Chapter 8

Kaira giggled as she felt Vegeta's kisses tickle her shoulder. He slid his hand down her waist and kissed her ear. "My princess," he whispered huskily, "my queen." Kai reached behind and ran her fingertips across his large knuckles.

"Watch your hands. I'm still rather sore from this morning." Vegeta propped himself on his elbow.

"That's a poor excuse." He grinned as he stroked his lover's tail. Kaira turned and kissed a hickey on her darling's chest. He laid his arm on her hip and just stared at her. He looked past her to see a note left by his nurses. He sat up, reached over to grab it and the silver bracelet he had made by the jewelers fell out. He was surprised to see it, as he had forgotten about it since Kaira's death. He opened the note and it read:

"Our dearest Prince, we found this beauty in the garden and figured it belonged to you. Please keep it close to you! We wouldn't want Lord Frieza to find it do we?

Congratulations on your happiness!"

Vegeta smiled deeply and turned to Kaira, who was stretching whatever tiredness that remained out of her system. He crawled over top of her and she blushed when she opened her eyes. "Vegeta..?" He kissed her lightly on her lips.

"I have something for you." He took her wrist and fastened the silver on. "I was to give this to you earlier, but…"

Kaira's eyes widened at the jewelry. She saw the star on it and almost began crying. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. "It's beautiful," she whispered, "I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything." He hugged her back. "You being here with me is enough."

"Speaking of… I haven't seen Bulma around. What has she been up to?"

"Well, honestly I haven't heard anything about or from her."

"Really? Is she okay?!" Kaira quickly got out of bed and threw on clothes and ran to her friend's room. She opened the door to see her just waking up.

"Bulma-tan!" She ran and collapsed on her lap, hugging her tightly.

After much rambling about dying and being brought back to life, Bulma explained her plans about heading back to Earth for a consultation visit.

"The officials agreed to give me three days after this Grand Engagement Dinner tomorrow night to go home! Guards will be with me the entire time, but I felt I needed to see everyone after what happened."

"Oh Bulma, that's amazing! I would love to go with you, but I would have no idea how to get that kind of permission… And I don't want to shock everyone with my presence."

"Honey, haven't you heard? Everyone knows you're back, at least the guards and nurses! I hear they're keeping it secret so that Frieza character won't hear about it."

"Really?! That's incredible!" Kai turned to look at Vegeta. He smiled lightly at her enthusiasm.

"You're leaving after the Dinner," the prince started, "will you be taking a royal airship to Earth?"

Bulma lifted her eyes, searching her memories of the agreement. "I believe so."

"That's perfect!" Vegeta exclaimed. "There's plenty of room on that ship for extra passengers. The two of us can go with you."

"We really can?!" Kaira excitedly asked. "But, if we were to go ask the officials they would have to tell Frieza, wouldn't they?" Her eyes suddenly became very sad.

"It's simple dear- we'll sneak on. After the routine inventory check, we'll move behind Frieza's men."

Bulma held her friend's hand. "We're going home Kaira."

The night of the Dinner came faster than expected. Kaira was to sit next to Vegeta, who was to sit next to Bulma at the circular dinner table. Given the circumstances, the nurses decided to dress Kaira somewhat in the ceremonial engagement outfit, but not in a way to alert the officials who were to be there. Kaira desperately wanted to wear her new bracelet, but was told to leave it in her chambers.

The guard from when the girls first arrived on the planet was to introduce the engaged couple at the start of the ceremony. He managed to find Kaira in the bridal room. He saw her playing with the veil on Bulma's wedding dress. She looked stunning in her dress, a bright, shimmering red with a golden circlet placed lightly on her head.

He tapped her on her shoulder. She spun in slight fear, but was relieved to see it was him, for some reason. He took her hand and bowed. "Ms. Kaira, it is a pleasure to be in your presence."

She smiled widely and hugged the guard. "Adzu?! Have you really been here this entire time?"

"Yes, young miss. Although, I was aware that you may have not remembered me; I didn't wish to alarm you."

"It took me forever! You were the guard that watched over me and the prince while we played."

"Yes, and you two would sneak off every time I turned my back." They laughed and Kai let go of him. "Young miss, I came here to inform you of my service to you for the night."

"Your service?"

"Yes ma'am; I have been given orders to escort you to your seat at the ceremonial dinner. I am to announce the prince and his fiancé, and given the circumstances, it may be best if he is not being seen escorting you himself."

"I see…" Kaira looked rather sad. "I guess he gave you these orders?"

"Yes, he apologized for not being able to tell you himself."

"Oh it's okay. I'll be safe with you right?" she chuckled.

"Of course, young miss."

Adzu pulled Kaira's chair from the table and pushed it in as she sat down. He took her hand and bowed. "I hope you enjoy yourself tonight young miss."
"Thank you Adzu." She smiled warmly at him. As Kaira situated herself, she noticed many of the other guests looking at her then whispering to those next to them. They looked rather disgusted. She sunk in her chair slightly, and felt someone standing behind her. It was the king. "Your majesty?"

"Madam, I come to apologize. For my actions that morning, and my cowardice as that foul creature did those vile things to you. As the king, let alone being a Saiyajin, I've destroyed my honor, yet I ask for your forgiveness. I understand if you will not even care in the lightest." He bowed on his knee to her, his hand over his heart. The room came to a standstill. Kaira simply hugged him.

"You don't need my forgiveness, because there's nothing to be sorry for." He looked at her in shock. "I did not die at your hands, did I?"

The king laughed lightly at her remark. He stood, holding her hands. "That kind heart of yours could kill you one day."

Every one settled in their chairs as the time approached for the couple of the hour was to be announced. Adzu stood straight at the top of a small set of stairs, in front of velvet curtains. He cleared his throat and yelled:

"Introducing, the prince, and our future king, Vegeta! And his bride, Bulma of Earth!"

The curtains opened, revealing the couple, with intertwined arms. Both were wearing black, royal Saiyajin armor with the royal crest, with deep red capes. Everyone applauded them as they walked down the stairs, including Kaira. She thought they looked amazing together. Like a power couple.

Vegeta seated Bulma next to his father, and he sat between her and his love. He smiled at her as she and Bulma waved excitedly at each other.

The first course was quickly brought to the table as everyone began talking to each other. They mostly discussed how the wedding was going to be so grand and they looked like the perfect rulers for the planet. They simply nodded their heads as they ate. The three looked rather suspicious, only consistently shoveling food into their mouths instead of speaking to the guests. As the second course was brought out, Vegeta slyly wrapped his tail around Kaira's. The chefs smiled at it as they placed their food in front of them. An official's wife spoke up.

"You know, come to think of it, I have yet to see the royal couple truly act like a couple." The trio froze.

"Well, ma'am," Bulma said, "we've been handling a lot of business lately, and, with the recent death of our dearest friend not too long ago, there really hasn't been time for romance."

'Nice save!' she thought to herself.

"Well I suppose. After all I suppose you two need your breaks between those long nights," the woman suggested.

"Excuse me?" Vegeta and Bulma retorted.

"Come now, you really think we can't hear you two? The whole kingdom was awoken by the sound of his name coming from his chambers."

All of their faces went red. Kaira's eating sped up and the guilt began to build in her stomach. Vegeta noticed her distress. Bulma quickly spoke.

"Must you bring up such private affairs at dinner?! My friend has such a weak heart at those kinds of utterances!"

"M-My apologies!"

"Come Kaira," Bulma said as she walked over to her friend, "I'll take you to your room." Vegeta quickly followed behind them.

"You guys, I can't stand this!" Kaira cried. "This impending fear, and I keep making it so obvious!"

"What are you making obvious?" Bulma asked.

"That something is wrong! Everyone keeps looking at me funny, as if they know what's going on!"

"But they don't! Only the guards and nurses in this part of the kingdom do, and they're on your side!" Kaira placed her face in her hands and began to cry a little. She sat on her bed and her friend held her.

"Bulma, I can't help but worry!"

Vegeta hated seeing her like this. He knelt down in front of her and held her hands. "Darling, please tell me if there is anything you need or want me to do. I'll be sure to make it happen."

"I want to go home."

"Then we leave immediately."