Tell Butrexx and Sarah

You write back to Countess Marissa informing her that you wish for her to keep the origins the child a secret, until it is born, and let the people believe that it came from her husband which would be the logical conclusion. You let her decide when to reveal the pregnancy if it is there at all. You tell her that you will, however, inform your wife about the affair and possible child. Finally, you tell her that you will keep her informed on the progress of your quest.

You send for Butrexx and Sarah and tell a guard to keep watch but not too close to the door.

"Trex, I have something to confess to you and it will concerns you too Sarah, but what I say must not leave this room. I hope when all is said that you will understand and forgive me." You whisper

"Bryce, my love, whatever is the matter?" Butrexx asks quietly. Sarah says nothing just stands there listening.

"When I was in Luxem I saved Countess Marissa Loon from a Succubus who had taken her from and enslave her kingdom and her husband. After killing the beast I was so drained that I decided to stay the night. I was visited in the night by the Countess who wished to show her gratitude in an unusual way. whether we were still recovering from the influence of the Succubus or just due to a pure attraction neither of us could resist sharing a bed together. The Countess has just informed me that due to that one night she suspects she is with child, my child. I know how bad this is especial considering you were waiting for me 3 days ride away with the altar ready. I hope you can forgive me." You said quietly with remorse in your voice.

Sarah still stood there silently with her hand over her mouth.

"My love, in my kingdom, it is common to have many lovers, had I stayed in my lands, by now I would have one lover for each of the clans even my own, male, female even hermaphrodite. Most would just be a one-time thing and we do choose one to remain faithful to for the rest of our lives but both will continue to have lovers. Why else do you think I am ok with you having Sarah here as a consort. For dragon-kin mating can be a way to show one's dominance or submissiveness to another. Your human tradition of only having one or two is strange to us. This is why succession through blood does not occur between the Clutches. Besides if it is your succession and first born you are worried about then I have some good news. I have suspected from a week after our first time that I was with child which would put mine ahead of hers. On top of that, thanks to my draconic physiology I can tell you that our child will be male or a male predominate hermaphrodite. This is because like reptiles temperature has an impact on gender, spending my early pregnancy in these much warmer summer lands will cause those with the blood of a female to grow into a male predominate hermaphrodite. If I was in my homeland the cooler temperature would produce an even split of males and females just like it is with you humans but if I was to venture to the north of my land or up into the mountains the **** cold would cause those with male blood to develop into Female predominate hermaphrodites. You shale have a "male" heir who shall be born from your wife before this Countess. And with any luck a human progeny from Sarah here soon after." Butrexx concluded her hushed explanation. She had accidentally reverted to her normal loud self when proclaiming her suspected pregnancy and a few times after, you hope the guard or no one else overheard.

Authors note: a hermaphrodite that develops mainly male characterises such as a lack of breasts, larger muscles, able to grow a beard and deeper voice while a Female predominate hermaphrodite will develop breasts, have wide hips, no beard and a more gentle voice.

Sarah seemed to still be a bit in shock but she did mumble "Bryce, I...can...er....forgive you as you have been so kind to me and...er... it is not...my place to judge a king on his...er... actions. And...er...congratulations...my queen."

After that, you decide to meet with your spymaster. Akina a catfolk, a member of the beastfolk race. She has a feline tail and ears atop her head. The hair on her head, ears, and tail are the colour of mud. Her lithe frame is covered in the tightest leather armour you've ever seen and she has a short sword at her side.The beastfolk are a wide and varied race. It's unclear about how their people began, but they're not too different from a human...outside of having animal features like a tail or ears. They can even breed with humans with half the children being beastfolk and the other half being human. They're uncommon but mostly integrated into human society. Despite this, in most places, they're treated as second-class citizens, or worse. It's only been during the last few generations that Itheria has allowed them more rights in society. (credit for this description goes to merkros)

You ask her what she knows about Luxem and Countess Marissa Loon. She is already aware of the countess's suspected pregnancy and your involvement in it but processes to keep this information a secret. She implies that she may be prepared to kill to do so and you hope it does not come to that. You ask her to keep an eye on things at Luxem and report back to you on your Quest. She also informs you that one of her spies overheard a guard muttering something about Butrexx's pregnancy. She asks if the guard needs silencing but you tell her to let the rumour spread. You will announce it when you know for sure but maybe this rumour will be better gossip than Marisa's ambiguous pregnancy. Finally, she asks "Will there be anything else, Your Majesty?" in a seductive tone.

Knowing Your new wife and consort will be alright with it, do you decide to sleep with the sexy catlady? Or will it just cause more trouble? You have had a long day you should just call it a night and set off on your quest tomorrow.