Behind Palace Walls

by NeenaD91

Prince Vegeta has two goals that must go undeterred: Beat Freeza, and clean up his shitty ass Kingdom. He thinks he's making headway until someone he least expects comes along and reminds him to breathe: a concubine.

21. The Prodigal Son and the Daughter's Ball

Behind Palace Walls ch 21

Extra long chappie as an apology for my absence. Getting to work on writing the next one as you read. Enjoy!

XXXX

"Oh Vanessa, could you please stop fidgeting," at her mother's millionth request, Vanessa abruptly stopped trying to wriggle out the form fitting dress. "And for heaven's sake stop slouching. You're a princess, not an ogre."

Vanessa sighed, very loudly, and slumped further into bad posture if that was at all possible. The Queen sighed herself and plopped into the chair behind her, holding her forehead in her hand. "You're making this quite unbearable," she groaned to herself. "Now I can see why you and your father argue"

Hopping off the pedestal and waving off the seamstresses, Vanessa kicked off her shoes and plopped into the chair opposite her mother. "Well, I have to have gotten it from somewhere," she retorted.

Watching the two women from a distance, Bulma mindlessly searched the racks for something to wear. Vanessa was being quite insufferable, but Bulma knew the reason and couldn't blame her. She probably felt just as bad as Bulma did when she found out she'd be sold into slavery. Getting dolled up while you walk to your doom was the last thing any woman wanted to do.

"It's a lovely dress honey, must you insist on the sour face?"

Vanessa glared. "Can we not pretend that this is about the dress mom?" The Princess got back and up and stood in front of the mirror, frowning at her reflection. "I mean look at me. I look like I'm screaming for someone to take me away."

"Vanessa…."

"And that is what you want isn't it?"

"Darling no, of course not," Valerie was at her side in an instant and cupped her cheeks.

"None of this is about me, and what I want. It's all about dad, and parliament, and those stupid suitors. They're going to want to take me away and I'm….I'm not ready to go yet."

"That's not going to happen"

The Princess shot her mother a ridiculous look. "Here's your bride so you can become King but there's a catch, she's actually going to stay home with her own family," she shot sarcastically.

"Well just pick a duke then," Valerie offered. "They won't take the throne, so there's some flexibility."

Vanessa glared. "Did you just pick dad mom?"

Valerie sighed again, fiddling with some material in her hands. "No," she confessed. "I actually fell in love with the bastard believe it or not."

"I already fell in love with someone mom," she whispered to her. Valerie gave her daughter a sympathetic look and stood up.

"We can't put our conviction in things that are uncertain Vanessa," she fiddled with the dress again and Vanessa felt like screaming. This conversation is going nowhere. "Your father is at the end of his rope with this and if tonight doesn't go well I don't know how much longer I'll be able to pacify him until you make up your mind."

Vanessa furiously whipped around. "So what am I supposed to do then?"

Suddenly Bulma appeared next to the two ladies, dress in hand. "Sorry to interrupt," she said timidly. "But is this ok?" Holding up a black lace dress, Bulma offered a smile and Valerie smiled in return while Vanessa huffed and turned around to take her own dress off.

Her mother stopped her before she could storm away. "Just pick someone until I can divert his attention." She whispered and swatted her daughter off with a pat before approaching Bulma.

Vanessa stood there, wondering if she heard her mother correctly. And she turned around to find her mother had already moved on, helping Bulma through the racks for the perfect dress for tonight. She acted as though the conversation between them never happened; she acted as though she didn't just say what she said but Vanessa knew she wasn't crazy.

Just what the hell was her mother up to?

XXXX

Having just found the perfect dress, Bulma skipped merrily along to Bardock's lab to collect a few things before getting prepped for tonight. Although she felt bad for Vanessa, Bulma had to admit she was actually excited for tonight. Not only was it her first ball, but it was her first official date with Vegeta. Sure it wasn't the perfect date, she was sure he wasn't buying her flowers and there'd be a lot of other people there but they were getting dressed up and spending time together so Bulma classified that as a date.

To make sure her night was perfect, she thought now would be a good time to lay her surprise on Vegeta but she had a lot of work to do in a short amount of time if she wanted to pull it off. Vegeta had given her permission to go to Bardock's lab and grab a few things (only because she lied and said she needed bandages), so long as she promised not to bother him.

She was shocked to see he was alone when she entered however. Usually his sons and their crew were gathered around, but the old doc was propped up on a stool, head held heavy while he looked down at something. Bulma wasn't sure if it was paper work or if he was sleeping sitting up, and as she approached, she wasn't sure if he noticed her presence either.

Saijins weren't the type of beings to scare, so she crept carefully, looking for the opportune moment to say something.

"I…eh hem," she cleared her throat as she neared him. "Hey Bardock"

Bardock seemed to come out of his stupor and sit up to greet her. "Oh hello Miss Bulma," she sniffed once and turned away to clear his throat. Bulma's eyebrows furrowed together. He wasn't crying was he?

But all trace of his former reverie was gone. "How can I help you?"

"You going to the ball tonight?" she asked trying to pick up small conversation.

"Yes, me and Emmeline are going to stop by for a few. Are you attending as well?"

"Yep, my first ball," Bulma smiled gleefully. "I just picked out my dress and Vegeta is taking me."

Bardock looked impressed. "Wow, making great strides in a small amount of time huh? I don't think his last girlfriend ever made it out to a formal gathering."

Wanting to correct him for calling her Vegeta's girlfriend, Bulma figured she'd let it slide. After all the title didn't sound that bad. "Yeah um, that's kind of why I came down here. I needed some last minute stuff to get ready."

"What could you need in a med lab to get ready?"

"Ummmm….." she hadn't thought this through. How was she to tell him she noticed some old computer garbage pushed aside the other night when she was in here with Radditz and Vegeta? Eyes darting around the room, she found the box she was looking for in the corner of the room.

"Miss Bulma?"

"Bandages!" she cried. "I uhhh…bandages. I put them on the back of my heels; keeps my feet from hurting at the end of the night."

Bardock looked at her curiously. "Okkk, I think I have some around here." Setting down what was in his hand, he got up out his chair to retrieve them.

"The little ones please?" Bulma asked. "If you have them." As the doctor busied himself in his cabinet, Bulma quickly dashed to the box and scooped up a few of the discarded pieces of metal. There were fragments of computers and medical equipment, and she just scooped a handful and shoved it into her purse, hoping she grabbed what she was looking for.

Once Bardock closed the cabinet, she dashed back to her original spot before he could turn around.

"Will these do?"

"Yes," Bulma said breathlessly. "Those are perfect."

Again Bardock cocked an eyebrow at her. He wasn't stupid, he heard her fumbling around in his garbage but he wondered what she was looking for. "Miss Bulma—" Bulma now looked at what was in his hand and curiosity got the better of her.

"Whatcha' got there?" In his right hand he picked back up what he had set down on the counter. Bardock hadn't even realized he mindlessly reached for it again until it was in his hands.

"Oh," he looked down in front of him. "Just an old photo," he said. "I found it in my desk earlier today." Reluctantly showing it to her, Bulma graciously accepted the old photo and smiled at what she saw.

"No way," she giggled. "Is this Goku?" The picture was faded but the flaming hair was undeniable. In the photo Goku had to be about two or three, fat as all hell as he sat amongst probably his favorite thing in the entire world: food. He smiled a drooly smile, mouth full of something while he rocked back on his bottom and held his feet.

Bardock smiled at the memory. He remembered it being a celebration for Radditz being inducted into the Jr. Army at school, Goku of course snuck away and dug into the food before due time and Emmy had to snap a picture. "Yeah," he said. "It's one of the few we have of him. Goku's always been camera shy. He doesn't like flashing lights…or needles." Bardock finished.

Bulma smiled. "Well clearly he's always been a cutie pie," she chided.

Bardock nodded his head. "Don't let the Prince hear you say that too loudly, he's very territorial."

Playfully, Bulma rolled her eyes. "He'll be fine."

A small silence fell between them and ever curious, Bulma broke it. "Is that why you were brooding when I came in?" she asked. "Wishing Goku was little again?"

Bardock chuckled "God no. Believe it or not, I think he ate more then, than he does now." Bulma smiled again. "And when he was a baby he was quite the monstrosity. He was loud and fussy; he didn't like to be held or left alone, and he had a knack for pulling chunks of our hair out." Bardock chuckled.

Bulma looked at a recent photograph of Goku grinning cheerily with his wife and son, then back to Bardock. "That Goku?" she pointed to the picture. "I think you're making up stories," she said.

"No, it's the truth. That Goku was just as unbearable, if not worse than his two brothers."

Bulma scoffed. "And what changed? He's a saint now"

"He changed after we found him on Earth."

Bulma blinked and pulled back in surprise, not expecting the course of conversation to change as it did. Somehow this seemed to change everything, even though everything was still the same. Her brain was having a hard time processing the information she just heard but as her eyes darted back and forth into the old doctor's black orbs, she knew he was telling the truth. "He…you…" she struggled to find her wording. "Goku is an Earthling?"

"No, he was taken from us when he was a baby and we found him on Earth."

"Taken from you?" Bulma sat down on the stool now, fully engaged. "But I thought…I thought Saijins where the only ones who…well, took people from other planets." She whispered the last part as if it were secret news.

"No," Bardock confessed. "The idea is not original. The only difference is we don't snatch children." Bulma continued to listen. "When Emmy was pregnant with Goku, we knew he'd be strong, we could all sense it. King Vegeta wanted to enlist him as soon as he could walk but we tried to shelter him. We had a lot of enemies at the time and if word got out, they wouldn't be opposed to snatching him and using him as a weapon against us."

"And someone from Earth found out?"

"No, Planet Kilyon. Their soldiers ambushed Emmy while she was on a walk with the boys and snatched him right from her arms."

Bulma covered her mouth in shock. "That's….that's awful"

Bardock nodded his head but he kept going. He didn't know what made him share so much with the heiress but he felt he had to tell her this. "We spent months looking for him. I dispatched my whole platoon to work tirelessly until he was returned. Soon months turned into a year and I was a wreck, Emmy was a wreck, and the King had had enough of the time and money we spent into finding him. He called off the search." Bulma didn't utter a word. "So, I resigned from the army, took my mate and two children and we went off on our own."

"How long did it take until you found him again?"

"Not long, I got a lead from a soldier from another planet and oddly enough, you won't believe where he was."

"Earth," Bulma finished for him. A strange feeling overcame her. She always knew there was something different about the Son family. And as much as she longed for home…there was an ironic sense of it right in front of her.

Bardock looked at the picture again. "He crash landed there a few months prior on a broken pod. This little old man named Gohan found him and took him in; protected him from pirates who were after him."

"But how?" Bulma asked. "Was Gohan one of you?"

"Nope, full bread human; born and raised." Bulma marveled. "He was smart and cunning. He knew how to avoid the pirates and disengage them without getting in a fight. He even disengaged me when I came after him." Bardock stood and put the picture back in his office.

"But why would you do that? He took care of your son."

"I was a different person back then. Sergeant Major of the Elite Army; best in my class, and one of the strongest men on the planet. I thought I could beat anyone at any time, and no one could tell me differently. Then to top it off I was furious; furious that someone attacked my mate and stole my son, furious the King wouldn't do anything about it, and furious I couldn't kill the bastards who took him."

"But when we were finally reunited with him, I noticed my damn petulant child did something I've never seen before…he actually smiled." Bulma smiled in return. "All the time, you couldn't get him to stop." Bardock continued. "I thought it was something Gohan did, some sort of witch craft or something but he assured me it wasn't. He did warn me that Goku had fallen from a baby's carriage and landed on his head…"

Bulma's eyes went wide. "Ooh….." she fumbled awkwardly.

Bardock chuckled. "It's ok, you can say it."

"That sure explains a lot," she giggled.

"Yeah," he admitted. "It does. But the more time I spent with them I knew it wasn't that. Gohan invited me to stay on his mountain and he taught me things I had never learned in the army before. Katas, meditation, and peace. It was something I was missing and didn't even know I needed." Bulma nodded. "And when we brought Goku home, he changed me. Suddenly merciless bloodshed and unlimited strength weren't important anymore. I knew what it felt like to lose and be powerless to stop it. I had all the galaxy's power right at my disposal but there was no amount of physical strength that could account to fix it. And once I saw the smile on that little boy's face…my life was suddenly filled with peace, not hatred. And that made me the strongest I've ever been."

Bulma didn't know what to say. It was ironic that such touching words that she would expect from a fellow human came from the lips of a Saijin.

"Bulma?" she looked up at him now. "I know you've lost a lot when you arrived here…everything really. But I want you to know, not all of us are bad people."

Fighting back the wisps in her eyes Bulma smiled. "Heyyyyy," she said, and sniffled once. Maybe Bardock was crying earlier. "I know that," she assured. "I met you and your wife, and Goku and Gohan." She placed her hand atop of his. "I mean…if I'm being honest, your other two sons could use some work but two bad seeds out of the seven of you isn't bad."

Bardock laughed. "Yeah, seems I should have left the two of them on Earth a little longer."

Bulma boosted herself pridefully. "You Saijins make fun but, Earth is a pretty great place."

"I know," Bardock agreed. "You should make it a point to go back."

That caught the heiress off guard. She fumbled a bit, first smiling politely then, pulling back as if it were a sick joke. "C'mon Bardock…" she scoffed, trying to hide that her feelings were hurt. "You know that can't happen."

"It—"

"Daddy-O!" Suddenly Turles was in the doorway disrupting the conversation. "Ma wants to know if you'll be home for lunch before tonight. Kakkarot is coming over too soo….speak now if you want any of the scraps."

Bardock sighed and turned toward his son. "Tell her I'll be home soon."

"Ok," he lingered a bit to stare at the two, making the silence in the room that much more awkward.

"Anything else Turles?" Bardock snapped.

"Well yeah, I thought that was an invitation for you to fly home with me. I actually need to ask you something else….something without Vegeta's toy around."

Bulma glared at him and Bardock sighed, standing up from off his chair.

"Apparently I'm needed at home Miss Bulma. I'll see you at the ball tonight."

"But Bardock I—"

He turned around and gave her a reassuring look that told her everything would be alright, and that this conversation was not over.

XXXX

Bulma would be lying if she said the conversation she had with Bardock wasn't on her mind all afternoon but she pushed it back as the old doc being reminiscent and chatty. It was hard to ignore but her excitement about tonight helped push it away.

She spent a few hours on the computer in the library, getting Vegeta's surprise together before the maidens arrived to help do her hair and makeup.

Vegeta had actually arrived as well, bringing her a plate of food, but Bulma pushed him away stating she didn't want him to see her until she was completely done and there was no way she was letting herself get bloated in her dress.

This of course left the Prince irritated and when he was now dressed and ready, waiting on her to finish, he was growing more irate by the second.

"Woman!" the maidens scurried from the bathroom and bowed to the Prince before exiting the room. "For the hundredth time, let's go!"

"I'm almost readdddyyyyy," Bulma sang.

"What in holy hell is taking you so long? And for fuck's sake, this night is for Vanessa, not us. It would be in poor taste to show up late."

"Well, according to Vanessa, she's not even into going sooooo, we may just get off the hook."

"Womannnnn"

"Vegeta hold on! I told you I want to look pretty for you and I want to smell nice too"

"If you get in that Goddammed shower again, I'm leaving without you"

"I wasn't getting in the shower," she suddenly exited the bathroom. "I was putting on perfume"

Vegeta was breathless.

To say she looked stunning was saying the least. She wore a fitted black silk gown with an open back, that hugged her silhouette and kissed her tiny frame. Her curly mass of hair was straightened down to the middle of her back, and brushed across the side of her face. Strappy heels laced with diamonds dawned her feet while the sweetest perfume enlightened her scent.

Comparatively, this was nothing as opposed to when she was naked but if she had to wear clothes, Vegeta thought she might as well wear this…every day.

"Soooo?" Bulma did a little twirl. "What do you think?"

Trying to do everything not to gawk at her, Vegeta watched her hips sway as she twirled and he gulped hard. "I think we're late," he finally answered.

Bulma immediately frowned. "Vegeta!"

"Don't yell at me woman, I'm your superior. Now come here."

Bulma crossed her arms over her chest. "No!"

The Prince's eye twitched. "What did you say to me?"

"You heard me! I spent hours gussying up to look nice for you. So unless you can tell me something other than, we're late, I'm not going anywhere!"

"Woman, if I have to come and get you, you won't like the consequences"

"Try me…." she seethed through her flawless make up.

Vegeta scowled and bit the inside of his cheek. Whyyyyyyy was she so infuriating?! "Finnnnneeeee! You useless wench!" Stomping his foot with a sigh, Vegeta looked to the ceiling as if it contained life's answers. "You look…beautiful" he bit out through clenched teeth.

"What was that?" she taunted.

"I said you look beautiful you wench now get the fuck over here so we can leave!"

Turning like a switch, Bulma gleefully skipped over. "Awww, you're such a sweetheart Veggie! See that wasn't so bad!" she planted a kiss on his cheek when she reached him.

"Stop calling me that!"

The Prince didn't clean up too bad himself. He wore the same clean get up he wore when they went to town the day prior, only the material was finer and pressed firmly, indicating it was formal attire.

"Here!" suddenly Bulma felt something being shoved in her hands. "I picked this up for you," he grumbled the last part.

"What's this?" Opening the velvet blue box, Bulma's eyes lit up at the light shining back at her. "Oh Vegeta! It's gorgeous!" Two diamond earrings and a diamond necklace were there to greet her. The earrings were miraculously cut stones, finer than any diamond she's seen on Earth, while the pendant of the necklace was in the shape of a delicate tear drop. "You picked this out for me?"

Vegeta rolled his eyes. "Don't make such a big deal about it woman. It's just jewelry. Plus I figured if my father found out my mother spent money buying you a dress and jewelry, he might shit a stone and I'm not in the mood for his shit this evening."

"Uhhh huhhhh," the Prince loved to come up with excuses but Bulma knew this was picked special for her. "Will you help me put it on?"

"Jeez you're helpless." He huffed but did it anyway. Delicately removing the necklace from its box and placing it around her neck while Bulma put on the earnings. Being so close to her he was able to marvel her beauty up close and get a whiff of her glorious scent. The creamy skin on her back was beckoning his call and it was hard to resist. He knew if he got going now, he wouldn't be able to stop but that didn't mean he couldn't steal a touch.

A lingering hand drew slowly down her spine and it gave Bulma a shiver. Just as she was about to turn around Vegeta embraced her from behind and wrapped his tail around her. He purred in her ear and kissed her neck. "Don't forget, you're with me tonight," he whispered. "So much as a hello and my breastplate gets a new honor."

Bulma leaned into his embrace and giggled. "And how am I supposed to make friends that way?"

"Woman, I'm your only friend," his grip tightened possessively around her. "All those other cocksuckers can go to hell."

Turning around in his arms, Bulma giggled and kissed his lips. "Vegeta, play nicceee"

"I mean it woman. There's nothing but vultures at these things."

"C'mon," she said. "I thought we were late."

XXX

The ballroom was packed with guests. Royal dignitaries, militants, and social elitists all gathered around the exquisitely decorated ballroom in Vanessa's honor. It was no different from the posh parties that Bulma attended on Earth, save a few unusual looking aliens from other planets. But as she neared the entrance with Vegeta, she found herself getting fidgety again.

"Stop it," Vegeta said through clenched teeth

"I can't help it; I'm kind of nervous to meet all your friends."

"I don't have any friends. These are all cretonnes from other planets, here to kiss ass and conduct business."

"Well when you say it that way," Bulma said sarcastically but outwardly she was still fidgety. "What if I do something to embarrass you?"

"Then I'll kill you," Vegeta shot. Bulma rolled her eyes.

"Vegeta, I mean it."

"Woman, the only thing you could do to embarrass me is run off with some low life in which case, tell me now so I can get with the killing."

Bulma let out a huff. This was going nowhere.

"But what if—"

"Introducing his royal highness, Prince Vegeta XVIII!" the entire room stopped what they were doing to bow as the Vegeta and Bulma entered the room, and didn't get up until his dignitary wave gave the all clear. Eyes wide as saucers, Bulma almost pissed her pants until the following seconds when the room resumed to normal conversation.

"An announcer! Why the hell didn't you tell me there was an announcer!" she whispered harshly to him. People were beginning to stare at them as they walked in the room.

"Because I knew you'd react this way now stop it!" he whispered back.

"People are staring at me."

"Maybe it's because you've got your damn back out for the whole world to see. Jesus, I told my mother to pick out something that covered you up"

"I thought you liked my dress?" Ever so slightly, Bulma poked out her bottom lip. Then she remembered something. "Wait a second, how come I wasn't introduced?"

"Woman! Don't be infuriating tonight—"

"Vegeta there you are," Queen Valerie approached the couple and looked disapprovingly at her son. "Cutting it a little close aren't you? Vanessa is due to arrive any minute now"

The Prince nudged his head to the heiress next to him. "Not my fault."

Now Valerie turned her attention to Bulma. "Oh Miss Bulma! I almost didn't recognize you! You look stunning!" Embracing the heiress by the shoulders, she kissed both cheeks.

"Thank you," Bulma blushed and smiled graciously. "As do you." The Queen wore a royal blue A-line gown that was fitted at the top and bit loose toward the bottom. Her hair was wound in a tightly knit bun and her golden royal crown graced her head.

"Glad to see you two made it together," she smiled at her son who eyed her suspiciously.

"Mother I—"

"I've got to go and find your father dear but do me a favor," she pointed to a cluster of men, all with drinks in their hands, seemingly waiting on something. "Could you scope out the inventory, give me a hint as to which one Vanessa may like?"

Vegeta stopped for a moment to get a sense of their ki's. He scoffed. "No one; their all weak."

"Vegetaaaaa," Valerie pleaded.

"Yeah whatever, I'll see which one can take a punch without crying," he retorted, which meant he'd do what his mother had asked. "Wait here woman."

"Wait but Vegeta I—"

And just like that the both of them were gone. Not having a moment to let out a breath to her date, Bulma huffed out the rest of her sentence to herself and slouched over a bit. So much for first date.

Looking around her, she smiled as graciously as she could to those who looked on, while she gazed around the ballroom. It really was exquisite. White silk drapery framed the ceiling and cascaded down the four corners of the room, while the Queen's favorite flowers were placed in tall standing vases and center pieces on the tables. The lighting was bright enough to make the room vibrant while dim enough to set the scene, and there were endless tables of bountiful food waiting to be eaten. Soft music played in the background but no one danced; probably because it sounded like a strange mix between classical and smooth jazz.

Each guest looked as marvelous as the room, and as Bulma stood there while people passed her by, staring at her, she had the sudden urgency to retreat to her room. She felt a little out of place there and not having Vegeta at her side, or anyone really made her uneasy.

"Hey Bulma!" she'd come to recognize that voice anywhere, partly because it was always accompanied by a cheery demeanor.

"Oh, hey Goku!" she breathed a sigh of relief as he and Chi-Chi approached. "Thank God you're here!"

"Why? What's wrong?" he asked. He looked awkward in a tux, partly because of his untamed wild hair, and partly because he was fidgeting in it, but his mate wore a long, deep purple gown to compliment him. And her hair was down for once. She looked great.

"Vegeta left her alone dear," Chi-Chi answered for him. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Oh," Goku quickly scanned the room for Vegeta. "Wonder what he did that for."

"Probably got sick of that stupid blue hair." Of course wherever Goku went, his brothers weren't far behind. Turles and Radditz approached next, both equally dressed in matching tuxes, though the twins were able to get their hair under control.

Bulma glared at Turles. "Hello to you too…ape" she shot back in return.

"Turles, Bulma looks lovely tonight," Chi-chi scolded. "Including her hair." She smiled.

"Thank you Chi-Chi," the heiress made it a point to stick her tongue out to her enemy before turning back to Goku's mate. "I like your hair too."

"I'm bored of this conversation already," Radditz announced, sipping the drink in his hand.

Bulma turned her attention to the twins again. "What's the matter, couldn't find dates for this evening?"

They scoffed simultaneously. "Finding a date is not a problem," Radditz corrected. A few seconds passed and they all waited for the explanation as to why he was dateless. "….I just…didn't want to bring a slut to this thing. You know, had to keep it classy."

"Yeah and besides, single bachelors need apply so, scoot you wench. This ball is for the men," Turles added.

"Oh puhhh-leazzeee," Bulma fired. "Like you have a shot!"

"What are you talking about? I'm First Sergeant in the Elite army! Once the princess sees that these snots are all weaklings, the King will be breaking down my door, begging me to take her."

"I'm Sergeant Major," Goku offered.

"You're married you moron."

"So now you've got the Princess on your radar?" Brolly was the next to approach the group, having heard the conversation. "Poor girl."

"She's cute," Turles nodded. "Kind of sucks she's related to Vegeta but, I wouldn't mind waking up in a palace every morning."

"You're pretty sick man," taking another sip of his drink, Radditz looked down at his younger by two minutes baby-brother. Though the twins usually agreed on a lot of things, this one, he'd have to sit out on.

"What?"

"We've known her since like….birth. Hell, she's like our baby sister."

Turles waved his brother off and dreamed to himself about the free food and servants he could have for the rest of his life.

"Introducing the guest of honor," the announcers' loud voice cut off all further conversation. "Her royal highness, Miss Vanessa Alania Sabella No Ouji!"

The music seemed to change upon Vanessa's entrance and each and very guest stopped what they were doing to watch her enter and finally bow to her. Her father escorted her to the center of the room where all the guests, especially the eligible bachelors could get a look at how gorgeous she was.

She wore a blood red trumpet dress that was off the shoulder and had a long train behind her. Her curly masses were tamed in an ornicate bun, decorated with jewels while her white gold crown held the do in place. Her makeup was delicate and accentuating and while she looked striking on the outside, on the inside she was dreading being here. Her applicated smile said that, although she tried her best to hide it.

When her father gave the all clear, the audience stood and began clapping, and Vanessa waved to her crowd, regally, just like her mother had taught her.

From the audience, Bulma clapped too but inwardly, she felt for the Princess. Not only was she still recovering from the other night but Bulma knew how much Vanessa hated putting on a show just to appease her kingdom. Plus, her heart belonged with someone else. This was all just a dog and pony show.

Soon the music changed and Vanessa and her parents went to finally greet the suitors who waited like impatient dogs for her. Bulma sighed in pity and crumped her face for the poor Princess. Now she really felt bad for her. That and being left by Vegeta was really killing her first ball buzz.

"What's the matter?" Radditz teased. "Wishing this was your life?"

Bulma snorted and swatted him away. "Ew, as if." She said. "Where are the drinks, I need one."

"Are you even old enough little girl?"

Now she shoved him out of the way. "Forget it, I'll find it by myself."

As she walked around the room, again people stared at her but more of them seemed to draw their attention toward Vanessa and her meeting of the suitors. This helped Bulma feel less anxious as she took off in search of a drink. She didn't like too many eyes on her.

Ironically enough, as much as the patrons stared, the caterers seemed to leave her completely unnoticed as they whizzed by, trays of champagne (or what looked like it) in hand. Bulma tried flagging a couple down but they blew right by her, intent on serving guests of higher priority first. She wasn't above mowing one down to get what she wanted, but as soon as she willed up the guts to do so, a drink magically appeared in front of her.

"Are you looking for one of these?" A kind old stranger held out a flute to her and Bulma sighed a small sigh of relief.

"Thank you," she said, and followed the hand up to a dapper old man and his equally dressed wife. He looked non-threatening enough, probably because he was so old and partially hunched over (not to mention the silver cane he used to prop himself up), surrounded by two more couples of the same age.

Bulma accepted the drink with one hand and held out her other to shake his. "I'm Bulma," she introduced. "Bulma Briefs."

"Nice to meet you Miss Briefs," said the old man. The heiress shook his wife's hand next. "I'm Salsek, and this is my mate, Gerra."

"Charmed," said Gerra.

"We saw you walk in with the Prince," Salsek said. "We were quite impressed."

"Oh," Bulma tried not to blush but she wasn't so sure what she was embarrassed about.

"It's been awhile since we've seen the Prince with such a stunning young lady by his side."

Now she blushed. "Oh, why thank you, you're so kind."

"Tell me dear, are you his concubine or are you seeing him monogamously?"

Bulma's eyes went wide but she tried to limit them from saucers to dinner plates…possibly dessert plates. Thankfully she hadn't taken a sip of her drink yet or it would have wound up in Gerra's face. She guessed not all women on this planet were as tactful as the queen and as Gerra blinked in curiosity, awaiting her reply, Bulma guessed she wasn't sorry either.

"I uhhh, well, I guess it's pretty monogamous. I haven't seen any other women around," she chided jokingly and wasn't sure if she should be relieved or not when the elder couples delighted in her joke.

"Please," said Salsek. "Don't be put off by my mate's bluntness. She doesn't accompany me to a lot of these functions."

"It's ok," Bulma said, trying to remain cool and finally took a sip of her drink. Now she really needed it. "Are you from this planet or did you travel for the even tonight?"

"Oh no, no, 100% Saijin," he said with a tap of his cane on the floor. "I'm part of the royal council, so I've been around the block quite some time."

"Oh!" Bulma was stunned. She knew Vegeta bitched about his council being old stuffy bags before but this old man actually seemed charming, and nice…at least he was to her. Maybe it was because she was pretty but she'd take it. Anything to feel like she was being treated with respect. "Well, it's a pleasure to be in your company," she said. "I had no idea"

"Nahh, no one cares about us old bags," Salsek said. "But thank you, you're a gem"

"No really," Bulma encouraged. "I've never stood before a real council before. And you guys are the backbone of the kingdom, it's an honor."

"Well thank you Miss Briefs," he accepted her kind words. "It's a thankless job but I suppose someone has to do it."

"Especially if we're going to finally close in on this weapons deal," another old man in the group added in and they seemed to do a "here, here" raising their glasses and taking a drink. Bulma didn't know what was acceptable so she drank with them.

"Tell me Miss Bulma," Gerra began. "If you and the Prince are well..intimate, then you must know of the current state of the kingdom." Bulma's eyes went wide again. This woman really wouldn't let up. "What do you think of the kingdom's democratic plan to trade weapons by way of marriage of our Princess?"

Gulping down the sip of her drink, Bulma looked around the old Saijin gang as they awaited her response. Then she looked to Salsek to see if he'd save her from his wife but apparently she was on her own on this one.

"Honestly?" she asked.

"Well yes," Gerra said. "If you ask me, she should marry someone of her own kind."

Inwardly Bulma shrouded. She guessed now would not be the appropriate time to tell them that she was an Earthling. "Well…." She fiddled with her glass a little. "And I hope I'm not speaking out of turn but…you guys…don't need weapons." She closed her eyes for a brief moment, partly expecting the music to rip to a halt and everyone to gasp in her direction but when she peeked through she only saw the old man gang awaiting her further explanation so she continued.

"You guys…you Saijins I mean are strong…really strong. I've seen some of the army in action, and they don't seem like they need to rely on weapons."

"Well yes of course but, brute strength will not up keep diplomacy with other planets," one of the old men commented. "You'll learn that perhaps when you're a little older young lady," he chuckled and raised his glass before taking a sip.

Bulma raised a challenging eyebrow. Game on. "No it won't but your strength is your greatest weapon. You're sitting on an untapped resource that you could be exploiting to your own advantage." The old man looked at her questioningly, mildly upset that she had spoken out of turn but Salsek looked interested so Bulma continued. "Look, Vegeta rambles on all the time about how Saijins are the greatest warriors in all the universe and while I've never been to other planets, so far I know of it to be true. There are plenty of planets out there, hundreds even, who don't have that kind of strength but they do have enemies. Enemies who aren't you. If you marketed your military to lesser countries, they would pay through the nose for your protection. Give um a little start up money, train their men on basic routine and station some of your soldiers there to help them out. They'd be forever indebted to you, you can set up a relationship in which your services could be traded for goods and currency and once other planets catch wind that Saijin presence is there, they'd back off. Plus, if you ever needed it, now you have allies which will provide strength in numbers to fight your own fights."

The old man who insulted her now scoffed as if that was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. "Oh really? And you know of this to work how?"

Bulma shrugged. "It works where I come from."

"And where is that?"

"Hopefully not a pathetic little mud ball like Earth!" another added and the old gang laughed at his joke, unknowing of how true it was.

Bulma bit her lip and sucked in her breath, trying to remain strong but it was hard. She thought at first the group of old men were being nice to her but apparently only if she shut up and looked pretty. She wanted to fume and retort that she was from Earth but remembering who they were, she stopped from embarrassing Vegeta. Leaving was probably the best thing to do at the moment but a gentle hand at the small of her back, stopped her from doing so.

"Actually, she is from Earth. That isn't a problem with any of you old fools is it?"

Bulma smiled, refraining from looking too goofy. She looked up at Vegeta dreamily and his hand moved protectively around her waist. Her Prince was always there to save her.

Meanwhile the old man gang looked stunned. "Earth?" one of the wives choked out. "Are you….are you serious your majesty?"

"Did I stutter?" he asked, face hard as stone. "And if it's a problem let me know. I can easily arrange for younger blood to take your seats at the council's table."

"Your highness—"

"This night is about my sister. Not about how your archaic, elitist way of thinking drives this kingdom into the shitter and makes me fucking sick. All I asked is: is, she, a fucking, problem?" he sounded out each word, removing all possibility of lightheartedness from his demeanor.

"No your majesty"

"Not at all"

"She's a true delight your highness," Salsek closed. He was the only one who didn't laugh at Bulma when the others did, and looked at her impressed, instead of in disregard, when she laid out her plan.

"Good, goodnight to you then," Vegeta said, and guided Bulma away with a pat on the back from Salsek as they went.

"Goodnight," Bulma said, then leaned into her Prince. Once they were out of earshot, she reached up to kiss him on the cheek.

Vegeta grimaced. "Don't do that," he wiped the remnants of kiss from his cheek. "We're in public."

Bulma giggled. "You always know when to rescue me," she said. "I just wanted to show my appreciation."

"You know how to put yourself in situations that need rescuing don't you?"

Bulma scoffed. "For the record, I could have told those old geezers where to shove it but…I didn't want to embarrass you."

"Hn'" Vegeta seemed disinterested as he snatched her drink and downed the rest of it.

"Hey!"

"I could care less what those old bastards think; half the panel is about to die out anyway. Wouldn't embarrass me for one more person to tell them to go to hell on the way to the grave."

Bulma giggled again. "Well, I don't think he would approve," Bulma motioned to Vegeta's father, who had now left Vanessa and was working the room, all the while keeping an angry eye on the pair ever since they rejoined together.

Now it was Vegeta's turn to scoff. "Bet he wouldn't approve of this either," scooping Bulma into his chest, Vegeta tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and tapped noses with her.

"I thought we were in public," she giggled. People were staring at them again but it was hard to pay them any attention when Vegeta was this close to her.

"Hn'" he grabbed her by the chin. "So what makes you an expert on foreign policy anyway? Took a class in one of your many years of schooling?"

Bulma shrugged. "I only speak about what I know."

"And let me guess, you know because you're a genius?"

"Well duh," she winked at him and Vegeta smirked.

"You're my genius," he said and grabbed her ass.

It earned a squeak out of her. "Vegeta!" she tried swatting his hands away. "People are watching!" He knew people were watching, especially his father and his council who were most likely both fuming at his public display of affection with an Earthling.

"Good," he said, then moved to her ear. "I want everyone to know, I'm going to fuck the shit out of you tonight."

And then he kissed her. And Bulma's panties almost dropped to the floor.

XXX

Vanessa was through the moment she walked through the double doors and got a look at what was waiting for her. Twenty of the galaxies finest bachelors (save the ones she hadn't already scared away) awaiting her arrival like all the scum that waited for women at the slave auctions. Vanessa had a taste of what Bulma had gone through when she was sold into slavery except unlike the heiress, there was no handsome Prince waiting to rescue her. Just these… idiots.

About five of them were her father's age and balding, another seven or so were green and scaly, three had their noses in the air and couldn't be bothered to talk to her and the rest couldn't shut up. Vanessa had been shooting her mother pathetic looks all night, but her mother only gestured for her daughter to sit up straight and smile, whilst she worked the room and made small talk with the parents and council of the visiting suitors.

"It's actually quite an interesting procedure"

Snapping out of her trance, Vanessa met the eyes of her current guest, chatting her ear off and spitting as he talked. He had mentioned something or the other about studying medicine as he awaited the throne; Vanessa honestly couldn't remember as she had spent most of the time gazing at the piece of vegetable stuck between his teeth and hoping he didn't spit it onto her forehead during conversation.

Meanwhile she roused her eyebrows with faux amusement. "Hmmm, interesting." Her mother had taught her that if she didn't have anything nice to say, she shouldn't open her mouth at all but she wasn't exactly supposed to be a big lump of nothing at these kinds of events either. Plus this guy was the combo platter of all things heinous; fat, old, balding, and weak. Whose idea was it to even invite this guy?

"After you make the incision, you use the scalpel to extract out all the puss and when you hear a pop, and a gurgle, you know you've got it right," he smiled at her, oblivious to Vanessa's horror, then took a sloppy slurp of his drink.

Vanessa felt her stomach lurch, and the bit of crackers she shoved down in her room coming to her teeth.

"Umm, excuse me," pushing him out the way and grabbing her train, the Princess made a bolt for the open balcony doors and didn't stop until she hit the railing.

Leaning far over, she panted and struggled to catch her breath; it was the first time the room didn't feel like it was spinning. "Oh my God…." She panted some more and discarded her crown, throwing it to the ground.

This was ludicrous; this was all ludicrous. She couldn't go through with this, not even for another moment. Her mother, despite being vague about whatever plan she had, was just as mad as her father for forcing her to go through with this. She wasn't interested in these men, not even in the slightest bit. She was only interested in one man, and unfortunately he didn't fit the bill to have her hand in marriage.

"Arrrrgggggguhhh!" Vanessa let out a cry and felt like tearing her own hair out. She was still leaning over the edge and hadn't realized she had company on the terrace.

"Ummmm, you're not going to jump are you?"

Vanessa jumped at the voice and whirled around, glaring when it wasn't Pragus to rescue her. "What?" she snapped.

"You; fence; jump?" the man approached her slowly, puffing away at a cigarette as he went. He was hiding in the shadows of the billowing curtains it seemed until he came to light. Moderately tall, and dashingly handsome, Vanessa under any other circumstances would classify him as a panty dropper but she was annoyed at the moment, and he was no Pragus. His skin was tan, and he had dark slicked back hair, oddly enough with two deep strikes of blue at the sides; must have been a race thing because his eyes were the same opaque color. He wore the same monkey suit every other guy wore but it seemed he had long given up on the evening because he lost the bow tie and let the top buttons of his shirt undone, giving way to his muscled chest.

Vanessa scoffed. "Get lost," she resigned.

"No I mean really, are you? Because…I can get help if you want." He took a final drag of his cigarette before putting it out on the ground.

Meanwhile the Princess rolled her eyes. "If I came out here alone to jump over this railing, what would make you think I wanted help?"

The stranger recoiled at the question. "Ahhh I don't know…aren't you girls always doing things to get attention?"

Vanessa looked down at the ground below her; they were only three stories up so it wouldn't be such a daring leap; and besides, she could fly. If she really wanted to off herself, jumping was out of the question.

But he didn't know that. Smirking at the man in front of her, she picked up her train and stood on the cement railing of the balcony with unsteady feet. This of course was all an act. One thing she could thank her brother for was training her with acute reflexes.

"You're right," she admitted. "I don't think I can go on living this way. Tell my parents, the party was great, but I'm destined for better things."

"Wait!"

"Farewell!" And with that she dropped.

Giving the appearance of a free fall, Vanessa let her body fall from the weight of gravity, before catching herself and floating underneath where she could be concealed. She snickered to herself, thinking of the chaos she could make of this ball and hopefully turn things around but when moments passed and she heard the music go on as if nothing had happen, her smile had morphed into a frown. As a matter of fact, she didn't even hear the stranger's footsteps dash after her to try and save her.

The joke was apparently on her, and when an angry Princess reappeared behind the railing of the balcony, the stranger was still there, lighting up another cigarette.

"Hey!" she cried, and hoisted herself up over the railing. It was certainly harder than falling and her poofy dress didn't help either. "What gives?!"

"Oh," said the stranger. "You're back," he smiled warmly as if nothing happened at all.

"Way to go on letting a lady commit suicide you prick," she stomped over to him and shoved him for good measure. "Just what the hell kind of gentleman are you?"

"Well, before you went, I was going to offer you a smoke but you know," he offered a sarcastic shrug and wave of nonchalance.

Vanessa glared and the man fought everything inside him not to smile. "Give me that," the Princess ordered and snatched the lit cigarette right from his lips. She took a long drag and turned away from him.

"Classy," he said and dug another one from his pocket, lighting it quickly. "And I don't suppose all that moxy comes with a name?"

Vanessa turned around again. "What, you mean you didn't hear the intercom when I came in?"

"I came late."

"Now look who's classy."

With an urge of his eyes, both of them took equal drags of their smokes before Vanessa blew and gave in. "Vanessa," she said and held out her hand. "Vanessa No Ouji"

He feigned shock with a gasp and gladly took it. "You mean like the Princess?! Well ma'am it is my honor," giving her a bow, Vanessa continued to glare.

"I'm gonna put this out in your eye," she threatened and the man laughed.

"Eric," he said with a bow. "Prince Eric of Jules and we Julens are very sensitive of the eyes so please your majesty," he bowed again. "I beg of you."

Instead of laughing at his lighthearted humor, Vanessa inspected him and crossed her arms. "Prince Eric?" she asked.

He looked around to see if anyone else was on the balcony. "Yeah, that's me. Surprised I'm so dashing?"

She scoffed again. "No, just wondering what kind of stupid ass name Eric is."

"Almost as stupid as Vanessa," he retorted.

The Princess steamed. "Excuse me, do you know who you're talking to?"

"Of course I do," Eric dragged again at his cigarette. "Her royal highness, Miss Vanessa Alania Sabella No Ouji!" he did he best to replicate the announcer who had proclaimed her entrance awhile earlier.

Vanessa found it hard not to blush. "Shut up," she said and shoved him again.

"Nice middle name," he commented. "Sabella. Means, "my God is my oath", right?"

Again she inspected him, looking him up and down as if he were a spy and not a Prince. "How'd you know that?"

"Your council gives us this weird tell-all file about you before we get here. Some of your interests, likes, dislikes, general conversation starters. The history of your name was in there. By the way, what's with this thing you like? Co-cho-chocolate? What is that? Is it like a flower?"

Rolling her eyes at her council this time (and her mother, as she was sure the Queen was behind this) Vanessa accepted the answer and changed the subject.

"Why weren't you inside with the others when I met them?"

"I; came; late." He repeated, one syllable at a time. "Keep up slick." Tapping her on the forehead, Vanessa swatted his hands away.

"Charming," she retorted. "You make it appoint to show up at all foreign events late?"

He gave a casual shrug. "Eh, I'm not really into the whole "marriage at first meet" thing. Plus it's of no urgency; my older brother already has the thrown. He just "wants to see me happy" and I like to come for the free food and all the lonely broads hoping to score a Prince."

Vanessa laughed haughtily. "So that's your scheme? Disguise yourself as a civilian and pick up girls that fell to the wayside at the end of the night?"

Eric sighed happily. "It's genius isn't it?"

This time the Princess laughed genuinely. "You're sick you know that?"

"Yeah…forgot to mention that about us Julens. We're pretty sick too." Vanessa smiled. "Hold on a second Princess, you've got something in your hair." Moving beside her, Vanessa felt herself tense as he reached behind her and in one expert swoop, loosened the pins holding her bun together, and let the masses of her curls fall free.

"There," he said, gently moving the curly mass to one side of her face. He picked up her discarded crown, gave it back to her. "Now you look like your picture."

Vanessa hid behind her hair so he couldn't see her blush. "Thanks," she murmured into the curls. "That thing was giving me a headache." There was an awkward silence between them; or maybe it was just Vanessa feeling awkward but either way she broke it with further conversation.

"So what else was in that file of mine? I'd like to know what reasons I have for killing my own mother."

Eric laughed smoothly and leaned on the railing. "Nahhh, don't do that. I had the pleasure of speaking to her for all of five minutes. She's a nice lady."

"You don't live with her."

"Well how about we trade? You take my sister in law, and I'll take your mother."

"Bitch?" Vanessa asked.

He gave in with an empathetic sigh. "Such a bitch." Vanessa laughed again. "I feel bad for my brother but he's in it for life. Nothing is gonna get her to walk away from the throne now that she's got a taste of power."

"Hey, for the right price, we can take care of her for you," Vanessa said coolly, and Eric stopped to consider it, before ration got the best of him.

"Nah, my brother would never forgive me. But ask me again in the near future, I may reconsider."

"So, what else does my file say?"

Eric looked interestingly at her. "You really know nothing about this?"

"Nothing before tonight."

"Jeez, your people really are barbarians huh?"

"Watch it"

"Well," he said casually. "For starters, you can't have any of this," snatching the cigarette from her fingers, the foreign Prince threw it over the balcony.

"Hey!" Vanessa shrieked. "What'd you do that for?"

"Hate to be the one to tell you Princess but there is a disclaimer in there."

"A disclaimer! What the hell would be in the—" catching herself, Vanessa's eyes flat lined and she blew steam from her nose. Her illness. Yep, it was certain; she was killing her own mother. Right after she gave this creep a piece of her mind. "You're the one who offered me the damn cigarette."

"Well that's after I thought that you were going to leap to your doom. Now that I know you're alive and well…." He trailed. "No more for you."

Vanessa crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. "Asshole"

"Ooooohh, don't you go name calling now," without thinking he hoisted her up so she was sitting on the railing and surprisingly, the Princess didn't tense up this time. "You may be a barbarian, but I'm much more cunning, and I'll win."

"Feh, try me" she dared.

"Princess," having finished his cigarette and reaching for a new one, the Prince quickly lit it and took a drag. "This is hardly acceptable."

"What are you? A pussy too?"

"Wench"

Vanessa laughed. "Is that the best you've got?"

"I don't want to hurt your feelings." The two stared each other down.

"Assclown"

"Bitch"

"Cocksucker"

"Cockmuppet"

"Knuckle dragger"

"Picklesmoocher"

"Twat"

"Cun—"

"Ahhh!" Loosing her footing for real this time, the Princess lost her balance and fell backwards off the railing, not having the grace to catch herself this time so Prince Eric did it for her.

"Shit! Princess!" he grabbed her swiftly by the arm and pulled her up and over, her dress making her ascent, less than gracious. "Dammit, you weren't actually supposed to go over the railing this time."

When she was finally hoisted over, she felt an awful tearing in her abdomen and then liquid pooled in her dress.

"Ow! Shit!" she cursed and held onto her side. She shielded her body from Eric but even through her crimson red dress, she could see the blood. "Shit," she cursed again.

"Are you alright Princess?" Eric had lost the cigarette and his playful demeanor was gone. "I didn't mean to startle you, I thought it was just playful banter. I—"

"I have to go," Vanessa suddenly said, dashing inside.

"Wait!"

"I'm sorry, I have to go…I…I'll see you later!" She didn't give him a chance to speak as she darted back into the ballroom, eyes scanning the crowd for Radditz.

It didn't take long to find him, scheming on one of the single socialites, hoping to bag a Prince. As she approached she whistled at him, hoping to catch his attention but he was leaned up casually against the wall, laying on thick whatever charm he had for this woman.

"Pssst, Radditz! Radditz!" she tried whispering so only he could here but of course it was futile. Frustrated at his lack of attention, Vanessa snatched a dinner roll from a nearby server and chucked it hard at the back of the soldier's head.

"Ow! Who the fuck?!" the eldest of the Son brothers turned around and made direct eye contact with Vanessa who met him with pleading eyes.

"My stitches" she mouthed to him and h gave her a pathetic look.

"Excuse me," he told his temporary date. "I'll be right back."

XXXX

"What the fuck is going on Vanessa?" Dual voices met her in the med bay and for a moment, Vanessa was confused, hell Radditz was confused, but an irate Pragus greeted them both.

"Dude, where've you been all night?" Radditz asked, fumbling around for the necessary tools.

"Who was that guy Vanessa?" Pragus ignored his friend and approached the Princess who tried to hop on the med table in her skin tight dress. Her efforts seemed pointless.

"What guy?" she asked. "Owww, hury Radditz, I think I ripped them bad," she whined.

"What the hell where you doing anyway?" he asked.

Pragus meanwhile helped her up on the table, not liking being ignored. "Vanessa," he asked again. "Who the fuck was that guy?"

"Which guy Pragus, I met a lot of guys tonight," she bounced with urgency on the med table, the pain of her ripped stitches digging into her side. "Raddiittzzzz" she whined again.

"Awww, shut up, I'm coming!"

"The one outside," Pragus continued.

"Eric?" Vanessa asked ridiculously. She hadn't sensed Pragus anywhere around. When she asked if he'd be coming tonight he said he had to work a detail so needless to say she was surprised he was here, more or less even watching her at the ball. "He's a Prince and I met him, so what? News flash, that's what I'm supposed to do at these things Gus."

"He was all over you!"

Vanessa recoiled before getting defensive. "He was not!"

"I can smell him on you! That means he was too close!"

"Uhhh, don't mean to break up this happy little reunion but..." Radditz approached the table, supplies in hand. "You're gonna have to loose the dress."

"Oh dammit," fiddling to find the clasp and zipper in the back, Vanessa muttered to herself before Pragus stood behind her and took the material in his hand, ripping it in two. Eric who? Those were the rippling muscles she was used to.

Not having the time to swoon over his strength, Radditz lay her down on the table and inspected the damage while Vanessa covered her breasts with her hands and looked up at Pragus. He looked angrily down back at her.

She hadn't realized how infatuated he was with her until now. They had talked about this before, her meeting suitors. He knew it was part of the job but tonight it suddenly became real for him. And feigning attraction or not, he did not like to see the woman he loved, laughing coyly with other men.

"Pragus—"

"Shit Vanessa what did you do to yourself?"

"Owwww!" she howled when he pressed a towel with antiseptic to her torso. Grabbing both breasts in one hand she used the other to reach for Pragus' but he was still angry so he kept his hands to himself. Heaving a sigh, the princess reached behind her just so she would have something to hold onto but instead of grabbing the counter she knocked a few papers off the top.

"Dammit Vanessa," Radditz cursed. "The whole point of being inconspicuous is so that people don't know we were in here."

"Sorry, sorry." Radditz stood up and picked up the stack of papers, one of which being a blue print for some sort of machine. The look of the machine stopped to give him pause, as it was something he'd never seen before. A hybrid of a space-ship and training room, entitled "gravity room" at the top.

His pause peeked the curiosity of Pragus as well, who joined his side to look at the blue print. "What is it?" he asked his superior.

"I don't know," Radditz said. "Looks like some sort of blue print for a training ship."

"Training ship?" Pragus asked, then looked over the map himself. "What the hell is a Capsule Corp?"

XXXX

Bardock was distracted all night. He didn't eat much, wasn't in the mood for conversation and didn't dance at all with his wife. He kept his eyes on the Prince who seemed to be having a good time with Bulma.

He thought about the probability of breaking it up, both now and in the future. This would be so much easier if the two hated each other but with each passing moment, their bond became stronger. Not to mention the clock was running out to get his answer to Dr. Briefs. Bardock was torn, he knew the Prince needed to know but he was worried Vegeta would make the wrong decision. The selfish one.

Having just finished a dance with the heiress, the audience applauded when the music stopped and Bulma leaned into her Prince before the couple retreated to the side-lines. This was Bardock's chance.

"Prince Vegeta," he grabbed his attention before any of the other guests could get it first.

"Bardock old man, I thought you swore off these events long ago."

"I need to talk to you,"

Sensing the urgency in the doctor's voice and seeing it in his eyes, Vegeta knew this was no laughing matter. But with the woman pressed up next to him in her silk dress, after he just finished gliding her on the dance floor, it was honestly hard to focus at the moment.

"Can this wait?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

"No," Bardock replied, and glanced to the heiress before looking back at the Prince.

Bulma hadn't noticed because her eyes were wondering around the room but Vegeta did and now he knew of the urgency.

"Right, where would you like to talk?"

"In my lab please." Vegeta nodded and Bardock got a head start while the Prince turned to his date. She wasn't paying much attention to what the two men were talking about but she did catch the part where he was going to ditch her…again.

"Vegeta—" her lip pouted.

"Meet me in my suite in fifteen minutes," he whispered in her ears. "Naked."

This time she was sure, her panties had dropped.

XXXXX

I can't make promises anymore! I'm trying desperately to finish this thing! Lol Review!