Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue. You wouldn't get anything even if you did. *hides my DBZ tapes*

Warnings: implied violence, mentions of hostile actions

quotes -- talking

italics -- thoughts or flashbacks

Previously: The guys, Vegeta, and Queen Emerald look at her in shock at all that. They all nod a yes to that and mark her as approved. They thank her for her time and ask her to tell the other girls they had the remainder of the day to themselves so they had time to go over the information. Bulma nods and heads out to the other girls and lets them know the situation.

THE CHOOSING

The next morning came swiftly for the four remaining girls. They had been allowed to sleep in instead of having to be down for breakfast with everyone else. Katai, Brenara, Lumara, and Bulma were all that remained out of the original 10, and after this morning, only 2 would be left standing. The girls were asked to wear something casual that morning and asked to come to a private dining area instead of the usual location. They all dress accordingly and start walking down there wondering what was going to happen. Queen Emerald was there to greet them that morning and asks each of them to take a seat. Breakfast was being served to them in the private room so that the Queen had a chance to tell them who would be leaving this morning and who would stay for the final choice. Prince Vegeta joins them a few moments later and takes a seat by his mother.

"We have the results for you girls, and unfortunately, two of you will be leaving this morning. The other two will remain until I have time to decide which of you will be my Queen. This was not an easy choice, nor will it be any easier choosing from the final two. Brenara and Katai, you two will be going home this morning. Lumara and Bulma will be staying for the final decision. Our choices on who stayed and who are being let go was based on your answers. Katai, you're being let loose because you bold faced lied on your questions. Brenara, you were the same way. You lied and that is inexcuseable. Lumara and Bulma, all of us were impressed by your answers so that is why both of you are staying. After breakfast, Katai and Brenara, you two will be expected to pack up and leave."

The four girls look at each other shocked a moment. Lumara and Bulma look at the other then at the Queen and Prince with matching expressions, ones of shock at being picked. Katai and Brenara both were silently fuming and were not pleased with this turn of events. Queen Emerald silently watches the expressions of the girls and notices the looks Katai and Brenara had and knew there could very likely be trouble. If their pasts were any indication, they would try to ruin the final choice by any means possible. She writes a note down and discreetly slips it to her son to read later. He tucks the note into his pocket then enjoys the breakfast that was just being brought in. The girls who were leaving finish only part of their meals, then get up and head out of the room to go pack. Lumara and Bulma take their time with breakfast and finish up about the same time as the Prince and Queen. They were given some free time to do whatever they pleased, so the two decided to go check out the pool for a little while.

Vegeta and Queen Emerald head down to the conference room and monitor the two girls in their activities and also go over the upsides and downsides of each of the girls. Bulma was human, that was the main thing that was bad. Most of the people wouldn't want a human Queen, but if they looked past that to her willingness to serve and her dedication, the people might accept her in time. With Lumara, her main flaw was her shy nature. Most considered that a weakness since most of the ones who were shy in the past, weren't too good of fighters. Certainly, Lumara was a good fighter, but if she had to fight to survive, she would probably be one of the first ones to die. Bulma wasn't that good of a fighter either, but her creativeness made up for that. That creative streak would certainly be enough to get her out of any tough spots. They spend the better part of the morning going over the information they had recieved from people in town about the two remaining girls until they finally came to their final decision.

King Vegeta in the meantime was fuming and was trying to get the medical team to call the two girls down to the labs for their examinations. He was trying to play sneaky and get them into the exam rooms regardless, but the medical teams came up with an excuse that the exams had already been done and there was no need for another one. King Vegeta storms through the palace trying to calm himself and notices that Bulma and Lumara were the final two. He grumbles a moment then walks outside to get some fresh air. Prince Vegeta and Queen Emerald grin at each other and were breathing sighs of relief that they had told the medical teams to make up an excuse. The last thing they needed was for the King to interfere with the decision.

It was around suppertime when Lumara and Bulma were summoned into the main throneroom. The room was decorated with paintings of all the former Kings and Queens and had crimson rugs all over the floors. Underneath the rugs were marble tile floors. The glass of the windows were etched with images of dragons and gryphons, the guardians of old. Prince Vegeta and Queen Emerald walk forward and stop in front of the two girls. It was Vegeta who spoke up to them. "The final decision has been made, and I can tell you this, it was not an easy decision. Both of you have proved to be loyal, good with kids, good with the people, and very likely will make a good mate and Queen. My father more than likely will try to ruin the corrination ceremony but he won't get far with that. Lumara, I am very sorry, but you are not to be my mate. Bulma, you have been chosen to be my mate and the new Queen. You both would have been chosen, but I could only take one of you. My final choice was based on my feelings, and who I felt more connected to. The corrination will be next week so get some rest Bulma. You're going to need it. Lumara, best of luck to you, and I hope you find the mate you deserve."

Lumara nods in understanding then hugs Bulma who was standing there in total shock. "Good luck Bulma, and it's been nice knowing you. Call me sometime." She grins and bows to the royal family then heads to her room to pack. Her being declined had not changed her cheerful personality. Bulma looks at the two in shock and didn't honestly know what to say. She nods a moment then looks up at the two. "Thank you, I'll try not to dissapoint anyone."

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Theres chapter 19, and sorry for the long delay in getting this out. Real life is a bugger sometimes. Enjoy the chapter and I look forward to your comments.