Sometime after, and Bulma couldn't keep track of how much, the ship had landed. Bulma and Vegeta stood side by side as they waited for the ramp to descend, and she glanced at her husband nervously. He wasn't looking at her. And that had been typical for him as of late.

Ever since the conversation in the living room, Vegeta almost seemed scared of her. It was easy to notice, for it was a new side of him that she was experiencing. While he was polite and no longer seemed enraged with her, he also did not go out of his way to see her or converse. If they happened to run into one another while grabbing food in the kitchenette, or passing in the hall, he treated her with respect. He'd kindly say "hello," or "after you", but the interactions ended there.

And though the conversation had focused on how gullible and naive the Princess could be, she was not blind to the fact that the change came from her answer to his unworded question. She hadn't been intimate with Yamcha, nor ever in her life. As embarrassing as it was to discuss such a matter, she would have presumed that this would have been pleasant news for him. So why did he now evade her so?

Slowly the ramp lowered, and Bulma broke her gaze at Vegeta, looking straight ahead. She held her head high and waited for the moment that they would start stepping down. And her first impression of Vegetasai was the horrific heat. She guessed it had to have equated to 107 degrees Fahrenheit back on Earth, and she found herself wondering if this was a summer season, or if it was like this year-round. She hoped not. She absolutely dreaded the heat.

The walk to the palace was initiated by Vegeta, who stole a glance to make sure she was following his lead. She wasn't looking at him this time, however. Her eyes were drawn to the sky, her lips parted in wonder at the sight before her. Up above the sky was as blue as the one on Earth, but she could clearly see a full moon right beside the blaring sun. Why would the moon and sun be out at the same time? She made a mental note to ask Vegeta about that as soon as she felt it was appropriate.

And her thoughts were interrupted when she heard unfamiliar voices. They had arrived at the palace doors, where four saiyans stood in wait. Two of them in particular stood out to the Princess. One was a female, with raven black hair that flowed down below her chest. She had a beauty that intimidated Bulma. Her face was pretty and fair-skinned, with a handful of freckles complimenting her button nose, and her features were much softer than Bulma would have expected after seeing the strong featured males. She also lacked any muscle tone whatsoever, which might have made sense with her feminine genes - but again, Bulma found it surprising considering the reputation that saiyans held.

The second saiyan that caught her eye was nearly identical to Kakarot in every single way, save the scar on his face. She wondered if this was a brother or father.

All four bowed in unison, and the Prince stuck his chest out while they remained low.

"You will remember Princess Bulma from our wedding," He announced. And it was then that Bulma remembered that the pods could travel exponentially faster than her father's ship. These four had been in attendance at her wedding? Why, she didn't remember any of them. And she gave a slight nod with a smile, taking note that the female was glaring at her.

"Princess. So nice to see you again." The three men said together. Only Nova didn't speak with them. Instead she put a hand to her chest. "We did not have the chance to meet at the ceremony," She said simply, and did not elaborate.

After several moments of silence, the Prince sighed. "This is Nova. She's in charge of certain duties as needed." He explained. "She'll be showing you to our quarters. I have some business to take care of."

"Will you be long?" Bulma asked anxiously. She didn't like the idea of being alone with Nova. Why did he ask her, of all of them, to be Bulma's escort? The Prince locked eyes with Bulma for the first time since his hangover. "I will be with you when business is done. Nova, assist Bulma with obtaining appropriate attire."

"As you order, my Prince." Nova said lowly, and Bulma didn't like the tone of her voice. Or that look in her eyes as she watched Prince Vegeta. It was clear that Nova had an admiration for him that she wasn't trying to hide. The Princess scowled. She had only known Nova for a few minutes and already felt incredibly disrespected.

And then Nova turned and began to walk into the palace, not bothering to speak to Bulma as she moved. The Princess gave Vegeta a look that said 'thank you SO much for this situation I'm now in,' and began to follow.

—

In the navigation room stood Bardock, Nappa, and Raditz.

"I'm very tired from my travels," Vegeta said irritably. "Bardock, why did you request a meeting with such horrible timing? It'd better be good, or my father-"

"Sire. Please have a seat and look at this." Bardock interrupted.

With a growl Vegeta threw himself in the chair in front of a computer screen. Bardock hovered above him and pointed at it, outlining a route with his fingers. "After you left for your journey, the King approached us and gave information that he would be meeting with King Cold to discuss the new arrangement with Planet Earth."

"Already?" Vegeta said, some of the impatience draining from his face. "But he wasn't supposed to meet with Frieza until the night of the Moons."

"He did not elaborate on this change of plan, and as you know it is not our position to ask." Raditz provided.

The Prince had a bad feeling about this. It was not unlike his father to go on last-minute diplomatic trips, but it was unusual for a meeting to be held to discuss it. "So why do I need to know this?"

Bardock cleared his throat. "Prince. Our navigation systems lost track of your father right here." He pointed at the screen.

A sweat drop formed at Vegeta's temple. He stared at the screen, narrowing his eyes. "But that's Seiko."

"Yes." Was Bardock's reply. "He landed, and we lost contact with him shortly after. It is unknown but assumed that he did not leave the planet. And it's been four days."

"Seiko is full of rebels," Vegeta said slowly. "Why would he land there?"

"We are prepared to depart at your order." Nappa said. "It's without question that we must go and find the King. We have a battalion ready to-"

"No. Send the battalion to Earth. Bardock, you will travel with in order to overlook. There is something really bizarre about this, and we must make sure Earth is prepared in case of attack. Nappa, Raditz, and I will go to Seiko."

"But Prince-" The three saiyan said together.

"Do not question me." Vegeta raised his voice. "This is my Father at risk. I will personally oversee efforts to recover his pod."

Raditz and Bardock exchanged looks. They both wanted to tell Vegeta he was being ridiculous - that the hostility was plainly too dangerous for him to involve himself in. But they knew enough not to say it, for the Prince's temper was not something to barter with.

—

The two had been walking in silence through the palace. Princess Bulma could feel Nova's glances at her every now and then, but she pretended not to notice. Her only desire at that moment was to get to the chambers. And so she felt an immense relief when they finally stopped at a large wooden door.

"Your quarters, Princess." Nova said, and Bulma noted that her tone was much different than it had been when she was addressing Vegeta. She didn't like that. Without a response she entered the room.

It was already lit, with the largest bed Bulma had ever seen located in the center of the room, a red canopy surrounding it. There were many doors, she noticed, and she saw Nova navigating towards one. The saiyaness disappeared behind it, and a moment later she returned with a stack of folded clothes in her arms.

"These are for you." She said curtly, placing the pile on the bed rather than handing them to Bulma. "I will be back later to see if you need anything."

And with that, without even a bow of farewell, Nova began to stalk out of the room.

The Princess glared at where Nova had just been standing. For the umpteenth time, she couldn't help but think that she didn't like Nova. She spoke just as the saiyaness reached the door. "Nova."

Without turning to look at her, Nova stopped in her tracks. "Yes, Princess."

"You don't like me very much, do you?"

There was a pause. "I'd rather not answer that question, Princess."

"You just did." Bulma's eyebrows wrinkled. "You may go."

"Thank you."

—

Exploring the large room was a good way to pass some time. Behind two of the doors she had noted earlier where two walk in closets - one presumably for her, which was lined with silk gowns and various accessories. The other was clearly assigned to Vegeta, stocked with armor, various sets of boots, and an array of cloaks and formal wear.

Having kicked off her shoes before changing, Bulma's bare feet padded across the room to inspect another door. Behind it she was not surprised to find a large bathroom, equipped with a shower and a tub the size of a small pool. The floors glittered with some type of reflective marble, and on the other end of the bathroom was yet another door.

She moved for it, and slowly creaked it open.

The room was a library. A couch sat against a wall on the far end, surrounded by shelves that were lined with countless books. It reminded the Princess of her Father's den at home. She smiled.

"Making yourself at home, are you?" Vegeta's voice came from behind. The Princess turned, a smile still lining her lips. The Prince seemed startled to see the please look on her face, and quickly he broke eye contact. "Look. I must be going. I will see you in a week."

"What?!" Bulma gasped. "Where are you going?"

"There is a personal mission I must fulfill," The Prince said, and he had such a serious look on his face that Bulma was instantly worried.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes." The Prince nodded. "The servants here will take care of you. Nova will also be available for assistance should you need anything."

"I don't like Nova." Bulma blurted out. "She's kind of rude."

The saiyan smirked as if he understood what she meant. "She's harmless."

"Probably so," The Princess replied. "But still."

"You'll manage."

"Prince Vegeta," She protested. "We just got here!"

"Your knack for stating the obvious is second to none," Vegeta was still smirking. "And it is just Vegeta to you."

"Last I heard, I was to address you with your title." Bulma narrowed her eyes. She couldn't explain why, but she was starting to feel angry. Angry at this entire situation, angry that Nova had the nerve to blatantly flirt with Vegeta right in front of her. Angry that he acted as if he didn't notice and was so dismissive about it. "So you need to decide. Are you just Vegeta, or Prince Vegeta? You can't change your mind willy-nilly depending on your mood."

"Where's this coming from?" He was grinning now. It seemed that her attitude was amusing. All that did was add to her ire.

"Again, PRINCE Vegeta , we just got here. And you're so eager to just leave me alone on this planet that I've never been to before, and I don't know anybody, and-"

"Nonsense. You know Nova, don't you?"

Okay, now he was just messing with her. That shit-eating grin on his face said it all "That's not fair!"

"Isn't it, though?" Vegeta approached. He gave her a light pat on the head, as if she were a child, and he laughed.

He actually laughed.

"What's so funny?!" She scowled, placing her hands on her hips. "Stop laughing at me!"

" You're funny."

"Why? Because I don't like that girl?!"

"Precisely." He smirked. "Irrationally angry at someone you just met that happens to be a female."

"And what are you implying?" She glared.

"I've never seen you like this." He crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Some would say it looks like jealousy."

"And if it is?" Bulma huffed. "I don't like the way she talked to you earlier, and you're my husband."

"Of course I am. We had an entire event over the fact." His eyes were crinkling with how wide his smirk was. "Look, I've known Nova since she was a young girl. She's harmless."

"You wouldn't think so if you were me."

"Probably not. But I'm saying not to worry about her." The Prince couldn't help but feel his mood rise in seeing the Princess react this way. She was acting protective of him. He liked it. "If I wanted Nova, I would have chosen her a long time ago."

"We'll she clearly wants you, and she doesn't try to hid-" Bulma's complaint was cut off when the Prince wrapped his arms around her, placing a hand on the back of her head. If his intention was to silence her with his action, he was successful. For Bulma hadn't been hugged like this by him since before the wedding. And she was enjoying it.

His strong chest, his assuring arms. The way her head fit so well in the crook of his neck. The way his chest bobbed with silent laughter as she hugged him back.

"I'll be back in a week." He said when he pulled away, looking into her eyes. "Try not to kill Nova while I'm out."

"I'm not you, " Bulma replied. But she frowned as she watched Vegeta retreat from the room, wishing he would turn around to say something more before leaving.

What was she going to do by herself for a full week?