"Oh my gosh, Chichi, you wont believe it!" Bulma greeted her friend as she entered her now-very-spacious room. She was given her own, high-class room when she was promoted to work in the scientific department and had Chichi move in with her. Although she was still a worker, and not exactly renowned, she did have some authority. Besides, she got along with kitchen headmaster and being the good cook she was, Chichi was allowed to move in. Chichi had become her closest friend. Of course, she also got along with Launch; she was nice too. But her and Chichi were like sisters. She had even ventured to tell her the long-kept secret of her fake identity. Chichi had marvelled at her wit and courage and vowed to keep it as long as it meant preserving her life.
"I heard about how you helped with the ship and everything. Oh, gosh, I'm so proud of you!" Chichi cried as she hugged her friend.
"Thanks, but that's not it. The king asked me to go to the banquet tonight. What should I do?!" Bulma asked frantically.
"That is so good! You know, Goku was just here a while ago," Chichi said with a smile.
"Was he? Yes, of course. I was beginning to wonder why the windows are wide open, but now I know why," Bulma laughed.
Chichi blushed, "Oh, Bulma, it was so good to see him again. He came and brought me this," Chichi said as she picked up a neatly folded package. She undid the folds and revealed a beautiful golden dress.
Bulma gasped, "Oh, gods, Chichi, it's...just beautiful!"
"He asked that I wear it tonight," Chichi said with a smile.
"Really?!! Chichi that's perfect!" Bulma cried in delight. At least she wouldnt be alone among all those people.
They both grew silent when they heard a knock on the door.
"Wow, Goku really missed you, huh?" Bulma smirked as she went and opened the door.
She gasped when she did.
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"Vegeta, I am glad you're back," Isa said as she entered her fiance's quarters. She was happy to see he was semi-undressed. Mmm, perfect timing, she tthought as she licked her lips. She walked up to him and hugged him, almost adoringly.
"Yeah, I bet you are," he said rolling his eyes. He certainly was too tired to take her disgusting affections- knowing, of course, that she probably had gotten her share of sensual action during his absence. And who the hell did she think she was to burst in to his room, invading his privacy? He shook her off and grabbed his towel, ready to get bathed.
"A little cold, arent we?" Isa said with a frown.
"I dont like people invading my privacy," Vegeta said.
"You dont like many things, Vegeta," Isa said, hands-on-hips, "and if we're going to be married for the goddamn rest of our lives, then you might as well start liking me, at least a bit, because I refuse to be treated like garbage!"
Vegeta smirked, "You will be treated according to who and how you are. Maybe you should consider making a change- for your own good. And you dont raise your voice to your future king...and husband," he said with a disgusted look.
Isa ignored the earlier insult, and decided to take a submissive approach, "Vegeta, I'm sorry...it's just that...you've been gone for six months and...I-I've missed you. And here you are acting all indifferent."
Vegeta glared at her. Could she be more of a fucking hipocrite? "Although I heard you were warming Darius' bed. Or was that a result of loneliness?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Isa was taken aback. Damn, people did talk a lot! And news definitely traveled fast around the palace. "Vegeta, I dont know where people could get that disgusting idea! I have done no such thing!"
Vegeta rolled his eyes, "I'm being forced to marry you, just so you know. I dont have to be happy with it. But if it were up to me and not up to my father, I would have never chosen a whore to be my wife."
"Vegeta, what are you trying to say? Are you calling me a -"
"Yes, and that's what you are. Get out," Vegeta said blankly as he entered the bathing lounge.
Isa norrowed her eyes in silent fury. Oh, my prince, you will pay dearly for the treatment you have given me. You will soon live to regret it.
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"My queen! It's-it's a pleasure to see you," Bulma faultered, not believing that the queen was, in fact, at her door. Did she even remember her?
"Hello, Celeste. It's nice to see you again. All grown up- and with such important responsibilities," the queen said kindly.
Bulma smiled, "Please come in."
The queen raised her arm, "No, I'm in quite a rush. But I have heard of the good things you have done, Celeste. You were invited to the banquet, I hear?"
"Yes, your majesty," Bulma nodded.
"And a well-deserved invitation, of course. Which is why I have taken the liberty of bringing you this. And dont refuse it, because I would be offended. This is one of the most remarkable dresses I have seen, and I'm sure it will compliment your body well," the queen said, unfolding a beautiful royal blue dress. It was long, made of silk. Sleeveless, strapless. Roundly encompassed the bust section in a sort of heart-like way- with two elegant slits running up to mid-thighs, bare back and a beautiful necklace attached to the front, which supported it.
Bulma gasped, "I-I thank you, my queen. But I dont think I deserve such a gift."
The queen smiled, "You brought my garden back to life, not to mention you have the courage to let people know you're the owner of yourself. That's something to admire, Celeste. I'm sure you will do great things in the future."
"Wow...thank you, your majesty," Bulma said in awe. Never had she heard such words of appraisal directed towards her.
"Do you like it?" the queen asked, handing the dress over to Bulma.
"Oh, I love it! It's gorgeous!" Bulma cried delighted.
"Yes, it really is," Chichi said smiling.
"And you are?" the queen asked curiously.
"Oh, I'm Chichi. I work at the kitchen," she said, introducing herself.
The queen seemed thoughtful for a moment, "Why, yes of course. You have quite a reputation for your cooking skills. I truly enjoy your meals."
Chichi was speechless for a minute, "Compliment is well-taken, your majesty. It's a pleasure to hear that."
"Of course, Kakarot is a very lucky man," the queen said raising her eyebrows.
Bulma and Chichi looked at each other, confused. How did the queen know?
"H-How do you know about that?" Chichi faltered a bit.
The queen laughed, "Well, Kakarot was never good at keeping secrets.Chichi and Bulma laughed along, relieved. It wasnt exactly...acceptable for someone like Goku to have some kind of serious relationship with a servant such as she. Which was why they tried to keep it between them, just so people wouldnt start talking. Of course, there was nothing wrong with them being seen together. A lot of elites and nobles were seen with servants, maids and such, but were never taken seriously. She just hoped the queen wouldnt make a big deal out of it.
"Dont worry, I wont say a word. But I just hope I am invited to the wedding," the queen said as she walked to the door to leave.
Chichi gasped. Did that mean that it would be approved? It could mean so many things, but she was grateful the queen hadnt been mean or angry. "You will, my queen!"
"Thank you again, for the beautiful dress!" Bulma said gratefully.
"It was my pleasure, Bulma," the queen said as she exited the room.
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"Prince Vegeta, it is an honor to meet you," the jet-black haired youth said respectfully.
Vegeta nodded, assenting his head.
"Vegeta, in case you didnt know, this is 17, Dr. Gero's nephew. Both, he and his sister are exceptional fighters. I have had them doing conservatory training and they will soon join the elite force as well," the King said with a proud smile.
Vegeta raised his eyebrow. He could believe that the guy had strength. He could see it. But his chick sister? He doubted she was any good. She was hot- that she was.
"18. Pleasure to meet you, Prince Vegeta," she said as she curtsied.
Vegeta smirked as the musicians started to play and the dance hall filled with people, "Dance?" he asked offering his hand. This should be interesting. Let's see just what kind of warrior she is.
18 smiled back, taking the offered hand, "Yes, of course."
As the both started the traditional banquet waltz, Vegeta couldnt help but wonder where the blue-haired girl was. No doubt her father had invited her after her genius performance at saving the ship. His mind started to wander; thinking about her eyes, her aquamarine hair, her lush lips, creamy skin...
"Prince Vegeta?" 18 was saying.
"Huh?" Vegeta asked, bouncing back into reality.
"There's something you should know," 18 said, lowering her voice.
Vegeta narrowed his eyes, "What's that?"
"It's about my uncle, Dr. Gero," she paused and looked around, as they continued the dance, "my brother and I both suspect something about him."
Vegeta was getting annoyed and curious. What was she talking about, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
18 looked at him darkly, "I dont know for sure. But I am just letting you know we suspect of him. He's been acting strange. He's held secret meetings where the people who attend cover themselves, so as to hide their identity. About a month ago, he took a ship and traveled outside the planet. He came back rather quickly, however. We're not sure what it is, but...I-I think it's the kind of crime that would be labeled as...treason," she paused, "he's also been staying long at the lab. He's working on something big. I am just letting you know so that you are sure that my brother and I are not involved in anything. I am assuring our innocence and loyalty to you and the crown."
Vegeta nodded, "Your loyalty will not go overlooked. And if your uncle is, in fact, planning something, I doubt he willl get far."
"Why do you say that?"
"The king is removing him as headmaster and top scientist of the lab and replacing him with someone else, of whom I dont know about. The master keys will be taken away from him tomorrow morning and given to someone else," he said with a smirk, amused at the thought of Gero's face when he received the news.
18 nodded, "Well, it's better that way. Maybe he wont cause as much damage anymore."
"You seem to have your own personal reasons for disliking him," Vegeta said, raising his eyebrow.
18 lowered her eyes, "Yes. When our parents died, we were forced to live with him. He would make us do chores for him and help him out with his insane experiments. Sometimes we would work for days without eating. In time, we got sick of his beatings and trained ourselves. My brother and I would escape during the night and spar each other in the woods. We became quite frantic with the fighting. Our uncle, when he discovered this, sent us to the conservatory. We have been there for three years now. But he still has custody over us."
"Well, I suppose you will be free from him soon enough," Vegeta said.
18 shook her head, "My brother will. I wont until I am 25 because I am a female. Unless...unless he gives my hand away, of course."
"And that is the center of your problem," Vegeta said matter-of-factly.
"The prince is very clever," she said with a smile, "I am in love with a soldier I met a year ago. We want to unite...lawfully, but my uncle will not accept him."
Vegeta was silent for a second, still wondering what Gero could possibly be planning against his father. He wasnt usually nice to people, regardless of gender. But this girl- this girl had given him a good piece of information. The kind of information that could mean the difference of his obtaining the crown or the kingdom being destroyed. "I can do something about that. You need not worry."
18 froze.Was he serious? She had heard many things about the prince; and none of them were good. She wasnt the kind to open up to people like she'd just done. But she'd felt compelled to, "My prince?"
"I'll make sure you're given away to the soldier," he paused, seeing the amazement in her eyes; her mind contradicting his reputation, "that, of course, I am only doing because you have done the right thing in informing me with your suspicions. As much as Gero is an old man, he is also a very intelligent individual. And the mind can become something dangerous. As ruthless as we may be, a heroic act such as yours does not go unrewarded."
"I am most grateful to you, my Prince," 18 said as she bowed her head and stopped as the music ended.
Vegeta nodded as she left to join her brother who looked at her with curiosity.
Meanwhile, young women swooned over the prince, trying to strike up conversations and making unlady-like propositions, which he disredarded with a smirk and slight disgust.
"Prince Vegeta!" a young elite man called out and gestured the prince to come over to a group of young men.
Vegeta joined the group, "Gentlemen, what seems to be the problem?" he asked as he was handed a drink.
"We were just talking about our ordeal working with Frieza. I think we did rather well with the lizard, huh?" the young man, Corcus, said laughing.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow, noticing they were all well past their usual drink, "I wouldnt be too sure. This was only the first time, Corcus. Next time the stay can extend for years...and could be deadly."
"Speaking of deadly," Corcus said almost in a whisper as his eyes turned towards the entrance of the banquet room, "that is the most beautifl creature I have seen. Dead-gorgeous!" he gasped as the rest of the young men followed suit.
Vegeta finished his drink, ignoring the comment, but couldnt help but feel a bit curious about who they were all talking about. He was more than shocked as he saw the blue-haired beauty enter in all her glory- escorted by the human elite, Yamcha.
Vegeta smirked. This should be interesting.
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"Bulma, it's good to be here with you, I missed you," Yamcha said sweetly as they danced slowly to the music.
Bulma smiled, though not whole-heartedly. She couldnt quite put her finger on what exactly she felt for Yamcha. But he was honest, and one of the few humans on the planet; she would do everything to develop love for him, "I missed you too Yamcha. Was it that bad over there?"
Yamcha looked away. Did they really have to start talking about that? Couldnt she tell him how much she'd missed him? The things she wanted to do with him? How much she longed for him to make love to her? Well, of course, she wouldnt say that. She's not that kind of girl, he thought with an inward smile. "You can't imagine how bad it was. Imagine an evil, oversized lizard, with the voice of a woman, and yet stronger than you, telling you to go purge this planet...and another planet, and the other, and more and more until you're just restless. I actually got used to being satisfied with life by just eating and getting a few hours of sleep."
Bulma smiled sympathetically, "I'm sorry you had to go through that. But now you're here...and, umm...things can change...for the best."
Yamcha wondered in disbelief. What was she incinuating? That they get married? Woa. That was...something he hadnt thought of.
"Ahem," a voice cleared behind them. They stopped dancing and looked. There stood the prince in all his handsomeness (dont think thats a word) and arrongant glory.
"Your majesty?" Yamcha asked curiously with a raised eyebrow. What could the prince possibly want?
"I'd like a dance with the genius scientist who managed to save our ship," Vegeta said without so much as a glance towards Yamcha; his eyes intently fixed on Bulma, who glared at him. She held on to Yamcha, strenghthening her hold on him, trying to tell him not to let the prince have a dance wiht her. But Yamcha didnt seem to notice. Even if he did, how could he deny the prince's request?
"Sure," Yamcha said, looking at the table where Tien, Launch, Chichi and goku were sitting at, "Celeste, I'll be right over there with them."
Bulma was too angry to even say anything. She just nodded with a big frown on her face.
"What happened, woman? Are you not delighted that the Mighty Prince has asked for a dance with you?" Vegeta asked with a smirk as he took her hand and placed the other on her small waist. He started moving with the music and looked intently into her eyes.
Bulma couldnt help but feel a small jump of excitement at the touch of his hand on her; and his eyes, like a magnet, drawing her to him.
"As a matter of fact, I am solely disgusted. There are many beautiful women around here, why do have to come and ruin my moment with my boyfriend to dance with me?" Bulma asked making her annoyance obvious.
The prince chuckled and pulled her closer to him, whispering in her ear, "Because I wanted to dance with you. You're the woman that caught my eye above all the other ones, and I couldnt care less about your little boyfriend."
Bulma shuddered as his breath brushed her ear. There was something in his voice- desire? Lust? Attraction? Mock? She didnt know what but it was dangerously having an effect on her, and what scared her the most was that...she liked it. She felt a pang of guilt as she thought about Yamcha. He didnt deserve betrayal from her.
"Woman, I must say I am...rather impressed at you performance at the lab," Vegeta said, although there was some mock and arrogance in his voice.
"Hmm, well I am flattered to hear you say that. It's almost like a compliment, though not quite," Bulma said, a smile grazing her lips.
Vegeta chuckled, "Yes, I dont use those too often, so feel special you got one from me."
Was the prince flirting with her? If he wasnt, then he was in a very good mood because he was being awfully nice to her. Not like his usual self. She couldnt help but remember the way he'd kissed her the night before he and the others had left for their mission. Bulma, stop it. Keep on like this and you'll just keep falling under his trap. All he wants is to make you fall for him and then laugh in your face.
She was about to laugh at his last comment when she saw a figure a bit distant, talking to the king. Light lavender straight hair, fair look, a mustache...by all the gods...was that? Was that...her father??!!! No, it couldnt be. She had clearly seen how her parents had been shot and they'd laid on the ground, motionless.
But the thought that her father was indeed, alive alarmed her; relieved her; confused her. What was she supposed to think? Was this really happening? She felt the air in her lungs falter and her legs slowly betraying her.
"Woman, what the fuck? Are you okay?" Vegeta asked as he felt the blue-haired girl in front of him almost fall to the ground. He held her up and tried to support her.
Bulma looked again. Only to see that the figure of her father was gone. I must be seeing things. Been too stressed out at the lab, I need some fresh air.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm a bit light-headed, Vegeta. I, umm, I think I'll go outside to the balcony and get some air. It's hot in here," she said, wafting her hand towards her as if to make some kind of fan and blow some air into her.
Vegeta nodded and led her out, as the ball floor suddenly flooded with more people dancing.
"So, what the hell happened to you in there?" Vegeta asked once outside.
It was a bit chilly, but she loved the feeling of the cold breeze against her forehead, which was a bit damp from the heat inside.
"It was nothing. It was just too hot," she said as she closed her eyes and tried to steady herself; she was still shaken up by what she'd seen.
Vegeta just crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her.
"What?" she asked as she noticed the way he was looking at her.
"So you just amde me come out for nothing. Doesnt look like you're sick. And it's not even that hot in there, so let's go," he said annoyed. Truth was, he knew Isa would start looking for him all over, and she had less chances of finding him in the crowd inside than here, where there was nobody.
"Vegeta?" she asked suddenly.
"What?" he answered annoyed, looking towards the entrance.
"Do you hate me?" she asked, tilting her head. Though her question came out playfully, her eyes held some seriosuness to them.
Vegeta remained silent. Sure, he'd never liked her. From day one she'd been a total bitch. They'd hated each other and showed their hatred whenever they'd had the time to bump into each other. But he knew he was attracted to her.
"Well?" Bulma insisted on his answer, but her voice came out softly this time.
She watched in confusion as he took a step closer to her and in one swift, slow, moment- just like the other times- she felt his lips carress hers.
Understanding, want, passion, gentleness...so many emotions mixed and combined- all fused in one deep, devouring kiss.
"Woman, I've tried hating you and I cant," Vegeta whispered as he drew back for a moment, eyes still on her moist lips, only to go back to them. And that was all she needed to confirm her feelings for him. So, in the end, he had always felt something for her. Is that what he was trying to say?
But all coherent thought vanished from her head as she was swept to a whole new level of passion. She didnt know what kind of effect he was having on her, but it was as if her body betrayed her mind. She couldnt- wouldnt, control herself. There they were; two opposite poles completely attracted to one another in the most intimate kiss.
Vegeta seemed to groan as he painfully pulled away from her, looking at her intently, "What are you doing to me, woman?"
Bulma was about to open her mouth when she was interrupted by a female voice that entered behind them.
"Ahem," the female voice said, "hope I'm not interrupting anything."
The prince turned around with a frown on his face, "Isa, what do you want?"
Isa shrugged, trying to look indifferent, but her glare was fixed on Bulma. "Oh, nothing. Just making sure my soon-to-be husband is keeping his oath of loyalty."
Vegeta smirked almost bitterly, "Well, now that's something. This coming from the leader of all oath breakers?"
Isa now shifted her glare from Bulma to Vegeta, though it wasnt as intense, "I do not break oaths, Prince Vegeta," she said defensively.
Vegeta shrugged, "I didnt say ALL oaths, just the ones that concern loyalty."
Isa opted to remain silent. She'd better not plunge the needle any deeper. She looked at Bulma, who looked at her defiantly in return, "Well, what are you doing here at the banquet anyway? Somehow you must have snuck in."
"Why would I do that? The king himself invited me personally and the queen had the kindness of honoring me with a royal garment. Now, why would I have the need to sneak in?" Bulma asked sarcastically, amused by the shock and disbelief in Isa's face.
"The king invited you himself?" she asked dumbly. She didnt wait for an answer, "why are you out here, anyway?"
"That's none of your goddamn business. Get the hell out of here before I decide to disengage from you and choose a better whore," he said annoyed, but firmly.
Isa looked surprised for a moment, shocked at the fact that the prince had so willingly defended her prey. Didnt he hate her, as she had assumed from his previous behavior with her? Why defend her now? What had changed? She didnt know what had happened, but she didnt like it. Not one bit. And she would see to it that the pesky 'scientist', as she called herself, was removed from existence. Not taking the prince's threat for granted, however, she smartly nodded and turned around to exit, "Of course, my prince, I will leave. But keep in mind that I have the right to impose on any kind of activity that may affect our relationship and...marriage..? Have a good night."
Bulma sighed, "Maybe it's better if we are not seen together, Vegeta. I mean, of course, you wouldnt have a problem with that."
Vegeta glared at her, "Dont be idiotic, woman. Who I relate myself to and whoever I am seen with is no one's business or concern. If I want to see you every fucking day I can do so because I am the prince."
Bulma couldnt help but laugh at his response. Did he always have to be so aggressive and arrogant? She wondered if he was capable of saying somethign romantic, but relinquished the thought due to its absurdity. She didnt know what was going on between her and the prince. It was all very obscure to her. But all she knew- an dit scared her- was that she didnt care and all she wanted was to get a bit more closer to him.
"I have to go. My father's going to start being a prick about my abscence," he said looking at her, drowning her one more time in the abyss of his dark eyes.
She smiled as she nodded, "Yeah, you should go." She watched him as he turned, walking back towards the entrance to the ballroom, and couldnt resist the temptation.
"Vegeta?"
"What?" he asked, sounding pissed.
She put her arms around his neck and kissed him, quickly enough for no one to see...but deeply enough for him to feel what she felt.
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Ok. Sorry that one took long to get posted. I've been doing a lot of packing for college and all that. Forgive me, my people! I start next week, so I hope I can finish this quickly before I become overwhelmed with all the work. (Pre-med...I know...suicide!)
Anyways, lots of interesting stuff going on. The king, Bulma's new position as the one in charge of the lab (yay!), Yamcha, the queen and her kindness and most of all...Bulma and Vegeta. Yes! Definitely a lot of tension, but they kind of know how the other feels, at least. So, I hope you're ready for the next chapter and keep on sending those reviews!!!!!
Luv you all,
Stonecrusher7.