Princess Pan spent the remainder of the trip to the palace talking to Princess Bra. Eventually her curiosities brought the conversation away from whether and foreign policies. \
"So, you said you were sent away from the palace because you snuck out?"
Bra blushed, "Well, I guess I can tell you, I mean you are my soon to be sister in law."
Pan felt her stomach squeeze but kept her mind focused on the other princess.
"Well, my father can be over protective all the time, and he wants me to be this perfect little princess that I'm not, and it can be so annoying."
"Tell me about it, my father is the same way." Pan giggled and soon both girls were laughing.
"So sometimes it also gets annoying only to be known as Princess Bra, I mean I am a totally different person with out the title. So I would memorize the guards' schedules, and I found a key time to sneak out. The only reason I was caught was because Uubu, my brothers friend and guard, was looking for me to tell me my parents wanted to talk to me. Well work got around fast and everyone thought I was kidnapped. Lets face it, the 'sweet little Princess Bra' would never sneak out and they only want to view me as that fake personality. Anyways a big deal was made about it and apparently I chose the wrong time to sneak back in through the window because my parents were in the room."
"Ouch. I used to sneak out too but the only one who ever found out was my uncle and instead of telling my parents he just hired a girl to keep an eye on me. Luckily she was my age so we became pretty good friends, her name's Marron."
"O lucky, my brother would probably do that for me instead of telling my parents but he was out of the palace making rounds of the kingdom."
"Ugh, my Uncle hates making rounds."
"Yeah, my brother complains about it all the time."
Both girls giggled when they remembered their relatives' complaints.
Both girls continued to talk and laugh. They knew that they would be good friends if given the chance. Bra also noted Pan's personality and knew that her brother would like Pan, but unfortunately she didn't know Pan's taste in men so she didn't know how Pan would feel about Trunks.
Both girls turned their heads at the sound of a drawbridge broke the silent background. They looked out the window.
"Well, Princess Pan it looks like we're at the palace."
"Oh, please just call me Pan, at least when we're alone. You're my only friend here and I do hate titles."
"I'll call you Pan on one condition. Please call me Bra."
Pan smiled, "Ok, well Bra? Got any advice on how I should act?"
"Well do you want my brother to like you and look forward to this engagement or would you rather him despise you?"
"Hmmm I'm not sure. I don't want him to hate me, well unless I hate him. What do you think?"
"Pan dear, I think that the way you and my brother are you would hit it off in normal circumstances, but alas, since both of you don't know each other yet you'll both try and be respectful by acting like you like the idea and will end up hating each other for thinking the other likes it."
Now, if you want my advice? Be yourself. Not 'Princess Pan' but just plain Pan. The girl I sat here in the carriage with for hours. Not the fake girl that you hate. If you have trouble being yourself than I'll just be around to get it out of you.
Pan was in her thoughts as they entered the courtyard and stopped in front of huge steps, which undoubtedly led to the castle.
"Thank you Bra."
"Oh, and another piece of advice. We probably shouldn't try and sneak out of the house. If my brother finds out that we could then he'll assign Uub to keep an eye on you so you don't use one of my escape methods."
The door to the carriage opened and Uub held out his hand to help the two Princesses' out.
They walked up the steps and reached the door, which was opened by two guards. Bra smiled politely and said 'hello' to them as they welcomed her back home.
Pan walked into the large entryway and looked around. She noticed the several rooms to the right and left as well as a huge ceiling and a spiral staircase, which lead to upstairs floors.
Pans eyes widened, it was more beautiful then she had expected.
Bra looked at her new friend to see that she was struck with awe. Bra looked around curiously and shrugged her shoulders. It was the same place she had always known.
Several servants rushed in from outside carrying multiple bags and taking them upstairs. Uub ordered the carriage to go to the stables and entered the house.
"Princess Pan, I have orders to direct you to your room. Bra, your brother wishes to speak to you in the library."
"Ok Uubu." replied Bra who walked up the stairs and turned to find Uub leading Pan up as well.
"I'll see you at dinner Pan!" she yelled and Pan agreed. "Ok Bra."
Uub looked surprised that they didn't acknowledge titles but quickly refocused on his orders. Princess Bra, and Prince Trunks never used titles, so he figured that Bra told her.
They reached the top of the stairs and took a right. He led her to the first door on the right and opened the door.
"If you like I could send the maids to unpack your things," he said gesturing to the suitcases lying on her bed.
"Oh, that's ok. I prefer to unpack myself thank you."
"Very well, we'll let you settle in and then call you for dinner."
Uub smiled and walked down the hall, leaving Pan with her thoughts and about 6 different bags to unpack.
_________________________________________________________________
Bra walked into the library and smiled at the sight of her brother who was bent over several books and papers. 'He's trying to concentrate' she thought and realized he didn't know she was there.
Smiling she softly ran to him and hugged him from behind, obviously shocking him.
"Hi big brother!"
"Bra is that you?" The lavender haired man turned around and stood up hugging his sister.
"Hey, can you believe it's been six months?" he asked.
"No I can't. It's good to be home. You haven't changed a big." She said and ruffled his hair.
"So are you coming to dinner tonight or are you going to use you loads of paper work as an excuse?" Asked Bra who walked over to the desk and shoved some of the papers aside.
"I'm afraid there's too much work, sorry Bra."
Bra mock pouted but then turned serious. "Are you just procrastinating so you don't have to meet your fiancé yet? She's real nice you know. She's not quite sure how to act around you but when I finally got her to act like herself and not like she was told we actually became friends."
Trunks sighed, "I'm not trying to get out of meeting her. In fact, I was going to escort her to the dining room."
Bra smiled, "I find it almost funny that the only reason both or you are doing this is for peace and the love of your people. But don't dread it Trunks. You can always make the best of a situation."
"I'm going to try. At best we can try friendship. Do you really like her Bra?"
"If I ever wanted a sister, I wouldn't be able to stand anyone else. We have so much in common."
"Uh on, well if great minds think alike then do I have to worry about either of you sneaking out?"
Bra giggled, "Now we both agreed not to for now."
Bra left the room leaving Trunks with only one thought: For now?
Pan was left alone n her room and quickly got rid of the hideous chore of unpacking first. Afterwards she shoved the empty bags underneath the bed and glanced around the rest of the room.
After checking out the bathroom she decided she liked the set up better then her own.
Now she was glancing around her large room there was a queen size bed situated in the corner. Beside the place where the foot of the bed was pressed against the wall was a small door, which led to the balcony outside. Pan walked onto the balcony and leaned against the banister on her elbows.
"God it's beautiful here," she thought aloud and let her eyes roam over the countryside, settling near the wild horses to the north.
Pan sighed.
"I trust you like it here?" asked a low voice behind her.
Surprised Pan jumped and turned around. Standing within the doorway that connected the balcony to her room was a tall man with lavender hair. She noted his strong muscles and expensive clothing.
'Ok, so he's either an elite guard or something.' she shifted slightly to glance behind the man and noticed her door was opened.
"Oh," Trunks gaze followed hers. "I hope you don't mind, I was walking by with the intention to escort you to dinner and I noticed that your door was open and you were standing on the balcony. I'm sorry if I'm intruding I can leave, if you want some time alone." Trunks uncertainty started to take a step out the door.
Pan smiled. "No, I'm fine. Is it time for dinner already? I didn't think it was that late yet. She said and turned back around to stare at the scenery.
The man walked onto the balcony and stood beside her.
They both reveled in the silence and let their gazes flow over the countryside. 'I don't think she knows who I am...' thought Trunks who wondered if he should introduce himself.
He decided against it so he could learn what she was like when she wasn't on guard. 'So Bra said she wasn't sure how to act around me, which probably means she doesn't know who I am or else she'd be more shy. I wonder what I can find out about her..."
"Do you like it her so far?" he asked and watched the young girl next to him sigh.
"It's ok I guess. I suppose I still prefer my home since I grew up there so it will take some getting used too. But at home I always have so many lessons and things to do I never got to look around and enjoy everything. It certainly is peaceful here."
Trunks reverted his gaze back to the countryside. "I've lived around here all my life and I guess you're right. I never actually appreciate anything, especially the scenery. But you're right, it is nice here."
Pan smiled and realized she still didn't even know what type of guard was next to her. 'He certainly is handsome, too bad I have to go marry a Prince I've never seen before.'
Trunks turned his head and studied the girl at his side. She was wearing a comfortable dress, obviously meant for travel since it had no major extravagance. She also had pale skin and dark hair that fell to her shoulders and framed her face. She was definitely beautiful that was for sure and Trunks took his time to stare before returning his gaze to the countryside.
'I definitely could like her under normal circumstances. But I'm afraid things might be a little weird for now.' he thought.
"I'm afraid we haven't been formally introduced." she broke the silence. She couldn't figure out who he was and it bothered her because she both wanted to know who was staring so intently at her and who she was starting to develop the beginnings of a crush for.
'He's handsome, sweet, polite. Who is he?'
They both straightened their posture and looked into each other's eyes.
"Well, I take it you are the Princess Pan, of Chikiyu?"
Pan nodded her head.
"Then I suppose I would be your fiancé. Prince Trunks of Vegetasei."
Pan tried to hold back her surprise. 'Great, I'm already liking this guy. I'm not supposed to feel this way about him. This is just for peace Pan, just for peace.'
She had heard rumors that the Prince was good looking but never in her dreams did she think they could be true. The rumors underestimated his looks, he was more than good looking, he could be a god (well couldn't he?).
"I'm pleased to meet you Prince Trunks."
They both bowed. "I believe you've spoken to my sister. She spoke very highly of you. Please, we don't use titles here unless my parents are around. Just cal me Trunks.
Pan smiled. "Only if you call me Pan."
"Well Pan, how about I escort you to the dining hall?"
"I would greatly appreciate that." Trunks held out his arm and led her down the hall.
"So, you said you were sent away from the palace because you snuck out?"
Bra blushed, "Well, I guess I can tell you, I mean you are my soon to be sister in law."
Pan felt her stomach squeeze but kept her mind focused on the other princess.
"Well, my father can be over protective all the time, and he wants me to be this perfect little princess that I'm not, and it can be so annoying."
"Tell me about it, my father is the same way." Pan giggled and soon both girls were laughing.
"So sometimes it also gets annoying only to be known as Princess Bra, I mean I am a totally different person with out the title. So I would memorize the guards' schedules, and I found a key time to sneak out. The only reason I was caught was because Uubu, my brothers friend and guard, was looking for me to tell me my parents wanted to talk to me. Well work got around fast and everyone thought I was kidnapped. Lets face it, the 'sweet little Princess Bra' would never sneak out and they only want to view me as that fake personality. Anyways a big deal was made about it and apparently I chose the wrong time to sneak back in through the window because my parents were in the room."
"Ouch. I used to sneak out too but the only one who ever found out was my uncle and instead of telling my parents he just hired a girl to keep an eye on me. Luckily she was my age so we became pretty good friends, her name's Marron."
"O lucky, my brother would probably do that for me instead of telling my parents but he was out of the palace making rounds of the kingdom."
"Ugh, my Uncle hates making rounds."
"Yeah, my brother complains about it all the time."
Both girls giggled when they remembered their relatives' complaints.
Both girls continued to talk and laugh. They knew that they would be good friends if given the chance. Bra also noted Pan's personality and knew that her brother would like Pan, but unfortunately she didn't know Pan's taste in men so she didn't know how Pan would feel about Trunks.
Both girls turned their heads at the sound of a drawbridge broke the silent background. They looked out the window.
"Well, Princess Pan it looks like we're at the palace."
"Oh, please just call me Pan, at least when we're alone. You're my only friend here and I do hate titles."
"I'll call you Pan on one condition. Please call me Bra."
Pan smiled, "Ok, well Bra? Got any advice on how I should act?"
"Well do you want my brother to like you and look forward to this engagement or would you rather him despise you?"
"Hmmm I'm not sure. I don't want him to hate me, well unless I hate him. What do you think?"
"Pan dear, I think that the way you and my brother are you would hit it off in normal circumstances, but alas, since both of you don't know each other yet you'll both try and be respectful by acting like you like the idea and will end up hating each other for thinking the other likes it."
Now, if you want my advice? Be yourself. Not 'Princess Pan' but just plain Pan. The girl I sat here in the carriage with for hours. Not the fake girl that you hate. If you have trouble being yourself than I'll just be around to get it out of you.
Pan was in her thoughts as they entered the courtyard and stopped in front of huge steps, which undoubtedly led to the castle.
"Thank you Bra."
"Oh, and another piece of advice. We probably shouldn't try and sneak out of the house. If my brother finds out that we could then he'll assign Uub to keep an eye on you so you don't use one of my escape methods."
The door to the carriage opened and Uub held out his hand to help the two Princesses' out.
They walked up the steps and reached the door, which was opened by two guards. Bra smiled politely and said 'hello' to them as they welcomed her back home.
Pan walked into the large entryway and looked around. She noticed the several rooms to the right and left as well as a huge ceiling and a spiral staircase, which lead to upstairs floors.
Pans eyes widened, it was more beautiful then she had expected.
Bra looked at her new friend to see that she was struck with awe. Bra looked around curiously and shrugged her shoulders. It was the same place she had always known.
Several servants rushed in from outside carrying multiple bags and taking them upstairs. Uub ordered the carriage to go to the stables and entered the house.
"Princess Pan, I have orders to direct you to your room. Bra, your brother wishes to speak to you in the library."
"Ok Uubu." replied Bra who walked up the stairs and turned to find Uub leading Pan up as well.
"I'll see you at dinner Pan!" she yelled and Pan agreed. "Ok Bra."
Uub looked surprised that they didn't acknowledge titles but quickly refocused on his orders. Princess Bra, and Prince Trunks never used titles, so he figured that Bra told her.
They reached the top of the stairs and took a right. He led her to the first door on the right and opened the door.
"If you like I could send the maids to unpack your things," he said gesturing to the suitcases lying on her bed.
"Oh, that's ok. I prefer to unpack myself thank you."
"Very well, we'll let you settle in and then call you for dinner."
Uub smiled and walked down the hall, leaving Pan with her thoughts and about 6 different bags to unpack.
_________________________________________________________________
Bra walked into the library and smiled at the sight of her brother who was bent over several books and papers. 'He's trying to concentrate' she thought and realized he didn't know she was there.
Smiling she softly ran to him and hugged him from behind, obviously shocking him.
"Hi big brother!"
"Bra is that you?" The lavender haired man turned around and stood up hugging his sister.
"Hey, can you believe it's been six months?" he asked.
"No I can't. It's good to be home. You haven't changed a big." She said and ruffled his hair.
"So are you coming to dinner tonight or are you going to use you loads of paper work as an excuse?" Asked Bra who walked over to the desk and shoved some of the papers aside.
"I'm afraid there's too much work, sorry Bra."
Bra mock pouted but then turned serious. "Are you just procrastinating so you don't have to meet your fiancé yet? She's real nice you know. She's not quite sure how to act around you but when I finally got her to act like herself and not like she was told we actually became friends."
Trunks sighed, "I'm not trying to get out of meeting her. In fact, I was going to escort her to the dining room."
Bra smiled, "I find it almost funny that the only reason both or you are doing this is for peace and the love of your people. But don't dread it Trunks. You can always make the best of a situation."
"I'm going to try. At best we can try friendship. Do you really like her Bra?"
"If I ever wanted a sister, I wouldn't be able to stand anyone else. We have so much in common."
"Uh on, well if great minds think alike then do I have to worry about either of you sneaking out?"
Bra giggled, "Now we both agreed not to for now."
Bra left the room leaving Trunks with only one thought: For now?
Pan was left alone n her room and quickly got rid of the hideous chore of unpacking first. Afterwards she shoved the empty bags underneath the bed and glanced around the rest of the room.
After checking out the bathroom she decided she liked the set up better then her own.
Now she was glancing around her large room there was a queen size bed situated in the corner. Beside the place where the foot of the bed was pressed against the wall was a small door, which led to the balcony outside. Pan walked onto the balcony and leaned against the banister on her elbows.
"God it's beautiful here," she thought aloud and let her eyes roam over the countryside, settling near the wild horses to the north.
Pan sighed.
"I trust you like it here?" asked a low voice behind her.
Surprised Pan jumped and turned around. Standing within the doorway that connected the balcony to her room was a tall man with lavender hair. She noted his strong muscles and expensive clothing.
'Ok, so he's either an elite guard or something.' she shifted slightly to glance behind the man and noticed her door was opened.
"Oh," Trunks gaze followed hers. "I hope you don't mind, I was walking by with the intention to escort you to dinner and I noticed that your door was open and you were standing on the balcony. I'm sorry if I'm intruding I can leave, if you want some time alone." Trunks uncertainty started to take a step out the door.
Pan smiled. "No, I'm fine. Is it time for dinner already? I didn't think it was that late yet. She said and turned back around to stare at the scenery.
The man walked onto the balcony and stood beside her.
They both reveled in the silence and let their gazes flow over the countryside. 'I don't think she knows who I am...' thought Trunks who wondered if he should introduce himself.
He decided against it so he could learn what she was like when she wasn't on guard. 'So Bra said she wasn't sure how to act around me, which probably means she doesn't know who I am or else she'd be more shy. I wonder what I can find out about her..."
"Do you like it her so far?" he asked and watched the young girl next to him sigh.
"It's ok I guess. I suppose I still prefer my home since I grew up there so it will take some getting used too. But at home I always have so many lessons and things to do I never got to look around and enjoy everything. It certainly is peaceful here."
Trunks reverted his gaze back to the countryside. "I've lived around here all my life and I guess you're right. I never actually appreciate anything, especially the scenery. But you're right, it is nice here."
Pan smiled and realized she still didn't even know what type of guard was next to her. 'He certainly is handsome, too bad I have to go marry a Prince I've never seen before.'
Trunks turned his head and studied the girl at his side. She was wearing a comfortable dress, obviously meant for travel since it had no major extravagance. She also had pale skin and dark hair that fell to her shoulders and framed her face. She was definitely beautiful that was for sure and Trunks took his time to stare before returning his gaze to the countryside.
'I definitely could like her under normal circumstances. But I'm afraid things might be a little weird for now.' he thought.
"I'm afraid we haven't been formally introduced." she broke the silence. She couldn't figure out who he was and it bothered her because she both wanted to know who was staring so intently at her and who she was starting to develop the beginnings of a crush for.
'He's handsome, sweet, polite. Who is he?'
They both straightened their posture and looked into each other's eyes.
"Well, I take it you are the Princess Pan, of Chikiyu?"
Pan nodded her head.
"Then I suppose I would be your fiancé. Prince Trunks of Vegetasei."
Pan tried to hold back her surprise. 'Great, I'm already liking this guy. I'm not supposed to feel this way about him. This is just for peace Pan, just for peace.'
She had heard rumors that the Prince was good looking but never in her dreams did she think they could be true. The rumors underestimated his looks, he was more than good looking, he could be a god (well couldn't he?).
"I'm pleased to meet you Prince Trunks."
They both bowed. "I believe you've spoken to my sister. She spoke very highly of you. Please, we don't use titles here unless my parents are around. Just cal me Trunks.
Pan smiled. "Only if you call me Pan."
"Well Pan, how about I escort you to the dining hall?"
"I would greatly appreciate that." Trunks held out his arm and led her down the hall.