Mari stood by the window, feeling Vegeta's fury in her mind as the half-breed and the injured man from the Iso-tank were questioned and revealed the plot against the Royal Blood most unwillingly. Their screams could be heard all through the Palace, and if anyone had wanted to keep the assassination attempt secret, it was far too late now.

The man selected to guard her was standing by the door, arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed. He looked as if he was dozing, but if Mari so much as sighed, he would be at the ready. She watched the stars come out, ignoring her hunger and fear.

Finally, the screams died away. She felt Vegeta's mind close her out, but she already knew what was happening. She was almost as angry as he was about this plot by now. The idea for this coup was hatched in the backcountries, but the support and manpower had come from a Prince of the Blood.

Prince Daiko of the Far Territories, Mari's stepfather.

She heard a quiet step by the bed. Slowly, she opened her eyes and sniffed to see who it was. The Guard was not there, but it didn't matter, since she sensed Vegeta's scent in the figure before her. She sat up and reached out with one hand for him to join her. He did so, sliding between the sheets silently and pulling her against him with a sigh.

"I know you have nothing to do with this plot. But you aren't safe here anymore… " He said carefully. Mari covered his lips with her hand and shook her head.

[No words, my King. I understand, but I won't leave. If I die here, I'll be content, because I died near to your side.] She thought to him, and he held her closer. Her courage and loyalty were stunning to him. He felt he wasn't worthy of it. He lay quietly as she fell asleep in his arms, and came up with a daring plan to clear up this situation once and for all, and remove the thorn of Daiko from his side for good. If it didn't work, then all of Vegeta-sei would fall into chaos, something he would never forgive himself for, no matter how cold and uncaring he appeared. He'd have to kill himself, rather than face Frieza, who would surely show up to pick up the pieces of King Vegeta's empire. But he felt that his plan could work, and show everyone how worthy his chosen mate was to rule by his side.

Now all he had to do was set it into motion, and hope Mari really was strong enough to face this challenge as befitted a Queen…

Mari woke curled around Vegeta, and smiled happily. She might die today, but what she'd said last night held true. She could die happy, having woken in his arms only once. She slowly pushed herself up on one elbow and watched him sleep, seeing how yesterday had deeply affected him, making his face hard and angry, older, yet he was still sleep softened, the lines in his forehead not so deep, and his mouth curved into a small smile. Maybe he was just as happy to have her there, as she was to have him next to her.

There was a slight sound of the door opening; Vegeta leapt awake and was on his feet, ready for any attack. He relaxed when he saw that it was Nappa, who was smirking at his sovereign's nudity.

"Your Majesty. I didn' disturb anything, did I?" Nappa said, politely lowering his head. The King snorted and began to retrieve his clothes, while Mari sighed and flopped back into the pillows. Vegeta paused and smiled at her mischievously as he reached for the covers. She clamped her mouth shut and held fast to them, not wanting to be exposed before Nappa again. Vegeta relented and turned to Nappa.

"Meet me in my chambers. I have communications to make. Princess, I want you to go to the training cells, and spar with the man who guarded you last night." Mari and Nappa both were shocked by this. Mari felt slightly betrayed that he'd set her to training with someone else, though it had to happen one day. But why today of all days? She wanted to stay close to him… he frowned at her and she heard him in her mind, asking her far more kindly than he looked to be, to please do as he asked.

[I have a plan, and I need you to be visible for it. I'll call you when all is ready. And remember, listen to your inner self, trust it. And trust me, no matter what I say, believe what you know and feel to be true about me, understand?] Mari stared at him wide eyed, and nodded; they had both forgotten Nappa for a few seconds, but it was enough. Nappa saw that they were speaking with the telepathy of a bonded pair, and realized that Mari really was to be treated as his Queen. He stood straighter and then bowed to them both with formal attention.

"My King, want me ta call the guard, after th' Qu-Princess gets dressed?" He said. Vegeta's eyebrow went up at this, though Mari seemed to have missed Nappa's tiny slip up. The King nodded and Nappa turned his back while she slipped out of bed and dressed in a training suit, then waited as the same guard came and bowed to them.

"Your name sir?" She said softly.

"Togarashi, known as Togai, your Highness. My father was the personal Yojinbo of the Old King; I have sworn to protect the Royal Persons as well, with my life if need be." He said, his handsome face lit with a fiery obsession for his oath. Mari nodded and turned to the King and Nappa.

"I feel like sparring, since you cannot spar with me today, shall I take Togai here to the cells and work there?" She said, making it sound like her own idea. The King smirked and agreed, watching them go and only letting his concern show for her when she could no longer see it…

Mari was terrified as she stalked the halls with Togai in tow. The people in the halls all stopped to point at her and whisper behind their hands. She held her head high, wondering if they gossiped about the plot, or her relationship with the King. Whichever it was, she was incensed by the bad manners of these fools. She only just managed to make it to the cells without turning on any of them and killing them as the King might have done. Having released her Saiyan temper at last, controlling it again was very hard.

She took her anger out on the brave Togai, who found out quickly that he couldn't hold back with her. Female or not, she was incredibly strong, and unbelievably fast. She was pummeling him with ease, until he quietly pointed out that he needed to guard her from any attacks that might be coming, and couldn't do that if he was injured. Mari growled in frustration, and turning, blew the door off the wall. Togai gaped at her as she stalked out, headed for the Throne Room. He had to run to catch up to her.

Mari stood in the doorway of the Throne Room, and stared at the backs of many Saiyans who had gathered in the rainbow light of the stained glass windows ringing the walls. At the far end of the room, the King stood by the dais where his throne sat. Before him stood what could only be her stepfather, Prince Daiko.

Mari squared her shoulders and strode forward, eyes fastened onto her stepfathers back. Togai came right behind her, wishing he were in an Iso-tank after all. She reached the broad figure of the Far Territories Prince, and stepped around him like he was unclean. She walked right up onto the dais and then stopped at the second step up, turning to face the throng of Saiyans, all of whom were Princes and Princesses, lesser rulers of the many prefectures and lands of Vegeta-sei.

All of them answered to the High King. But now they were uneasy, wondering if their loyalty was properly placed in King Vegeta after all. The seito was a puzzle too, as rumors abounded that she was his mistress. They had gathered here to learn the truth about this assassination plot and act accordingly in their own best interests.

"You, Daiko, have been accused of high treason against the Crown of Vegeta-sei. What do you say about these charges?" One of the loyal Princes asked. Daiko sneered and waved at Mari.

"It was she! She is the reason. Vegeta humiliated me before my own daughter and two courts! I am a Prince of the Blood, and I won't tolerate being made a laughing stock!" Daiko said loudly. Mari glared at him with hatred, but Vegeta merely watched him, eyes thoughtful.

"Now, we hear that Vegeta has taken her as his mistress, and flaunts his duties to leave the palace and lie with her out in the forests! He is forsworn; no true King would ignore his kingship for a woman's body! And look at the woman he's chosen, ugly and skinny, useless; she cannot possibly bear a strong heir for the Empire!" Daiko roared, in his glory now that everyone was listening to him.

Mari didn't flinch at his words, but they hurt, if only because she believed them herself. She watched him, wondering if she had even a small chance of killing him, before his guards killed her. Maybe Togai and Nappa could help her, but she'd rather not involve them. Behind her, Vegeta caught the images of a dead Daiko from her, and had to bite his lips so he wouldn't smile. She had become just as ferocious in her anger as he himself was in his. She didn't realize what her own power was yet.

"Well, Prince, I see little merit in your reasons for committing high treason. But, if you think I am unfit, then, I shall step down." His voice fell into silence that was humming with shock. Mari turned and stared at him, eyes wide.

"My King… " She began, and saw him shake his head slightly. Why was he doing this? No King of Vegeta-sei had ever stepped down! All Kings died as Kings, everyone knew this! What was he doing!? Then he slowly came down the stairs to the level Mari stood on. She stared at him, confused as he reached into his armor and pulled on the chain around his neck.

He'd never removed it, the pendant of the Kings of Vegeta-sei. His father had put it around his neck after he'd won his graduating trials at age sixteen, in token that his son would indeed be King when he died. He'd worn it for ten years, never removing it even to bathe, or to be placed in an Isolation Chamber.

But now, he took it, and lifted it over his head. The gathered Princes gasped in horror at the sight of it. Vegeta slowly turned and placed it over Mari's head then let go, dangling over her breast, resting his hands on her shoulders. They stared at each other for a long moment, and then the man who had been King Vegeta turned and strode up the dais, disappearing behind the throne and into the door there.

The sound of the door closing behind him seemed terribly final in that crushing silence.

No one moved. Everyone was shocked, stunned by what they had just seen. Daiko was amazed, unable to move.

Mari slowly reached up, and took the large disk in her hand, feeling something indefinable in it. She felt the Kings who'd worn it, and the Queens too. She felt the last Vegeta to wear it; no, he had no name now. He'd given it all up; he was nothing now. The one who wore the pendant was the ruler of Vegeta-sei. It was the way of things. And only a King, or a Queen could be called Vegeta here.

She heard stirrings, feet shuffling, and coughs and smelled the press of people closing in. No one had any faith if her ability to protect this silver disk. But protect it she would! She turned and stared at the crowd, and her cold face surprised them. She looked like she was a Queen, one of the mythical fighting Queens of the old stories; maybe she was the reincarnation of the first Vegeta who had been a Queen, not a King. Her eyes moved over them, one at a time, until they fell on Daiko. Instantly, Nappa and the six other Elite guards appeared and arranged themselves around her. She smiled a cold smile, and lowered her head as she stared at him.

"So, PRINCE Daiko, I can see, I can smell your desire for this bit of silver. But I warn you; I will not be parted from it. Do you want to test my resolve?" Her voice was strong, confident. There was a gust of murmuring in the crowd, as the Princes and their guards discussed just how strong she might be, after training under the former King, who was after all the strongest Saiyan alive. She wouldn't be easy to beat, and she had the backing of the Elites, which made her even harder to challenge. Their combined strength would undoubtedly be too much to overthrow easily.

Daiko trembled as he stood, eyes full of hatred for the daughter of his mate. He heard the mutters, the caution others were whispering about. But he had known Mari all her life, and he didn't fear her, not matter what training she had received, or how in control she looked to be now. With a howl of rage, he launched himself at her.

Nappa stepped forward, but Mari shoved him aside, and leapt at her stepfather. She used her speed and the advantage of the height of the dais, and slammed into Daikos belly with both fists clasped together. He dropped to the ground and grabbed his side, only to have her jump up and kick him in the teeth. His head snapped back, but again she used her remarkable speed to run behind him and kick him forward onto his face. She stood over him, eyes bright with pride at her success.

Nappa shifted his stance as the crowd pressed closer to her, but they'd just seen confirmation of her new power, the power she'd gained from her Sensei. Mari looked over her shoulder at them, and they began to bow, until they all were bent forward in homage to their new Queen. She nodded acceptance of this gesture, and turned back to Daiko, who was stirring, waking from the blow that had knocked him unconscious. She smiled and stepped over him, walking up the steps to the throne. Daiko looked up and growled.

"Don't you dare sit there! That throne should be mine! I'm next in line after Vegeta!" He hissed. Mari stopped and tilted her head to the side. She waited for a few seconds, and then mounted the last steps. She stood before the throne and looked down at it.

"Yours… I wonder. No, I don't think you were ever meant to sit here." She said softly, and sat in the cushioned seat herself. There was shock on the gathered faces again, but what had they expected? Mari pointed at Daiko and flicked her eyes at Nappa. He smiled and cleared his throat.

"Hey, Queen Mari, can I play with your step dad? It might cheer you up some!" Mari pretended to think about it, and then nodded.

"Yes, Nappa, please feel free. Try not to break any of the windows, please. Togai!" The young guard appeared at her side.

"Yes, your Majesty?" He asked.

"Go and retrieve the King. And call for the Princess Matsi to attend me." She said softly. He nodded and disappeared. Mari then watched attentively as Nappa and Daiko began to fight, like a replay of the spar she'd been watching last year, in her last life it now seemed. She waited as they moved around the room, staying in the space that had been cleared for them. It looked like they were too evenly matched for there to be a clear-cut winner at first, but Mari felt that Nappa had some small advantage in his experience.

"My Queen, the Princess is here. The… HE is nowhere to be found. I looked for him with my scouter, but he's not in the Palace." Togai said quietly in Mari's ear. She nodded and raised one hand; instantly, all attention was on her, and the combatants froze mid strike.

Conditioning ran deep on Vegeta-sei.

"My people. I must leave you for a short time. Nappa, don't kill the traitor, please. If he is too injured, put him in an Iso, and have him guarded. The Far Territories will surely try to free him." She pointed at Togai and one of the other Elites and they followed her as she left the room.

Once outside, she turned to them and smiled faintly. "I don't want to frighten you, but I cannot be the Queen, not alone. I must put Vegeta back on his throne. Will you help me?" They looked at each other and then Togai spoke gently.

"Queen Mari, it is impossible. The former King cannot be reinstated, not now, not in a year, not in this lifetime. He is forever nameless, unless you allow him to kill you to gain back the Symbol of Office. Do you understand what I am saying, my Lady?"

Mari did, all too well. The Pendant was given to the King at the death of his predecessor, or given to the heir once it was decided he was worthy to bear it. She couldn't just give it back to him because tradition wouldn't allow it. And if they fought for the Pendant, the fight had to be to the death. The fact that Vegeta had stepped down and was still alive was amazing to the men before her. He probably had assassins after him right now, attempting to kill him and make the world right again.

"Is there no way to achieve this? Nothing at all to be done?" Mari whispered. Togai was shaking his head, and then stopped, eyes wide.

"Wait. I know. If both of you select seconds, then they can fight in your places. Neither of you would die… " He said. Mari chewed her lip and stared into space. This idea had some merit, but it wouldn't really work. Then she smiled.

"I know what to do. I need to bring him back, and he can fight Daiko, who will be MY second." They stared at her and then smiled as well. It could work!

"Alright. Have Princess Matsi wait for me by the throne. I'll be back as soon as possible." She turned and stepped onto the window ledge behind her. Togai protested that no one knew where the nameless one had gone, but she turned and looked at him, her face showing her bond with the King. He paused and then smiled warmly.

"Never mind. We should have realized that if anyone can find our King, you could. Good luck my Queen!" He bowed and led the other Elite away as she jumped out the window.

Vegeta had "listened" to the whole thing through his link with Mari, and now waited in a secluded area south of the Palace. He had found someone waiting for him, which was an amazingly pleasant surprise. The other man waited with him, eyes on the sky. Finally they saw Mari flying towards them. She sped up as she saw that Vegeta wasn't alone, and dropped to the ground before them, eyes wide with wonder.

"What the… I beg your pardon, Majesty, but aren't you supposed to be dead?" She said pertly. The elder Vegeta, known for a long time as the Old King (With good reason, he was over 110 years old) raised an eyebrow at her. She was amazed at the resemblance between them, though the Old King was much bigger, towering over his son by two feet. He was more massive as well, built like one of those Taurian Bulls she'd seen in the market. He looked like he could snap the younger Vegeta like a twig, yet he'd lost the only real battle between them. He surely didn't look as old as he was!

"My Lady, you are quite impertinent. But, if my son has chosen you, he must have his reasons. Now then, why are you here? The Court could fall into chaos any minute." His voice was deeper than his sons, and his eyes larger, more slanted and narrow. He looked perpetually amazed. His frown was cold though, and she could sense the steel under those wondering eyes. Mari crossed her arms over her chest angrily.

"I came to bring the King back to his throne. And the elites and I have a plan to do this right." Vegeta shook his head at this.

"I heard it, and it cannot work. You cannot send Daiko in as your second. He has nothing to fight for. If he loses, he dies, which will happen anyway, he's been taken in treason. If he wins, you stay on the throne and then execute him. Either way, he's damned, right? So, who can fight for you, so I don't need to kill you?" They pondered, while Mari cursed his clear sight about this.

"I have an idea. Who were you to fight in your trial, for this bet I have heard about?" The Old King said. Mari frowned, very much like his son, and explained about her sister and the probability that Matsi was ill prepared for any fight, much less to fight with Mari, who had already beaten Matsi's father. Mari had gained tremendous power in her training, enough to be a challenge to any Saiyan now. She was fairly sure Daiko hadn't bothered to train Matsi half as well as Vegeta had trained herself.

"I see. Can't you rig it then? Drug your mate so she seems to die, if you don't really want to destroy her?" He said simply to his son. Mari gaped at him in shock.

"You mean CHEAT?!" At her exclamation, both Vegetas' laughed uproariously.

"We cheated, why can't you?" The Old King asked. "Really try to fight, and but lose. Make it look good. And he takes the Pendant from you, and then declares then no other woman could possibly provide as strong an heir as you, and that's that! Every Saiyan will want you to be the Queen, since despite your birth you will be the strongest female Saiyan. So you can be spared after all."

Mari and Vegeta looked at each other for a long moment. She nodded, and he frowned.

"Ok. We'll go for it. I'll return and challenge you to fight, and we'll set it for two days from now. Agreed?"

Mari nodded and they shook hands on it, like merchants in a bazaar. She looked at him, wondering at the fate that had made her the Queen of Vegeta-sei, and then turned and bowed to the Old King.

"I am pleased that you are still alive, O-sama. I hope we will meet again." She turned to Vegeta and smiled a melting smile. He humphed and turned away, but she felt his affection anyway, and it was enough. She took off back to the palace, wishing she were flying as they had in the beginning, with Vegeta carrying her in his arms, and the world not caring about what they did together…

After she was gone, the former Kings frowned and looked at each other in worry.

"Is she worth all of this? Is she strong enough to do this for you?" The Old King asked quietly. Vegeta nodded with a smile just as melting as Mari's had been. The Old King winced at the sight, but Vegeta didn't notice.

"Hai, old man, she is worth it. Wasn't my mother and step mother worth the risks you took for them?" He knew little of his birth mother, other than she was a fighting Princess, an elite warrior who, like he and Mari, had bonded with The Old King before their official mating. She was also the only female who'd been able to provide his father with an heir; the Old King hadn't sired any offspring on any of his concubines or even his slaves.

When she died, it had been under mysterious circumstances, and those circumstances pointed to murder by her mate. However, the Old King had many loyal subjects who had known of his true love for his mate, and helped him when her family rose against him in outrage over her death. They knew he'd never have hurt her, and it was most likely a plot by the counselors who were frightened by his open show of affection for his mate despite all frowns and warnings to play it cool in public.

Later, he'd settled down with his current mate, who was in fact his previous mates best friend. He had slowly grown to care for her as well, and it was for her sake he'd actually yielded to his son rather than die in battle. Now that he was no longer King, he could be her mate in truth, as she deserved.

Now he was very concerned for the son he'd never let himself care about. Very few had ever seen him express his affection for his only son; not even that son himself had, but it had happened once or twice. Vegeta had realized it late in his life, after his trials and the ceremony that named him his father's heir. The Old King had never had any doubts about his son's place as his heir.

Still the Old King had a feeling about this woman… she just might pull it off after all. She had steel under her frail frame, and that was what Vegeta-sei needed in a Queen. And she was loyal to his son. She could have kept the Pendant, and stayed Queen alone, forgotten Vegeta and taken a consort to father an heir for her; but instead she risked everything for him, to replace him on his throne.

She was either the bravest woman he'd ever met, or the stupidest. Only time would tell.

Vegeta stepped into the Throne room, noticing how the Princes were still waiting around, seeking the new Queen's favor. He saw her, and approved of her mode of dress. Mari was now dressed in magnificent armor, with a black suit under it, her wild hair free for once, the Royal Pendant shining at her throat. She'd chosen to dress as a warrior, rather than a Lady of the Court. She sat uneasily on the throne, and watched as the Court roamed about, trying to stay relaxed, as she'd been taught.

"Queen Mari! I demand an audience!" He bellowed. Everyone jumped, and some of the palace guards leapt to capture him as a possible assassin of the new Monarch. After ten of them died in quick succession, Mari raised a hand and silence fell again.

"You, the one formerly known as Vegeta, King of the Saiyans, please come forward." She said formally. He strode through the aisle opened for him, and stood at the foot of the dais. He saw a pretty young girl sitting on the steps below Mari's feet, and guessed that this was Princess Matsi. She had the same eyes as Mari and was even more slender than her sister. She looked very confused and scared.

"Queen Mari, I challenge you to regain my throne." He said evenly. Mari regarded him evenly and then smiled. She had the drug ready to take, a pill that would dissolve quickly and leave her weak, near unconscious. She was ready to try to pull this off, but she had to make it look good too.

"The people will demand no less than one of our deaths, nameless one. Do you agree to the terms laid down by tradition?" She said softly, though every person present heard her. He opened his mouth to reply, but a voice broke in.

"I demand the right to be the Queen's champion!" Mari and Vegeta both turned to see Togai stride forward, eyes fixed on Vegeta's face. Mari went pale with shock.

"Togarashi, I cannot allow you to… " She tried to speak, but he shook his head in negation.

"As your personal guard, I have the right to step in when I feel it is necessary. I enforce this right now, my Lady." He said. He turned and looked at her, his face showing that he knew of her plan, and was altering it. He really had little chance of winning, so of course this was a suicide mission. Mari could think of no way to avoid this, since he'd already ignored a direct order to desist. She turned to Vegeta, her eyes showing her pain at the idea of losing this brave warrior. Vegeta looked down, unable to comfort her; it was not easy for her to send others to their deaths, but he had done it almost everyday of his life. He too felt unhappy to lose one of the Elite guards, and wished he could chew out Togai for stepping in where he wasn't needed. But it was too late. The crowd was making space for another battle, excited by the opportunity to see two fights between Elite Saiyans in one day. The plan for Mari and Vegeta to fight in two days was lost in the preparations.

Mari was torn by her fear and anger for Togai. She knew he was going to die, and she felt amazing pain at the fact. He was one of the few who had completely supported Vegeta and herself through all of this insane twenty-four hours; had it really only been one day? Now it had come to this…

Togai and Vegeta had taken a few moments to go and change into new more useful armor for this fight, and now stood waiting for the signal to start. Togai's face burned with his obsessive need to do his best for the Royal Family, while Vegeta looked resigned. He would try to leave Togai just barely alive, for the young man's father's sake, if not for Mari, who was so upset by this turn of events. Vegeta knew the elder Togarashi well, and respected him very much. Killing his son was not something he'd enjoy.

Mari stood in her own armor, the long black cape swirling gracefully around her as she raised her arm and looked at them, one then the other.

"You fight for the current Queen and as the former King. May the best warrior succeed… Good luck, men." She said, and let her arm drop with a quick thrust. Togai rushed at Vegeta, swinging and connecting with his jaw. Vegeta took the blow and simply slammed his hand against Togai's belly, making him stumble backwards. Vegeta followed with a kick to the ribs, and Togai flew backwards, slamming into the wall, which was cleared by the anxious crowd. He shook his head, and then jumped back at the calm King. His fists hurt as they fell on Vegeta's belly and arms, but not so much that they crippled him. Vegeta landed one blow on Togai's nose, and he was laid out on his back, blood streaming over his face.

Mari was clenching her fists together, hating the spectacle. She didn't even feel like a Saiyan at the moment. She was ill watching Vegeta reluctantly pummel the young Togai; the rest of the Saiyans watching, including a bruised but intact Nappa, were thrilled by the scene. She glanced down at Matsi, and saw that despite the girls fear about the circumstance she now found herself in, she was enjoying the fight as well. With a deep sigh, Mari turned back to the vile spectacle.

By now, Togai was weakening, both from loss of blood and from using so much of his power to try to overpower the King. Vegeta was simply too strong for Togai, and it was obvious. The combatants paused, and Vegeta looked up at Mari. She closed her eyes and nodded slightly; she wanted this over. She fingered the drug capsule she'd gotten from the Physician to use during the arranged fight; it was useless to her now. She couldn't think of a way to get it to Togai, or even Vegeta, so the injured Saiyan could use it. She watched as Vegeta turned back to Togai and walked forward.

"You've lost, foolish warrior. Go to the dais and take the medallion from the Queen… " He said evenly. He didn't really expect Togai to obey; the warrior growled and shook his head, standing his ground.

"No. I have… my orders… protect… my rightful ruler… at all… all costs… " He panted. His eyes narrowed. "If it was… you… up there, I'd still… fight to the death." He spat. Vegeta seemed to disappear and Togai's eyes widened with shock. There was a strange snap, and Togai slid down to his knees and then fell onto his face. Vegeta stood behind him.

"He is alive, barely. Take him to the infirmary." Vegeta said. There was a short pause as the other Saiyans hesitated, but then Mari stood.

"You heard the King. Take my Champion away, and see he gets proper care!" She said firmly. She stepped down the dais, and stood next to the King. Vegeta turned and knelt before her, not in obeisance, but because she was too short to place the Symbol of Office over his head otherwise. Mari acted reluctant to part with it, but she was actually relieved to be rid of it. She set it over his head, and leaned forward to kiss his forehead.

"King Vegeta, once and future King of the Saiyans, welcome back." She said softly. He smirked and stood, leading her back to the dais. They turned to the crowd, and he raised his hand. Instantly everyone knelt, bending to them.

"Are there any objections to my selection for my Queen, the woman who will rule by my side?" He said. To both their surprise, there was a roar of approval from the gathered Royal Class and Elites.

"Hail the King and Queen!" Came the call. Mari was stunned, and moved. Her sister scowled, since Daiko had been feeding ideas about how he intended to mate her off with the King; after seeing how magnificent he was, she was deeply disappointed that he'd chosen her plain sister instead.

Vegeta smiled and waved at the crowd once more. They stood and fell silent.

"What has become of the traitor?" He asked. Nappa stepped forward.

"I put him in an Isolation tank, yer Majesty. He will be fixed up in a couple of days, I guess." Nappa said, rotating a sore shoulder. He was dressed impeccably, but was covered in bruises and cuts. The King smirked slightly, knowing how Nappa hated the Iso chambers. He saw a doctor inch forward and looked at him intently, signal to speak.

"Um, sir, The Pri… " The doctor saw everyone scowl as he almost spoke the stripped title and corrected himself quickly, "Traitor is doing well. The guard Togarashi is severely injured, but is expected to survive." He blurted. He was waved off, and Vegeta sat on the throne, pondering. Mari sat by his feet, satisfied with the space, which was traditional for the various consorts, Queens and concubines of favor to the Kings of Vegeta-sei. They sat in silence for a moment, and then Vegeta nodded.

"Well then. I owe my people a great spectacle. Not that they haven't had many today! But, Daiko is a traitor, and must be punished. So, my Lady, who shall perform the sentence on Daiko?" He said. Mari smiled a most cold, un-Mari like smile.

"Of course, it should be you, my King. He moved against you. He should be shown the true folly of this plot, no?" She said softly. He flicked his eyes to the counselors, who in their practiced way slyly nodded quick support of the idea. He then turned to the Princess Matsi, who was trying to stay unnoticed below them.

"Princess? What do you think? Shall I deal with your traitorous father myself, or leave it to Nappa?" She gaped at him, and almost said something foolish, but Mari shook her head subtly. Damn that Mari, so bossy, but so correct!

"I, I don't know, Sire. But who will rule the Far Territories if you kill my father now?" That made everyone pause, but then Vegeta smirked, eyes hard.

"Why, he has a son does he not? But this son is on missions, and knows nothing of ruling… so; I suggest that you take the seat yourself, Princess. Daiko gave you his Blood, no?" Mari and Matsi were both floored by this, but it was true; Daiko was Matsi's father while the sisters shared only the same mother.

Matsi stood and stared at the King in amazement. She was terrified by the idea, but also tempted. Her mother was clever, and there were the counselors, all quite loyal to the Blood… and she had a strong tie to the Royal Court now. Mari smiled and Matsi smiled back. She never really hated her sister; she just hadn't understood her. Now she saw the wisdom in Mari's eyes, and had seen that her sister was strong in a way Matsi could never be. She bowed.

"Thank you for your support my King and Queen. I shall do my best to root out the remains of this plan to remove our rightful King from my Court, and look forward seeing you both again soon. May I speak with your counselors before I leave?" She said with solemn dignity. The King smiled, seeing Mari's inner strength in her sister. Their mother must be a formidable woman!

That night, after the excitement was over, and the Princes and their Courts had gone home until the fight between the King and the traitor, Mari and Vegeta stood looking over the nameless city that surrounded the Palace. They were both very tired. It had been an intense two days, and they needed sleep, but neither was really ready to sleep yet.

Only now did Vegeta finally understand that look between bonded Saiyans, the way his father had looked at his mate. Now he understood the pain he'd felt; the sensation of something missing in his life. Vegeta draped an arm around Mari's shoulders and chuckled.

"What, Vegeta? Why do you laugh, I'm assuming, at me?" Mari said lightly.

"… I was thinking that you were going to kill yourself. I didn't really believe it, you know. I didn't intend on letting you go to see if you did it, but I never really thought if you did go home… I can see now that you would have done it. Your willpower is even greater than mine. I put you in a very difficult position, and you went ahead and forged success in your own way, a way I never would have imagined. I didn't foresee these events ending this way. You achieved this, not me. I was sure that we would end up outcast, living with my father and his mate, but look what you did… I am pleased, my mate. Very pleased." Mari turned and looked at him, smiling that melting smile again.

"Thank you, my mate. I simply did what I thought you wanted me to do. I thought you wanted your throne back; so I tried to return it to you." He lifted her up against him and she wrapped her arms around his neck while he backed to the bed.

"I see… and what do you think I want you to do now?"

There was a squeal and laughter as they fell backwards into the darkness…