"Knock, Knock!" A voice called after a gentle rapping on her door. 'No, go away' her mind pleaded, but she knew he wouldn't give up, for he knew full and well she was in there.

"Come in." She called out, almost in a groan, though she made a point to reveal the irritation in her voice. The door opened only a bit as Radditz poked his head in, eyes searching the room until they landed on the princess herself, hair done up in its normal style, though with curls, bows and ribbons, and clad in a robe.

He rolled his eyes at her laziness as she rolled over on the oversized bed she'd stayed in – not slept – the previous night.

"I've brought you something." He said, trying, but failing to hide the devilish glint in his eyes. Serenity's lips twitched, as she lifted her head, overly wide eyes staring at him with wonder. He smirked cunningly in a Saiyan fashion as he pulled out from behind him a dress that was defiantly not in the few Serenity was given to choose from.

She didn't recall him being there an hour ago when she'd been sulking about their poor selection of wedding dresses, but that didn't matter now. Serenity leaped from the bed, to the doorway where Radditz held up the dress for her to view. He grinned with pride when he saw her gleeful reaction.

The dress was a thin white material that flowed down to leave a train on the floor. Amethyst beads thinned the waist line, and for a moment, Serenity wondered if she was slim enough to fit properly into it.

"Well try it on!" Radditz yelped, as if reading her mind. He let the dress fall into her hands, and then turned around to face the open door. Serenity stared at his back for a moment, smiling softly.

When she'd first met the rowdy warrior, he'd been anything but pleasant to her. If truth be told, Serenity wouldn't argue that he almost certainly hated her. He teased her constantly, called her names, and bullied her really. Then one day, Serenity had found out something about the upstart: he couldn't read.

The King hadn't known it yet, but they both knew that when he found out, Radditz would be kicked out of the elite team. Serenity, soon after finding out, offered to teach him what she knew of the Saiyan language. It wasn't much, but enough to get him by. He'd been stubborn at first, but gradually, Serenity's patience with him paid off.

Serenity considered Radditz a friend; a good friend. And though he'd by know means say it, she was certain he felt the same way.

Another soft smile and she dropped her robe and ducked her head into the tent of the dress. The material slid softly over her curves, and her arms slid into the thin straps that were lined with lilacs.

To Serenity, that was a little more than irony.

The lilacs covered only the straps and lining of the top her bosoms, but when Serenity's hand-maids had been fixing her hair, they'd decorated it with soft white and lilac beads and ribbons.

"You can turn around now." She mentioned to the warrior, who was slightly stiff, knowing full of well the beautiful princess had been wearing nothing but undergarments right behind him. He turned hesitantly, only to find Serenity admiring herself in the mirror. He grinned, pleased with her appearance as well. Serenity had fetched her shoes, but as she stared into the mirror, she felt like something was missing.

Radditz was really on a roll today, for the wild haired warrior picked up some velvety white ribbons from her vanity and asked for her hands, "I have an idea." He said. She queered a brow, but did as he requested. He centered the ribbon from her middle finger, crossed over her palm twice, then proceeded to cross the two strands until he met her forearm, where he tied a bow. He then did the same thing with the other arm.

Serenity stared at his work, quite impressed. "You know Radditz," she began with a smile as she spun around once, still watching herself in the mirror, "Your very creative. That could amount to some real talent-"

"Princess" Radditz abruptly cut her off by addressing her. Serenity sighed, casting him sad cerulean eyes, but she smiled, understanding. "I am a warrior." He said simply, and with that, turned to the door. "Nappa is going to come for you soon. It won't be much longer now." The stony look on his face only reflected her own before he left.

In a matter of moment, she'd be 'Queen Serenity of Planet Vegeta'

"Ami, how you doing down there?" The brunette called, leaning as far over the railing as she could to peer down at the blue-haired beauty, hard at work.

"It's coming along." She confirmed, not bothering to roll out from under the motherboard of the ship's main computer. Lita nodded in approval, though Ami couldn't see it. The brunette ran back town the corridor from where she came, returning to her own work.

Haruka smiled as Lita approached her, tossing her back her tools. "We're almost done here." The Wind Warrior stated, holding a piece of the hull back in place. The Inner Senshi had been forced to stop on a small planet called Yadrat after being attacked in space by a group of Icers. They sent out a distress signal, getting an answer from both this small planet and the Outer Senshi, who had caught up to them after heading into space not but a few months ago.

It had taken longer for the Outer Senshi to arrive on the moon that it did for them to meet up with the Inner Senshi. Of coarse, Haruka's sense of space and Michiru's mirror had made it a lot easier for them to find their way. Though they did have a directory of this realm of space, none of the Senshi had actually been in it before. They'd never had a reason to be.

By the looks of things, it'd only be a day or two more before they headed out into space once again, and hopefully, it would only take a month's time to reach Planet Vegeta.

There was no news of weather Serenity was still alive, or weather she'd even made it to the planet yet. Queen Serenity did have her connections, but not many ventured to that sector of space. So far, no word had passed through on the Princess's condition. The Senshi knew she was alive though. They could just feel it.

"We got the gas tanks filled up." Minako chimed as she entered the hall. Rei followed close behind, though obviously not as chipper, and certainly not pleased. Lita couldn't help but burst out laughing as Rei whipped some of the spilt oil from her brow. A few Yadrat's scurried about, putting some finishing touches on the repairs.

"What happened to you?" Haruka asked the fuming priestess after finally looking up. Rei only huffed at her, shooting Mina a glare of death before stomping off, mumbling this or that about a shower. Haruka stared after the priestess, shaking her head while Mina and Lita laughed softly.

"I've drawn up the cost of all this." Michiru announced, gaining the other Senshi's attention. She was followed by a few more Yadrat's, who were waiting patiently for their payment. She tossed Haruka her calculator, crossing her arms as she waited for her lover's reaction. Haruka held the device up to the light, eyes going wide at what she saw.

"You're kidding me!" She hollered, rising to her feet as approaching the Water Warrior with an astonished stare. Michiru only smiled,

"It's a lot I know," She began as she took back her calculator, quickly snagging Haruka's credit card in the process, "But it should get us there a lot faster, and get us home without having to stop again." Haruka mumbled a few choice words, taking one last glance at her poor credit card before setting back to work, grumbling and cursing. Michiru offered a pleasant smile as she paid off the small Yadrat people, and then went to check on Ami again.

As she approached the control room, her communicated beeped and gave off a purple light. Michiru sighed, flipping it open and smiling at the young Hotaru, sitting bored in her room.

"Michiru-mama" the young raven haired girl whined, "when can I come out?" Michiru gave her a comforting smile, beautiful eyes shimmering,

"Just a little while longer; once we're in space, you can leave your room." She assured.

"You don't have to smile," Nappa whispered hoarsely to her as he nudged her toward the door. "No one usually does." He said with a soft laugh. Serenity stared up at him with an incredulous look, but didn't have time for anything other than that. Ahead of her – mere inches away – was a door that led out onto the one balcony that faced the city. The alter was at the end of the balcony, so everyone could see the event. Some delegates and relatives were seated in the few wooden pews that were set up. She could hear the commotion from the people of Planet Vegeta. That made her even more nervous.

Nappa nudged her forward once more, "You're up Princess." He said. Serenity didn't move though. She stopped, turning to look at him. That would be the last time someone addressed her as a princess. Within a few moments, she would be a Queen. She smiled, though she knew he wouldn't smile back. Without a word, she turned and faced a white carpet leading to an alter.

Lilacs

The ground was covered in lilacs. The white alter was covered in them as well. Her bouquet was also made of them, with a few white flowers as well.

Serenity inhaled sharply and her heart suddenly began to pound. Everyone was looking at her with questioning eyes. She took her first step forward and nearly gasped. Her heart was so loud in her ears, like a drum pounding in her head. 'Calm down, just calm down' her mind screamed, but to no avail. She took another step; and another, and another.

Everyone was staring. Why? Was it because she was smiling? At least she thought she was smiling. No one else was smiling though. Everyone around her had stony cold eyes that were lost in thought.

She suddenly found herself at the alter, and strange hands held hers. How had she managed to get so far? She heard the awes of the people; now that they had a good look at her. For some reason, that didn't make her feel any better at all.

The Prince's callused hands held hers firmly, but with no tenderness to them. In the back of her mind, she heard the Priest begin the ceremony. Knowing she had a long time to go, she tuned him fully out of her mind. Her eyes wandered a bit, first at the hands that held hers. They up the prince's strong arms. He was wearing the Royal Saiyan Armor. It was white for the most part, but the gold plates of the chest and legs accented it finely. His cape was gold as well. Her eyes rested on the gold symbol of the Saiyan race that was engraved on his chest armor.

She suddenly wondered what she would be accounted as now: A Saiyan or a Lunarian. Obviously she had Lunarian blood, but would she have to bear the mark of the Saiyans?

In her thoughts, her eyes trailed away from the prince and into the crowd below. She could see all sorts of people, just over the prince's shoulder. Her eyes locked with a familiar figure though that had her heart feeling much lighter.

Radditz smiled up at her from the crowd, realizing she was looking at him. She offered back a weak smile, but a very soft one. It was then she took notice to the people around him. A man, in what appeared to be a lower class style of armor stared at her with wide eyes, then looking to Radditz questioning. It was then Serenity wondered where Radditz had gotten this dress.

It registered to her the man must have been his father. They did look alike, but the father/son comparison was nothing like the resemblance between Radditz's father and little brother. Radditz had told her they looked exactly alike, but she didn't really think they'd look THAT alike.

Radditz had talked a lot about his family. His father, Bardock, was often hard on his two boys, but what Saiyan father wasn't? His little brother, Kakarot, was Serenity's age, and according to Radditz, 'Strong but stupid'.

She stopped herself before she laughed, and tore her eyes away from the family. She found her eyes on the Prince's chest once more as she stared intently at that symbol. She would have to look at him eventually.

"I will." She heard the prince murmur above her. Her eyes snapped up to the Priest, who was now addressing her the same way he had just addressed Prince Vegeta.

Already? It was time already?

Serenity had no idea what the Priest had been saying to her. Yes, she was fluent in Saiyango, the Saiyan language, but he spoke with such an accent, she barely picked up a word of it. She gaped at him, mouth slightly ajar as he awaited her answer.

"I-I will." She blurted. He seemed to nod with approval, and then raised his hand in the air as he continued. He said a little more, then brought his hand down, and displayed the rings for the Prince to take. Serenity's eyes focused on his hands as he took her left hand in his, and slipped the little white-silver band on her ring finger.

He then placed the larger white-silver ring between her fingers, and gave her his left hand. 'It's a good thing he's on the ball today' her mind joked. She took the small ring firmly, and slipped it on his finger. It was then she'd realized she'd be holding her breath, and she exhaled very slowly so it wouldn't be noticed.

The Prince took her hands in his again, and the Priest continued. 'Does he realize?...' Serenity asked herself. After the prince had taken her hands for the second time, he began to squeeze them tightly. The likelihood of his doing it for her benefit was slim, so she figured he must be nervous too.

Finally, Serenity looked up at him. He was side-staring the priest, visibly chewing on his inner cheek, though Serenity was the only one close enough to notice. A moment later, she found herself blushing, 'Oh Selene is he handsome…' her mind cooed.

Healthy tanned skin, high cheek bones and a shapely jaw defined his face to honor their majestic Saiyan ancestors. That dark hair of his was just as dark as his eyes. It swayed lightly in the breeze. Serenity swore she saw his lashes move as well. She watched when he blinked as those dark eyes closed and long lashes brushed his toned skin.

Despite his muscles, the prince wasn't bulky at all. He had a long shapely neck, though well formed once they met his collarbone. Such broad shoulders and strong arms…

Why, to be held in those arms would be…

Serenity stopped herself immediately, eyes wide in realization of what she was doing. She knew good and well that Prince Vegeta would never be the kind of man for things like hugs or cuddling. And she could never expect him to be….

The Priest said his finishing statement, and slowly, the prince turned to look at Serenity. She hadn't realized this in time, but surprisingly, he wasn't wearing a death glare. He just had those stony eyes fixated on her, expectantly.

'What's he waiting for?' She wondered. It was when the prince released her hands and placed them nervously on her biceps that it occurred to Serenity.

The Kiss

Her mind began to rush and for an instant, her eyes darted around frantically. He was leaning down slightly. Oh what could she do? What was she suppose to do? 'Selene help me!' she panicked. Should she just, run off?

But what about her promise to King Vegeta? 'For his highness…' she reminded herself. She'd have to do it, no matter how much she didn't want to.

She closed her eyes just as he closed his, and she leaned forward. Her hands were entrapped between their bodies, and soon, she felt his chest beneath her fingertips. His warm breath flooded over her lips.

She gasped lightly, and without another thought, leaned forward.

She suddenly wondered why on Earth, Lunaria, or Vegeta-sei she could have possibly been dreading this a second ago. The Prince's lips were soft, and welcoming. The movement of his hands which traveled from her biceps to her back sent shivers through her body, and for an instant, her stomach fluttered, and she felt light. Blush rose to her cheeks, and she clutched the fabric over his chest.

As she felt his lips draw away from hers ever so softly and slowly, the sound of their parting lips made her inhale sharply, and she opened wide eyes to gaze into his.

She fell flabbergasted at his surprised look, but it was only there for an instant before he pulled away abruptly and regained his stony gaze.

The public was quite pleased with the display, and everyone on the balcony was clapping, but Serenity tuned them out for those few moments her heart had lit on fire. Who knew that a little kiss could do this to her? Blush stained her cheeks, but she was most rudely awoken to reality.

Prince – or rather – the new King Vegeta, tugged at her arm roughly, though tried to make it un-noticed. She took the hint, though still glared at the floor, not pleased that he was so violent with her. She smiled at everyone around them, none-the-less. Vegeta only offered a few small nods, which seemed to satisfy everyone anyways. The moment they reentered the palace, correspondents began to push for a chance to speak with the new King and Queen.

"I can't be at the reception," Vegeta said quietly next to her. As she looked up at him though, his eyes were cast away, and for a moment, she wondered if maybe he was able to meet her gaze. "But I'll make it to the ball." He stated. His iron grip released her, and he took a step away, turning his back to her. His cape swayed behind him, making the noise a rug makes when being shaken of crumbs and filth.

He paused for a moment, though for Serenity it felt like an eternity.

'The cold shoulder….' She thought dejectedly.

He continued down the hall after that. The crowd outside fell deaf to her ears, and even the bustling of the correspondents weren't heard. All she really heard was the 'click click click' of Vegeta's boots, as a thought crossed her mind..

'He's sad…'

Well, that's all for now. So what do you think? This is going a lot slower than I planned, which I'm disappointed about, but I have some serious fluff (though a bit angsty) moments in mind. So keep you keep reviewing and I'll keep writting!

Note: To Sailorveggie, I like you're idea for the timeline thing, but I'm not quite certain on how to go about it. I'd like to put you on the spot here (hehe) and ask if you could give me an idea of how I should do it.

I'd also like to thank everyone who's reviewed. I'd spent alot of time on this story before I posted the first chapter, and I've been throwing ideas around in my head as to where I want to go with you. Your support has helped.

Well, this that said, I guess that's all! See you next chapter!!

AngelKitty