Aiden looked down at the man, both eyebrows nearly to his hairline. "Do you have a death wish?" he asked.
The man stepped back, realizing that in his anger that he had literally poked a bear. "He has no right to interfere with Javen challenging the prince."
Aiden looked back at Meryn. "Did Kari post the edict this morning?"
Meryn nodded. "She actually typed it up herself and posted it last night."
Aiden turned to the suicidal noble. "As you know, Prince Magnus has declared that the unit warriors can respond to any challenge set forth for Rule by Combat."
The noble snorted. "He isn't a warrior."
Aiden stared at him flatly. "Who am I?"
"What?"
"Who am I?" Aiden repeated.
"You are Aiden McKenzie."
"And my rank?"
"You are the Unit Commander."
"Exactly and if I say that Kendrick Ashwood is a member of the Alpha Unit, then Kendrick Ashwood is a member of the Alpha Unit."
"But..."
"Did I stutter?" Aiden demanded.
"No. But that witch did not even allow Javen to make the challenge before casting a spell on him, which is against our laws!"
"Look you... do you have a name?" Aiden asked.
"I am Jahin Régis. That is my brother Javen Régis. Our father is head of the Régis Founding Family," Jahin announced, as if that would change things.
Aiden turned to Kendrick. "Is what he said true? Did you cast a spell on him before he could issue the challenge?"
Kendrick gave a one shoulder shrug. "I heard him boasting what he would do, and I decided to be proactive."
Aiden scratched his ear. "What'd you do to him?"
Loud clucking noises erupted from Javen. Ellie fought hard to keep a straight face, as did Rheia and Anne. Meryn, however, didn't seem to care. She laughed loudly and openly.
Aiden bent his head down and rubbed his forehead. To anyone else, he looked annoyed, but Ellie could see the grin he was trying to hide. When he looked up, he was back to scowling. "I see no harm done here. When Javen is able to speak again, he can come to me to issue the challenge."
Javen paled and squawked. Jahin swallowed hard. "But you are the Commander."
"And?"
"The edict said unit warriors."
"Do we have to have this conversation again?" Aiden asked sarcastically.
Jahin pulled on Javen's arm. "Our father will hear of this!" he threatened.
"Oh dear, I don't feel well," Meryn placed a hand on her forehead dramatically. She opened her mouth wide and coughed without bothering to cover her face.
"Oh gods, look at her mouth," Jahin gasped. "Stay back!" he screeched.