Potent

“Your Imperial Majesty, Mastermind Malcolm requests to see you.”

Benedict glanced up at the messenger, Sir Osife. He set his jaw, dreading the inevitable conversation.

“Let him in, Sir Osife,” He said at last.

The doors to his study slowly opened.

Click. Click. Click. Click.

The sounds of a cane acting as a second leg echoed across the room.

Malcolm hobbled over to Benedict’s desk, trying to look as dignified as he could with only one working leg. It had been three months since he started recovering from the broken bone in his calf.

“Your Imperial Majesty.” Malcolm gave a half-bow and keeping his balance.

“Malcolm.” Benedict glanced at Malcolm’s left leg wrapped in stiff bandages. A small, short tree limb kept his knee straight. “Are you sure you should be walking? Whatever you wish to speak to me about can wait until you are healed.”

“I’m afraid not. New information has come to my eyes and ears that must be discussed,” Malcolm insisted.

Now Benedict’s interest was peaked.

“Very well. I’m listening.”

“There are two pieces of information but both are linked.” Malcolm shifted his weight to become more comfortable standing. “Valentine and the girl, Gemini… they’re married.”

Benedict physically jolted, feeling like he had been struck by lightning. “There’s more. They’ve been married for months now. And his wife… is with child.”

He tried to form something to say. For once, the Emperor of the land was speechless.

“W-with child? She is with child?” Benedict stammered.

Malcolm nodded.

“Believe me, Your Imperial Majesty, I know what this means.”

“Yes. This… this changes things. Greatly.”