DBZ X-Readers, Vol. 2

King Cold x Reader Pt. 6 'Ashley'

The night before Winter Day, it snowed profusely.

Of course, there was no chance of being stuck in the palace due to the almost immediately cleaning up of major walking routes, but you were definitely feeling that way. After (daughter's name) showed up, you were moved to different quarters--not in the same ones, or side-by-side, but in the same general hallway, so you were seeing her quite as often as you used to.

You'd never told her, or any of your children really, about this situation with Cold. Not the bit about his choosing someone else, or the more recent threats to ruin your family's livelihood.

He didn't speak to her very frequently, but whenever he "accidentally" ran into you, he was sure to tell you of how well she and Frieza were getting on.

This time was no different. You ran into Cold on your way out to the courtyard, where a number of little tents and such had been set up with various entertainments had been set up. You were hoping the distraction would help ease your increasingly nervous state.

"They seem to have taken quite the shine to one another," he said in a happy tone.

"She's young, as is he, and he is refined and sure of himself," you replied, "It would be more surprising if they were indifferent to one another."

"I seem to recall that that was the reason you liked me. I behaved like a gentleman and was confident."

You just nodded. He had been, at first. You can still remember that the first time you'd met was actually at one of these Ice Festival tents, where you were selling some of your paintings of varying people enjoying the winter landscape. Gods, how hard it had been to get a place in your courtyard...but you'd done it. Had to bribe somebody with a free family portrait, but you'd done it. You'd been willing to do almost anything to get your art out there.

As you stepped out into the courtyard, you adjusted your scarf and headed for one of the beverage stands--noting that Cold walked away from you once you were outside. Of course--he knew when to be separated from you. Wouldn't want people thinking that he wasn't still in mourning, after all.

It was a bit of a trigger to the memory, to be quite honest. But you shoved the feeling aside, bought your coffee, and started looking through what the different stands had to offer. Fried food, baked food, and what seemed like every kind of dessert that could possibly exist. And then there were the non-food tents with crafts, paintings, and other--

"(D/n)?"

Your daughter had a tent up and a table full of her books ready. And it looked like she was doing good business, the line was three or four people deep.

"When did this happen?" you asked.

"Oh, someone backed out last minute," she replied, "Or something like that. Lord Frieza told me about it, and got his father to arrange it."

Once she'd finished with the other customers you stepped into the tent next to her. "You really shouldn't just accept favors like that. It tends to create feelings of obligation."

"Mom, you worry too much. And besides, he's kind of cute. What harm would there be in it?"

"You can't just base your judgment of him off his looks. You're old enough to know this by now. Favors like this have prices, you know."

Your daughter rolled her eyes. "We already 'worked something out,' so stop worrying."

"And what, exactly, did you work out?" Ye gods, she just didn't seem to get it. Sure, maybe you were being a little overprotective, but still...you just didn't want her getting taken advantage of.