The Reception

Hell couldn't have been worse. All the delegates, all the questioning; and all the hateful glares that bore into the crevices of her skin. She hadn't spoken with anybody one-on-one. Nappa always interjected with either an excuse for her departure or merely something stupid that would drive their attention away. It was obvious, to everyone: the new Queen of Vegeta knew nothing.

Nothing about their politics, nothing about their government, and nothing about their people

And they laughed at her for it. Laughed at her ignorance and stupidity

With a little work, Nappa had managed to end the reception sooner than planned. The late noon sun would find Serenity with her face cuddling into mounds of silky pillows. She was bathed once more, and lying flat on her bed, clad in what she knew would become her favorite white robe. She wasn't in the same room as before though.

Now, as she gazed out the window, she wondered: Had the former Queen of Vegeta woke to stare out the same window?

This was the Royal Bedroom

The idea of it made her nervous. She didn't fear that her "groom" would be arriving anytime soon, for last she knew, he was with some foreign minister. Nappa had assured her that word had gotten to Vegeta of how Serenity had embarrassed herself at the reception. She didn't even want to begin to know what he thought of her at this point.

She turned away from the window to face the door. It seemed so far away. She'd taken a lot of time to take in the room when she'd first been moved in here. Everything was pure oak; polished and shinning with beauty. The tall doors were carved with cherubs. The little fat winged children also framed over the headboard of the bed.

Serenity had been given to options of the paintings on the walls. To be honest, she'd enjoyed that. At first, Serenity questioned the origins of the paintings, for she knew good and well that no Saiyan had done them. Nappa had insisted they'd been picked up form centuries of travel.

Not stolen, he'd insisted. Really, they weren't.

She'd dismissed the fact that they were stolen with an accepting smile. She just loved them so much, and it wasn't like she'd stolen them, right? Serenity had found it strange that she hadn't felt guilty about keeping the paintings. And as much as she tried to ponder why that was, she was just too distracted by the rest of the room.

A carpet of crimson covered the entire floor like a fuzzy river of blood. The same color was on the curtains as well, though they were lined with the same honey gold that colored the bedspread. The canapé over the bed was also gold, though it was lighter, and the material was sheer, so it almost made it translucent.

Serenity liked that

It draped over the headboard and the posts of the bed. In fact, it almost sheltered the entire divan, but she was still able to peer through the soft gold colors. Everything else: the vanity, the end tables, the dressers, and the walk-in closet; all oak. Lively green plants were placed in golden vases on the end tables. Serenity had actually been surprised they hadn't been lilac's, because it seemed as though everything else was.

There were a few things she began to notice though: like that she and Vegeta shared a closet. All his belongings had been moved in here as well. She'd taken the time to look over his clothes, despite the fact that she felt as though she was prying.

Training clothes; a lot of training clothes. His battle armor, his royal armor, and a few articles of royal wear. Boots; no dance shoes. No hats, bows or ties. Nothing that pertained to any style, nothing that followed a trend. They were simply clothes – and that was all.

Serenity had always considered her clothes to be one of the things that defined who she was; up until now that it. For the assortment of dresses, shoes, hats, umbrella's, gloves, sashes and handkerchiefs that had been given to her, were nothing she'd ever dared to wear back on Lunaria. Serenity sighed heavily as she pulled down a deep scarlet dress, lined with bullion. Long Sleeves, low neck, shapely waist line. A corset even.

Not a thing like what she was accustomed to. With a sigh, she pulled out white gloves and shoes, and began to dress. She didn't have much time before her hand maids arrived to do her hair…

One more kata brought on another as the marble floor began to crumble under his weight. He told himself 'This is the last one. Only one more after this. Then…then I'll leave.' But he kept going. Kept pushing himself further, longer, harder. For if he were to stop, his thoughts would catch up to him quicker than he liked.

Not that he'd be able to avoid them anyways. He knew that. It was times like these he felt like He himself was his own worst enemy. Vegeta saw himself as strong, smart, and very respectable. But since last night, he found himself in serious doubt.

Why? Because for the past 16 years of his life, Vegeta had done one thing and one thing only: strive to achieve the Super Saiyan form. Everyday, training, and everyday striving to become what he felt was rightfully his honor.

But yesterday, his father died, and today, he alone was responsible for a kingdom he couldn't run and people he knew nothing about. 'Not quite alone' a voice murmured in his head. An image of the Lunarian girl's frightened eyes reminded him of the ring on his finger, his now sweat-drenched royal clothes, and most of all, his new title:

King

If his father's death hadn't shocked him enough, the Lunarians offer had thrown him for a loop. He could see she didn't want this. He could see she was afraid. But he also saw her determination. And he saw her loyalty to his father.

A loyalty he himself lacked

So many years he'd done Freeza's dirty work. Why? For the power, for the strength. He acted completely on his selfish wants and needs. Lived for himself and himself alone. He was now realizing what a mistake he'd made. He had to rule a kingdom now, while still playing Freeza's pawn.

He knew Freeza wouldn't just let him off the hook. And he knew denying the Icer's wishes would bring steadfast war. 'That wouldn't be good…' his mind seethed. He almost laughed at himself for stating the obvious. Maybe he'd be lucky and his little girl of a "bride" would turn out to be some all-wonderful ruler.

Vegeta sneered to himself, unconsciously beginning another kata, just at the thought of her. A little girl. He was married to a little girl. A brave little girl. A pretty little girl

But a little girl, none-the-less

When Nappa had displayed the child before him, he'd had no intension of marrying her. If anything, he would have used her as a hostage, or simply sent her packing. But in those moments she'd put her life on the line to defend herself, he began to see why his father had chosen her. She'd spoken with such valor. She'd spoken about his father in a way that Vegeta didn't dare portray him in.

She'd spoken words, he had wanted to hear: 'And he cared about you' she'd said. Then why was his own father never there for him? Why didn't he ever give him the time of day? He left him with stories of Super Saiyan Legends to live off of, and then expected him to grow into some kind of protégé.

When his father had been young, his keeper, Balgus, had raised him to be the superior and grand King that he was just yesterday. Nappa had been assigned as Vegeta's keeper.

That should be excuse enough for the Prince's disposition

But despite that, Freeza had also gotten his claws on the power craved boy. That was when he'd been led down the path of destruction. And now, it was too late. Vegeta knew nothing about ruling a kingdom. Word was the new queen didn't either. She hadn't said a word to anyone at the reception, and Nappa had shooed everyone out quickly.

More often than not, Vegeta would have been perfectly fine with that. He hated all those people just as much as anyone else. But now, they'd be a part of his everyday life. Could he do that? How in the name of Kami could he rule a kingdom? With a Lunarian no less?

Then it happened. Since he'd abandoned her in the hall of the palace, he'd been plagued by thoughts of her. By some means, everything led to her. And Vegeta knew now that avoiding it was purely futile. Vegeta wasn't the kind of man to lie to himself, not now or ever.

He'd never been so temperamental in his life than before the ceremony. He was sure of it. And Nappa got the brunt of it too. At least the man was good for something. He'd felt so awkward, waiting for her as she practically wobbled down the isle. She was so scared, and so nervous; Like he was.

She'd gasped when he'd taken her hands, though she probably hadn't noticed. Her eyes had darted around frantically, until finally she lowered her head. She didn't realize he was looking at her. He was supposed to, wasn't he?

He hadn't given much attention to the strange dress she was wearing until just then. It certainly wasn't a royal dress. In fact, it looked as if it may have been a homemade work. But, in a way, it seemed like more, just because it was on her. Vegeta had spited himself for such poetic thoughts, but he was a strong believer in respecting the more beautiful things in life. So he let his thoughts wonder further.

The color of the dress: lilac. It was on the ground, over The Alter, in her hair, and over her glittering skin. An appealing color really. Her creamy skin was flushed. Her shoulders rose and fell with heavy, anxious breaths. For a moment, he wondered if she was about to pass out.

His eyes narrowed after dismissing the concept and he followed the curls of her hair; such a Saiyan style. It didn't suit her right. Her tiny pink lips pursed until that lip stick, he believed, was completely gone. He sighed heavily. This was wrong…all of it was just wrong.

When her gaze began to rise though, he wondered if he should look away. And by the time her eyes laid on his chest, the apprehension built up and he was forced to cast his gaze to the priest. What was it she found so fascinating? It was then he realized the Priest was addressing him.

"I will." He had blurted. And not moments later, that little girl beside him had stuttered out her own approval. The rings hadn't been an easy task. She was shaking so much. She was truly frightened. She'd seemed to take centuries to put his ring on. She wasn't okay.

He'd instinctively held her hands tighter. When she'd gone to look at him though, he'd hurriedly snapped his head back to the priest. Did he squeeze too hard? Was that wrong? Now he was shaking! 'Father…' he'd thought 'What have you gotten me into?' By the time he was done cursing the heavens though, she'd stopped shaking. And when the priest was finished, she was sturdy, and her breathing, normal.

Although, that certainty didn't last long. He'd turned to face her, and instantly became vexed. She stared at him with question. 'Stupid girl…' he'd cursed. What kind of person forgot about the most over-rated part of a wedding ceremony? Unlike the rest of the wedding though, she wouldn't have the time to catch her senses for this one. Vegeta snickered to himself. His inexperienced hands rested on soft shoulders, and he leaned down. She was alarmed, and he knew it, but this time, she would have to deal.

Much to his surprise, she'd caught on, and soft fingertips touched his chest.

That was when it happened. He stopped dead in his tracks as the tingling that little touch sent through him. What happened next sent those little tingles racking through his body. A soft exhale onto his skin and the girl leaned forward, their lips meeting it what would be his first kiss.

Strange feeling that it was. Lips so warm against his, fingers so cool against his chest, and body so perfectly framed into his arms. He hadn't realized he'd embraced her, and didn't remember doing it, but when it registered to him, he quickly ended the matrimony of their mouths.

Staring at her closed eyes, those pink lips slightly parted. Pretty little thing that she was…

She opened her eyes and he snapped to attention. What the hell was he thinking?

He had dragged her away and then left her to the cruelties of the delegates.

The walk through the palace seemed endless. Vegeta, being confined to these walls since birth, knew them well. Better than he knew himself perhaps. But the long stroll gave him time; time to reflect. Time to think about, not what was going on around him, but what was going on inside of him.

That kiss … His first

No one would think that the Prince of all Vegeta, one of the most handsome men in the galaxy, and with his outlandish misbehavior record, was the worst kind of virgin. Yes virgin. Never had a woman, never touched a woman, and never seen one in anything less than a training suit. In fact, he'd never even been in a relationship.

Why not? Well when could he? He spent his entire existence on one motive: achieving that Super Saiyan Legend. And had he? No

That wasn't all though. It was more than that. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't conceded – because he was in all aspects of the word. He loved himself to the point where he thought he must be the most important thing in the cosmos. He knew he was handsome, he knew he was strong and he knew he influenced everyone around him. People were drawn in by him. If not for his strange alien beauty, then for the aura of supremacy he carried with him.

With all this said, there is only one thing left to say: Perfection.

He was perfect, and that was all there was to it. At least, in his mind he was. Or better yet, to everyone else perhaps? Two conflicting ideas that so easily seemed to fit his situation…

Still, that wasn't what was important now. In a way, it was almost as if he'd saved himself. Strange as it may seem, it was his conceded attitude that forced such a thing upon him. He saw himself as too good to allow anyone to touch or view him as such. And he didn't want to stain his eyes with anyone who wasn't deserving of him as well.

A sigh heaved his shoulder up and down again. He'd never felt so helpless. He'd never felt so insecure.

These thoughts followed him, and before he knew it, there he was, in front of the Royal Chambers. He hesitated, eyes narrowed on the cherubs that decorated the doors. They'd been his favorite part of his parent's bedroom. He gingerly placed callused fingertips on the oak, opening the door but a sliver. Light illuminated from the small opening, taking him back to some of his fonder memories.

Tiny chubby hands would push the oak doors open with great ease as light would fill his eyes, but he'd never blink. A young Vegeta would parade into his parent's bedroom, catching his father pulling on his armor, preparing to leave on another escapade; while smiling, fully dressed in her most lovely gowns, gaze leaving the window, sat his mother.

"Good morning my darling" She'd say to him.

With that in mind, he pushed open the door, like he had so many times before, as the same blinding light erupted, filling his eyes; though he never blinked. The gleam from the windows died, and there, dressed in her finest, staring longingly out the window, sat, like she had so many times before, his mother.

Vegeta did a double take, blinking furiously as the dots of light began to die. Her ebony hair changed to blonde, and as she turned, he was met with watery blue eyes in contrast to warm violet ones.

For an instant, he'd mistaken Serenity. For an instant, he could have sworn it was his mother sitting there. But it wasn't. The sunlit room and the crimson dress had fooled him; but no longer. He soon took note to Serenity's significantly paler skin, her smaller frame, and her lack of Saiyan pride. Vegeta growled. This was his bride.

He stomped from the door to the bathroom, though her eyes didn't dare follow his movements. The moment he'd left her range of view, she turned her head back to the window. Vegeta stopped at the bathroom door, glaring through the corners of her eyes. She was sitting with her entire dress spilling over the bed. She rested her body half on the bed and half on the window seal. She stared out the window, just like his mother had….

"Can we please move that bed? It doesn't look right there." King Vegeta had said, relaxing after a long day discussing war matters with his delegates. A young Vegeta stiffed a yawn; half-lidded eyes peering up at his father from his mother's lap. The Queen huffed softly, showing her disapproval of the idea. The King rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he stalked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

The young prince started up at his mother, cuddling against the ruffles of her dress.

"Mummy?" he questioned. The Queen didn't avert her eyes from the starry sky right away. In fact, it seemed as though she had to drag her eyes away before she looked down at her son.

"What is it Vegeta?" she asked, so softly, it was barely audible. But Vegeta was very use to that. It fact, that was one thing he loved most about his mother.

"Why won't you let Daddy move the bed?" He asked with young, wide eyes full of question. His mother blinked, but then her gazed softened more, if that were possible. She lifted her son from his laying position on her lap, and sat him up to face the window the same way that she was.

"You'll understand one day darling…" She said, as she rocked him slowly. He gazed out the window, eyes fixated on the waves crashing up against the rocky shore, "You'll understand one day…"

Vegeta shivered violently at the thought, and retreated into the bathroom, where he quickly bathed and dressed. His royal armor of coarse. He'd be damned if he were to be caught in a suit, or whatnot.

The sky had grown dark azure in his absence, reminding him of his recollection. Yet, Serenity hadn't moved. He crossed the room to his own dresser, were he slipped on some gloves, and eventually, his boots. Still, His Queen remained motionless.

"We should go now," Vegeta stated. He probably could have waited another few extra minutes, but curiosity had been itching at him. If it wasn't for her occasional blinking and the light rise and fall of her chest, he would have thought she was dead. "They're probably waiting for us." He finished. Serenity stirred, and then, she shuffled off the bed, head hanging low as she crossed the room.

They met at the door, where the cherubs gazed sadly down at them. There they were, side by side, eyes cast to one another ever so slightly. Her eyes had dried of their tears, leaving only stained cheeks. His eyes narrowed coldly, before offering her his arm.

And then it began. Her arm looped through his, and through silent halls, the clicking of their boots said everything:

"Our fate, forever bound to one another, holy matrimony, without love. No one would know that though. No one would see our grief, well hidden behind common gestures. With heavy hearts, we'd still stand strong. We'd rise above, and accomplish what we set out to do. Today was a day of reckoning. Today, our souls of insurrection would let woes and regrets fall, and together, create a nation where a new generation, of our own creation, wouldn't have to do what we were doing now. Wouldn't have to live on lies. We'd be better. We'd make Planet Vegeta into more. And most important, we'd endure. Together, in this silence, we would survive."

They entered the ball room, where Serenity plastered on her most brilliant smile, and Vegeta stood tall and dominating, much like his father. And at her side he stayed, as they played off one another, perfectly. Almost too perfectly. They looked right. They looked real. As if they'd known this would come to be since day one.

The night was long, but went by at a smooth pace. They did not dance, though Serenity had been curious if they were expected to for, as Vegeta had learned, first dance was customary on Lunaria.

Vegeta had been unrightfully careful as to who he introduced to Serenity. There was no doubt in his mind that some of their guests wanted Serenity's head on a platter. Though, he figured no one would try such a thing tonight, for he was at her side the majority of the time. It was normal for people to avoid him, for he wasn't at all social; but Serenity sure was. In fact, she practically drew everyone in. They stared at her with interest. Some seemed to debate for hours on weather to approach her or now, for many feared her new husband.

"You hear that?" Her quiet voice awoke his from his thoughts, and he peered down at the girl, who'd, for the first time tonight, released his arm. She brought her hands to her ears as she listened intently. Vegeta furrowed his brows, but his ears perked as the sounds on an exhaust reached his them.

"Must be a late arrival." He said. He looked up to the sky, noting the high moon, "Very late" he added. Serenity mused beside him, taking a step forward as her eyes cast to the door with anticipation. "Why so curious?" Vegeta asked, crossing his arms. Serenity's shoulders rose and fell nonchalantly, as if she wasn't really listening. Vegeta huffed at that, eyes leaving her for a moment to cast on the door as it opened. He blinked, sneering as if to hold a grudge to her shrug, when he did a double take for the second time today. There, in his direct line of vision, was Freeza, Zarbon and Dadoria protectively at his side.

"Freeza…" Serenity's voice murmured. Vegeta's head snapped back to the queen, only to find she was gone! 'Shit…' He searched frantically for her, only spotting the pairs of ondagos through the crowd here and there. Yet he followed, knowing oh-too-well where she was headed.

Serenity hadn't hesitated in the least. The moment the lizard entered the room, she had set a dead path for him. She's never met him before, and had never seen any pictures or holograms, but she knew. Oh, she knew.

Vengeance being the only thing on her mind, she stomped through the crowd, fearing no one and the worry of embarrassment behind her. Freeza's associates stared at her skeptically as she held her ground before them, blue eyes glaring daggers,

"Well if looks could kill…" Freeza cooed softly, an innocent smirk playing over his full pink lips. Dark eyes glittered brilliantly as his fingers entwined together, and he propped his elbows on the console of his hover seat, leaning into his hands. "Serenity I presume?" he asked softly, batting long lashes. His girly demeanor wouldn't fool Serenity though. He was dangerous. He was a threat, and he was the man that had ruined everything King Vegeta was. He'd taken hold of his son, began to destroy his nation bit by little bit, and eventually, killed the man Serenity so easily called father. "The legends of your beauty don't do you justice young Queen." He continued on, taking in her full appearance just as Vegeta pushed his way through the crowd and practically stumbled to his bride's side.

"Lord Freeza." He breathed out, practically panting. With a soft smirk, Freeza parted dainty lips to speak, but Serenity cut him off.

"Leave," She snapped. Freeza, along with his companions, raised brows at this. Serenity didn't back down though, which thoroughly worried Vegeta. He stepped forward, cutting her from Freeza's view,

"No need Serenity, he is a guest, he-"

"Is not welcome here!" She boomed, attempting to shove him aside. The music stopped, and all eyes turned upon the young queen. Silence would pass in moments that seemed more like centuries. When Vegeta didn't move, she rounded him completely, standing face to face with the small man. Freeza's calm eyes narrow into slits until Serenity could no longer even see the white in his eyes. She gulped, fear finally overcoming her. She bit down on her tongue, hands fisted, and her knees shook beneath her.

"She is tired Sire." Vegeta interrupted, once again, snatching Serenity firmly by the wrist. Serenity gasped, whimpered almost at how roughly he held her. "You see-"

"No need Vegeta." Freeza interjected. The five of them fell into a pause as they waited for Freeza to continue, his closed eyes deep in thought, "We will continue this conversation when your bride has grown use to our…customs." He stated as he turned away. Zarbon and Dadoria followed close behind as they headed back to their ship. Freeza took once last glance back though, smirking widely at Vegeta, who stood, unreadable, but unmoving. "Quite a pistol isn't she Vegeta?" he said seductively. And with that, left.

By the time Freeza had gone, Vegeta had found his sense. Serenity was staring up into the sky, as if assuring herself he was really gone. Their guests began to whisper and commute, until finally, it led into and all out uproar. Serenity didn't seem to notice though. It was Vegeta that had to silence the crowd. He turned away from her, arms raised demandingly,

"The party is over!" He announced, glaring at the people as many attempted to glare back. When they didn't move, he growled, shining his teeth to them. "You heard me!" He snapped. The crowd quickly began to file out, though a few grumblers needed a little more egging on. By the time Vegeta had shooed them all away, and was certain everyone was dismissed, he'd realized Serenity had once again disappeared on him. Nappa directed the king back to the Royal Chamber, where he said the Queen had retired long ago.

So, the new Saiyan King stormed through the palace corridors, intent on setting straight his new wife. The cherubs did nothing to calm his nerves as he swung open the heavy doors with great ease. He raised a fist, mouth open wide with equipped curses. But as the door slammed behind him, he found himself at loss of words.

Probably because Serenity was standing in his direct line of view, with nothing to cover her but her underwear and the gold satin sheet she'd all too quickly drawn to her chest.

Vegeta, with eyes wide, released a few short breaths. Heat rose to his cheeks and ears as he spun on his heal, hands on the door, and eyes shut tightly. "G-get dressed." He stuttered. He could hear her running around frantically, until finally, the soft slid of material have him the okay to turn around. He looked to the ground, none-the-less. Gulping silently, he peered up shyly.

Pale, shaking arms hugged her waist as her fingers held her sleeves gingerly in an attempt to hold them up. The retched satin material repeatedly slid off her soft shoulders. Vegeta shuffled from foot to foot, balancing his weight back and fourth.

"I'll change in the bathroom next time." Serenity whispered. Vegeta had barely picked up on it. If it weren't for his Saiyan hearing, be probably wouldn't have heard it all together. Though, after her spending so much time with his father, she probably knew all about that. Vegeta nodded dumbly, unconsciously chewing on the inside of his cheek. "Umm…" Serenity whispered softly once more, though gained his attention, none-the-less. Vegeta furrowed his brows in question as Serenity pointed to the dresser, "The maids brought out your night clothes…" She said. Vegeta remained unmoving for a moment longer, just simply stared at her, as if he was still lost.

When her blush burnt face turned to the ground, he snapped to attention, and nodded. With nimble feet, he hurried across the room, snatching up his clothes, and darting for the bathroom. On the way in though, they caught on an end table. They pulled him back, knocking the table over and pulling the material from his fingers in the process.

Serenity reached forward, tiny hands clamping firmly over the vase as Vegeta pushed the end table back up. When he glanced up though, between the blooming lilac's, dark ebony eyes met with those of heavenly cobalt. He inhaled sharply.

Lilacs

When had those been placed in here? He began to mentally curse at the retched plant for being so damn symbolic lately, but chose not to voice that out loud. Besides, if he would dare to speak, he'd find that his throat was dry and that in this moment, he couldn't form words.

Before him was the girl his own father had searched the universe for. This girl was meant to be the ideal of perfection. Yet she wasn't. And look how content she was with that. Vegeta was only pleased with perfection. Which….he was perfect…wasn't he?

"Serenity…" the blue eyes before him blinked, wide with question as her mouth formed words. Vegeta hadn't heard them though. He followed the movement of her lips, wondering what on Earth she'd been questioning him about. But now as he stared at her, he realized her name that had unintentionally rolled off his tongue. "Nothing" he blurted quickly, taking his clothing in his hands, and, without even on more look back, dashing into the bathroom, door slamming behind him.

His weight fell against the door as he ran a hand through messy bangs. Unbeknownst to him, Serenity had sent down the vase of lilacs, eyes staring at them intently. Whoever had the nerve to put them in here, she was going to hunt down and use them as a rug beater!

Still, something had struck her mere seconds ago. Something had lightened in her heart and made her stomach flutter. He'd said her name. Just out of the blue, that velvety, rich voice had whispered her name….

Serenity leaned against the door, hugging her body tightly as her pigtails brushed her shoulders.

And for many moments, the new rulers of Planet Vegeta shared their confusion, though neither had any notion of it.

That night, as Vegeta's shadowed form appeared from the dimly lit bathroom, he carried tape with him. Serenity, who'd been lying, still as stone, shuffled to see what the new king was doing as he taped a straight line from the headboard to the end of the bed, straight down the middle.

He'd looked up at her expectantly, but she said nothing. And, as though a mutual agreement was made, he turned away, claiming the side away from the window, while Serenity stared into the stars, silent tears lulling her to sleep.

So, WHAT is going on between them? Don't worry. Next chapter will have to romance hints and some defiant fluff. Plus, I have a great "consummation" scene in mind!