Chapter 13

Chapter

Thirteen

Chalisa was exhausted.She wanted to win and tried to keep her charity forefront in her mind, but she only wished this competition could be over when they returned to the stadium for the final events.

Aiden gave her an encouraging kiss, which helped. His blue gaze on her said that he loved her, even if he never said the words. That helped even more.

She and Hays had to do the jousting first. It was probably hilarious to watch as neither of them was very great at it. She was better on a horse, but he was stronger, and with each run he improved his control of the lance. They missed each other completely on the first pass and ended up slowly bumping each other's shields on the last two runs.

She was grateful it was over, happy to split the points, and proud she hadn't forfeited this event. Aiden lifted her off the horse and spun her around as if she were the conquering hero. The crowd cheered loudly, especially when he took her helmet off and kissed her.

Then she stood at the edge of the sparring ring and watched Aiden and Jagger fight. It was glorious and horrifying at the same time. They were a whirlwind of arms and legs—a beautiful and intricate dance of desolation and agony. She vacillated between staring in awe and closing her eyes as she winced in pain.

This fight was very different than when he'd initially fought Kingston. With Kingston, Aiden had been taunting and teasing. Now that she knew how incredible he was at sparring, she realized he'd allowed Kingston to have the upper hand at first.

With Jagger, she could tell Aiden and the SEAL Captain were both going for blood from the moment Kingston started the match. They didn't waste one breath on taunts or one movement that wasn't lethal in its intent.

The crowd cheered for Aiden and jeered at Jagger. She was grateful that all of Magna loved him like she did and knew they were also cheering for her to win a million dollars for Nursing Kindness.

The fight had been going for far too many minutes in her opinion when a whistle blew and Kingston came and pulled them apart. Shawn went with Jagger to his corner and Aiden to a corner with all the princes, Stuart, and Wes. It was quite the impressive entourage. Fitting for her Aiden. He hadn't been born royal but he was every bit as elite and regal as his support team.

Aiden took a towel and some water, drank deeply, then wiped his face and the blood off his chin.

She could hear all the men chattering with advice. It was too loud in the stadium to decipher what they were telling him.

Aiden handed over the towel and water carafe. He looked to her and gave her a confident smile. She put a clenched fist to her heart, and his smile grew. He returned the gesture, then he and Kingston walked back to the center of the ring where Jagger waited. Both men glistened with sweat and bulged with defined muscle. Both studied each other without smiling.

Kingston backed away and whistled. Aiden said something to Jagger, but she couldn't distinguish it. Jagger dodged at him. Aiden did a wild side flip into the air, springing onto Jagger's back and landing a vicious elbow into the other man's neck.

Chalisa cried out in surprise. Jagger's body went limp, and his eyes rolled back before he even hit the ground.

He face-planted into the dirt. The impact was awful with him unable to break his fall and with Aiden's added weight on his back.

Aiden glanced up at Kingston.

Kingston threw both hands in the air, uncharacteristically cheering. Then he hollered, "Captain Aiden Porter wins by knockout!"

Aiden leaped to his feet and lifted his hands in celebration too. The crowd cheered, but Chalisa could sense everyone was a little on edge. They could cheer against the outsider, but they didn't want him dead or seriously injured.

She started to slide under the barrier to offer medical help, but Shawn, Hays, and Dr. Grace all hurried into the ring first. Mercedes stayed back, very pale and leaning against the railing for support.

Aiden stepped back as Dr. Grace dropped to her knees. She checked for a pulse and nodded, then proceeded to check his spinal cord.

Jagger's body shuddered. He groaned and rolled over.

"Please don't move," Dr. Grace said. "You may have a spinal injury."

"I'm fine," he grunted, sitting up and shaking his head as if woozy.

"Wow!" Hays yelled as soon as he saw his buddy was all right. "Captain Porter, that was epic! I've never seen anyone beat Jag."

"Thank you." Aiden bowed slightly. "I aim to inspire."

Chalisa smiled at him. He was back to his teasing and Jagger looked to be all right.

Jagger sent Aiden and then Hays a glower. Hays lifted his hands innocently. "What? It was incredible. I'll show you the film later."

"No thanks." Jagger staggered to his feet despite Dr. Grace's protests and stalked off.

"Captain Porter receives ten points for a knockout," Bodi crowed into the mic.

The fans went wild at that pronouncement.

Aiden took the water carafe and a towel from Wes. He drank and dumped water over his head and then wiped his face. She checked for injuries but could only see some bruises, no open cuts or swelling.

Handing over the dirty towel and empty glass, Aiden thanked Wes and Stuart and then zeroed in on Chalisa. He strutted up to her, grinning widely. He was the toughest and most handsome man she'd ever seen in her life. Throwing her arms around his neck, she planted a kiss on his lips.

He held her as close as he could with her stupid armor coming between them. He smelled of dirt, blood, and sweat, nothing like his usual peppermint and musk scent. She didn't care. She stunk as well, and he didn't seem to care either.

"You were inspiring," she told him, running her hands over the taut muscle of his upper back.

"Ah, now I like that. I inspire you, love?"

"Yes, you do."

He bent close and whispered for only her to hear, "Let's finish thumping these SEALs, then I'm going to inspire you like you've never imagined when we're alone tonight."

Chalisa's heart took off at a gallop and her stomach did a funny hop. "I've never heard a more wonderful plan."

"I'm full of them." He kissed her soundly.

They had to be pulled apart for her to sword fight with Hays. Hays was good with the sword like Jagger had been. He popped it out of her grip and she was defeated quickly. She didn't get any points, but she also didn't get hit with a heavy sword, so she was okay with failing at that one.

She was able to get out of the armor and clean up a bit and hurry back to watch Aiden and Jagger joust. Nerves assaulted her as she stood with Kingston at the edge of the lists. Aiden was on Kingston's huge horse, Blaze. It was a beautiful, strong horse, and he was an even more beautiful man. He turned their direction and put his gloved fist to his heart before closing his visor and accepting the lance from Stuart.

"Huh," Kingston muttered. "I do that with Reagan."

Chalisa's skin prickled and her pulse quickened. Kingston said nothing more, but she knew he approved of her and Aiden together. Sadly, it wouldn't matter. Aiden wasn't going to break his oath, and his life plan didn't include her.

She pushed that away and focused on Aiden and Blaze.

The flag dropped and her nerves were strung tight as the horses raced across the packed dirt, the men on their backs looking intense, strong, and undefeatable. She clasped her hands together and prayed Aiden could win if possible, but above all else that he could be safe.

The horses were almost level, and both men jabbed their raised lances across the barrier and at each other. The lances' ends exploded in a spray of wood shards. Aiden's upper body flung backward, but he quickly straightened and slowed the horse down.

Everyone cheered, Chalisa loudest of all. She grabbed Kingston's arm and jumped up and down. "He did it!"

"Impressive." Kingston gave her a rare full smile. "I thought he'd get knocked on his back, as good as Lemuel is on a horse, but your man is as talented and tough as anybody I've ever worked with."

Chalisa hugged her brother-in-law. He was obviously surprised. They usually only hugged hello and goodbye, but he returned the hug.

Then they both turned to watch the next round. If Aiden could hold his own, he'd at least split the points. Of course she wanted to win the million dollars, but she also wanted Aiden to win. She was proud of him; proud he was her man. Then her stomach dropped. He couldn't be her man. After this magical time in Magna, the Hidden Kingdom, they'd go their separate ways again.

She hated when those thoughts intruded.

Aiden had a new lance in hand, and he spurred Blaze along the path toward Jagger. From Chalisa's jaw to her toes, everything was clenched tight.

Please help him and keep him safe.

The men drew almost even and again tried to spear each other with their lances. Both wooden lances shattered, and both men kept their seats.

"Yes!" Chalisa cheered, jumping up and down.

Everyone seemed to cheer along with her. Aiden punched a fist in the air and wheeled around to ride back to Stuart and Wes and his last lance.

The stadium calmed as the men and horses lined up for the last run. Chalisa would love for Aiden to knock Jagger clean off his horse, but she didn't want anyone hurt and she didn't know that an experienced steeplechaser could be unsaddled.

She could hear her own breaths, the horses' snorts, people quietly chattering in the stands.

The flag dropped, and everyone started cheering Aiden on, her most of all. She bounced on her heels, her hands in prayer mode, but she was too anxious to form a coherent prayer.

The men drew almost level, and she heard Kingston mutter, "He's holding Blaze's reins too tight."

Chalisa couldn't see the difference, but she did notice Blaze slow his pace the last few seconds. Aiden must've been startled by the change, not realizing he was holding the reins too tight as he hadn't spent his life on a horse.

Jagger's lance slammed into Aiden's chest, the end shattering on Aiden's breastplate.

Aiden's jab was a split second too late. His lance glanced off of Jagger's armor, not breaking.

The stadium seemed to deflate as their hero didn't win the last round. There were a few polite claps and Hays, Shawn, and Mercedes all cheered.

"Captain Lemuel wins the joust seven points to three," Bodi announced.

"Hoo-yah!" Jagger called out over the too-quiet stadium.

"Hoo-yah!" Hays and Shawn answered him.

Chalisa watched Aiden ride toward Gerald, the stable manager, his back straight and his head tilted up proudly. He dismounted, handed over the still-intact lance and the reins, and nodded his thanks to Gerald. She wondered if he'd go get a drink or something to have a little break, but he tugged his helmet off, turned, saw her, and strode right to her.

Her heartbeat picked up. She and Kingston started toward him. Wes and Stuart came behind them. They met in the middle and it felt like every eye on the stadium was on them, but she didn't care. She only cared that Aiden knew how incredible he was.

His blue eyes weren't twinkling, but he definitely wasn't pouting.

"You did amazing," she said as they reached him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him hard on the mouth.

The Magnites cheered for the kiss as if he had won.

Aiden pulled back and smiled at her. "I guess sometimes I need a little humbling."

"I love your over confidence."

He chuckled and held her close. The armor prevented her from feeling him, but at least they were together and he was being great about not winning an event.

"It is the first event you haven't been top in."

"First thing I've lost since I was sixteen." He winked at her, and she remembered him saying he hadn't lost to his brother since he was sixteen.

"You did well," Kingston said. "The man was raised on a horse." He glanced over to where Jagger had dismounted and was talking with Mercedes, Shawn, and Hays. "I think I'll challenge him to a private joust before he flies home."

"You and me both," Stuart chimed in. He slapped Aiden on the shoulder. "You seriously did great. Thanks to my training. Don't repeat this, but I used to lose to everybody before I became an expert on a horse. You hung with an experienced steeplechaser. That's impressive."

"Thank you. I appreciate all of your help." Aiden nodded to each man and then focused on her. "You ready for your last event?"

"Ready to be done for the day," she admitted. Initially Mercedes had said there was another event on Saturday, but she hadn't looked much past these events.

"And be all alone with me in our suite?" He pumped his eyebrows.

"Knock it off," Kingston growled. "Or I'll have her mother come stay the night."

They all laughed at that.

Aiden directed her over to the sparring ring where she slipped into the pads and head gear they had ready for her. He gave her a soft kiss and then she had to walk out and face Hays. She wasn't afraid. Hays was a nice guy. He wasn't going to start hitting her or anything.

As soon as Kingston whistled, Hays moved toward her. "I forfeit," she said loudly. She knew Hays would've gently pinned her like Jagger did, but she didn't want to go through that again.

Kingston called the match and Hays nodded to her then turned and strode off. Aiden was right there. He pulled her in. She cuddled against him, wishing he was out of the armor. Kissing her forehead, he said, "You did it. You're all done."

"Yeah." She glanced up at him. "Sadly, I think I got a total of," she calculated in her mind, "nine points."

"You did fabulous. These guys are exceptional. Not as exceptional as me, but …"

She laughed.

Prince Bodi announced that Lieutenant West won ten points in hand to hand combat. There was a smattering of applause. Chalisa thought he might announce their points totals, but he didn't. She knew they were behind. Even if Aiden got all the points for the sword, they might still be lacking. Maybe tomorrow they could catch up. She wanted to win the money but was starting to despair if they could.

Prince Bodi announced, "And our final event of the day. The sword fight between Captain Jagger Lemuel and your favorite retired Captain Aiden Porter!"

The fans hooted and cheered for Aiden. He released one arm from Chalisa's back and waved and grinned for all of them.

Then he bent and kissed Chalisa, and they cheered louder. Chalisa wondered if she'd ever get used to the thrill of kissing him. She wouldn't really have a chance to, so she relished every second.

He released her. "All right, love. Let me win this sword fight and shower so I can kiss you for a very long time."

"Lovely plan." She backed up.

He put his fist to his heart, and she grinned and returned the gesture. He winked and gave her the most appealing smolder she'd ever seen.

She walked on slightly unsteady legs to the edge of the ring and slid under the railing. Kingston, Stuart, Wes, and Malik were all waiting for her.

"He's got this, right?" she asked.

"I've never seen Captain Lemuel with a sword," Stuart answered. "But Aiden is a ninja."

"Good." She grasped the railing and watched with bated breath as Aiden and Jagger squared off.

The fight began, and as steel clanged together and then banged off their armor, the crowd surged to their feet, cheering on the intense and final fight. Chalisa winced each time Aiden got hit, especially the hits to the head. Their armor should protect them, but they'd both be bruised and maybe concussed.

The battle seemed to go on and on and on. Aiden did move like a ninja, a very tough and brilliant ninja. Sadly, Jagger was an incredible swordsman as well. Kingston signaled for them to take breaks three times, drinking water and wiping off their sweat. Luckily, there was no blood drawn with the blunted swords. Then they'd come back together, bashing each other, moving in a complex sequence of sword fighting that was impressive and stressed her out completely.

Chalisa gritted her teeth and clung to the railing. She remembered to pray and asked, Please let Aiden be safe and if possible let him win. Amen.

She opened her eyes. Aiden suddenly leaped into the air, planted both of his feet into Jagger's chest, and thrust him to the ground. As he pushed off, Aiden did a backflip and landed on his feet to raucous cheers from the crowd.

Jagger struggled up to his knees, but Aiden leapt around behind him and brought the hilt of his sword down on the back of Jagger's helmet.

Jagger flopped to the side and didn't move for a few beats. Everyone seemed to hold their breath as Kingston and Chalisa slid under the barrier and into the ring. Dr. Grace was in the stands. She'd be on her way, but Chalisa could check on Jagger first.

Aiden bent down and tugged the man's helmet off.

Jagger drew in a loud breath, and his eyes opened as Chalisa and Kingston reached them.

"You all right?" Aiden asked.

"You knocked me out again?" Jagger muttered.

"Yes, sir."

"I'm ticked, honestly," Jagger admitted. He gave a partial smile. "But I'm all right."

"One of the most challenging fights I've ever had." Aiden gave him a respectful nod.

"Agreed. Let's do it again sometime."

"Sure." Aiden grinned, and then he turned to her. He ripped off his helmet and dropped it, threw down his gloves, hefted his torso armor over his head and dropped it. Before he could worry about taking off any more armor, Chalisa threw herself into his arms. He grinned and wrapped her up tight.

"And Captain Aiden Porter wins the sword fight ten points to none for a knockout!" Prince Bodi bellowed.

The crowd roared in response. Aiden waved his thanks, then focused on kissing her. He kissed her beautifully and thoroughly and only Kingston tugging on them and proclaiming it was enough pulled them apart.

Aiden laughed at that, swung her up into his arms, and cradled her against his chest. He carried her out of the stadium with the crowd cheering.

Chalisa laughed as she clung to her champion. "I don't even know who won the most points."

"They did."

"Ah, shoot."

"We'll best them in points tomorrow. It's still our game."

She loved his overconfidence.

He cleared the stadium that was still screaming for them, and then they were out in the village cobblestone street. They'd lost, and nobody seemed to care. There was another challenge tomorrow. Could they win that and win the money?

"Fifty-eight for us, sixty-two for them."

"I'm so sorry." She stared into his handsome face. "You defeated them in everything and I just brought you down."

"Ah, Chalisa." He stopped walking and stared down at her. "You could never bring me down. All you do is lift and inspire me."

She arched up and kissed him.

Aiden captured her heart and soul.

She wanted to win the money, but she wanted to be with him more.