Betrothed

Chapter 2

Goten

It wasn't even 5 minutes into our walk that we bumped into Trunks' father and my "Eldest Brother", The Western King. He was his usual grouchy self with a definite scowl on his face. I never really got closer to him growing up and to be honest I never really minded that. He wasn't that much of a talker anyway when it came to us "bastards", and even his brother Tarble barely got anything out of him because he was deemed weaker. And yes, his pride and mostly crude nature was a pain but it was a great asset when it came to conquering and when you needed silence.

We bowed to the Western King as a greeting and he rolled his eyes. Typical.

"I already know with you two idiots together, I'm bound to hear some sort of mischief within the next hour." he sighed in annoyance.

"Of course not. I am just catching up with an old friend",  Trunks cheekily stated. Not even I would've believed such a thing let alone his own father. Vegeta just huffed one last time and walked away with his arms crossed.

"Oh and Trunks, do not forget to greet your grandfather. You know how the old fool gets." Vegeta demanded before disappearing around the corner. I just sighed in relief that he was gone and then was dragged again by my friend out the hall and into the training arena. It was early but you could already see some of the warriors fighting each other here and there. A few ki blasts here and some punches there. Some people were having conversations while others were doing exercises. I was under the impression that we were going to spar but instead he walked over to a group of Saiyans on the far right and started talking to them. I recognized a few of them, most of them were friends of my father before he married the King but the other ones I have not seen before. Probably came with The Western King and the Queen Consort for the month.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when someone tapped me on my shoulder. It was my Uncle and Trunks' betrothed Broly. I gave them both a soft hello as my uncle ruffled my hair and Broly just gave a soft nod.

"I heard you had another run in with the King this morning bud. Slept in again?" my Uncle teased

"Yeah, he was mostly upset that I missed my studies but other than that it's the same thing."

"He's still nagging you about a mate, huh? Don't worry bout it you'll get to it when you can. Besides, you should be more worried about getting stronger." he laughs as he playfully pushes and tossled me around. I managed to get him off of me and fix myself before Broly walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"As your uncle says you shouldn't rush into it. It's different for some, for Trunks he was first so aloof and distant about this arrangement and at the time I had no interest in pursuing a betrothed. But after some nagging from the Western King himself we managed. Especially since Trunks only has three more years until we officially become mates. And even then I suggested he take his time. Being betrothed is one thing, but being a Prince and dealing with the people as well as finding a lifetime partner is a whole other process on top of it. So don't stress to find a mate, one will just come to you. And yes, our predicament is bizarre considering the fact that I am who I am and Prince Trunks is technically a bastard, but that shouldn't change how you feel and what you want, okay?"

I was shocked to hear this from him considering the fact that I barely speak to the giant man, but it was nice to get some advice from someone other than family.

"Awe look at you two bonding." I turned around and saw the lavender half Prince strut his way to us before clinging his arm around mine. "Is the behemoth being a downer again?" he asked with a wink. I just simply rolled my eyes as Broly chuckled.

"No. I am giving him some advice. Must you mock me?"

"Yes." Trunks says happily.

Raditz excuses us and pulls me aside for a bit and talks to me in a low tone. "Hey, nephew, be honest with your uncle. What's going on?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean", he says sternly crossing his arms. "You've been on edge lately and I also haven't noticed you around much in the training arena either. Hell I even see Gohan here more than you and he's too busy with his work and this new cub that's on the way."

I stopped and looked down shamefully. I didn't realize how much I've been missing out on. Is something wrong? Am I losing myself without realizing it? I looked up at my Uncle and I couldn't come up with an answer for him, hell I don't think I have an answer for myself. I just shrugged and came up with whatever I could find, "I'm fine." Yeah right.

"*Scoff* Yeah right. I know you, you're usually running around these parts either hiding from the King or ripping through some of the junior leagues. Now, I said be honest with me Second Son." I cringed, it's not common that my family would call me this. Mostly when it's something serious or if I messed up somehow. I knew lying to him wasn't going to help but how can I give him an answer when I don't even know myself?! "Look Uncle I said I'm fine. There's nothing to be worried about really. I'm just not ready and I probably won't be for a good while. And it's fine, so stop worrying." I tried to give him my best smile but even then he doesn't seem too impressed.

"Look, I'll take your word on this but just know that I WILL be keeping an eye on you boy." And with that he left to go fight with Nappa, most likely catching up since the split.

Just then Trunks grabbed me by the arm and smiled brighter than the jewelry dangling from his ears. "Come, we got more places to go. And if the atmosphere feels a bit drab don't worry that's just Broly." Trunks teased again towards the large, silent, man dragging behind us. It was nice having my friend around again. I missed these moments between us, just us walking and talking, cracking jokes and sharing all we've been up to so far since we last saw each other. Personally, it was quite weird seeing him like this, all bedazzled with his ear rings, rings, and amulets. It made me jealous in a way that my friend was able to be betrothed to someone before me, I mean yes I am happy for him, but it's just a shock seeing him at this point in our life when I'm so used to him being this "I don't need anyone" cocky sass master. For some reason I felt like I was empty, lost, and so far behind somehow.

And his jewelry is gorgeous. Big golden hoops, a golden amulet with a shiny red ruby in the middle, and a simple but elegant ruby pinky ring as a symbol of engagement. I was so entranced by his jewels that I didn't realize that halfway through our conversation I was fiddling with his pinky ring. "Heeeyyyy. Is anyone there?!" I looked up and saw Trunks and Broly staring at me as if I've grown a second head.

"Dude, I've been trying to get your attention for the last three minutes man. Are you sure you're okay?" he stared at me with a smile, but his eyes were showing worry.

"Y-yeah s-sorry. I'm fine. I was just getting lost there a little bit."

"That was obvious", Broly spoke up "maybe it would be wise if you two relaxed for the day. Goten does not seem well and it was a long journey to get here young Prince."

"Yeah I guess you're right. I have to go and greet my grandfather anyways. Which is sad because I really wanted to go and do whatever today." Trunks pouted, slightly annoyed. Broly softly ruffled his hair and chuckled, "Maybe tomorrow, if there is time. I would be happy to escort you boys around again."

"Thank you Broly, you don't have to." I stated, he just nodded with a smile and walked us to the Kings study.