Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Special thanks to KimiruMai, xSapphirexRosesxFanx, SaiyanPrincessBB, and Curlyquills for reviewing the original chapter :D

Things were running as smoothly as they could, all things considered. The third-class soldiers were settled into the palace and undergoing physicals and treatment by the end of the week. Nappa had managed to find all of the old council members who had no objection to Vegeta making an alien his queen. They even went so far as to agree to make changes to the ceremony to fit Bulma's culture. Mating was different for the Saiyans and, where there was a ceremony, it was more of an announcement and then a feast. For Bulma, she needed more, and Vegeta had no problems giving her the ceremony she desired.

A date had not been decided yet, but Vegeta hoped it would happen soon. There was so much he wanted to announce to his people. New changes would be implemented, some of the treaties were already restored, but most importantly, his beautiful mate would be their queen and soon two little heirs would be running around the palace.

Vegeta was proud of what was playing out in front of him. His father's death only signified good things for him and the people, and they mostly came in the shape of his mate. She was organized when it came to the running of the physicals, brilliant in coming up with new systems, including the instillation of a water system on their desert world, and yet able to handle the pregnancy of twins with only minor exhaustion. At first everyone had been terrified about a weaker being carrying Saiyan children, especially Bardock because of Gine's illness after giving birth to twins, but she was showing none of the symptoms that Gine had during the pregnancy. She rarely ever had the morning sickness that humans experienced, though she had warned Vegeta about the tendencies. She did experience some discomfort in her back, but taught the prince different ways to relax tensed muscles, including hot water baths and massages. Her methods may have been primitive to the technically advanced race, but they were welcomed just as she was.

"I can't believe you're doing this," Raditz teased after finding Vegeta in a large hall being decorated. "I thought you hated PDAs."

The prince rolled his eyes. "When it's you and Turles dragging around women from a bar and shoving your tongue down their throats, yes, I have a problem."

"You are no fun, princey," the elder Saiyan teased. "But truthfully, this will be a ceremony to remember, so I guess I'm good with it. If it's like my sister-in-law's culture, you do have to kiss her in public."

"Don't you have someone else to bother?" Vegeta grumbled. Where he did see Kakarot's family as his second family, he did see them as any normal Saiyan would. Raditz was the annoying, vulgar older brother that you just wanted to punch in the face every once in a while. Turles, annoying, but to a lesser degree than Raditz as he was more of a follower than a leader. Kakarot, he was the best friend you could never ask for, but just happened to receive because of a sibling-like rivalry. They grew up together because of their power, but were still family nonetheless.

"Nah, the twins are sparring and I'm not in the mood to bar crawl," Raditz stated matter-of-factly.

"Lucky me," Vegeta muttered before turning to take his leave from the hall. Raditz began to follow him. He was stopped by a glare. "Don't follow me around like a lost dog, especially when I'm going to check on my mate."

"Like I said," the long-haired Saiyan replied with a laugh, "no fun." Vegeta again rolled his eyes at the comment.

He found Bulma in the lab with Tarble, Kakarot, and Turles. Vegeta noted his nervous brother watching his irritated mate. Her hands were on her hips and both Kakarot and Turles looked incredibly beaten up.

"I cannot believe you two managed to beat each other up to the point where you both need senzus. What were you doing in there?" she scolded.

"Um, well," Kakarot said with a laugh. "We tend to get carried away with training."

Bulma smacked her forehead lightly and shook her head. "Tarble, just give them the senzu beans, but you two better be more careful. I don't need you messing up the GR. That's Vegeta's job."

Vegeta smirked at what he took to be a compliment while the twin brother said a quick and quiet "Sorry Bulma" before Tarble handed them the beans.

"And what is going on in here?" Vegeta questioned as he entered.

"And that would be our cue to leave," Turles said as he attempted to shove his twin out of the lab.

"Hi Vegeta, bye Vegeta," Kakarot chimed with a wave as he passed his best friend. "See you later."

"Hey big brother," Tarble greeted with a smile, his nervousness from earlier gone.

Vegeta nodded to him before making his way to Bulma whose irritation was pouring off of her. The older prince pointed his head to the door, and his brother ran out, obliging to his wishes. Bulma relaxed when she felt Vegeta's hands on her shoulders and his breath on her neck.

"Remind me to knock some sense into them for irritating their pregnant, future queen," he murmured.

"Mm-hm," Bulma managed to get out before Vegeta sat down on her chair, pulling her onto lap. "What's going on? Kakarot said you were going to be gone all day. Not that I'm not happy to see you, but I'm curious."

"Hmph," Vegeta grunted with a slight laugh. "You will think me foolish."

"Never," Bulma replied, turning to face him. "I could never see you as foolish, Vegeta."

Vegeta smiled slightly before gently stroking her leg. "I was going to spend the day seeing to the details of this ceremony and the banquet, but I was being harassed by Raditz and decided to come see you instead."

Bulma laughed lightly and wrapped her arms around Vegeta's neck. "I'm glad you decided to come see me," she told him. "And you don't need to worry about ceremony details or whatever. I'm just happy that I'm getting married…er, mated…whatever it's called."

The two of them stared at each other, staying silent as Vegeta slid his hand under her dress and continued to run his hand up her leg. He watched her for any signs of discomfort and didn't see any until he was close to the top of her leg. Bulma didn't mean to cringe, especially because she truly loved Vegeta and the way he made her feel. The prince removed his hand and instead stroked her hair. Ashamed, Bulma buried her face against his check, tears of embarrassment starting to form.

Vegeta felt her shake, forcing herself not to cry. "Bulma, it's okay," he assured her. He had expected her to react this way if he pushed too far. All he had wanted was to see where she was at, because he did not want her to find out later that she was afraid to sleep with her own husband. "I didn't expect you to be over it yet."

"But I should be," she said in frustration. "I love you, and I want to be with you, completely and fully. I don't know why I cringed…it shouldn't happen."

"We need to focus on getting you past everything, and I am not saying with what happened between us," Vegeta explained. "I've seen and heard enough with how my father behaved. It's not something you are going to get over right away. I was testing the waters so that no surprises came the night we are wed."

"Doesn't it bother you, thought?" she asked, still refusing to look him in the eye. "I'm a failure as a mate."

"Don't say that!" Vegeta snapped, shocking the woman in his lap. She looked at him questioningly before he continued. "You are an amazing mate. You've already done so much for me and my people. You are giving me heirs that will live a better life than my brother and me. That is all I need. The other stuff will come when you are ready."

"But how long will that take?" Bulma whined. Despite the intensity of the topic at hand, Vegeta couldn't help but mentally chuckle at Bulma's behavior. He didn't answer her, but instead pulled her to him and kissed her lips. He took her in his arms and placed his head on top of hers while telling her through the bond, It doesn't matter how long it takes, yuubutsu. We'll get through it, together.

Bulma sighed and ran her hand through her hair. "Why do you always have to be right?" she muttered quietly.

Vegeta picked up on her words, with his hearing and her close proximity, and released a deep chuckle. She always found a way to amuse him, whether it was her innocence, attitude, or intelligence. "You should go take a break and eat," he told her, changing the subject.

"I…" Bulma started before asking, "Will you come with me?"

The Saiyan prince wouldn't have been able to say 'no' even if he tried. The hopeful shine glistening in Bulma's eyes told him it was more than just a simple request. He knew Bulma treasured them, but recent developments in their relationship only a few days before their public ceremony left her feeling down on herself, and he refused to let her feel anything less than happiness.

"Of course, Bulma."

Days passed and preparations had been made for the ceremony and banquet. Bulma had been so busy between working on new advances for the desert planet and getting adequate food and rest for the baby. There were times she would join her soon-to-be mother- and brother-in-law, although she would only see the latter when he wasn't spending many hours with Chi Chi and Bardock learning about medicine. Things were surprisingly peaceful, and everyone was still getting used to it.

Her mother's wedding dress was perfect and covered up her baby bump well. Tears formed in her eyes remembering everything her parents had told her about their marriage and wedding. She missed them dearly, but at least she didn't have to do this without them. They were there in spirit, and she knew they would have approved of this union. Vegeta was everything her mother always wished for her, or at least everything she described in her many ramblings.

Looking at herself in a mirror, she did a half twirl. The dress was floor-length with intricate laced patterns twining around the dress like floral vines. It also had no sleeves, but straps holding the dress on her shoulders. She could see her tear stained face under the veil. She held the white, desert flower bouquet in her silky, gloved hands, as if she was posing for a picture.

A light knock on the door was heard, but Bulma made no move to open it. She wasn't surprised when she heard the door creak open, but she was surprised to see the queen standing there. Queen Kalina smiled at her son's mate and walked over to her and lifted the veil.

"You look beautiful, my child," she cooed gently, "but tell me, why are you crying?"

Bulma quickly used her arm to wipe away her tears. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "Hormones, plus…I really miss them."

"I didn't know your parents, but I have to say you would have made them so proud, Bulma," the queen assured her, placing her hands on her shoulders.

"Thank you," Bulma replied, her voice wavering. If she didn't get to the ceremony now, she was going to burst into more tears…if she didn't cry there from happiness. She would rather cry from feeling happy than wallowing in the past. The queen was right; her parents would be proud of her. They would also want her to move on and be happy. "Um, we should go now. I don't want to be late for my own wedding."

Kalina smiled at the girl she already saw as her daughter. She understood her haste and then placed the veil over her head once more. "You're right; we should go. You look absolutely beautiful."

Bulma smiled under the veil and then looked back to the mirror. She really hoped that Vegeta had similar thoughts as his mother. She looked somewhat plain, in her opinion, despite the intricacies of the dress. Her long, blue hair was in a braid and she wore no makeup. That never seemed to be a problem for her before, and she could only assume she was simply nervous. Besides, it wasn't like this was a giant press event like back on Earth. Yes, all the people would be present, but they were not expecting petty glamour. If that was a problem for them, most likely she wouldn't have been accepted in the first place.

They were standing outside of the hall when Bulma froze, her two hands wrapped around her bouquet. This was it; Bulma Briefs of Earth was about to marry the prince of an alien planet before becoming their queen. Absolutely no pressure.

Vegeta was standing awkwardly on the raised platform, simply waiting. He stood proud and tall for appearances with his people but, on the inside, he too felt nervous. It wasn't so much the pledging his life to Bulma that made him nervous as he had already done so, but he was publically going to announce his feelings in front of all his subjects, and then he was going to be crowned king with Bulma as his queen. It was a lot of change for him in just one day. The only one he had publically shown his feelings to was Bulma, so he was going to be taken out of his comfort zone. He also questioned himself as far as being king was concerned. There was so much to worry about, especially with other races. His subjects were loyal, he knew, so there would be no one who would betray this public display of affection to potential enemies. Still, he also had to worry about the race that attacked his mate…those blasted Arcosians.

And then the doors opened, and he saw Bulma standing there, with his mother, in a beautiful white dress. All doubtful or panicked thoughts left him when he saw her. Even with her face covered by this almost net-like material, he could see the vibrant color of her blue eyes. She was walking slowly down the aisle with their people now standing, but Vegeta only registered her. Suddenly, the ceremony and coronation didn't feel like a big deal.

When Bulma was standing in front of him, he placed his hands on hers, both of them holding the bouquet. They gazed into each other's eyes and almost didn't hear one of the council members start the ceremony. Other than being lost in each other, the beginning of the ceremony was a long speech in the Saiyans' native language which Bulma wouldn't have been able to focus on anyway, and then they started the part of the ceremony everyone could understand.

"We are a strong race and we have endured many hardships head on," he stated confidently. "And now our hardships have lessened thanks to our prince and princess. Today we shall be witness to their public union. We already know there is no objection."

There were a few rounds of laughter, and Bulma blushed when Vegeta smirked at her. No, no one could object their mating even if they wanted to. It was permanently binding. Besides, everyone clearly accepted her if they were all sitting there.

"Now," the councilman said to the two of them, "this would normally be the end; however, the prince has told us some of your traditions as well, including vows."

"Oh right," Bulma replied having zoned out for most of what had been said. She looked up at Vegeta through her veil. "I…I really haven't thought of what to say. This whole year has been different than I could have ever imagined. I never even thought of what it would be like to be married, but then you came along. Vegeta, you rescued me, and I will do anything I can to be the best mate to thank you for all you've done for me."

No thanks are require, he communicated to her, and you already are the best mate.

Vegeta squeezed her gloved hands before taking one and placing a kiss on it. "Yuubutsu," he started softly, "I had never been interested in anyone." He nudged his head to his family and people. "Any of them could tell you that." Bulma used her bouquet to cover her mouth as she and the other Saiyans chuckled at his remark. "I never wanted a mate," he continued, now growing serious. "It was never something on my mind with him around." It grew incredibly quiet in the hall before he began speaking again. "I wouldn't have gotten through any of it without you, and now, for the future, I won't have to. I am your protector, and I will keep you and our children safe…no matter who the enemy is."

Bulma nodded in understanding moving her hand along with Vegeta's as he rested his on her cheek from the outside of her veil. The council member cleared his throat, making the couple look at him. "As per another Earthling tradition, there is the exchanging of rings as I understand it?"

"Yes," Bulma agreed. "We decided to do something like that later."

"Understood," the Saiyan replied. "Well then, this ceremony is over and the prince and princess have announced their promises to one another. Now it is time for them to give their promises to the people."

Vegeta uncovered Bulma's face as he removed the veil. He chuckled at her confusion. Woman, you're about to be crowned. You can't wear that.

Oh right, Bulma mentally deadpanned. What is wrong with me today?

Nothing.

The two of them walked over to the thrones in the hall. Vegeta had been happy that they could remodel the rooms to have the two chairs side by side instead of the single in the middle of the room. When the councilman nodded to them, they both sat down as a few more older Saiyans Bulma hadn't seen before began speaking to the people, again in the native language.

They are explaining to the people that the council is reinstated, Vegeta explained, and that we will be working with them as much as they are with us.

Why wouldn't they? Bulma questioned.

Saiyans were traditionalists, until my father took over, Vegeta said hesitantly. Technically this union wouldn't have been approved of in that past.

I don't know how to respond to that one, Bulma admitted, her smiling when she heard Vegeta's deep, mental chuckle ringing through her head.

Then the councilmen turned to face them, all with smirks on their faces and two standing with the crowns. Then one who Vegeta had recognized to be his grandfather's advisor, Zorn, who was similar in age as his father, stood in front of him holding the crown.

"This crown is a symbol, but not of power," he enunciated. "Being king is about working with your subjects, and I have every reason to believe you shall do so. Will you choose to protect and lead our people?"

"I will," Vegeta replied without hesitation.

Zorn smirked and nodded, placing the crown on Vegeta's head over a few of the spikes. Bulma forced herself not to laugh, and Vegeta could sense her amusement. It's symbolic, Bulma…I won't be wearing this again.

Oh okay, she teased him. Because it seriously looks funny.

Yeah, yeah, he mentally muttered while making sure not to roll his eyes.

Then Zorn took the other crown and walked in front of Bulma. "As his crown symbolizes protection and leadership, yours symbolizes devotion and collaboration. It is asking a lot, especially of someone who became one of us from hardening circumstances, but we have all seen a devotion to fight with us. You have already taken on the responsibilities of a queen. All that can be asked is will you choose to continue?"

Bulma cast Vegeta a sideways glance, seeing him nod at her. She grinned and then sealed the deal by saying, "I will."

Zorn turned to the Saiyan people and held up his arms, which Vegeta responded to by gently tugging Bulma to stand. As they stood, so did the others.

"People of Planet Vegeta, our prince and princess have made promises to protect you. Will you do the same for them?" Many cheers rang out loudly in the enclosed room, cheers full of vigor, enthusiasm, and complete trust. It was overwhelming for both the human girl and Saiyan prince, having both gone through what they had. "Then let us hail King Vegeta and Queen Bulma!"

More jovial shouts resonated through the hall creating echoes. Bulma felt Vegeta's hand enfold around hers, the two of them walking forward and awkwardly accepted the adoration. The two royals flashed each other nervous glances, both hoping the other would reassure their anxieties. A smile found its way onto Bulma's face, Vegeta returning it with a half-smile before announcing to the crowd to retreat to the banquet chambers. There they would party for hours, eating, dancing, and conversing.

Afterwards, the night came, and Bulma and Vegeta bid his mother and brother a good night before they retreated to their room for the night. Bulma placed her veil and gloves on a table in the room, running her fingers through her hair. She felt Vegeta come up from behind her, simply placing his hands on her arms and stroking comforting circles and nuzzling his nose in her hair. There were no feelings of tense anxiety; Bulma simply stood there as he held her. Her head tilted back allowing him to kiss her, him pulling her into him gently as he guided her to the bed. The two of them said nothing as they got under the covers, although after Bulma drifted off, Vegeta gently pecked her forehead and whispered, "Goodnight, my yuubustsu," before joining her in the realm of slumber.