeting with Frieza. He wants to discuss borderlines with me. I think that would be the perfect time to let him know that our children will marry and therefore your planet is off limits." King Vegeta answered.
"I see. I hope I didn't offend you or your son with my comments."
"Of course not King Briefs. Our children would have ended up marrying eventually. We are just speeding the process in an effort to keep Frieza from sticking his nose in your planet. It really is the best timing."
"I understand King Vegeta. As long as Bulma is okay with this and as long as she likes the Prince I guess it's fine to have a speedy wedding."
"I hope the Princess doesn't know about the unbreakable alliance her union with my son would provide her planet." King Vegeta expressed.
"No she doesn't know. I wouldn't want that to influence her decision." King Briefs answered.
"I am content in hearing that. That's the best way."
"I agree."
They thanked each other. Each of their planets would benefit from the union of their royal heirs.
Both Kings shook hands and said their goodbyes. They sealed a treaty that both were manipulated into accepting: King Briefs didn't know his wife forced Bulma into marrying the Prince. Bulma knew of the alliance but couldn't admit it. King Vegeta and Prince Vegeta used Earth's disadvantaged position for their own benefit.
/////
Before their departure, Vegeta went to the Princess' room.
"I want to give you this before I depart. I want you to have this with you until I come back with your ring." Vegeta gave her a broche in form of a V. It was made out of a dark blue stone. He always went straight to the point.
"What is it?" Bulma asked as she looked at the V on her hand.
"It's only given to the brave warriors of my planet. I earned this one when I was only 10 years old."
"What did you do to earn it?" Bulma asked.
"You don't want to know. At least not now, perhaps I will tell you later." Vegeta answered.
He pulled her close to him. They looked at each other's eyes. He brought his lips to hers. He gently kissed her. He held her tight. She was taken by surprise. She didn't think Vegeta would kiss her so gently. Then he kissed her with more passion. She felt the difference. After their kiss, she was left out of breath. She rested her head on his shoulder to regain her composure. This was the first time she experience such an intense kiss. She wondered how much more passionate the Prince could be. Vegeta interrupted her train of thought.
"I must go now."
"Right. Thank you for this." Bulma blushed and that made Vegeta's day. He smirked at her.
He placed his lips on hers once more. He buried his mouth deeper into hers before living her.
"Stay here. You don't have to see me depart." Vegeta said as the wind of his movements made his cape flow. He exited her room.
Bulma saw the prince depart from her balcony. The seven pods flew to the sky. She looked at the broche the Prince wore in his armor that now her hand was holding. Maybe this would work after all.
/////
The two weeks flew by rather quickly. Bunny took charge of the preparations. Bulma only nodded and sometimes complained that her mother's decisions were a little too extravagant. And Bunny of course complained about her daughter's lack of enthusiasm. But how could she be excited about this. She thought well of the Prince but her heart was not his. A few weeks ago, she found out that her love had betrayed her and abandoned her. It was impossible to be in a perfect mood.
During the two weeks, Vegeta missed his Princess but he was busy. He was cleaning up bands of renegade aliens from the planets that belonged to his empire.
Now, he was in his pod traveling to earth. He would land in a couple of hours and the next day, his wedding would take place. He was admiring the dark blue diamond that shined brightly. It was the Princess' ring. Behind him, in front of him, and to his sides, more pods were traveling with him. The Saiyans that were invited to their Prince's wedding were eager to meet the future Queen of their planet.
Bulma was trying on her wedding dress. This was one thing she chose. The dress was simple but elegant and beautiful. The dress was a strapless princess cut made of silk. It had a blue ribbon at the waist that tied up in the back. The blue matched Bulma's eyes. She loved how she looked in it. It fit her perfectly. It accentuated her waist, her breasts, and hips. It was a gorgeous dress. Her mother brought out the tiara she would wear. It was much bigger than what she wore during special events. The tiara had blue diamonds encrusted and she noticed the deep blue colors. Her mother told her that King Vegeta asked for the dark blue since dark blue was the color his planet favored. It was the color of the Saiyan warriors. Bulma remembered the blue broche Vegeta had given her. Minutes later, a servant announced the arrival of the Saiyans. Bulma quickly took off the dress and changed to receive the King, the Prince and the Saiyan guests.
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The same day, Yamcha was sitting in the corner of his cell. It was so cold that his feet were numb. He didn't have a shirt and only wore a torn and wet pair of pants.
His beard and hair had grown. He had not showered in weeks and he was injured. The guards had beaten him countless times. He had old and fresh bruises. His bottom lip was bleeding and he was starving.
The form of his savior came in the shape of a short and bald old friend. Krillin had gone to the dungeons to make a head count of all the prisoners. He would not be able to do it the next day since it became a holiday for everyone in the planet. The Princess was getting married and the King and Queen decided that the population was to celebrate this way.
Yamcha was still sitting in the corner. He had lost faith in getting out and finding the Princess.
"How long is this prisoner's sentence?" Krillin asked the guard standing next to him. Krillin covered his nose with a cloth while holding a clipboard in between his left armpit. The smell was unbearable.
Yamcha recognized that voice. He hurried to look at Krillin.
"Krillin? Krillin is that you?" Yamcha asked as he held the bars of his cell.
"Do I know you?" Krillin asked.
"Krillin, it's me Yamcha!" Yamcha was crying now.
"Yamcha! What are you doing here? I thought you left the planet." Krillin ordered the guard away with a hand.
"Krillin, the queen imprisoned me. I was going to ask for the Princess' hand in marriage and she sent me here."
"You and the Princess? Yamcha! Why did you have to put your eyes so high?"
"Krillin she loves me! Believe me, Bulma loves me! You have to get me out of here. I need to talk to her. Please help me!!!" Yamcha was sobbing.
"Alright, calm down. I can't get you out right now. We'll have to wait until tomorrow. The guards won't be here tomorrow so it will be the perfect time."
"Why?"
"Yamcha, the princess is getting married tomorrow. She's marrying the Prince of Vegetasei."
"No, No! It can't be. She loves me. Her mother is probably forcing her. I have to get to her before she gets married." Yamcha was desperate.
"Yamcha, I'll get you out but it has to be tomorrow. I'll be here early morning. We'll go to my quarters so you can get cleaned up then it will be up to you if you look for the Princess. Bu I won't help you with that."
"Krillin you have to help me. I need you to help me get to the palace."
"Yamcha that would be suicide. The palace is heavily guarded and you would stand out. Look at your face, it's covered with bruises. Besides if I get caught they will kill me."
"I understand Krillin. But at least help me with something else. Please."
"What is it?"
"I need you to give Chichi a letter for Bulma. Do you remember Chichi?"
"Yes of course."
"Go to her home tonight. Give her the letter I will write and tell her to give it to Bulma. Tell her it's from me. She'll understand."
"What if she doesn't want to?"
"She will. Now give me paper and something to write with."
Yamcha wrote his letter and handed it to Krillin. Krillin left the dungeons but would return the next day to liberate Yamcha.
/////
Bulma was waiting at the main door of the palace. Her father and mother stood at her sides. She saw the Prince and King of Vegetasei fly to her direction. Behind them more Saiyans followed. Vegeta had his eyes on her and on his right fist he had the ring.
Prince Vegeta landed in front of her. Bulma was nervous. The Saiyans were tall and intimidating. She realized she would have to het used to them. She would be surrounded by hundreds of Saiyans very soon.
"I believe I owe you this." Vegeta said, opened his fist and showed Bulma the blue diamond ring.
Bulma thought it was beautiful. Vegeta took her left hand and put the ring on her finger. The Saiyans behind them applauded.
"It's a Saiyan tradition. They are welcoming you as the future Queen of their planet. They'll probably do the same after the ceremony." Vegeta explained.
Bulma blushed and Vegeta smiled at her reaction.
"Let's get the formalities over." Vegeta pulled her into the Saiyan crowd.
Bulma was introduced to every Saiyan present. King Briefs and Queen Bunny were also introduced. King Vegeta greeted the Princess and his future in-laws. Everyone was invited to see the room where the reception would take place. But Vegeta had other plans. He took Bulma and flew away from the crowds of suffocating people. He took them to her balcony.
"Did you miss me woman?" Vegeta asked as he landed on the balcony. He pulled her against his body. Bulma blushed. They looked at each other's eyes.
"Um…I did wish you were here to help me control my mother. She was making extravagant choices." Bulma smiled.
"That's not what I asked but I won't push you. I'll give you time." Vegeta had a serious expression. Bulma thought he was angry. But he wasn't. It was Vegeta.
"I did miss you… Bulma." Vegeta whispered.
Bulma was shocked. This was the first time he ever called her only by her name. He either referred to her as woman, which she found funny, or Princess. It was obvious Vegeta was not a romantic much less a man who expressed his feelings. Vegeta pulled her even closer. He hugged her.
She didn't know what to answer. She couldn't say it back because she didn't feel the same, at least for now. But she didn't want to hurt his feelings. She kissed his cheek. That was the only gesture she was able to express. Vegeta understood. He broke their embrace and looked at her face. Her eyes had dropped to the floor. He lifted her chin to bring her eyes to his.
"I told you I wouldn't push it. Are you sure you still want to go through with this?"
"Yes! I'm sure." Bulma felt a knot in her throat.
Vegeta nodded and united his lips with hers. He kissed her again with passion. She broke their kiss. It was getting too intense for her.
"We should go. They'll be looking for us very soon." Bulma said. Vegeta nodded in agreement.
