AN: Yes, I have a very pensive Vegeta. I believe that if he were made ruler, without Goku ever surpassing him in the race to Super Saiyan, he would become a reflective King. Yeah, he would still have all that pride and anger and such, but unless it is specifically activated, I think he would be much more inclined to rule with logic instead of his ego.
"Father, I believe you are mistaken. I did not deliberately defy you; I only reacted in self-defense. Was I supposed to allow that third-class citizen slander the royal house of Vegitasei without recourse?" Facing each other across the dining room table, Trunks and Vegeta squared off in a verbal sparring match. His defiant streak rarely showed itself, but when it materialized, Trunks might be considered worse than his father. However, there was a reason very few women envied Bulma. Dealing with a less than pleasant King was not something they ever wanted to even consider.
"Boy, are you deaf? I explicitly stated not to kill any citizens, yet you do so anyway. So, are you deaf, or dumb?" Slamming his palms on the table, Vegeta used the leverage to accelerate himself to a standing position, glaring down at his son. "Do you not realize that the citizens of this planet do not like you? Unless you prove that you are not the worthless idiot you seem to aspire to, they will overthrow you."
Regarding Vegeta coolly, Trunks slowly stood and looked his father in the eyes. "The strong will survive. Let them challenge my rule. I may not be able to make my hair lighter, but I can still defeat any of those third-class weaklings. After a few thousand have perished, they will realize not to challenge my authority."
My son, so much like myself, yet where I had hate and anger, he has a cool calculation. I severely doubt he killed that man out of anger of having his name insulted. He couldn't care less about verbal threats. My exploited weakness, my pride, has both hurt and helped me. Hurt me in battle, when an enemy knew how to use it, and helped me when it propelled me to Super Saiyan. He doesn't possess that reckless pride, that 'devil may care' streak. He inherited his mother's scientific mind. He does nothing that does not have a measured benefit. And that is why he is not a Super Saiyan.
"Father, are we done here? I have a scheduled match at the training hall, and it would not look good for a prince to be late for a meeting he scheduled himself."
"Leave my sight, boy. I shall concern myself with a suitable punishment for you at a later time. And cut your hair. No self respecting Prince should have a ponytail."
Walking out the door, Trunks flipped his hand up in a dismissing wave, and proceeded to the training hall.
I believe I shall watch this scheduled fight. For some reason, I have a feeling it will provide me with a clue as to how to deal with Trunks. But first, I shall speak with my mate. Perhaps with her similar mind, she can provide assistance.