It is her choice to make

"Lady Trina, Sworn Protector of the Crown," you say to her, looking her in the eyes. "The oath you have taken gives you **** but to obey if I command you not to do this."

"Yes, Sire," she says, neither bowing her head nor averting her eyes from your own. As you look into those eyes, though, you do not see defeat or resignation; instead, you see the same strong will which she has always displayed. And it is that which makes your decision.

"As King in Elyssia, I wish it known that I find this claim both despicable and unworthy of a man who serves one as great as the Sultan of Al-Mansoura," you say, in a voice loud enough that everyone surrounding the combat circle may hear it. "I wish it further known that it is within my power to put a stop to this... but I will not presume to dictate to Lady Trina how she may live up to her own sense of honor. The choice of whether to accept the claim is hers."

"Then, as Lady Trina Sarawynn, a swordmaiden of honor, I must accept," Trina says.

Abdul looks surprised for a moment - clearly, he did not expect the matter to go his way! Then he smiles, and it is an ugly sight to your eyes. "Then I will see you at sundown tonight, my Lady," he says, the last words spoken without respect.

"Hold, Warrior of Al-Mansoura," Trina says, reaching for the chain about her neck. "Your tradtitions are not the only ones to be considered this day. Do you know what this is?"

Abdul looks questioningly at it for a moment, and then nods. "Yes, I have heard of this. It is called the Iron Ring. I saw the King give it to you as a token of favour, I believe."

"This is no mere token," Trina says. "This ring represents the power of the Crown. As I wear the Iron Ring, I speak with the voice of the King of Elyssia. And you, Abdul Hai el-Anwar, have insulted the honor of a Sworn Protector of the Crown. Speaking now for the King, I demand that you answer for this slight!"

Abdul seems utterly confused. "I... do not understand."

"Then perhaps this will make it clear for you," Trina says, stepping forward and removing her gauntlet. Without further warning, she backhands Abdul across the face with a strength belied by her slim form, causing him to stumble backwards and almost lose his footing. The crowd, which had been largely quiet up until this time as they strained to hear what was happening in the arena, reacts with gasps and then a rumble of murmuring at this unexpected event.

Abdul stares at Trina, holding his cheek where she struck him, his eyes wide and incredulous at what has just happened! "You... you dare?" he whispers, rage beginning to build in his eyes.

"Lady Trina bears the Iron Ring," you say, stepping between them. "What she does now, she does with my authority. And I say that she speaks true, warrior. You have insulted her honor, and there will be a reckoning for this!" You pause for just a hearbeat, and then add, "If you are still confused, then I would be pleased to strike you upon the other cheek."

"Sire, if I may," Trina says, and you step aside so that she may face Abdul once again. "Here is my demand, Abdul Hai el-Anwar: We shall have a rematch, here and now, and not with tourney swords but with honed steel. The victor shall be the one who does not yield... or the one whose blood remains inside their skin when the contest is done. **** me to yield, and I shall go to your bed this night, and willingly give you whatever pleasures you may desire. If I should prevail, however, you must withdraw your claim." She pauses a moment, and then says, "Either way, you may keep the prize from the tournament; it means nothing to me."

Abdul looks to the Sultan, clearly seeking support from his liege, but Subhi looks away from him. "This is your own doing, Abdul," he says quietly. "Your fate in this matter is not the concern of Al-Mansoura, or of its Sultan."