Chapter Seven

Title: Problems

Author: Angee

Rating: M

A/n...well hello everyone...I'm so sorry for the delay and i must tell you why. I got my old job back and i've been working 40 hours a week plus going to school at the same time. I'm really exhausted at times and don't have time to do this. I have to tell you that my life is getting very hetic now. Please forgive me for not updating in time and i hope that this chaoter is to your liking. I think it's not the best one but since i'm known for being a cliff hanger bitch i have left one here as well. Sorry...sometimes leaving cliffs can help me write better follow up chapters. Please tell me if you like this. Later.

Luciano didn't know what to make of the events that had taken place not so long ago. The surprise of knowing that three other azarians had escaped their planet was beyond belief. His king, Kyoshi was seen running into the palace carrying someone and Luciano had feared that his princess was the one who was hurt. He had helped her leave the room thinking that she was on her way to the garden, but was surprised to find out that she had gone somewhere else instead, more precisely to the same place where the kings were.

He had stood outside Kyoshi's room waiting to find out what was going on and was startled to come face to face with Hijai another palace servant. He could vividly remember Hijai and was very upset to know that the man was in the same place as the king and princess.

"Nice to see you again Luciano" Luciano just clenched his fists "aren't you going to greet me old friend?"

Luciano took in a deep breath "all I'm going to ask is, how did you survive?"

Hijai smirked and leaned against the wall in the hallway listening to Kyoshi and Areis talking about Asa and also taking notice of the sobs coming from the woman he had met, the pretty one with the red hair. She was a delectable creature "we hid for many months Luciano, and then when we thought it was safe we left in one of those pods. We traveled from planet to planet not knowing where we would be safe" he turned to the door as they heard Kori yell a curse and then slam something. Robin, Raven and Areis all left the room quickly.

Luciano waited for the three to stop glaring at the door "what was that all about my lady?"

Raven smiled sadly "Kori isn't too happy with the idea of having Asa alive and living here with us. And I think I agree with that. She hasn't been with Kyoshi for too long, but they are meant for each other"

Robin grinned "just like you and I" everyone turned to him. No doubt they knew he was trying to hint that Areis and Raven could never be.

Areis laughed wholeheartedly and placed his hand on Raven's shoulder "My lady there is so much we must speak of" grinding of teeth could possibly be heard coming for the enraged king. He did not like the way Areis placed his hand on Raven nor the way his eyes looked at her.

Raven smiled at Robin because she could see that he was fighting hard not to lash out or do something to Areis...good she thought. Let the bastard feel what she was feeling "oh Areis there is so much that I too want to speak with you about. We should go to my bedroom where we could have privacy"

"Absolutely not" their attention was once more on Robin "you will do all the explaining and talking you want but in the meeting room. We all want to know what is going on" he walked up to Raven and took hold of her hand "lets go" he dragged her leaving Areis and the old men staring after him.

Now the old man listened as Areis and Raven talked. His aged eyes were on the king of earth as his hands were gripping the end of the table in a death grip. He chuckled to himself and wondered how long it would take before the king claimed Raven. Areis would at times place his hands atop of hers and that would result in Robin tensing even more. If looks could kill-they once said-Areis would be a dead man three thousand times at this very moment.

"Oh goodness, how did you all manage that?" said Raven as she leaned closer to Areis trying to hear as much as she could, but also planning her little revenge on her 'king'.

Areis smiled that dazzling smile of his and leaned forward "I had an inspiration my princess. I knew I had to find you. The bond we started began just a few weeks ago and I knew I had to come and get you" he brushed a strand of hair back and then let his fingers rest upon her cheek for a while.

"Well since I've also started a bond with her, how are we to decide what happens now?" Luciano was about to talk but Hijai beat him to it.

The old man stood "simple. My son began his courting of the princess before you started yours with her. I say that the princess should pick Areis"

Robin also stood "well of course you would say that since he is your son, but lets not forget that I'm bonding here. Whether or not he was first has no valid point"

Hijai glared at the young king "she is a princess, she's azarian and you are nothing but an earthling. What makes you think that you have any right to be with one of our own and our princess for that matter?"

Robin slammed his hand on the table and Raven quickly stood "Hijai please, this is something that..."

"Stay out of this Raven" she turned her eyes to Kyoshi who entered the room and so did the others.

"Kyoshi?" he strode towards the table with a crying Kori behind him. Her face lowered and this Hijai found amusing "Brother what's the meaning of this?"

He stood before the table while Kori chose to sit "as your older brother and acting king of Azarath, I believe is in our best interest if the bond was continued between both courting males and Raven" the others just watched as Kyoshi spoke and then they all had frowns upon their faces.

"But Kyoshi..." before she could finish her sentence Luciano walked up to Kyoshi and asked him to go outside of the room for a few minutes. There were some things that Luciano wanted to know before the young king did something stupid. The others waited patiently, well everyone except Robin. He wanted to have everyone leave and then take his woman to his chambers.

Luciano stood before Kyoshi "Kyoshi what are you doing?"

He sighed "luciano it's obvious that the king of earth is or is falling in love with my sister, but even so I can not disregard the fact that she is also bonding with Areis. There is no option but to allow them both to court her"

The old man nodded "I understand. This is strange and as much as I would like for her to choose Areis because he is azarian as we are, I much rather she be with Lord Richard"

"But why luciano? Why do you prefer the king over areis?"

The old man waved a hand before him "it's just that it feels safer and even sacred for those two to be together"

"I don't quite follow what you mean Luciano"

"What I mean is that whenever those two are in a room together fighting or not, I get these feelings of security, serenity and hope. I'm an old man and I've seen my share of happy bondings and not so happy ones. But none have ever given me these feelings" with that said they both decided to return to the room.

When they entered both found Raven standing and the other men sitting. Areis and Robin avoiding eye contact. Kyoshi was about to say something when Raven gave him a knowing look and she stopped his words.

"I've made my choice Kyoshi and I will bond with Areis" the men were slack-jagged and some were to retort when she continued "I think it's the best move for all of us here" this was something that was unexpected and everyone was stunned.

Robin clenched his fists, why? Was all he could think...why Raven? "But...but..." the words did not want to come out of his mouth.

"But what?" she snapped "you of all people didn't want to do anything with me anymore. You got yourself another whore. So I think that bonding with Areis is the best choice and lets not forget that we both share a common culture. Not just a culture, but believes, ideas that you care nothing for. To you bonding is just sex, but to us it's more meaningful"

Once again he was at a loss for words. She was right, he did refuse to bond with her and at the beginning he just wanted to fuck her senseless. But he had refused her because he wanted to teach her a lesson, make her beg to him. But things backfired and now he was losing his only chance to a man that he did not trust.

Robin hate it to admit it, but he was truly and utterly falling in love with Raven. Him, the man who did not care about marriage, family or even having a serious relationship was afraid of losing a woman who didn't want anything to do with him. Preposterous Simply horrible "no" was the quiet demand.

She in turn walked up to Areis and placed her hand atop his making him blush and Robin scowl "that's really too bad my lord, but this is something that I have decided"

The others could see the tension in the room. They could grasp it if the wish to. Kori was fearing the worst, she having known the king far longer than the others, knew that he was selfish when it came to things that he loved, and for goodness' sake he was in love with Raven. Kyoshi wanted to do something to change the situation, but there was nothing he could do. The bonding could not be forced and since Raven's bonding with these two males was unique he and luciano did not know what to do.

Areis stood up besides his princess and she smiled up at him "I will be your chosen one as it has been written my princess. I'm honored to be the man you wish to bond with"

Robin slammed his chair as he rushed towards the couple "I refuse to accept this. You are my woman Raven, I will not share you or give you up. Sorry to ruin your precious plans, but you are mine" he roared as he approached them slowly. Once before them he made a move to grab her and Areis pulled her behind him.

"How dare you try to touch her" screamed the pissed off azarian "you lowly scum. You filthy low class being"

Robin didn't think twice about his actions and punched Areis squarely in the jaw making the tall man stumble backwards. Raven gasped and was pulled out of the way by Robin, but she pulled away and rushed to the fallen Azarian. This did not go so well with the earth king and he was really going to kick Areis ass.

Luciano and Kyoshi rushed to the king and both held him back "let me go. This is my palace, how dare he insult my status. I'm a king for god's sake. What the fuck is he?"

Hijai wanted to laugh right then and there, but chose to walk to his son and with the help of Raven both helped Areis stand. She walked up to Robin and slapped him "you have no right to be angry"

His eyes widened and they locked into hers "Raven please don't do this. Think about it" the pleading in his voice, the quiet tears were working a number on her. She felt the pain in her chest but chose to ignore it. She had made her decision "raven" he said quietly.

She was about to tell him no when the door to the meeting room opened again and a tall woman walked in. She had a beautiful long dress and her long black hair rested neatly at her back "Richard what is going on? What's all the yelling about?"

Raven felt a moment of jealousy as she saw the woman and then saw as Richard calmed down. Was this another one of his whores? "Mother I'm really sorry for the yelling"

mother? That's his mother?

"And what is going on? Who are these people Richard?"

The woman walked up to her son and both luciano and kyoshi let him go. He fixed his clothes as his mother stood beside him looking at all of the people "these are some guests mother, I'm sure the servants have kept you up to date"

"Only that you have taken a new playmate to bed my son" she rolled her eyes as she sighed in annoyance "when will you stop fooling around with these young women and settle down my son?" she touched his cheek and made him look into her eyes "tell me. Your father would be disappointed in you"

Robin stiffened as she spoke of his father. Yes he would be. But who cares? He didn't listen to me when I told him not to go but he left anyways and got killed. So who cares what he thinks of me.

Why don't you tell her that then?

He looked over his mother's shoulder at raven who had her arms crossed stay out of this. Go to your fucking man and leave me the hell alone. I'm through with you, you fucking...I don't even know what to call you.

Nice language.

I mean it raven. Keep your stupid man and leave me alone. I think I can manage without you. And do me a favor and end this fucking bond fast I want you and your man out of my head soon. In fact I want you both to leave my palace tomorrow morning.

Are...are you serious? Why did this hurt her so much? He was finally letting her go and she wished that it wasn't so.

I'm deadly serious. If by morning you are not gone I will place you both under arrest for trespassing into my palace grounds. Robin looked at his mother once more and kissed her forehead "it's alright mother, I think I'm going to be settling soon. You would love her mother, her name is Isabel and she's very sweet" he took his mother's hand and began to walk out of the room.

"Well I'm really glad my son, I've been trying to get you to marry so that I can have some children running around the palace. I can't wait to have my own grandchildren"

"I can't wait to be a father either mother" with that both exited the room talking about the future. Areis and his father were pleased with the turn of events. Luciano shook his head and Kyoshi was just stunned to silence. Kori who had chosen not to say a word walked up to Raven.

"I hope that this is what you wanted Raven" with that she turned on her heel and left. Not even giving her husband a second glance.

Isabel? Isabel? What the...I can't believe him.

"Are you alright my princess?" Areis placed a hand around her waist and she looked up at him.

"I'm fine. Kyoshi the king wants us out by tomorrow morning"

Kyoshi looked towards his sister "he does? But he was willing to fight for you Raven"

Sadly that wasn't the truth anymore. She turned around ready to leave "that's not the plan anymore. He told me himself. I'm going back to my room and we will leave tomorrow morning as soon as we can. I'm really drained right now"

She had walked to the gardens instead and sat right at the spot where Robin had made her feel so hot and bothered. The memories of it all was coming full force. She felt her chest burn with something and realized that she was in pain. The tears ran down her cheeks and she could not stop them. Why had she done that? Why had she decided to bond with Areis? Her sobs attracted the curiosity of a tall woman.

"Are you alright?" Raven looked up with her tear streaked face at Robin's mother who knelt down before the crying woman "why are you sad?" she wiped Raven's tear with her gentle fingers.

"Tha...thank you" she said shakily "I'm fine"

The woman gave her a look "you don't seem fine to me child. Why are you crying?"

"I just feel sad that's all"

"Does this have anything to do with my son and his supposed marriage to this Isabel?"

"What? No what makes you think that?"

The woman laughed "I'm not stupid or blind. I saw the way your face fell when he announced to me that he was getting married. Besides I saw you a few days ago when my son picked you. And Terra has kept me inform. I wanted to know if my son was going to tell me that you were the one that he was talking about"

Raven sighed "you have it all wrong your highness. I'm promised to Areis and I'm perfectly happy"

The queen laughed "if you are this bad at lying then I guess you deserve him. Listen here child I know how you feel about my son and I know how he feels about you. The way you both were starring at each other told me so. Now tell me what's the problem"

Raven didn't want to be rude but this was something that no one else had any business in. Richard made up his mind and so did she "I'm sorry I don't wish to speak about it"

The queen nodded "fine. At least tell me something Raven, do you love this Areis? If not can you love him?"

"How did you know my name?"

The queen rolled her blue eyes "first of all don't answer a question with a question, and secondly I told you I've known about you for quite sometime now. Raven you have been the only woman that my son has taken a serious interest in, so as a mother concerned with the sudden actions my son has taken, will you please think twice before you do something stupid"

This woman was actually talking to her as if she were a child? But who was raven to say anything. This was the first time meeting the mother of the man she was falling for. Yes falling for, because she was and what could she possibly say "I will think about my actions, but I'm afraid that I have given my word and I tend to keep them. My people respect the words of others because it is a sacred agreement. I'm sorry"

The queen smiled at the young woman "I understand. You should get to your room before it gets dark. And my name is Diana by the way" with that the queen stood once more and began to walk away.

"Thank you" raven called out and the queen stopped.

"I want you to thank me when you realize that I was right Raven. I wont accept your gratitude until I know you have made the right choice. See you later" with that she was gone.

Hijai paced back and forth while his son sat at the bed "you have to make her yours soon Areis. This king will prove to be a problem"

Areis shook his head "the king gave her up father. He is going to wed another"

Hijai turned his angry eyes on his son "have you no brain? This king is still bonding with her. The bond will not break that easily you fool. You have to complete the bond and sever the one they share"

"How am I to accomplish this?"

Hijai smirked "why don't you mess with his head?. I mean Slade taught you how to manipulate the mental state of any being. I'm sure that if you make him do something that will make him look insane and unfit, then the princess is at good as yours"

"Are you sure about this father?"

Hijai chuckled "more than sure. Your uncle knew how to defeat the azarians with it I'm sure that this will work on the king. He is not immortal or immune to it. Get rid of him and make the princess yours. The sooner we have her in Azarath the sooner we could use her to conquer"

Areis didn't really agree with the methods his father was used to but he had to do it "as you wish" the young man stood from the bed and then walked to the center of the room where he dropped into a lotus form and began to chant once his eyes closed.

Raven laid on her bed looking at the ceiling. So many things had taken place in one day and she was emotionally drained. Richard and Isabel, Isabel and Richard...arrr. Those two alone drained her completely. She closed her eyes and was falling asleep.

Robin walked down the hallway towards raven's room. He had to see her, there was a need that was calling out to him. He was supposed to be angry with her, but his need to soil her was growing. Once in front of her door he twisted the knob and opened it softly. He watched as she closed her eyes and began to take in deep breaths. He had the sudden urge to lick his lips, but more so hers. He did not understand why he wanted her so badly.

Making no noise he closed the door and then turned back to the bed. He took slow steps and began to take his clothes off.

Raven felt the bed move and was about to scream when a hand came upon her mouth. She frantically tried to push the hand away and then realized that a body was atop hers. Her eyes widened and her vision focused to see Robin smirking down at her "you are mine" he said.

Something was wrong she could feel it, this wasn't him but why was he acting like this? She began to trash beneath him "you will always be mine Raven. I'm claiming you. I don't care about the bond I will take you"

stop it. She pleaded this isn't you robin. She hoped that he was able to hear her. He began to tug at her dress and she knew that this was happening, really happening. Raven tried to knee him but he had his entire body on hers "I will not let him have you Raven" his free hand began to tug at her dress and raven began to moan in protest "stay still I will take you"

Tears ran down her cheeks and she tried to push him aside. This was not robin. She believed him when he said that he would never force a woman to be with him, but what had changed? Was this because she took Areis? Was this her fault? She heard a ripping sound and panic overtook her body.

In a room not too far away from hers Hijai watched as his son chanted away "is it done?"

Areis opened his eyes and smiled "he is in her room as we speak trying to have his way. What now?"

"Now we go to her room pretending to be the heros. When the others come you will tell them that you got to her because of the bond. The king will look like the fool he is and you the hero" both walked over to the door and left, not realizing that a pair of eyes watched them, and a pair of ears heard everything that was said.

Oohh now what will happen? and who was this person? you get points if you tell me who it is...this is really getting to the point where Robin is going to snap one day and it will be hell. I'm sure you all want to kill Raven right aobut now, but she is right. he really was in it for the sex and when he couldn't get it he wanted her to beg...but i love Robin he is such a hottie...lets see what will happen then. ja ne