Chapter Fourteen

Dinner Daze

v

Hours later, about two or so, we walked into the dining hall of the palace. We were dressed again in our fine, elegant dining wear, and ready for the evening feast. I was still tired after our wild adventure just hours prior; I had really worked up an appetite. I guess that was a good thing.

The room was tall and elegant. Everyone was dressed very professionally and royally almost. On the opposite side of the room, I could see Vegeta's father sitting in his throne chair. Vegeta and I slowly walked that way and sat in the last to chairs next to his father. I sat on one side as he sat on the other. Waiters and waitresses came around to pour red wine into our glasses and then we were aloud the grab whatever we wanted for food. People were actually rather kind when it came to pacing the food around and sharing it. I didn't think I'd ever see that!

We all began eating. I ate very slowly, taking small bites. I kept glancing up at Vegeta. Every time I did, he'd always be looking up at me, grinning. He was waiting for me to fuck up. I didn't speak, I didn't try looking around, and I didn't try doing anything. King Vegeta's hand rested on my shoulder, startling me from his heavy touch.

"Lady Taylor, you must relax. This is a fine day among us Saiyans! Today is a holiday as you humans would put it for us. Today is the anniversary of my mate's death; the mother of my children. She has been dead for two-hundred and eight, or twenty years to you as of this very day! She died in battle and we will never forget her great sacrifice! It saved many of our men… and my son's life!"

He raised his glass as did every other Saiyan at the table. The table stretched to fit about fifty seats, and every single one was filled. They all cheered and downed their wine. Vegeta did just as his father. He took his hand away from me as I exhaled in relaxation. I wasn't about to judge them by their traditions or holidays. It just struck me as a little strange to be so happy about the death of a loved one, but then again, if she died in battle, she must've been pretty strong… and brave.

I took a sip of the wine. Vegeta's grin grew wider like he was expecting something. My lips barely touched the liquid before I realized that something wasn't right. I hesitated and then set the glass down. He kept his grin. I smiled slightly back at him. Did he like the way I looked? Was there something in the wine that would affect a human differently than a Saiyan? What was he grinning at?! I slowly licked my lips to the taste of the wine; it was the strongest, most bitter repulsive cherry-like flavor I had ever tasted! I made a disgusted, scrunched face and the Prince and King laughed at my reaction. To my surprised, I even laughed. I was almost saddened by how long it had been since I last laughed a true laugh… other than the other day with Kakarot, it'd been a long time. I was actually having a decent time.

v

As the evening went on, the dinner was surprisingly delicious. Most of the food I had no idea what it was, but I wasn't going to ask or hesitate. It all smelt so good. As soon as Vegeta started talking to his father about something, I took a minute to look around the room. The walls were all designed so beautifully. Who would've thought that the Saiyans would have such talented architects? I smiled to finally be safe (well, as safe as I could be) and off that stupid ship. It was strange. I felt safer in a palace filled with all these Saiyan brutes, but not a ship filled with more humans than Saiyans?! It was strange; something I couldn't explain. Maybe it had to do with the Saiyan women being present too?! I had no idea how they acted, so I couldn't judge too quickly.

Eventually, Vegeta rose from his chair and walked around to me. The lights turned down more and Vegeta reached his hand down to me, giving me a very seductive grin. The others stood and began to walk to the other side of the room where there was lots of open space. Music began to play and I realized what was happening. Vegeta leaned forward, still holding his hand out,

"Would you care to dance?"

I was speechless.

Vegeta… dance?! Really?! Okay, sure!

"O-Okay…"

I reached up and took his hand. I slowly stood and we walked into the crowd of elegantly dressed Saiyans dancing formally to the beautiful piano tune. He put a hand on my side and I slowly put a hand on his shoulder, near his neck. He began to move in a slow waltz, gracefully moving me along with him. His father stayed seated in his throne chair and watched us. Vegeta grinned at me as he spun me. I chuckled as he did and brought me back close to his face. Our noses brushed one another as we moved to the rhythm. It made me think of a ballroom dance in a movie. He raised his eyebrows at me as I smiled at him, actually enjoying myself in a weird, fun kind of way.

"Well, well, well… who would've thought that the great Prince of all Saiyans would be a dancer?"

He chuckled at my sarcastic question.

"There's plenty you don't know about me, woman!"

I smiled at him; I was actually having fun… with Vegeta of all people. I glanced across the room and saw Kakarot grinning as he watched us; me specifically. He enjoyed the fact that I was actually having fun.

"Then, you should educate me…"

I grinned slyly at him, thinking back to hours before when we had had our little bit of fun. He grinned, thinking about the same thing, too.

"He-he… maybe later…"

The glimmer in his eyes spoke that he meant something very 'sexual' probably. Why was I fine with this? Maybe it was just because it was the most fun I'd had in so long… and, not including Kakarot.

Just accept Vegeta not being a douche for once and move on! Damn it, Taylor!

"Oh, Vegeta… you sure are full of surprises…"

"You should already know that!"

He spun me again and dipped me down, running his lower lip along my collarbone.

"…I always love it when you say my name…"

I blinked up at him as his eyes grazed over me. I thought he preferred I referred to him as 'Prince' or something… not just 'Vegeta'… He was acting very different tonight. He took in my scent and quickly brought me back up to continued to slow dance.

Don't screw this up, Taylor!

I thought to myself.

Don't screw this up, Vegeta!

Vegeta thought to himself.

v

"Vegeta… do you actually care about me?"

His smile went blank. He froze, holding me close to him. He stared at me for a long time before answering,

"Of course… you are my mate. I'll do whatever it takes to please my mate, as my mate will do for me as well, correct?"

I gave him a half grin in return for the comment and his smile returned again.

"Yes…"

He brought the hand that was on my waist up to my cheek and kissed me gently. As the music came to an end, everyone clapped for the beautiful music accompanied by one of the other Saiyans on the piano and two others playing what I was sure were Earth's equivalent of violins. Vegeta and I turned and clapped as well. More music began playing, but it was more upbeat and quick. It was a dance that we didn't bother to participate in. Vegeta and I went to sit again as did a few others. The music continued as more and more people began to sit and finish eating. Vegeta began talking to his father about more information on the council and battles that they'll be facing within the next few weeks. I took the moment to look around and admire the beautiful room and the beautiful music.

As I continued to look around the room, something caught my eye, or, more or less, someone. Kakarot; he was so far down the table and there were so many people, but I could still see him, clear as day, as if he were standing right in front of me. He was staring at me. He was sitting in the very last chair at the far end of the table; he was staring straight at me. The way everyone was seated was odd; I guess it was just reserved seats for the King, Prince and I, and then the rest is first come, first serve. He smiled wickedly, but almost kindly, too. He looked so amazing, with his wild, black locks and broad shouldered, tall stature; with his large muscles, and a very elegant black and red suit for the formal evening. He looked very handsome… even though we still barely even knew each other. Even though I'd even kissed him out of friendly 'friend' request, and we talked a lot the other day, we still had so much to learn about one another. He was so adorable and sexy, though!

God damn it!

I found it strange that Saiyans wore suits and fancy gowns like humans did on special occasions, too, but maybe that was just me. Nevertheless, they all looked incredibly fine. It was rather strange indeed. My sexual attraction to a lot of the Saiyans in the room was strong for some, weird reason, but I wasn't going to dare show any signs of that. Why was I such a damn sex-hound?!

Oh, my God, I'm worse than Vegeta! Jesus Christ, Taylor! Get your head out of the fucking gutter already! Fuck!

Vegeta's eyes flickered up at me, but quickly looked back at his father's again. I never noticed, though, for my eyes were being stolen away by another at the moment. I didn't realize for a moment that I, myself, was staring back at him. As soon as he winked at me, I inhaled sharply and looked back down at my food. Luckily, when I looked back up Vegeta, he was still talking to his father. I prayed he didn't see me staring. I felt my face flush red slightly.

I hope no one saw that!

v

As the Saiyans went back to their meal, one of the Saiyans, a large, tanned man who I knew was called Bardock from hearing his name in conversation throughout the evening, leaned forward two seats down from me and asked,

"Hey, new girl; can you bring me the wine in front of you…?"

I was surprised, but I did as he said. I was a 'slave' after all, but I wasn't his, I was Vegeta's. Whatever; I slowly got up from my spot and grabbed the tall bottle of white wine. I brought it over.

"Oh, be a dear and pour it for me, please…?"

I sighed, trying hard not to look annoyed. I began pouring it. Bardock grinned up at me as I poured him a tall glass of wine.

"So… what's your name, sweet-thing?!"

He purposely kept his voice quiet. I nervously looked at him as I was close to finishing pouring the glass of wine, afraid to even speak.

"Umm… T-Taylor, sir…"

He chuckled,

"How lovely… So, do you like being with the Prince?"

I hesitated to answer, so I didn't and just blushed, looking away. With a mischievous look in his eye, he uncurled his tail and smacked my rear. I squealed and ended up spilling some of the wine on the table the room fell silent immediately and Vegeta glanced down the table at Bardock and me.

"Look at what you did."

Bardock scolded at me.

"You better clean that up, girl!"

"I-I'm sorry… y-yes, sir."

I replied nervously, but angrily, too, knowing that he had deliberately made me spill it. I was embarrassed by everyone glancing at us and whispering. The King watched amused, raising an eyebrow in interest, but Vegeta looked twitchy and angry. Kakarot watched down the table as his father acting like a prick to me in front of everyone. He dug his nails into the top of the table angrily. All the other Elites were there, except for Nathan. Though, he was an Elite soldier now, he was still a human, so he wasn't allowed to eat with us at the Royal dinner table. I was the only acceptation; for now. I reached for a napkin to clean up the spilled wine, but Bardock quickly grabbed my hand to stop me, startling me greatly.

"I don't think so. You're not wasting perfectly good wine, woman. I want you to lap it up."

I looked at him in surprise.

"Wh-What?"

"You heard me. I want you to lap it up. Go on…"

He grabbed me by my hair.

"Do it!"

I cried out as he slammed my head onto the table, right on the puddle of spilled wine. He held me there, not letting me up, laughing. Everyone stared quietly, nervously. What the fuck was he doing?! I was Vegeta's property, did he want to die?! The room, even the music, all went quiet.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Clean it up. Use that pretty, little tongue of yours."

I struggled, but was unable to break free.

"No! L-Let me go!"

"Come on, girl; do it! Be a good, little slave and…"

"BARDOCK, STOP IT."

Vegeta shouted loudly, interrupting Bardock, rising violently from the table, shaking everything around him. It startled everyone in the room. The King simply grinned at the stunt Bardock had just pulled.

"Oh, this'll be interesting…"

The King muttered quietly. Meanwhile, Kakarot was fuming at the other end of the table. He wanted to run across and kick his father square in the teeth.

"Leave the girl alone. I'll be the one to tell her what she can and can't 'lap up'. Now, let her go!"

Grumbling, Bardock reluctantly let me go. I pulled away and ran back to my seat, grabbing a napkin and wiping the sticky wine from my face, tears of humiliation running down her cheeks. I wasn't crying, but I was humiliated severely. Gohan, Kakarot's son, was sitting next to me and gently patted my back and handed me more napkins kindly. I knew he was Kakarot's son when I had got wind from a few soldiers talking one night about some woman he had knocked up about eighteen years ago. The man was tall like his father and was kind with very gentle, yet masculine features. I would've gotten closer and more acquainted with him, too, just to have another friend, another to trust, but I didn't want to draw too much attention. Kakarot was already enough of a friend… maybe in the future we'd become closer, but for now, he was just the friendly, young man sitting next to me, lending me a hand. Kakarot slowly began to cool down, watching as his son tended to me kindly. At least Vegeta finally did something to stop Bardock's stupid behavior, but why did the bastard wait so long? Bardock glared at Vegeta and the King; he got up quickly and then stormed out. The King chuckled at his immature behavior and then went back to eating, as did everyone else. It was entertaining to most, but annoying to others. As conversations continued, and the room went back to the way it was before, Vegeta leaned forward and asked quietly,

"Are you alright?"

I glanced up at him and forced a small smile; Gohan glanced at Vegeta and then went back to eating,

"Yeah… yeah, I'm alright… now."

I mumbled quietly. Everyone was ignoring us now. Bardock was surly going to pay for the humiliation he caused me, but he was still an Elite soldier. Vegeta grinned slightly and then pushed my plate of food closer to me.

"Eat… you'll feel better. Just forget about it…"

"O-Okay…"

I began to slowly eat and then glanced back up at Vegeta.

"V-Vegeta…"

He glanced up at me from eating, as did his father for some reason when I spoke his name.

"Thank you…"

"No problem…"

He grinned and rubbed his suede shoe covered foot against my ankle under the table. I giggled at him unknowingly playing 'footsy' with me. His father glanced back down at his food with a strange look on his face.

Why didn't Vegeta correct her when she said his name…? She's a slave… She should have addressed him 'Prince' Vegeta… hmm, weird.

v

As the evening began to wrap up, the Saiyans stood, turned and bowed, then began exiting the dining hall. As all the sophisticated looking folks slowly exited the room, I got up and went down to the end of the table to grab another bottle of wine that the King requested. As I reached for it, I accidentally grabbed a hand already wrapped around it. It was Kakarot.

"Oh, I'm sorry… I was just…"

"No, it's alright. I was just going to get one last drink before heading out."

He smiled very sincerely at me. I blushed slightly from accidentally touching his hand. He was warm, strong… He reminded me so much of Nathan. I let go and let him take the bottle from me momentarily.

He poured a quick drink and then downed it back with one gulp. He wiped the corner of his mouth and then handed the bottle to me. I touched his hand again as he gave it to me. He stepped back and walked around to my side. In the corner of my eye, I could see Vegeta and his father looking at us. I swallowed nervously. Kakarot made the mistake of placing a hand on my cheek and bringing me in close.

"Are you alright? I wanted to kill my father after that stunt he pulled… He can truly be such a bastard!"

"It-It's okay, Kakarot… I'm fine… really, I am."

I gently grabbed his hand and pulled it down and away. Vegeta watched us carefully. The King chuckled at Vegeta's face as he watched us talk.

"You look very beautiful tonight…"

I blushed more.

Kakarot, no, stop… please. Vegeta will get suspicious.

"Th-Thank you… Kakarot… Y-You don't look half-bad yourself…"

Kakarot smiled and brought his hand back up, but only to my shoulder.

"You take care then, okay?"

"I will, I promise."

He smiled, before dropping his hand down and then leaning in close and whispering,

"See you later, kitten."

He winked at me before he turned and walked out, excusing himself from dinner. I blushed slightly, looking down before finally turning around and heading back to my spot. I handed the King the bottle. He grinned at me with a mischievous look in his eye. I was left with Vegeta and his father, alone. The two looked at me grinning wickedly. I slowly grew a strong, twisted feeling in my gut like I did something wrong. I swallowed the lump of fear in the back of my throat.

"Well, I must say, for being the first human to be seated at the Royal table, you behaved quite well… I'm sorry about Bardock. That Saiyan can truly be a bastard, but… he is one of our better soldiers, so… we keep him."

The King was complimenting me?! Was he feeling sorry for me, too?! Oh, my! I couldn't help but feel my cheeks flush a tiny bit right after I had gotten it kind of under control. I curled my lips in nervously, glancing down and then back up. He reached his hand towards me, stroking my cheek, pulling my chin towards him so I'd face him.

"With your black hair and broad shoulders… you truly look like one of our race… it's just those beautiful blue eyes that give you away… little human."

He slowly let me go. I felt my face heating up more. I curled my lips in again, nervously.

"Umm… th-thank you, King Vegeta…"

He grinned at my little, shy voice.

"Vegeta sure has taken good care of you… You look rather well."

He paused to take a sip of his wine, and then continued,

"He's been telling me that you've been a very good 'toy' to him… He said that he's already decided to make you his mate…"

I swallowed nervously again for the billionth time tonight. I couldn't help, but feel the scar on my neck and shoulder begin to sting and burn, as if the collar were turned on. It wasn't, though. It was all just in my head, but still. The thought hurt. Vegeta stared me down hard, grinning at me the whole time. King Vegeta was leading up to something, I knew he was. I blushed terribly. King Vegeta gave me a very genuine smile, almost laughing. For a moment, he didn't seem that intimidating. He turned and glanced at Vegeta.

"I truly am surprised, Vegeta. I thought she was simply a mere slave. A human; your mate…? You test me, son; bringing new blood into the family line…"

His voice was serious, but he kept that smirk on his face, making him look even more terrifying. Vegeta chuckled as he took a sip of wine.

"You should know, father… I do what I want… no matter what it is."

He grinned wickedly at his father. The King grinned; a crooked grin. He then curiously looked back at me.

"Speaking of 'lovey-dovey' stuff, what were you and Kakarot talking about just a few moments ago?"

I blushed slightly right after my blush had gone away again.

Damn it.

"He… uh, he just wanted to make sure that I was alright after what his father did to me, that's all…"

The King chuckled,

"Is that so?"

I nodded. Prince Vegeta's eyes focused on me.

"He seems awfully fond of you, you know…"

I blushed more, playing around with my hands nervously under the table and curling my lips in again, looking down momentarily. I was so shy in their presence. No, stop it! Stop being so damn shy!

"You… You think so?"

Both Vegeta and his father glanced at one another at the exact same time and laughed. They truly were the same. The King soon stood, giving the Prince a very strange grin,

"You better watch yourself, girl… Kakarot's not one to judge too quickly. That Saiyan's got a few secrets up his sleeve…"

I nodded and then looked shyly away. The King brought his attention back up to his son.

"I'll leave you two to talk for a while. Vegeta, come to the court hall when you're done here. We need to go over more battle strategies with the council and Commander Zoutar before he leaves."

Vegeta nodded and then the King gave me one final smile before excusing himself and leaving through the big hall doors. I held my breath when I looked at Vegeta. He was standing and then slowly walked around to my side of the table, next to where I was sitting. I swallowed again, nervously. His grin grew wider as he leaned down towards me.

"I saw you…"

I held my breath.

"Wh-What do you mean?"

He kept his eyes locked on mine and licked his lips as he leaned closer to my ear; breathing heavily as one hand held my arm and the other went straight to my thigh. I gasped at his feather-like touch.

"I saw you staring at him."

My heart almost stopped.

He saw?! It was only for a second… wasn't it?

His grips on my arm and thigh tightened.

"I heard you, too… your little conversation… I have very good hearing, you know… 'Kitten'…"

I felt cold, empty; I felt frozen in place.

"You're a very bad girl… You dare stare at another man in my presence?! Even after I told you that I cared for you and that you are MY mate?!"

His smile didn't leave his face. Why did he like the fact that I looked at another man?! He shook his head and slowly moved back a bit. He gestured his finger up and towards him, signaling me to either stand or go to him.

"Stand up."

Okay, stand it is then. I slowly rose up from my chair. He checked me over. I was still in my skin tight, navy blue dress that split up the left side to almost my hip. It was strapless, but connected below my underarms to long sleeves covering my arms and the tops of my hands. My hair was pinned up and I was wearing dainty, little black stilettos.

"Follow me."

As he spoke those words, he reached into his pocket of his formal pants and pulled out the silver remote. My eyes went wide. I sharply inhaled nervously. He chuckled under his breath. What was he planning? He turned his back and began to walk towards the doors. He held his hands behind his back as he walked; the little silver remote being in one with his thumb gently hovering over the switch. I followed him out of the dining hall. We walked down the hallway, back towards our room. I got a glimpse of his face. He glanced back with a fairly sincere smile. I smiled back, trying my hardest not to be afraid. As soon as we were about to reach the bedroom door, he grabbed my arm, stopping me.

"No… We're not going in there."

"Oh…?"

What was he talking about? He pulled a key from inside his formal jacket pocket and unlocked large door opposite of our bedroom door. When it opened, it led to a dark stairwell. Oh, God. Where is he taking me? He took two steps down and then turned around to genuinely put out his hand to take hold of mine.

"Come with me… my mate…"

I smiled, nervously again and took it. As soon as I did, we began to walk down the stairs. They seemed to go on forever until we reached another door. He unlocked the door and pushed it open. Right when I thought Vegeta was maybe becoming more of a gentleman, and not so damn sensitive to everything that I did or said that was possibly even slightly negative towards him, that idea went right out the window. He violently pulled me inside the room, slamming the door behind him.

I hit my head against the ground as I fell back. I became very dizzy as I opened my eyes. When I saw Vegeta, he was standing in front of a table pouring something into what looked like a small shot glass and then dropping a small tablet into it, swirling the glass in his hand as it fizzed. He looked like a terrifying billionaire, playboy, James Bond villain and mad-scientist all in one!

"Ow, Prince Vegeta… Wh-Why did you do that?!"

He didn't answer. He glanced over his shoulder at me; I slowly stood to my feet, wobbling a little in my shoes from hitting my head against the floor.

"Pr-Prince… Vegeta…? Wh-What is th-that?!"

He ignored me and began walking towards me. His eyes grew dark as his pupil's dilated extremely wide; my breath picked up.

"Vegeta, please… Wh-Whatever it is I did, I… I'm sorry… Please…"

He chuckled.

"Please, Vegeta… Don't do anything stupid!"

His grin grew maniacal.

"Oh, don't worry, my little princess… I wouldn't dare do anything to hurt someone I care so much about…"

He laughed after that statement, making it a complete lie. I backed into the wall shakily. He kept chuckling at my fear.

"…and it's 'Prince' Vegeta to you, my dear…"

He grinned wildly as he jolted at me, grabbing my throat and forcing my head back. He forced the liquid down my throat, immediately covering my mouth and nose after until I swallowed it all. The taste was unbearable; a disgustingly rotten, burning cinnamon flavor that stuck in my mouth and throat for a very long time, stingy my sinuses as if I were inhaling flames. I screamed into his hand after I swallowed it all. He wasn't moving it away. I fell to my knees, my face falling against his thigh. I tried keeping my balance, but soon found myself falling against the floor again. I saw him walk back the table to grab chains and bonds. His evil, dark grin of complete pleasure and displeasure at the same time were the last things I saw before my heavy eyes drifted shut.