Chapter 49

The stars blossomed in front of her as they broke through the atmosphere, sparkling with a brilliance she had never before experienced. She hadn't known just how much the atmosphere had interfered with their crystalline light, and she hazarded a glance at Zarbon. The tall man simply stood with his arms crossed over his chest and looked through the window, his face expressionless and his eyes calm. She bit her lip and quickly looked around the little shuttle before letting her eyes settle on the control panel. The little ship was automatically piloted, and as such she and Zarbon were the only living things on the vessel. It was all very fascinating to her, but she glanced at her watch nonetheless. Zarbon had mentioned it would only take about fifteen minutes to reach where the flagship was, and she only had a few of those minutes left to calm the butterflies in her stomach. She didn't know why she was nervous. The thought crossed her mind that perhaps it was because she was starting her debut as an empress, but the idea rang false and she scowled. Then she realized that she wasn't nervous about seeing anyone but Vegeta. Would he still want her? Would he somehow have mysteriously changed his mind? Why should that bother her? She shook her head slightly to drive away the negative thoughts, but another look at Zarbon reminded her that he hadn't been exactly encouraging. First of all, when he had landed on her lawn he had merely made a little bow and gestured her inside the pod, watching with detached expression as she put all the capsules that held her belongings into a little case and gave her family one last hug. Where's Vegeta? she had asked Zarbon.

The tall man had shrugged. He said he had more important things to do. Shall we? was all he had replied, and she had entered the shuttle feeling very afraid and alone.

She still felt afraid and alone, the nervousness in her abdomen growing more intense with every single moment. If Vegeta hadn't thought her an important enough reason to make the short trip to Earth to pick her up than why would he even be there to greet her? Why did you come? she asked Zarbon, the first thing she had said to him after entering the shuttle.

I was ordered to, he said curtly, never taking his eyes off of the stars outside.

But why you? she pressed. I would think Vegeta needed you for more important things.

I don't know, he said, his voice cold. I personally think this is a bad idea.

Bulma scowled. What? How come? I know you don't like me, but come on...

He looked at her then, a fine green eyebrow raised. I wouldn't be so petty. It's not a matter of whether or not I like you. I think Vegeta has made a dire mistake, and that's all.

You're still not helping me out here. I guess Vegeta's the only one that gets answers from you because he's the sole individual capable of beating it out of you, eh? she said acidly.

A small smile flickered across his face. You two really are perfect for each other, he said dryly.

Then why is this such a bad idea? she demanded, clasping her hands together tightly.

Vegeta is bringing you, his wife of a mere week, to an empire about to embark on an intergalactic war campaign. He's putting you in severe danger and providing a weak spot for himself. It's elementary, Zarbon said nonchalantly.

Bulma felt something quiver inside of her.

Yes. Your little foray into space exploration could be cut short at any time by either your own accidental demise or the murder of Vegeta. This danger is very real and very close I'm sure of it, and he's thoughtlessly putting you right in the middle of it, he said calmly.

She could think of nothing to say, still dumbstruck as the shuttle quaked as it was pulled into the flagship. Metal flashed by her and she realized they were on a track, being tugged into the hangar. The mechanics of it interested her vaguely, but she was too worked up and afraid to really appreciate them at the moment, and suddenly the shuttle came to a stop. Zarbon walked over to the door in the side of the craft and opened it with a press of a button. He gazed outside and turned to her once last time before exiting.

Here's to wedded bliss, he said, and walked down the steps. All welcome your Empress, Bulma Briefs of planet Earth! she heard him announce loudly, and suddenly there was thunderous clapping. She walked to the door and let Zarbon help her down the steps, roughly shoving down any feelings of doubt or insecurity away from her consciousness. Her face set itself in a mask of gentle composure and was able to hide her awe as she saw that a red carpet had been laid out for her. At the end of the carpet stood Vegeta, regal in his ceremonial armor, the heavy red cape spread out behind him. His dark eyes shone and his mouth curved in a satisfied smile, and it was all she could do not to run down the carpet and throw her arms around his neck.

Welcome your Empress, Vegeta ordered in a clear voice, and the assembled troops yelled their enthusiasm.

I thank you all, Bulma said with a little curtsy and began to walk towards Vegeta. She extended her hand and he looked at it for several moments before finally taking it and putting it on his arm. Did you miss me? she whispered.

He didn't turn his head to look at her. How could I possibly miss such an ill-mannered, ignorant harpy? he murmured, his lips barely moving. He escorted her through the rounded corridors until they reached the bridge. This is where your tour shall begin, he said, glancing around. Your guide will make sure you're well acquainted with the premises.

Bulma turned, curious, and saw Radditz standing there. She hadn't seen him in his armor since he had first landed, and even then it had been chipped and all but destroyed, merely hanging on his body by strands. Now he stood before her, the hard angles of his face accentuated by the unnaturally bright light on the bridge, looking every bit the hardened warrior. He looked stunning and dangerous in his armor, the Vejiitasei crest upon his breast, and looked down his nose at her as he stood at attention. I am at your service, your majesty, he said stiffly, saluting her.

she breathed, refraining from putting a hand to her collarbones in amazement.

Vegeta scowled and tugged her over to a different console. She felt his forearm flex beneath her fingers and then he was inside her mind, his presence warm as always. Look outside, he said into her thoughts.

she whispered, tears coming to her eyes. She was barely able to keep them from falling. He was being so cold to her, and although she had halfway expected it she was still hurt.

What do you see?

she breathed. Too many to count.

They are all yours. Look upon your domain, he said sternly.

She looked at him, eyes guarded, and slowly removed herself from his arm. I understand how things are, Vegeta, she said coldly. Radditz, I'm ready for my tour.

Radditz blushed. Yes, my Lady, he murmured, and held out his arm for her to take. Vegeta stiffened imperceptibly as Bulma beamed up at the larger Saiyan, the two of them smiling as they walked off the bridge.

Zarbon was at Vegeta's side immediately. Orders, sire? he asked briskly.

Vegeta blinked. Set course for Arlia at once. Let us make haste, he said loudly, and technicians immediately sprung into action, tapping away at their consoles.

Zarbon sidled up closer to Vegeta. You're proud of her, aren't you? he whispered.

Vegeta's cheeks stained pink. Shut up, he growled quietly.

Zarbon smiled slightly. She's the perfect lady and she's shown great composure. If you were my lifemate I would have slapped you silly for being so callous.

Vegeta's scowl deepened. And what would you know about lifemates? he snapped. Zarbon's eyes widened and he stood straighter, a strange, pained expression flashing across his face for just an instant before he turned on his heel and left the room. Vegeta sighed and stood next to his chair, crossing his arms over his chest and regarding the depths of his space.


He pushed in the code and the door slid open with a swishing sound, revealing a light on deep in the chambers. The portal shut behind him as he stepped through it, training his ears to alert him at the slightest suggestion of noise. His boots clicked softly against the floor as he made his way to his bed chamber, unfastening his cape and draping it over a forearm. He entered the chamber and stood there, gloved fist clenched and confronted with a wrathful Bulma, standing near the bed in the same gown she had stepped off the shuttle in. Ignoring her he went to his closet and inserted his cape, straightening its heavy folds with his fingers before finishing the procedure.

What in the hell happened today, Vegeta? she snapped, hands on her hips.

I don't know what you're talking about, he replied tonelessly, removing his glove and not looking at her.

The hell you don't! Do you take me for some sort of idiot? she said sharply, blue eyes glaring at him.

He snorted. You're an Earthling. How could you be anything but an idiot? he replied dryly.

She bared her teeth. You asshole! You're supposed to be my husband, dammit!

You forget that this wasn't my choice, he said sternly, removing the other glove and shaking it out.

Her face tightened. You couldn't even come planetside to get me, and then you make poor Radditz give me a tour? she shouted, shaking a fist.

Vegeta's nostrils flared. I was busy. More important things came up, he said angrily.

What's more important than your wife? she snarled, scowling.

My empire. There are many things more important than you. You were just incidental, he said, narrowing his eyes.

Her gaze flashed dangerously. Screw your damn empire. You didn't seem to have a problem with me when you raised my legs over your shoulders! she spat, her knuckles white.

His cheeks reddened. That has nothing to do with this. Now shut up. I didn't have the luxury of going on a pleasure-walk today, he said sharply.

She growled and picked something off of side table, hurtling it at his head. He dodged to the side easily and watched with amusement as she swore heartily. You shut up! she screamed, picking up something else and throwing it.

No, you be quiet! he screamed back, dropping his gloves on the floor.

She shouted wordlessly and threw as many things as she could get her hands on. The flying objects were simple for him to avoid, but the comments were more difficult to ignore. Take me back home, she sobbed, and he stared at her in shock just long enough for her to pitch one last thing at his skull. He wasn't paying attention and the heavy metal object ricocheted off his skull, nearly knocking him over. He staggered back and blinked as blood flowed into the corner of his eye.

he muttered, placing his fingertips to the gash and scowling.

Oh, I'm sorry! she said, putting a hand to her mouth. You were supposed to dodge!

He snarled at her. Why don't you save me the trouble by not throwing things at me? he snapped.

Because it's the only way I can work out my frustration with you! she cried in response, clutching at herself.

Frustration with what? he said, annoyed. What could you possibly be left to desire?

She shook her head and tears began to roll down her face. Don't you get it, Vegeta? she asked haltingly. I'm leaving everything I've ever known and loved for someone who doesn't even like me. I'm surrounded by aliens and I don't know how to win them over of if I even can, and then my husband ignores me and belittles me all the time. What else can I do?

I don't know and I don't care, he said angrily, looking away from her with a sour expression.

Then why did you ask me to marry you? she asked, voice cracking.

Because I had to. I've told you this a million times, woman, he replied sharply, then turned to watch as the tears wound over her flushed cheeks. You, however, didn't have to marry me.

Her eyes went wide, the lashes sticking together with her tears, and blinked at him. You're right, I didn't, she mumbled in return.

He glared his challenge at her. Then why did you?

A million things broke apart in her eyes all at once, and he felt her emotions crack and scatter into the air. There was so much going on inside her mind that he had no idea how to keep track of it all. I'm going to take a bath. Maybe I can wash your cruelty off as well, she snapped, and went off into the bathroom, sliding the door shut as hard as she could.

He was staring at the closed bathroom door when he heard a light rapping. What is it? he bellowed, marching to the door and throwing it open. He raised an eyebrow as he saw Zarbon standing there.

Is everything all right? Zarbon asked smoothly, his expression carefully neutral. I heard a commotion. His golden eyes flickered past Vegeta to take in the fragments of objects on the floor. I see that some of your things have met their end, he said dryly. Is there anything I can do?

Vegeta growled and barred the way. She's impossible, was all he would say.

What did you do now? Zarbon asked with a sigh.

Nothing. She's being irrational, Vegeta replied curtly, folding his arms across his chest.

About what? Zarbon probed, his cold eyes never even blinking as they studied Vegeta.

She was throwing a fit over how she thought I ignored her today. As if something like that actually mattered, Vegeta said with a snort.

Zarbon scowled. It probably does, in her mind at least, he said calmly.

So what? Vegeta challenged.

So you're the one lifemated to her. Unless you want to be estranged from her for the rest of your lives I suggest you do something about it, Zarbon said, voice even.

Like what? Vegeta growled. She's got all sorts of silly human sentiments.

Any species likes to have their mates pay attention to them. I imagine all she wants is for you to spend time with her. After all, she can't be after you for your looks, monkey-boy, Zarbon said, eyes briefly flickering with humor.

Vegeta bared his teeth. You're just as useless as she is, he snarled.

And yet you keep us both around, Zarbon mused lightly, then turned and walked down the hallway with a little waving gesture. I'll see you in eight hours.

Don't hold your breath, Vegeta grumbled, and shut the door. He turned to the bathroom with a sigh, then went over to the bed instead and removed all his clothing, folding it neatly on the coverlet. Standing naked in the center of the room he surveyed the surroundings, glad for once to have a little more room than the standard warrior's bunk. There certainly were benefits to being the Emperor, he decided, walking over to the bathroom door and opening it smoothly before stepping inside.

The room was semi-filled with steam, the whitish vapor rising like tendrils of a fragile plant and coiling around him. He blinked and was able to make out her form mostly submerged in the tub. The bathtub was a luxury almost unheard of in space, since it took up extra water and unnecessary space, but here he had the rare item, and an even rarer specimen inside of it. She had a leg propped up out of the water on the lip of the tub and was scraping at it with some sort of device, swearing as blood blossomed on her white, smooth skin. Good gods, what are you doing? he demanded.

She blinked up at him, her face surprised in the split second before it fell into a scowl. I'm shaving. What in the hell do you want? she demanded.

He came over to the side of the tub. That's a razor? he said doubtfully. Why, that is the least sophisticated and ineffective instrument I have ever seen you use.

Why don't you just go back out there and mind your own business? she snarled, but he watched her eyes flicker up and down his body.

He turned and slid open a compartment, bringing out a little folding blade. Without warning her he stepped into the water, sinking down between her legs and firmly grasping an ankle in his hand. I'll show you how to do this, he grumbled, flicking the blade open with a motion of his wrist.

Hey, that looks sharp, she said nervously. Get your hands off of me.

Don't you trust me? he asked, turning his head to look at her over his shoulder. Shadows wavered in her eyes for a moment, and then she shook her head.

No, I don't, she said calmly. Now remove your hands and leave me alone.

Don't you want to trust me? he said, this time more softly.

It's not a matter of wanting to, she began, but he reached back and placed a finger on her lips.

Just let me do it, woman. I won't hurt you, he said smoothly.

Not this time, at least, she grumbled, but sighed as her shoulders slumped. But okay. Give it a shot.

Vegeta snorted, but held her slender ankle in his hand and slowly worked the sharp blade across her skin. He could feel her firm thighs tremble and stiffen on either side of his bare waist, belying her nervousness. You need to hold still, he admonished. You don't want to make me use this on you, do you?

To his surprise she laughed, albeit uncomfortably. You'd never use some sort of object to kill me, she said. He paused until she fell silent, then resumed carefully clearing the hair from her legs. In his mind's eye he could see her studying every little muscle in his broad back, and he was glad that she didn't have a view of his face as he smiled smugly. He was aware of her appreciation of his finely-tuned body and for some reason it made an odd, warm little ball in the pit of his stomach. He banished the thoughts from his mind and concentrated on the task at hand, his fingers gently but firmly gripping her warm, slippery skin. It was difficult to keep her thoughts out of his head. He found he was privy to every single musing or conclusion, including emotions. It was frustrating; had she been a Saiyan she would have been able to block him out and they would be at peace, but as it stood he could pluck anything and everything out of her mind and she hadn't the faintest on how to access his. He switched to her other leg but found it already shaven, little flecks of blood standing out against her pale skin.

You're very bad at this, he commented.

I didn't ask for your opinion, she said testily.

He snorted and turned around between her legs so that he faced her, taking his hands and placing them on her buttocks so that he could lift her onto his legs. Why do you do such a foolish thing, anyway? he asked, leveling an annoyed stare at her.

She scowled back. Easy for you to say, man of little body hair, she grumbled. But to tell you the truth I don't really know. Men on Earth approve of it, I guess, and it's just something I've always done.

You felt the need to try and attract Earth men? he asked with a raised eyebrow, leaning away from her so that his back rested against the wall of the tub.

I suppose I did, on some level. It's what women there are trained to do, whether they realize it or not, she mused, leaning against her side of the tub, the water tinkling as she sent ripples across its surface.

Well, I'm not an Earthling. You should set aside the foolish ritual, he said with a disdainful snort, turning up his nose as he rested his elbow against the edge of the tub and waggled his fingers in the water.

she conceded, her gaze tangible to him as her eyes moved over his broad, rippling chest. You don't care?

I told you I didn't care, he said with a curl of his lip. Woman, you could be as hairy as a Bedark and I would still wa... He bit the sentence off abruptly and looked away from her, staring at the floor outside the tub.

she asked sweetly, turning the full force of her startlingly blue eyes on him.

And you would still be the most horrific-looking thing in the universe, he growled, scowling at her.

To his surprise she blushed and laughed, sending water to make its music once again as she leaned toward him. Her dripping fingers reached up and traced his jaw as his black eyes stared at her unblinkingly. The slippery skin of her rear slid up his legs until she was nearly in his lap, her eyelids lowering a little. she whispered, her lips brushing his cheek as she brought a hand up to rest on his chest.

he murmured back, turning his head towards her mouth.

she breathed again, her lips timidly running over the line of his cheekbone and jaw. Their soft sweetness worked their way down his throat to gently kiss the large muscle at the juncture of his neck and shoulder. His hands seemed to come up of their own volition as they wetly smoothed the hair off of her face. She leaned into his touch and, to his surprise, pressed forward, her lips barely brushing his. It was not even a kiss. He rubbed his nose against hers, his mouth gingerly seeking hers along her damp skin. A little sigh escaped her and she very gently pressed her lips to his, teasing just a little. A sound left his throat as well as he closed his eyes, letting a hand trace the strong tendon in her neck, feeling her thrills as water dripped from his fingers and rolled down her soft skin. He leaned in and took her mouth with his, the motion filled not with lust or passion but something gentle and of innocent intent. Pressing against her more firmly, he was aware of something bloom and wind around her soul, joy and surprise racing through her along with a strange sense of fulfillment.

What, Bulma? he asked her again, pulling away and looking at her from under half-closed lids.

I want you forever, she said, her brow wrinkling and biting her lower lip. Whatever else happens that will always be true. With that plump tears began to roll down her cheeks.

Eh? What's this? he queried, surprised. Why are you crying?

She shook her head, wet strands of her hair sticking to her damp cheeks, then threw her arms around his neck and pressed her slick, bare body against his. Her mouth sought his and she kissed him deeply. He wondered dimly where the razor had gotten to and if they would encounter it, but the thought was burned from his mind as he felt her strong legs wrap around him under the water. She laughed softly and he sighed as she fixed her eyes upon him. This is what I've always wanted, she said quietly, then made sure that nothing else would be said for quite some time.