The Countess appears in person

Working with Akina's information you expected to receive a letter, however, you suspect that this news was from before you sent Countess Marissa an Invitation to the Tournament. Instead, she has turned up in person. From the outside in her regular clothing, you can't yet tell she is pregnant. She informs you and Remus the full details of what happened to her family.

Remus Informs her that he still intends to fight in the tournament. You notice a look of relief on Countess Marissa's face. You guess that she is all too aware of the rumours about her people wanting to put Remus in charge. She confirms this by saying "My dear Nephew, I give you my full support in the tournament and hope you place high enough to be given land and dominion over these dragon-kin. You deserve the right to forge your own destiny not have it thrust upon you as you would if you took your place as my heir. I should be able to gain a replacement."

"Countess, I must inform you that I had prior news of your loss and therefore felt it fitting to tell Remus about our child." You interjected. "On top of that, after Remus told he was going to compete anyway I decided to wait until I know the outcome of the tournament to decide whether to legitimize our child or not."

"That seems logical, Bryce, However, wouldn't legitimizing our child jeopardize your marriage with Butrexx?" Countess Marissa asked.

"Butrexx and my Consort Sarah also know about our baby and Butrexx assures me as long as she can beat you in a fight, that I assume she can, then she is fine with us having slept together and there is no law currently in Itheria barring a king from having multiple lovers, just one wife at a time, or legitimate children from multiple sources and the baby will be an heir to your land before my land; as Butrexx also assures me that she will give birth first. That being said, If you choose to remarry before the baby is born I will let your new husband make the discussion whether to adopted our child or create his own." You explain.

After a discussion and catching up on other news and affairs you leave Marissa and get on with the rest of the day. Things continue normally for the next two weeks and finally, it is time for the tournament to begin. Before you get to your seat Iskierka approaches you and tells you that she is pregnant.