Contain your outrage - but refuse!

"That is out of the question, Warrior of Al-Mansoura," you say to Abdul, your voice tight with rage held firmly in check. "I have not been to the lands of your birth, but here in Elyssia, such claims are neither made nor accepted. Demand tribute as is your right, but it will be in the form of material wealth, not the Lady herself."

"Your Majesty, I humble myself before you and offer no disrespect," Abdul says, bowing with his hands outstretched, "but I must say that this is a matter between the woman and myself. My demand is made of her, not of Elyssia or its King, and it is she who must accept or refuse."

"Then I refuse," Lady Trina says.

"I should not be surprised," Abdul responds smoothly, obviously not at all surprised by her response. "I should have expected no less from a woman, who cannot possibly understand the ways of honorable combat. Keep your sword and armor, they mean nothing to me."

"I will not stand for insults directed at one of my subjects, Abdul Hai el-Anwar," you say, the rising anger becoming harder to control. "Least of all, to the finest of my Kingsguard!"

"It is she who insults me," Abdul replies, "by refusing what is my rightful claim!"

You can see that the Sultan has risen from his chair, and comes toward the three of you, a look in his eyes which is part anger and part shame. "Abdul, this is Elyssia, not Al-Mansoura," the Sultan says in a much quieter voice than he normally uses. "We will abide by their customs!"

"As you will, Great Sultan," Abdul says, bowing his head.

"Subhi, is it true that his claim would be considered a valid one in your own lands?" you ask, not entirely able to keep the incredulity from your voice.

"In my own lands... women do not wield swords," the Sultan says. He seems slightly embarrassed - but it is hard to say, for as far as you know this is an emotion he has never felt before! "But when two men face in a duel, whether to the **** or in tournament, it is true that the victor may claim the right to a woman of the loser's household. It is usually only done when the duel is over the woman's honor in the first place, or when the challenger wishes to take her as his wife... but it is not completely unheard of that such a claim may be made as a matter of simple tribute. I did not foresee, however, than one of my people might think that such a tradition would apply here!" The Sultan glares at Abdul, who keeps his head lowered, though he seems to do so out of deference to his Sultan and not personal shame.

"Then, by his customs, the claim is legitimate," Trina says quietly.

"By our customs, it is not!" you say firmly.

"That may be so, Sire... but Elyssia is founded upon respect for the customs of others, no matter how barbaric they may seem to us," Trina says. "And so, it seems to me that I must consider his claim to be valid, one which I cannot refuse without loss of honor."