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The Other Woman	By : Mallie-3 Category: Dragon Ball Z > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 996 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z or any of the characters, nor do I make any profit.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
Chapter 14

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball Z or any of its characters.

Listening to: Selena Gomez's "Love You Like A Love Song"

oOo

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Dinner was set out on the table in a timely fashion. Silverware was in its place and everyone was conversing quietly while enjoying a filled glass of English wine. Bulma's eyes shifted toward the table, which there were breads, meats, and pies placed over the table top presented to its finest. Ever since the birth of her son there were no bounds to the amount of money her parents were spending. It was nerve racking. Her mother tried desperately to get her to look the part of her new found status, but she refused. She was not Queen, and she would not act like it. It didn't matter whose son she had carried for nine months. She was Bulma Briefs and she would act as such.

She slipped into the chair and placed her hands upon her lap. Her mother's soft laughter came from the hall and soon she entered with Chi-chi who was blushing and gripping her aunt's arm. The blonde woman was leaning in and whispering things to the younger girl that caused a deeper blush to form on her lips. Chi-chi swatted a hand at her Aunt and then sat beside Bulma, offering her a soft smile.

"Where is Tailboys?" John Briefs asked, placing his palms face down upon the tabletop.

"He was making sure the horses were being put away properly. There is a new boy tending them as of recently?" Chi-chi took a sip from her wine glass and licked the access from her plump lips.

Bulma shifted her eyes toward her cousin. She had just come from another day of horseback riding and an early spring stroll. It had been two months since she had left the palace. Her son was changing and with each passing day he looked more and more like his father. It scared her more than anything. Even though she loved his Majesty, she knew their current situation had been bruised with her pitiful actions and his childish womanizing ways.

Could there really be a future with someone so selfish?

Sure, Bulma had seen a change in him over the time she had been with him, but there was no doubt in her mind as soon as she had left court there was another woman he had lured to his bed and had his way with. His manly ways, his silky voice, and the way his body made her feel kept her wanting more, and she knew it would be the same for any other woman. There was nothing he could offer more than what his body was able to provide her in the bed sport. Even though he provided her space and understanding, she knew it was in his makeup to be selfish, for he was a King.

He had not contacted her, nor did that slimy Cardinal of his. She was at peace for the first time in over a year. The smell of the approaching spring rain blew through the open windows and it was refreshing, putting her mind at ease. She was surrounded by her family, and not to mention Kakkarot had been visiting weekly. On top of it all, the King graciously allowed her to keep her son, though she did not know where that would go in the future. He seemed to have interest in the boy, but Bulma figured it was strictly because of his gender. In the boy's future she was sure it would become complicated, unless the King were to remarry and have sons of his own with his new bride to be.

Bulma gripped her goblet once again and downed the contents within it rather quick, then pouring herself a fresh glass. She drew a shaky hand up to the soft features of her face and brushed some of the blue locks of hair behind her ear. She shifted her gaze to the wooden table top and mentally scolded herself for her negative thoughts toward the King. It seemed every moment she was away from him the more sour her attitude for him became.

Her eyes shifted toward the hallway door as Kakkarot made his way in and offered her a smile, sitting in front of them, but placed himself right in front of her lovely cousin Chi-chi. Bulma noticed the change in their relationship as the months passed. She had finally admitted to him how selfish she was to project her feelings onto him when she should have only dealt with the complications alone, or with the King himself.

He didn't take it well at first. He stayed away for a while, but after a week he showed up again and spent time with both young women. Though his shy gaze no longer was focused on her, it had changed. It seemed to change even back when he had danced with her a couple months ago. She was happy for them, because Chi-chi was completely smitten, but then again she was envious because she wanted someone to call her own. Her fingertips brushed over the rim of her goblet, keeping her envious eyes lowered so that no one would be able to tell something was bothering her.

"Bulma my dear, Lady Sully has just put Trunks down for the night. He is sleeping like an angel the last time I checked." Beatrice offered her daughter a smile.

Bulma straightened her back, forced the look from her face, and lifted her blue eyes to offer her mother a fake smile, "Thank you, I will check on him after dinner. I need to spend more time with him besides my typical motherly duties I suppose." She licked her dry lips and placed her hands on her lap.

"Well, let's say grace shall we?" John Briefs opened his arms and smiled at his lovely family, which was surrounding him.

After her father said grace the family was served their meal, provided wine and even brought other items from the kitchen. The servants were working hard to make sure everyone in the household was happy during their meal. John seemed a little uneasy and Bulma could tell.

"Father, what is it? You have had that look on your face since you arrived in the dining room. Please, tell us, has something happened?" Bulma placed a piece of meat between her lips and watched her father curiously.

Beatrice raised a brow and took in a deep breath, looking to her plate of food and not saying a word. Kakkarot seemed to have a blank stare, and Chi-chi was just as confused as she was.

"Well, I didn't really wish to speak of this during supper, but it has to do with the Queen." The older man said taking a drink from his goblet.

Chi-chi stiffened beside her and placed a hand over her lips, "Oh Uncle, don't tell me she…"

John tightened his fists and nodded, lowering his head, "Yes, I am afraid the Queen has passed on. It happened his morning. The poor woman had been fighting her illness for a couple months now, maybe even longer. Thank goodness she is no longer in pain."

Beatrice Briefs made the sign of the cross upon her body and shook her head.

Bulma watched her father with amazement. After all the months she had vowed to be the perfect maid-of-honor to her Majesty, she didn't feel a thing in her passing. She even felt a small twinge of happiness. She was happy the King was free of that terrible marriage. She just hoped that he would find someone better, someone he could love. Bulma even dreamed about being his wife, but she knew that was a goal she could not reach. She was a Mistress with the King's bastard child. That was all.

They would surely expect the King to marry a woman with royal lineage. Sure the Briefs family was high in social standings and had many men that served under previous Kings with prestigious titles, but that didn't make it right for her to marry the King, did it?

Bulma sighed and placed another piece of meat between her lips, chewing it slowly as she listen to the soft banter taking place at the dining table.

"Yes, it is truly a sad event, but I think that this will also help the King in the future. She was a good Queen, but she did not produce a male heir. The only living son is Trunks, which he is just a bastard," Kakkarot's eyes dropped, feeling a bit odd for speaking that way about Bulma's child, "as sad as that it, there would surely be an uproar if the King does not remarry soon. So, Cardinal Murphy has been pressing the King to marry a French bride. The Cardinal favors the French."

Bulma stopped chewing, as did Beatrice and Chi-chi, which both women shifted their uneasy gaze toward Bulma's stricken face. John finally piped up, obviously not noticing the tension in the room.

"You don't say? I am sure the King is quite anxious to be married again so he can get this male child, hm?" The man's grey whiskers swayed upon his upper lip with each movement of his jaw.

"Oh, that is the thing. The King has nearly thrown the poor old man out of his office each time he attempts. He has tried everything possible." Kakkarot placed a piece of meat pie between his hungry lips.

Bulma felt a massive wave of relief wash over her whole body. Why was she so happy the King was holding off? She had completely pushed the man away, and tried numerous times to tell herself she wanted her son growing up away from court and away from royal nonsense. Right?

The blue haired woman rubbed the bridge of her nose. She was growing more and more restless each moment this conversation went on. Her lips parted as she placed both hands upon the soft cloth under her plate.

"What, he has too many women filling his bed that he insists on running as far away as possible from the alter?" Her blue eyes shifted casually toward Kakkarot's, which his eyebrow's brightened with a spark of interest that caught her attention.

"Actually, ever sense your family was last at court, which was three months ago? That was the last time he had even a feast prepared for the court. He has no drive to hunt, joust, or even practice his archery. It is completely out of his character. There is word that a certain blue haired goddess has completely ruined their King and there is no one woman he desires, so no Bulma there are no mistresses. Even Cardinal Murphy touched on that topic." He grinned seeing Bulma's eyes widen and then a wave of unreadable emotion flutter across her features.

Bulma lowered her eyes and swallowed. Beatrice cleared her throat, and instantly John directed the conversation elsewhere. Her father had known how hard it had been on her, but her mother also knew the emotional toll it took.

The dinner was a bit awkward, but it was quickly finished and Bulma slipped up to her son's chamber's or what her mother called the nursery, where her son was soundly sleeping with his tiny fists clenched near his face. He had recently taken a liking to sucking on his middle and ring finger. It seemed to sooth him as he slept.

Bulma leaned in, sliding her fingers under the sleeping child and lifting him onto her breasts, cradling him and humming a soft melody as he slept upon her. His hand slipped from his pink mouth and tightly pulled to his small frame. He had grown so much, and no longer had that new born look, for his eyes were wide and curious and definitely bright blue just like his mother's.

He had put on a little more weight since his birth from being on his wet nurses nutritious milk. Bulma unfortunately began not producing enough to sustain his appetite and even though it hurt her not to be the one providing the nourishment, she allowed the wet nurse to step in, which pleased her mother. His soft feathery locks floated gracefully over his tiny brow. His cheeks were rosy from sleeping and his plump little lips puckered as his cheek rested upon her breast.

He looked like a child version of the King. There was no mistaking it; he was truly the King's son in every way in blood and looks, except for coloring. His little eyes fluttered open and a soft whimper escaped his lips as he rubbed his little face against the swell of her breast, flailing his little arms as frustration set in. He was hungry.

"Lady Sully, will you come in to the nursery please." She stepped out of into the hallway just past the double doors, which were wide open. A tiny plump woman hurried down the hall toward the nursery.

"Oh there you are, Madame. I didn't know where you were. The little one is hungry, huh?" The woman chuckled and held out her arms, waiting for the wailing child to be placed in her waiting arms.

"Yes, he woke up and immediately wanted to be fed. His little mouth was seeking something to latch on to." Bulma smiled down at the precious life she had created, feeling almost heartbroken to see him red faced and crying for his meal.

The woman grabbed a rag and quickly lowered her body into the rocking chair near the warmth of the fire, which was placed in his room. The coals were bright orange, but produced just enough heat for a small child like him. His mother didn't wish him to be over heated. He was her precious jewel, and Bulma wanted nothing more than to keep him comfortable always. The crying slowly neutralized sounding more muffled, which told her he was trying to transition himself from being completely distraught to being satisfied with his meal. Bulma cupped her hands near her thin midsection and slowly exited the room.

It pained her to be around his wet nurse when she was feeding her child. Bulma knew it wasn't socially right for a woman of her standing to feed her child from her own breasts, but she wished to be a mother to him completely. Her mother got her wish, for she no longer fed him.

Bulma paused by the door and peered over her shoulder to see the woman humming to her boy and rocking the chair back and forth in a soothing manner. She pursed her lips and jerked her head when a voice beckoned her attention.

"You know he will get his own household when he is old enough, right?" Kakkarot's hand gripped the round wooden knob upon the railing of the winding stair case. Was there something that he wasn't telling her? It was most likely something the Cardinal had been telling him, for Kakkarot still worked under him as an assistant of sorts.

Bulma stiffened and smoothed a hand over her belly, "I don't wish to speak about that, Kakkarot. You should know how much I love my son." Her blue gaze flashed in his direction, "It would pain me if I couldn't see him on a daily bases."

Kakkarot had a sad smile on his lips, and slowly he lowered his dark gaze, "I know I just wish you to be prepared. You must spend as much time as you can with the boy, because you never know when the King will request a proper home for him. He is the only son of the King, Bulma." He stepped toward her, which caused the floor boards to creek each time his heal made contact with the floor.

"Kakkarot I am well aware of who his father is. I just hope that in time he will remarry and have his own children. He might not take interest in him after that happens." Bulma gripped her fists at her side and began to walk down the hall.

Kakkarot shot out a hand and gripped her wrist, "Bulma, listen to me. I didn't mean to upset you…truly. You are one of my favored friends, not to mention cherished. But you know just as well as I that the King will come looking for you when the time comes. I don't think the King would ever let you do, nor his boy. Something tells me that you would never let him stray either. I bet the thought of other women being in his bed makes you sick, right?" His eyes skimmed over her features.

"How do you know that is what I want and what I think?" Bulma shot back, "Do you know my hearts desires?"

"Bulma you wore your heart on your sleeve with it came to the King from the very start. You had a child with this man; you even claimed to love him. Lord only knows he loves you in return. Did you forget what I mentioned at dinner? As much as I hate to admit it because the man is completely insane, he loves you. I think he truly wants you to come back to him, but you both are too damn stubborn to do it." Kakkarot pulled her small body into a friendly embrace, "What would you do if he asked for your hand in marriage?" He asked, pulling back to see her beautiful face.

Bulma lifted her head to make eye contact, "I don't know…Kakkarot." With that she slipped from his arms and made her way toward her chambers, closing the door behind her.

She was being truthful, for she had no idea what she would do if that were the case.

oOo

The next few days had been hell for Vegeta. He didn't seem to gain a moment of peace. He loved the attention he received being King, but he hated the obnoxious questionings and favors people of court had for him each and every day. It, of course, came with being King. Those within his counsel had been questioning him about a Queen to ensure his blood would be passed on in the succession.

The King pulled the wax seal from one of the documents he had in front of him. His rough finger tips brushed the parchment open and began to read. It was a royal letter from the Pope sending his love and prayers to him for the recent death of the Queen of England and former Princess of Spain.

His dark eyes skimmed over the words, trying to make out his writing. The man was old and still wished to write his own letters, which he didn't understand because it took too long to figure out what the old Pope was trying to say.

Vegeta sighed and tossed the letter in a pile with the rest and then made his way to a letter, which had been sent from France. The wax seal gave it away. He pursed his lips and pulled it open roughly.

Murphy…

That damn Cardinal of his wanted nothing more than an English and French alliance. The French King had a lovely cousin, in which he told Cardinal Murphy, was just recently broken from her betrothal. The husband to be had recently died of a fever and she was left unmarried once again. She was the tender age of 14, which he could make do with. She would most likely be a virgin and was most likely capable of producing male heirs. She had royal blood and the Pope would most likely support the marriage if he requested it.

Vegeta's nostrils flared as anger began to well deep within him. He folded the paper and placed it in a drawer, away from prying eyes. His dark eyes shifted toward the door. The young boy introduced who had come and then the Cardinal slowly made his way before him with a bright smile on his old lips.

"Murphy, what are you doing here? You know I don't have the patients to speak with you about marriage, so if that is the case, turn around and leave before I throw you out once again." Vegeta laced his finger and placed them upon his stomach.

The Cardinal slowly came to a stop and his eyes wandered as if trying to pick and choose his words carefully.

"Well, your Majesty, I was indeed coming because of that, but the only reason is because the Holy Father has been writing to me lately about your bride to be, whoever she is. It is only because you need a male child." His arms parted and a soft expression of remorse formed upon his features.

"Yes, I understand, but I have a son. I am content as of now." The King raised a dark eyebrow as his lips formed into a thin line.

"W-well, you see he is so young. What if something were to happen to that child? You would therefore be childless, Your Majesty. I am only concerned for the succession, just as you had been in the past."

"Speaking of my child how is the boy? He is about two months?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Three months, your Majesty." The Cardinal corrected.

"Ah yes, how is the mother?" the King sat forward, placing his elbows upon his oak desk.

"She is doing well. I have been writing to John Briefs and he has informed me that Lady Briefs is a wonderful and doting mother." The Cardinal forced a smile upon his lips, hating that he couldn't speak his mind about the girl. She was far too immature and young to be involved with the likes of a King.

"She is still unwed, is she not?" His curiosity shifted, most likely because of the Tailboys boy.

"Yes, she is still unwed. Her father claims she has no interest in marriage, which he doesn't seem pleased about. I think he wishes his daughter to be married off. You know how it is when a woman bares a bastard child."

"I understand. You will inform the Briefs that I wish my son to have his own establishment. He has a wet nurse from what I have been told, so therefore the woman doesn't need to watch him constantly. Be sure to inform her she can visit whenever she wishes, but he needs to be raised as a King's son, and brought up properly." The King stood and rested his hip against the polished edge of the desk.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will inform them, but wouldn't that cause Lady Briefs… well to break down? This child is everything to her so I have heard?" The Cardinal pretended to care.

"Of course, but I am King and therefore I will have this done. Do you question my authority, Murphy?" Vegeta stepped closer.

"No, Your Majesty. I was merely pointing out." The old man muttered, fumbling with his fingers.

"Good, now I wish you to make your way to the Briefs home. They live not far from my reach, you should make it to the home within the hour if you go now." With that, Vegeta waved him away.

King Vegeta shifted his body toward the open widow and looked down upon the vast gardens surrounding his palace. He couldn't help but smile. He had to get her attention somehow. The Cardinal would request she speak with him about the arrangement and of course he would give her an ultimatum. He knew how precious their son was to her, which indeed he was looking forward to her presence. Their time apart had been dragged out for far too long. He didn't have any intensions of letting that happen again, or ever for that matter.

oOo

Cardinal Murphy slumped into the saddle that was placed upon the well bred horse slowly walking along the trail, which lead them toward the Brief's estate.

The Cardinal quickly rounded up a couple servants, some items he needed, and the horses were then prepared as quickly as possible. He made the journey toward the Briefs home, which he was not thrilled about. He had to leave the comfort of his well-furnished chambers, unlimited amounts of food, and the coziness of his own space just to see the Briefs wench.

The moment he showed up near the large home he was welcomed by a few young men from the stables that were located upon the property. He was escorted to the home, which John Briefs was obviously informed from other servants watching his arrival because he was standing near the entrance waiting for him. The older man's hand was waving in the air and a bright unsure smile was plastered upon his lips.

"Your Eminence, this is a surprise." He smiled nervously, "What brings you to our home?"

Wasn't it completely obvious?

"I am here in place of the King. He has requested that I speak to your daughter actually. Is she available?" The Cardinal slipped his leather gloves from his hands and placed them into a small pouch upon the saddle of the horse he rode up upon.

"Oh yes, of course she is available. She is most likely in the nursery with my grandchild." The man's weary eyes creased as he forced a smile.

The Cardinal could tell the man was uneasy with his presences, which he had every right to be. When it came to Bulma and the child the Briefs family wished him to be placed in the mother's care always. The Cardinal could care less, for he didn't care for the bastard or the mother like the King seemed to.

The Cardinal merely nodded and allowed John to lead him into the large estate where the servants the King paid for were hard at work. Murphy lifted his eyes, scanning them up the length of the winding staircase, hearing a happy chuckle coming from one of the doors.

John collected one of the maids, asking her to retrieve Bulma. He then led the man into his office, which was down a dimly lit hallway near the parlor. John pulled up a comfy velvet upholstered chair with beautifully crafted arm rests and sat near his desk.

"I don't mean to pry, you Eminence, but I do hope you haven't come to take the boy. He is just three months old. He is far too young to be away from Bulma. It would surely break her heart." The man's finger tips brushed over the edge of his finely crafted desk.

"The conversation that I wish to have is with only your daughter, John. The King told me specifically that she is the only one he wanted me to speak to, so I shall. If you would please…" the Cardinal paused hearing he door creek open and a woman quickly brushed past him. She was in a bright red gown, which was vibrant and embroidered to perfection. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders and back, but her eyes were narrowed and calculating. She was watching his every move, and he was pretty sure that if it weren't for his title and standing at court she would surely physically assault him.

"Your Eminence, I suggest you make this quick because if you have come to discuss my child I have no fear to tell you what I really think of you and ask you to remove yourself from my father's property." The blue haired woman crossed her arms over her tightly pressed chest.

"May I also point out that this was once the King's property and he would surely take it away just as quickly as our gracious Sovereign gave it to your father if he knew the way you were treating me on this visit he assigned me to." The Cardinal grinned maliciously, placing his hands upon his belly.

Bulma's nostrils flared and with that she gripped her skirts and made her way toward the door, yanking it open and hurrying toward the Nursery.

"Bulma, come back here. That is no way for a lady of your standing to speak to a man of God." John raised his voice, seeing his wife and niece standing quietly with wide eyes right outside the door. They had been listening to the conversation.

"Father, I wish no longer to speak to that…that man. He will not take my child." Bulma shouted over the edge of the stair case.

"Bulma, please, you are acting extremely childish. Where has this come from?" Beatrice followed after her daughter until she entered the nursery, seeing Bulma clutching her son tightly against her chest.

Finally, the Cardinal swept into the room, "You knew this day would come. I am actually quite surprised it is this early, but he wishes the boy to be placed in his own household. Your wet nurse will go with him until she is no longer needed." He rocked back upon his heels, allowing his gaze to float around the room as if refusing to make eye contact with the furious woman before him.

"The King will hear about this. This is absolutely absurd. He knows how precious my son is to me." Bulma stroked the soft locks of lavender hair upon her sleeping son's head, leaning in to press soft kisses to the whimpering child's forehead.

"Yes, please do for I believe his Majesty would be most pleased. He wished to speak with you about the arrangement." With that the old man slowly turned and exited the nursery, speaking silently with John Briefs.

Kakkarot slowly entered the room after hearing all the ruckus from the parlor. He and Chi-chi quickly left the room, investigating what had riled up Bulma. He watched as Bulma slipped to her knees and stroked her child's cheek, cooing softly to him. Tears were trailing down her flushed cheeks. She was absolutely devastated, which he understood and felt terrible for her. She held the boy's small body tightly in her grasp as if it was going to be the last time she would ever lay eyes upon him.

The King wanted her to come, that much was clear.

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oOo
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The Other Woman