Mari couldn't wait to fly. She felt so safe in his arms, but it would be wonderful to fly herself. She smiled, squinting into the wind of their passage, enjoying the view of the jungle below as they dropped down to a barren area in the middle of the lush cover. She stood and waited as he began to explain about Ki and how to muster it, use it for beams, balls and waves, as well as to power up so she could use its strength in her body, infusing her flesh. After an example of Vegeta's own power (She was certain that many scouters around the planet blew up when he powered up like that,) she tried to do it herself…

It had been an exhausting day, but they both were pleased with her progress. She took to fighting naturally, and had shown a small but significant increase in power just in one day. Her will to excel was part of it; she didn't want him to pass her onto someone else because she was weak. He respected her for her determination

She was starved though, since the King hadn't let her eat breakfast or lunch. Again he hunted for them and they ate under the darkening sky. Mari was tired, but happy. She couldn't remember being so happy in all her life.

Vegeta was pleased as well, since he was fairly sure that she would be ready for the scheduled fight, despite this being only the first day of real training. She was eager, but not cocky with what she was learning. She worked hard on each thing he asked of her, wanting to get it right before she moved on to something new.

It was also surprisingly pleasant that she was intelligent. She asked clever questions and wanted to know why things were done as they were; she didn't seem to believe she should just accept what he said as the truth. It should have annoyed him, but he found that he enjoyed it, and her questions challenged him to think about these things for the first time in many years. She was a rather independent thinker really, especially for a Saiyan, most of which were almost like sheep, doing what they were told or what tradition dictated. It must be because of her lack of finishing, the lack of guidance all her life.

She'd followed him as he tracked a large beast for dinner, and asked to help with preparing it for cooking, dropping her training as a Princess of the Far Court in a heartbeat. No self respecting Lady of the Blood would ever touch a raw carcass, yet Mari was there next to him, up to her elbows in it!

Now he sighed and leaned back against a tree, watching her as she stared up at the stars with heavy eyes. She was so tired, yet was trying to stay awake, be as tough as he was. He tossed the last rib bone into the fire and stood.

"Mari, let's head back now. Tomorrow I will be taking care of business, and I want you to work on some strength training. You will need some rest… " She nodded.

"Yes, but will we come out here for the evening meal tomorrow as well?" He paused. He hadn't planned on it, but… he found he wanted to say yes, if only because it was so quiet, and so pleasant to be out here with her. She was an excellent excuse to come out here again.

"Yes, why not? You can hunt for dinner tomorrow!" He said. She smiled and stood stiffly for the trip back. He chuckled at her stiff gait, and lifted her into his arms, rather than just hold her against him like before.

"You can sleep on the way a little easier this way, ne?" He said gruffly at her puzzled look. Mari smiled and snuggled into him comfortably. He frowned over her head, alarmed by the warm feeling she caused in him. He almost dropped her, but forced himself to relax and took off.

As the weeks passed, Mari improved beyond all reason. The desire for a challenge couldn't be the only cause for her lust for more knowledge, or even the natural Saiyan urge to be stronger. She was like a freak talent; if she'd been ambitious, she could even have taken the throne with enough training.

But Mari wasn't hungry for political power, just fighting skill.

And the company of her King and Sensei…

She knew she was hopelessly in love with Vegeta, but there was no hope that they could be mated. She was too lowly born and weak, and he needed as powerful an heir as he could produce; her offspring would never have the strength he needed. She never revealed her love for him, and tried not to read his glances and smiles as anything more than pride for her rapid development, which was of course due to him in the first place.

Ever practical, Mari resigned herself to a life devoid of any happiness after this time was over. She already planned to die alone after she went home, regardless of her duty to her people to produce more Saiyans for the Empire. She would never let anyone touch her, or rule her again. She belonged to her King, heart and soul…

King Vegeta, King of all Saiyans… he was supposed to be cold, ruthless, uncaring. And he was.

Except for Mari. Mari was distracting him from everything, making him weak and emotional. The very thought of her made him smile and feel warm. He was cold and unhappy when she wasn't close by.

He didn't like it, not at all.

He needed to be strong and invulnerable. His planet, his people were expecting him to be no less than god-like in his invulnerability. He couldn't afford to be soft in any way. Yet he couldn't help himself. She was in his presence or in his mind at all times, and he was powerless to push her away. It was too late to assign her to another trainer; even if he did, he knew he'd miss her, and watch her training from afar, want to take her back under his wing.

He, King Vegeta, was feeling affection for a lowly Princess from a rival territory, and he could do nothing about it. Even if he could, he wouldn't, and that was the worst part of all…

Every other evening King Vegeta was forced to eat with the counselors, and listen to them whine about problems all over the planet. The many small kingdoms of the Lesser Princes were always in turmoil, and some upstart was always trying to take the thrones from these Princes. Most didn't succeed, but occasionally someone would achieve his goal, and had to be introduced to the court as a Prince himself.

These events were particularly galling if the Saiyan in question was of low status by birth. The other Princes hated this, and they would take quick steps to place a member of the Blood back on the seat taken by the low-class filth.

Now, after eight months of training Mari, they sat at a particularly worried session of gossip. There was news of not one but four upstarts, brothers, who were after some of the ruling seats. This didn't bother the King, since it was very unlikely that he'd have to worry about his own throne, but he did have to listen to advice to send help in stopping these Saiyans. It was annoying at best. He did have one comfort though.

Mari sat on his left still on these evenings, dressed as a Princess of the Far Courts. She had begun to listen to these discussions, and asked Vegeta later about them. He explained as best he could about them, but he was not really all that interested or versed in Kingcraft either. He used a cold face and his high power level to keep his throne, until he knew enough to be able to make better decisions. It was what all Kings did, unless they lived long enough to be old, and have sons of great power.

Now he glanced at her, her hair styled in a braid wrapped high on her head, with jewels scattered through it. She was becoming more attractive as she gained confidence in her training, and her pasty pale complexion was now an ivory tone, her cheeks flushed with vitality. No one dared to complain about her presence at the High Kings table. She looked as if she belonged here anyway.

She met his glance, and smiled slightly, nodding at the most vocal of the counselors, whom she'd dubbed Gloom, since he predicted it constantly. She sipped her wine delicately, and turned to listen to a visiting Prince who sat next to her. He was, of all things, flirting with her like she was a maiden of sixteen, not a lady of twenty-five.

As Mari laughed at the young Princes' jokes Vegeta felt his eyes narrow in anger. He didn't like this at all. He knew she needed a mate, and after he was done training her, she would be more desirable, regardless of her looks. Her connections to Daiko were also good to cultivate; she was going to be a fine mate, now that she'd gained his own favor and training. He should have been happy for her; she was nearly an old maid already.

So why did he want to kill this young Prince for just talking to her?

"Listen, I am quite tired of all this tonight. If you are worried about these brothers then mobilize against them, you have my leave. If you want the men they oppose out of the way, then let them be. It's simple. I DON'T WANT TO BE BOTHERED BY THIS SUBJECT AGAIN!" He said suddenly, rising to his feet. He was just unable to endure the vapid talk and long faces anymore. The whole court fell silent in stunned surprise. “Gloom” stuttered, and rose as well.

"Your Majesty, we cannot just pretend this isn't happening! Why, they might try to take your own throne as well, and we must be prepared!" He said, his reedy voice loud in the silence. The King turned his head slowly to look at the old man. Gloom never served as a warrior; he'd been strong enough to stay on Vegeta-sei and learn what he wanted, and he'd had good connections too. He'd grown old in the service of the Old King. Now he refused to change his way of seeing; maybe he couldn't see the new Kings strength and uncertain temper. Whatever the cause, Vegeta didn't really think about it at that moment.

He'd been contradicted in front of the court, in front of Mari. He was angry enough already; he didn't need any more of a reason to explode. He barely flicked his hand at the old man; Gloom rose into the air and slammed into the wall. A glowing sphere appeared at the Kings fingertips, and raced to the old man. He tried to bat it away, but he was no match for Vegeta's power. He exploded and the room was washed white for a few seconds.

Slowly, as the dust settled, revealing that nothing was left of the old Saiyan, the Court turned back to look at the King. There were respectfully silent; they had never fallen under his temper before, though everyone knew about his warriors and guards dying every week. This attack was late in coming, but they all had known it was coming.

Never trust a Saiyan, even if you are one yourself.

King Vegeta stared wide-eyed at the spot where the old man had died, and clenched his fists at his sides. He was regretting his actions, mostly because he actually did need to hear this gossip from them, and they would be quite loath to speak of this again after this. And, because he could feel Mari's shock as she sat next to him. He looked down at her bent head, but she didn't meet his eyes. He then looked at the young Prince by her side, and he glanced away quickly. Very well.

He turned and stalked out of the room, out of the Palace, out to the jungles, the only place he ever found peace anymore…

Mari stood in her chamber, watching the moonrise. Vegeta was still out there alone. She felt she should go to him, felt that he needed her, but she couldn't tell if this was real or her own wish to be with him. She sighed and turned to her bed, dark and cool in the moonlight.

"Ah, Princess!" She stopped, eyes wide. She could smell that the silly Prince who'd sat by her was now in her room. She waited, wondering why her was there.

"What do you want here?" She said quietly, not moving. He stepped out into the light, handsome and strong; yet he couldn't please her. Once she'd have been thrilled that a handsome man had snuck into her room; now… he was a weakling compared to the King, and his face too soft. Vegeta's sculpted face came to her mind; angry, happy, sleeping, concentrating… she felt tears in her eyes as she realized again that she couldn't possibly have him the way she wanted him. She shook her head.

"Leave me, Prince. I cannot give myself to you or any other man, I have my… Duty." After making the convenient excuse, she turned her back to him, but he came closer and held her arms.

"I know you aren't a great beauty, but, you are close to the King. I want you to help me. I want his throne… " She gasped and pulled away with some difficulty. Her arms hurt from his grip.

"Me? Help you to overthrow the rightful King? Never!" She hissed. Even if she hadn't loved him, she believed he was the best option for a King that Vegeta-sei had, and wouldn't help anyone into his position.

He frowned in anger and she stepped backwards away from him. He moved so fast she couldn't see him, and backhanded her. Mari stumbled, head whirling. He leapt upon her and began tearing at her clothes.

"Maybe I can change your mind, eh?" His voice was cold and angry, his tail waving behind him like an eager dog's. She fought him, but her power not enough, not yet. She went to scream, and he covered her mouth, and then gagged her with a torn piece of her dress.

"Now, then, this will hurt, if you don't agree to help me… "

[Oh no, no, no… Help me, please, Vegeta!] She screamed in her mind, struggling desperately with the Prince to prevent his assault…

Vegeta was standing over a flaming pile of dead trees, which he'd set on fire with just his mind, he was so angry, when he swore he heard Mari calling to him…

[… help me, please, Vegeta!] She cried, but he knew she wasn't nearby. He frowned, sniffing the air, and then he saw it in a flash behind his eyes; it was that stupid little Prince, and Mari was struggling with him. Mari was too weak to fight him off, and he was…

"No! I'll kill him for this!" He roared, his eyes gone solid red in his fury. He took off for the palace, his Ki leaving a path of destruction in his wake.

Mari struggled harder, her nails clawing at her assailant's hand. She kicked and writhed under him as he tried to restrain her. He was trying to hit her, knock her out or something, but he was having a surprisingly hard time with her. Suddenly, they heard a terrible sound coming as if from far away. It came closer and closer, making them both pause in wonder.

"What the hell?" He whispered, only to see the King crash though the window. He froze at the sight of Vegeta, his body bent over, eyes glowing red as if he was under a Full Moon. The Kings head turned slowly, and he saw them sprawled on the floor, Mari's clothes shredded, the Prince half undressed. He stood and strode over to them, his steps sounding like thunder. He was wreathed in a red aura, which lit the room, showed the Princes face as his King reached for him. Mari closed her eyes, rolling to her side, not willing to see the death of this foolish young Prince, but she still heard his screams, and the wet sounds of his body as he was literally broken into pieces. She shuddered in horror, and screamed when Vegeta knelt over her and shook her shoulder.

"Mari?" His voice was soft, so gentle and concerned. She slowly reached for him, and felt him sweep her up against his chest. She clung to him, and tried not to cry. A warrior didn't cry, not even after such an attack, right?

Vegeta growled angrily at the mangled, near unrecognizable corpse on the floor. He didn't even know this Princes name! Still, he had to get this cleaned up. He shifted Mari closer to him, and went into his own rooms, which were actually adjoined to Mari's. He gave verbal orders through the door to have her rooms cleaned, and that he was not to be disturbed. That done, he locked the doors and sat on the bed.

Mari had refused to let him go, clinging to him with a death grip. Now he could allow himself to stroke her hair and try to calm her. He forgot that he was the cruel Monarch, the vicious King of the Saiyans, and only knew that he never wanted her to be hurt or frightened again. He murmured to her, telling her that he was sorry he'd left her alone, that he'd never allow anyone to touch her again. Mari slowly began to relax, and sighed shakily. He brushed the hair off her face and peered into her eyes.

"Mari, my own Mari, I heard you, I came to you, remember? You called and I came… " He said. She shook her head.

"I am not worthy of… of bonding. I am no one Vegeta, and when I go home, I will die… " She said softly. He saw the tears in her lashes as she closed her eyes and tried to look away. He felt a chill of some fearful emotion, something he couldn't name at her words. She was going to die? Why?

Because she wants what she cannot have. She wants a King, and she is low born, less than third class. No King of Vegeta-sei had ever taken less than a Princess of the Elite as a mate. Suicide was preferable to losing any kind battle to any true Saiyan, and Mari had more than proven her blood to him.

"Forget the rules, Mari. Rules are made to be broken; I break them everyday. I make the rules here, Mari… I AM the rules! If I say I want you as my mate, then all of Vegeta-sei had better agree!" He said fiercely, his voice harsh, but not from anger. Mari wanted him as he had wanted her! He rolled them onto the bed, lying next to her and brushing the tears from her eyes. Mari looked at him, not believing him. He couldn't toss off millennia of tradition just like that. He underestimated his people if he believed he could. But, he was here now, and she saw his eyes, and what he felt was there for her to read and understand. She reached up and pulled him down to her, kissing him at last as she'd wanted from the very first.

She felt his lips open, felt his tongue touch hers when she parted her own lips. Her belly fluttered and her head turned to the side as their tongues warred. Vegeta pulled her up to him as he bent over her, cradling her head in his fingers while he moved to drop tiny kisses on the corners of her mouth, along her jaw and then came back to her lips again. Mari was already gasping, clutching him in her confusion and lack of knowledge. Vegeta slowly let her drop to the bed, and lay next to her. Their tails met and twined as he turned her to face him.

[Mari, I heard you, I swear it! You called me, and I came for you.] He said only in his mind.

"Yes, I know, I was scared, so scared, and you came for me… You saved me, my King… " Mari said, not realizing how he'd communicated with her. Vegeta understood though, and he smiled at her naiveté. He kissed her forehead and reached for the ties of her dress, then hesitated. She was not used to this kind of play, and had just suffered an unsuccessful rapists attack; should he do this with her?

[Oh, please, don't let him stop, I want just once to have something for myself, let me have this one night for me… ] He heard Mari's thoughts, and obeyed her plea. He said nothing more, just slowly pulled her dress from her, all the many garments required of her station. Finally she lay bare in the moonlight falling from the window, shy despite her own hunger for him. Vegeta smiled in the darkness, and peeled his own garments off, everything except for his silver pendant. He looked like a god, his golden skin lit by the moon, wearing only the round medallion against his chest. His body amazed Mari, and the fear vanished as he sank onto the bed once more, hands out to touch her.

Vegeta knelt over her, his tail balancing him as he ran both hands over her small firm breasts. Her nipples hardened instantly, and in his mind he felt a flash of her newborn desire, and her own wish to touch him. He encouraged her to do so, and her hands felt cool on his waist, his own chest. He bent and took one of her hard nipples into his mouth, twining his tongue around it then pulling her into his hot mouth. Mari moaned and her hands slid around his back, then up to his head, holding him close. He sank onto her and then rolled so she was sprawled over him, feeling the soft fleece of her sex against his belly. Mari's hands were braced on his shoulders, her head arched back as she felt him suckle on her breasts and run his hands down her back. Now her tail was waving in the air, lashing wildly as she gasped and pressed her hips against him without knowing what she did. Vegeta chuckled and spread her legs over him, then moved one hand down from behind to touch her hot flesh. Mari jumped and hissed, eyes snapping open as she felt his fingers open her and stroke her shy flesh boldly.

Mari was confused, not sure what to do, but not frightened or scared of him. She felt his fingers slide into her, and press on the center of her desire, making her moan in need. Vegeta's fingers moved within her and over her with speed and skill, making her hips dance and her nails dig into his shoulders. He sank his fingers deeper into her as he sucked and nibbled her nipples, until Mari stiffened and cried out, seeing a bright flash and collapsing onto him. Vegeta wrapped his arms around her and stroked her back as she panted on his chest, not fully understanding what had happened to her.

"Ah, did you enjoy that, Mari? There's more, if you want it… " He whispered into her ear. Mari nodded against his shoulder, then lifted her head and looked into his eyes.

"I want all of you that you can give to me, Vegeta, if you are willing." She said softly. She smiled and kissed him again, then ran her hands down his body, feeling his hard muscles, the hot bronze skin tight over his flesh. She wriggled down his body, using her mouth to explore him, biting his male nipples harder than he'd bitten her, being bolder than he'd have imagined her to be. She dug her nails into his skin, and dragged her hair down his chest as she moved to find his member, wanting to see it and touch him like he'd touched her. She kissed his navel as he held her shoulders, eyes closing. She finally made it down to his shaft, but then he dragged her up again, and laughed at the little disappointed noise she made, sitting up and setting her over his lap.

He held her hips and slowly lowered her onto him, his shaft opening her virgin entrance slowly, until they were fully united. Mari clung to his arms, gasping with mingled pain and pleasure, head back as she felt him throbbing deep inside her. She wrapped her legs around him and wriggled on him, making Vegeta gasp now. He took the hint and slowly moved her over him, up and down. Mari sighed and pressed her breasts against him, while tightening her legs around his hips and trying to move with him.

Vegeta had never enjoyed a woman like this before. Her body held him tightly within, making each motion more pleasurable than the last, making him lose himself in enjoying her. He felt his orgasm tightening in his belly, a knot of sensation that was almost painful.

Mari was amazed at the pleasure of this, at the feeling of holding Vegeta's shaft within her. She never wanted it to end; yet she could feel herself straining for something… she needed something and could feel that Vegeta needed it too, felt the same. Finally they could endure it no longer; Vegeta went up on his knees and fell over her, nearly crushing her under him, pounding into her willing body with immense force. Mari simply took it, gasping as he thrust into her and her body began to shake in anticipation. She opened her eyes and saw him over her, his own eyes closed with concentration; and then felt another release, far more powerful than the one he'd caused before hit her. She held her breath unknowing, lost in the wave of pleasure that engulfed her, and finally screamed, though Vegeta had just enough clarity left to cover her mouth. Still, he was right behind her, growling deep in his throat as he thrust deeply into her and felt his own climax come over him. They shook in each other's arms, their pleasure slow to die away. Slowly, Vegeta came to himself again, and rolled them to their sides. Mari cuddled into him, dropping off to sleep right away. He was used to her "narcolepsy" by now, and chuckled as she completely encircled him with her arms and legs, even her tail winding with his. He sighed and allowed himself to sleep…

The next morning, Vegeta took Mari back to her own bed, and sat by her, watching her face. He was deeply disturbed by her plan to kill herself when this year was over, yet he knew she was right that he couldn't take just anyone he wished as his mate. She was Princess in name only; her blood status was too low. He couldn't think of a way to keep her with him, except as maybe a low status consort. And he knew she wouldn't accept that, being second to another woman, and another woman would come along, the counselors would demand it. The all-important heir must come one day… and no matter how much he cared about her, he would provide that son for Vegeta-sei. He had no choice.

If Mari had awakened, she might have seen the sadness in his eyes, but she slept on, lost in dreams of the night before, and the future she'd never have.

It seemed to be a mutual silent agreement that they never speak of that night, and they didn't sleep together gain, but things were different between them anyway. Mari was more confident than ever, and spoke out sometimes at the counselors' suppers, making suggestions that weren't all that bad. She could yell back at Vegeta when they sparred, where before she was quite uneasy with the idea. And, she gave him looks that made him blush at the most inappropriate times, just to see her small power over him.

He quite enjoyed it actually, but yelled at her about her impertinence anyway.

Her training was going well, and so he moved her into a very dangerous and painful stage. Basically, he just beat on her, until she was so hurt she needed a day in the Iso-Chamber. She had no idea why he was doing this, and at first felt he was angry with her. But she quickly felt the power this abuse was generating in her. Of course she knew that injury made Saiyans stronger; she had just never thought of using this genetic trait as a training tool to obtain more power.

Slowly, as the months passed, she had gained in speed and power, but Vegeta had noticed that she never truly gave into her anger. She fought with cool precision, thinking too much about each step she took. He had to try to get her to feel her anger. Anger was one of a Saiyans greatest weapons in a fight. She didn't realize that in great anger, during a fight for her life, her rage would clear her head, and make everything crystal clear, and seem to slow everything down in her own mind. She could become an efficient killing machine in those moments, or at the very least defend herself with ease.

And Mari was actually filled with rage, but wouldn't admit it.

She hid behind her upbringing, behind her gender, behind her genetics. She wouldn't allow her fury to show, not even when Vegeta beat on her without mercy, calling her names in an effort to make her angry. He'd never really hurt her in true anger, not Mari; but she remained remote in her control no matter what he did. Nothing seemed to really touch her. Her pride was too powerful, she was too proud to give in to his taunts.

One day, it occurred to him to talk about his own anger, and how it strengthened him. They were out hunting, not from hunger but to relax. They both enjoyed hunting, and Mari was almost as good as Vegeta was now at hunting and dressing game. They had spotted a large beast and were running it down. They both pounced and Mari straddled it, snapping its neck cleanly. As she prepared it for cooking over the fire the King made, he began to speak of the few real fights he'd been in, how he'd felt his mind open and been able to use his power with greater efficiency than ever before. How he'd felt the thrill of victory like a drug that demanded more…

"I can't be like that. I mean, I can't let go. I don't think I'll have to after you're done with my training… "

"Listen to me! You will stay weak and slow; you will lose if you don't try to release this rage you inherited from your forefathers! This rage is useful to us, as useful as it is a hindrance to other peoples!" He snapped. Mari sat with her back straight and stared at the fire, ignoring his advice. He scowled and tried to figure out how to just make her mad… then he smiled evilly as he thought of something he was sure would get to her.

"Hmmm, well, I guess when your sister beats you, and she will at this rate, I'll just have to take her as my mate; I mean she'll have proven her worth, don't you think?" He smirked and turned to look at her. However, her face worried him just a little when he saw it.

Mari was frozen, her eyes gone wide at the thought. Daiko had said the same thing; that Matsi should mate with the King. She had the true Blood of the Royal Family after all. But the thought of her insipid little sister touching Vegeta, holding him, and of him kissing her… she felt a rush of heat over her body and her skin tightened. She didn't realize that her Ki was flaring, outlining her in a corona of red. She felt her heart breaking, but tried to not allow him to see it. She almost succeeded.

"I mean, you might prove that you can be as strong as a member of the Blood with this fight, but if you lose to… what was her name? Ah, Matsi? Then you probably don't deserve a proper mate after all… " Vegeta goaded her, seeing that he was getting to her. Suddenly she rose and turned on him, eyes white with rage. He blinked in surprise at her fury.

"What do you know about me or my power? Or of my stupid sister's power? I can beat her with my eyes closed!" She snapped. "Shall I show you, My Lord?" She stretched out one hand and snarled as a Ki blast left her fingers. Vegeta blocked it, and stared in shock as she leapt at him, and punched his jaw. He'd never expected this! He tried to stop her blow, but she moved too fast, faster than he'd ever have believed possible, and realized he'd severely underestimated her new power and her inner rage…

King Vegeta woke to feel his face throbbing, his whole body sore. He hissed in pain as he sat up, and looked around, trying to remember what had happened. He vaguely remembered Mari coming at him… had she hit him with enough power to make him feel it? He saw her, huddled on the other side of the fire. She looked different; her suit was half missing, she only wore the leggings and her training vest, the top was gone. He saw why when he looked down and saw many bandages and pads all over him. He raised an eyebrow and nodded, impressed.

"Mari, come here." He said quietly. Mari shivered and hugged her knees tighter.

"I… I am sorry my Lord, I don't… " Her voice was choked, frightened. He waved at her to come over, and she obediently stood and approached him.

"Listen, I am actually pleased, I did goad you into this, didn't I? I am not angry, Mari, believe me. But, why didn't you take me to the palace?" He wished he'd woken in an Iso-tank, not in the jungle…

"I couldn't… listen, they would have killed me, Vegeta. They wouldn't have believed I had done this to you; I don't even have a scratch on me. They'd have thought you were ambushed, and that I was in on it, or, if they did believe I hurt you like this, they'd have killed me for being able to hurt you… don't you see?" Mari said softly as she checked the wrapping over his ribs. She'd used his armor as a cushion for his head, and his own shirt was missing as well. He realized the truth of her words; she would have been killed before he could wake to protect her with the truth.

"I see. Well, we can go now… "

"No, you need to rest, unless… Unless you beat me just as bad, so it just looks like a hard three days of sparring." She said thoughtfully. "Then we could go back and both be put in the infirmary."

"Three days!! I've slept for three days!?" He yelled. Mari couldn't help a small smirk as she nodded confirmation. He scowled, and then stared at her, thinking. Never would he have thought she could have done him enough damage to lay him out for three days. It should have been impossible. He would have to think on this, and his own lack of anger about it as well.

As for her plan about the infirmary, she was right, and besides, she was due for her weekly "spar"… He smiled and stood, ignoring his aching body, and cracked his knuckles… Mari chuckled and stood as well, dropping into a defensive stance; it might be necessary to allow him to beat her badly, but she wasn't going to take it lying down!

After two days each, Mari and Vegeta were well enough to be released. They stepped out of their Iso-tanks to find Nappa and six other Elite Royal Guards waiting for them. Nappa bowed properly, and oddly averted his eyes from Mari while she covered her nakedness with a thick robe. Nappa was a well-known womanizer; his respect for her was a warning to both Vegeta and Mari. Her closeness to the King was becoming too well known, and they'd have to be careful from now on.

"King Vegeta. Me and my team wanna to tell ya that someone tried to perform a coup here at the Palace. One of those bakayaro's that were pestering those lesser Courts came here and tried to kill ya in yer tank. He was… " Nappa chuckled wickedly, "I caught him in th' act, and now he's right there… " Nappa pointed, smiling so evilly that even the King was chilled. He and Mari turned to see a Saiyan, nearly identical to the Prince who'd attacked Mari in her chambers, sitting in an Iso-chamber. He was obviously one of those upstart brothers, and he was in terrible shape; Vegeta was surprised that he was still alive. The King turned back to Nappa, and smiled a cold wicked smile.

"I see, and I understand, my loyal Yojinbo. Nappa, where is the physician?"

"One of them let him in here, so we kicked them out. The boss doc is crazy to get in here, want me to let 'im in?" Nappa said. The King nodded, and motioned for Mari to wait with the other men of Nappa's team. He gave them a significant look, and they bowed, arms across their chests. Mari looked at him, eyes wide with belated fear and worry, but Vegeta was once more the cold, cruel King, and had no time to reassure his mistress. Mari pulled her robe tighter around her body and waited with what she understood was to be her personal guard.

Nappa strode back into the room, eyes narrowed suspiciously as the doctors rushed up to the King. Vegeta frowned at them, and motioned to the Royal Physician. The others halted and huddled together in fear when two of the team members flanked them.

"Doctor, " Vegeta drawled slowly, "I understand that one of your staff allowed this piece of trash to come into the personal infirmary of the King, and try to assassinate him. Is this true?" His voice was cold and full of promises for great pain. The fluffy pink creature rubbed his chin and nodded.

"Yeeeeees, he's right there. We held Nappa back from killing him, so you could question him. I have some of that truth serum your father found so useful… would you like to have it administered?" The Physician was not very fond of his new King, and never had been, but he was loyal to the throne, and he had his orders from the Old King; obey this Vegeta as he'd obeyed himself. He held out the hypo for Vegeta to see. It was very large, and filled with a sickly green serum. At the sight of it, one of the doctors actually began to weep. Everyone sneered, especially since he looked like he was a Saiyan.

"No! Please, don't… I'll talk without it!" The traitor cried. Nappa strode over and grabbed him by the neck, while the Physician came forward and peered closer at the shivering creature.

"I see. He's not really a true Saiyan. That is, he's a half-breed." Every Saiyan in the room recoiled in disgust; half-breeds were not unknown, but they were reviled for their weaknesses and poor coloring. Even Mari drew back from him; it was bad luck to have a half-breed near you. The half-breed shook his head and pointed at Vegeta.

"They never hated my kind! They were my brothers! I'd do it again, only I should have done it all myself! Your Bloodline is outdated and becoming weak! Vegeta-sei needs new blood, and the only way is to interbreed… " He howled, only to have the King backhand him, eyes blazing.

"How dare you speak such filth! You dare to presume I am weak?" Mari hunched her shoulders and stepped behind one of the guards, fearing Vegeta's wrath even if it wasn't turned towards her. The Serum was injected before the irate King could kill the would-be revolutionary. As he screamed in fear and tried to power up, maybe in a suicide bid, Vegeta turned his eyes to Mari. There was no need for her to see this, no matter how tough she thought she was.

"Nappa. I want you to personally escort Princess Mari to her rooms, and arrange for some proper garments to be brought to me. Princess, please leave now. You, stay with her, guard her room, and if anything happens to her… " His voice was rough, but not from fear of losing her. He was fully in his King persona, and was not accepting of any foolishness. There was no room for error in his Empire, and yet a dangerous plot to kill him had been found out under his nose, almost too late. He was ready to kill something to ease his frustration, even loyal guards…