Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any of the characters.
AN: So you guys like it so far? Good. Well, here's the next chapter. Enjoy.
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Vegeta pulled on the white gold tipped boot then stood. He began to reach for his white and gold armor plate but decided against it. His opponents of late hardly required him to protect himself. Opening the drawer, he retrieved a pair of pristine white gloves. As he pulled them on, he exited the dressing wardrobe and entered the bedroom.
The room was decorated in blue and silver, the royal colors of Vegetasei. One of a kind fixtures and furniture filled it to capacity. The room was opulent and obviously designed for someone of high rank.
Vegeta walked across the plush white carpet. He stopped beside the bed and shook his head at the form laying there. Her laziness never ceased to amaze him. "Woman, get up," he said, reaching out to shake her as he spoke.
Groaning, she slowly rolled onto her back. "Why must you torture me so?" the female voice complained.
Vegeta finished readjusting his right glove as he smiled down at her. "Come on, lazybones. If you expect me to take you to those wedding ceremonies in two weeks you must complete your duties here first."
Bulma slung her arm across her eyes. "But I don't have any duties," she pouted. "And I'm tired."
"Very well. Lay in the bed all day. I'd prefer not to take you anyway," he said, trying to get a rise out of her.
Sighing dramatically, Bulma moved her arm to look up at him. "Fiinnee."
When he shook his head at her theatrics, Bulma closed her eyes again and tilted her chin up, pursing her lips as she did. When nothing happened, she opened one eye to see him gazing down at her with one quirked brow. She cleared her throat expectantly.
Vegeta chuckled and sat on the edge of the bed. Leaning forward, he kissed her, lingering over her lips for a brief moment before biting down on the lower one.
"Ouch!" she cried as he pulled back chuckling. "You jerk! That hurt! We're not going to speak to you anymore," she pouted.
Vegeta rested one gloved hand on her large rounded belly as he continued smirking at her. "And what makes you think you can dictate who my son speaks to?"
"Because he is inside of me. That's why I can," she responded. "Beside, what makes you so sure its your son and not my daughter?" she smiled at him.
"I know these things. Anyway, Vegetasei needs a male heir. A lowly female is of no use to us," he mocked, intentionally baiting her.
Bulma glared at him. "You know, if I could get off this bed quickly, I'd kick you."
Vegeta couldn't help laughing at the empty threat as he stood. "I have to go but I expect to see you waddle into the throne room within the hour. Am I understood?"
"Of course, your majesty," she said, rolling her eyes as she watched him leave the room. As he passed the two young girls standing silently by the door, he waved a dismissive hand at their soft, "Good morning, your majesty," giving them permission to enter the bed chamber.
Bulma sighed as she mentally prepared herself for the feat that getting out of bed had become. Finally ready, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and reached out her hand for the patiently waiting servant girl. Together they got her up on her feet. After their mistress was steady, the second spiky haired girl rushed over and held up the long sateen white robe, helping the princess into it. "Thank you, Enza and Ila," Bulma told the girls as Enza finished tying her robe.
"Shall we prepare your bath now, your highness?" Ila questioned.
"That sounds lovely," Bulma sighed as she started across the room. Upon reaching her vanity, she maneuvered herself into the stool which seemed to be getting lower and lower to the ground with each passing month of her pregnancy. Sighing her relief at accomplishing the goal of sitting, she moved her hair products aside and pushed a small white button at the base of the mirror. The action caused a hidden video screen to rise out of the silver table. Bulma then typed into the now present keyboard.
At that moment, a third servant girl entered, quickly followed by a fourth. "Good morning, your highness," they each said, bowing towards their princess. Once acknowledged by the blue haired royal, the taller of the two girls hurried off to Bulma's wardrobe for the day's outfit while the other placed the silver tray she was carrying on another table. Pouring warm tea into one of the cups, she set it on the vanity.
"Thank you," Bulma murmured offhandedly as she waited impatiently for the call on her screen to connect.
Another minute passed before the screen flickered and the bushy haired, bright-eyed boy appeared on the screen. He blinked then smiled politely. "Hello, your majesty."
Bulma chuckled. "Now Gohan, what have I told you about all that 'your majesty' stuff? You're practically family. Now, let's try it again."
The five-year-old checked for someone over his shoulder then leaned closer to whisper into the screen. "Hi Bulma."
Bulma couldn't help another chuckle at the child's hushed tones. Apparently, ChiChi was still ramming proper royal etiquette down the all ready polite little boy's throat. "So, is your mother around?" she continued.
"Um, yeah. Hold on. Okay?" He hurried away from the screen before she had time to respond. A few minutes passed before a beautiful brunette with warm eyes appeared on the screen.
"Well, if it isn't the Princess of Vegetasei," she said in greeting.
"I'm glad the Queen of Isles could take a moment out of her busy schedule to speak with me," Bulma responded good naturedly.
ChiChi chuckled. "So, how are you feeling?"
"Fat," Bulma said with a chuckle of her own.
ChiChi shook her head as she examined the woman more closely. "I can't believe you're really going to make such a long journey in your condition. You look ready to pop."
Bulma waved a dismissive hand at the screen. "Oh not you too! I've been arguing with Vegeta about this since the invite arrived. Krillin and Eighteen are dear friends and I fully intend to celebrate their happy union with them. Beside, its been six years since I've seen either of them in person, not to mention you guys."
ChiChi continued to frown at the screen. "That's not the point. I think its ridiculous that you would want to take the chance. It's even more shameful that Prince Vegeta is not forcing you to stay home."
"ChiChi, we have an excellent medical staff going along on the trip. In addition, Vegeta has never been able to force me to do anything yet so why would I start letting him now. Anyway, I did not call you for a lecture," Bulma finished.
"Then why did you call?" ChiChi wanted to know.
"I wanted to know when Isles' royal envoy will arrive on Mongo," Bulma answered.
"Well, we are to leave four days from today and it is a five day journey. This makes us set to arrive in about nine days."
"Wonderful!" Bulma replied. "It's been too long since I've seen my parents. I must say, I'm extremely excited."
ChiChi smiled softly. "I'm sure they would agree. Your mother is going crazy at not being able to be with you at this time."
Bulma rested a hand on her belly as she sighed. "I know. I wish she could be here too." Bulma gave the other woman a smile as she tried to cheer herself up. "The things a girl will give up for the man she loves, huh?"
"Not just for Vegeta, though, right?"
Bulma frowned at the sudden seriousness in ChiChi's voice. "What do you mean?"
ChiChi bit her lip as she looked away from the screen. When she looked up again, so many emotions played on her face that Bulma's frown deepened. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I just," ChiChi started softly. "Well, I never really thanked you that's all. You gave up your dowry and title for me. Without them, I fear my life would be much different."
Bulma's frown turned to a soft smile. The words of the now Queen of Isles rang true. The Baron Hercule de Satan had been determine to marry the pretty brunette and happily held the deed to her family lands over her head. Despite many attempts of the then Lord Kakarot to purchase the deed on the currently residing family's behalf, the Baron refused by constantly raising the value of the land until it was out of the soon-to-be king's price range.
There had been only one way to save ChiChi from a marriage to a man she despised and Bulma knew how to do it. It is the right of any member of the royal court of Isles to renounce their title and bestow it upon whomever they deem worthy. With all options exhausted, Bulma had done just this for her friends. By giving ChiChi her title and dowry, she made her friend the new Princess of Isles. This in turn made ChiChi's family lands property of the royal family and took the deed out of the Baron's hands.
This solution had seemed perfect to Bulma. Not only had it gotten ChiChi out of a disastrous engagement but her post allowed her new fiance, Lord Kakarot, to claim the crown he'd been groomed for since childhood, upon marrying her. Giving up her title also freed Bulma from her commitment to Isles so she could move to Vegetasei and marry her prince.
As far as Bulma was concerned, she had gotten as much out of the arrangement as ChiChi. "There's no need to thank me. Vegeta would take me without a dowry, so I didn't need it," Bulma smiled into the screen.
ChiChi returned the smile before clearing her throat as she returned to her formal tone. "Well, I suppose I should go. I look forward to seeing you on Mongo."
"Very well. Give my parents my love, all right?" Bulma replied.
"I will. Good bye, princess," ChiChi answered before the screen went black.
Bulma pushed a small white button on the small panel causing the screen to disappear into her vanity. Lifting her cup, she finished the last of her tea. After sitting the empty cup aside, she motioned towards the silent girls who were waiting patiently to be acknowledged.
"Colis, Zya, come here," Bulma huffed as she prepared to hoist her large frame off her stool. The girls quickly hurried forward to help the princess stand. Once on her feet, she lumbered her way into the connected bathroom where her hot bath was waiting.
She waited as her attendants helped her disrobe and into the soothing water. She chose to lounge in the tub despite Vegeta's earlier warning about hurrying to the throne room. It was another two and a half hours before she was clean, dry, and dressed. Wearing an aqua colored day dress, which was cinched under her bust line and belled out over her stomach to brush the floor, she was just about ready to begin her day.
Bulma perused her reflection in the mirror as the youngest of her attendants, Zya, tied her long, soft hair at the nap of her neck with a cream colored ribbon. Nodding in approval of her appearance, she left the royal apartments she shared with her husband.
The princess proceeded through the palace halls with her four female servants following five steps behind her. As she continued her journey, those saiyans milling about each stopped to bow before her. Bulma was raised as a princess so she was more than use to such respect. However, this level was even new for her. She was no mere saiyan princess. She was the wife of the Legendary Super Saiyan and the key to his power. Though not yet king, he was the man most saiyans viewed as the true leader of the planet and the sacred Writings of Vegetasei described her as instrumental to the success of his rule. In addition, she carried the heir of the greatest warrior in just over one thousand years. These facts made her one of the most revered beings on the planet. Only her mate surpassed her in importance to the people of Vegetasei.
Her walk came to a halt briefly as she waited for the royal guard to open the massive doors to the throne room. When she entered the room, she was greeted with a common and unpleasant scene.
"You are pushing my patience, boy," King Vegeta threatened, as he stood before his throne, glaring at his son's back.
The 'boy' in question stood staring out one of the large arched windows of the room. Arms crossed over his chest, tail wrapped tightly around his waist, the prince turned to his father and shrugged.
The king growled in frustration. "It is your duty as prince to lead your people. You have not been on a purge in months!"
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "Purges are beneath me, father. I am The Legendary and as such I will decide which of my princely duties I'll attend to."
King Vegeta's eyes narrowed, his tail lashing angrily behind him. "Your arrogance is disgusting! I have half a mind to-"
"To what? What exactly would you do?" Vegeta challenged. The smirk on his face told of his amusement at his father's aggrevation.
"Enough you two!" came the raspy female voice. The queen stepped from her position beside the throne. "I have had enough of your arguing over this meaningless topic. If our son does not want to go, it is his choice. Beside," Argana paused to turn to the entourage now standing at the door, "you're upsetting Bulma."
At her comment, father and son turned to the blue haired princess standing at the door, flanked by her attendants. The smirk on Vegeta's face disappeared as he frowned at her.
"I said be here within the hour, woman. Not in three."
Bulma squared her shoulders as she shook off some of the heaviness she felt. The saiyans form of 'planet brokerage' disgusted Bulma from the moment Vegeta explained the occupation to her when they were first mated six years ago. It was the one and only thing she despised about this warrior race she now claimed as her own. She all ready decided that when she became queen the purges would be the first thing to go.
Placing a smile on her face, she tried to brush the thoughts aside as she ignored her husband's glare. "What matters is that I'm here now," she said airly as she walked towards the throne, her servants remaining at the door.
The king dropped into his throne as Bulma stopped before him. Queen Argana took her position at the right side of her husband's seat.
"How are you today, princess?" Argana questioned.
"Wonderful, your majesties." As she spoke, Bulma tipped her head respectfully to her in-laws as her expansive waist would not allow her to bow.
"I expect you to talk some sense into my son, girl," King Vegeta spoke as he looked her over before turning a glare on his son.
Bulma smiled at her prince who now came to stand beside her. The look he was giving his father was a mix between boredom, aggravation, and amusement.
"I'm sorry your highness but when he has that look in his eyes not even I can change his mind," Bulma answered with a smile.
The king grunted as the queen spoke. "It is of no consequence anyway. The purge is in four days and your ship leaves for Mongo in two. Am I correct?"
"That's right!" Bulma said, her excitement obvious. "Two good friends of mine have fallen in love and I can't wait to see them pledge themselves eternally to one another. It's all just so romantic," she sighed happily, causing the three saiyans to give her skeptical looks over the romantic sentiment.
"You are aware I do not approve of your leaving the planet so close to the birth," King Vegeta said, his disapproval obvious.
Bulma sighed. 'Here we go again.' "I have been over this with Vegeta, your majesty. The baby will be in no danger."
"Of course he won't be in danger. The child is the heir to the Vegeta bloodline. There is no concern for the child's well being," King Vegeta brushed off. "My concern is that the heir will be born off the planet. It would be completely inappropriate for a prince of Vegetasei to be born on a mud ball of a planet such as Mongo."
"Your majesty," Bulma started slowly, "the baby is not due for five weeks and we will be back by then. There is no need to worry."
"You don't know that for sure. Son, you need to talk to your woman," King Vegeta ordered his namesake.
Vegeta glanced at his wife then to his father. "Well, when she has that look in her eyes, father, not even I can change her mind," he answered smugly, causing his pretty round mate to chuckle.
The king huffed at being disobeyed once again. "You two are impossible! I want you out of my throne room."
His tantrum only caused the pair further amusement, though the princess tried to hide hers where the prince did not as he laughed out right.
Even the queen had to smile at her husband's display before turning concerned eyes to Bulma. "Do be careful on this voyage, my dear. After all, it is our only grandchild."
Bulma returned the smile as she placed a hand on her belly. "I would do nothing to hurt this child, your majesty. You can be sure of that."
With the queen's nod of acknowledgment, Bulma turned to her mate. "Will you walk with me to my gardens?"
"Why would I do that?" he frowned at her.
Bulma scrunched her nose at him. "Because if you don't, I'll be very sad."
"So?"
Bulma stuck her bottom lip out. "Oh please, Vegeta?" she pouted.
Rolling his eyes, Vegeta turned and began walking to the door. "Come along, woman. I haven't all day," he threw over his shoulder.
Now smiling, Bulma waddled as fast as she could until she was in step with him and able to link her arm through his. As the young couple exited the room, followed discreetly by the four female attendants, Argana couldn't help a smile watching them.
"To be young," she said looking at her husband with a soft smile.
King Vegeta gave a characteristic grunt. "Youth is wasted on the young," he said, watching his son's tail swaying behind him as he disappeared through the door.
For what seemed the fifth time that morning, Argana chuckled.
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Well, now we're all caught up on life with all our old friends and the story can begin. See you guys next time. Thanks for reading.