Chapter 28
They had arrived at Applewood Liam made his way to the Orchard shock crossing his features as he took in the view. He had his arm around Riley his fingers brushing the swell of her stomach before he composed himself. So many feelings had raced through him. He had to address his people and reassure them. He looked to Riley they would have to announce her pregnancy. The people would need something positive to hold onto. Riley squeezed his hand and nodded knowing what he was thinking. She leaned close to his ear saying, "If I take off the coat, they will know."
Liam nodded leading her to the press. He held up his hand to quiet down the masses. Once they were quiet he said, "First, I'd like to thank the staff for their fast action in putting the fire out. I am thankful the fire was put out as quickly as it was and that no one was hurt. I am however saddened by the loss of the orchard. This loss won't weaken Cordonia as our enemies think we will only come out stronger. The orchard will be restored it will take time but we will restore it. I am also going to require the council to secure Applewood like we have the palace. This can never happen again I won't have my staff and family at risk."
The crowd that had gathered cheered in response. Liam pulled Riley close to him when Regina approached saying, "I'd like to add something before you continue." Liam nodded Regina stepped forward saying, "When the council denied Queen Riley's request for security here. Madeleine and I started coming up with plans for safety at Applewood. At one point we talked with the Queen about the Orchard at Applewood." Regina smiled at Riley before continuing, "Queen Riley mentioned so many ideas about the Orchard and how we could truly make the Cordonian Ruby into our most valuable resource. Madeleine and I spoke at length about all her ideas. Most of the ideas will take years to become reality. All, however, would require a bigger orchard. Madeleine and I contacted the staff that produced the trees and asked lots of questions. We finally found a small town with a lot of land near it. We have started a second orchard. So we haven't lost all of our precious apples. The farmers here are welcome to move to the new orchard site or stay here. We will replant a few apple trees here but I think it's time Applewood focused more on family by having an open space for children to play."
More cheers burst with the announcement Liam stood there stunned. He turned to look at Riley only to see that she didn't look surprised. He smiled he had wondered how he had gotten so lucky. Liam smiled saying, "It seems Madeleine and Regina have been busy. I am glad that we have a new orchard site. I can't wait to hear all of my Queen's ideas for the Cordonia Ruby. I'm thankful to Madeleine and Regina for their work and planning. Our Queen, however, does need to start slowing down." This got the crowd gasping and talking among themselves. Liam approached Riley smiling at her slowly taking her coat off. He placed a hand on her waist at her hip before moving it to her growing belly bump. Silence fell for a moment before he heard gasping. Liam turned his head smiling before saying, "My Queen is expecting the heir to the throne. We have been keeping it to ourselves for a brief time. Now we share our news with you. Your Queen would like a large family but we have agreed on three and then seeing how we feel about more."
A deafening roar of cheering came from the crowd. Liam dismissed the press leading Riley and Regina into Applewood. They'd have to stay at Applewood to make the people feel more secure. Liam would be sure to make Applewood as secure as the palace before they returned. Liam oversaw the installation of the security system not caring what the council had thought. He would ensure both his wife and child were safe no matter what home they were in. It took far longer than he had expected to secure both the interior and exterior of the home.
Riley was now six months along her stomach had grown. She rushed into his office at Applewood Liam looked up asking, "what's wrong Riley?" She grabbed his hand and quickly placed it on her swollen stomach. Liam looked at her confused until he felt a bump against his hand. He looked down at his hand and felt it again. Liam smiled as Riley removed her hands from his. He felt the tap again he asked, "Is that the baby moving?" Riley nodded allowing Liam time to take in the moment. Liam dropped to his knees as he placed his second hand next to the first. "Hey, there it's daddy. I can't wait to meet you," he said to her belly. Tears reached LIams eyes as he felt movement. He had loved the first lite flutters of movement but this was strong.
Riley smiled saying, "I was thinking of Fabian for a boy and Eleanor for a girl." Liam's heart swelled at her choices but said, "As honored as I am that you would choose my mother's name. I feel the wound of her death is still raw. I'd prefer we choose a different name for our daughter. How about Isabella or Elizabeth?" Riley smiled replying, "I like both how about we decide after the baby is born. If it's a girl we can see which one fits her better." Liam nodded in agreement. He couldn't wait to meet their child. He slowly stood saying, "With the security modifications complete we will need to return to the palace. There is a lot to do before the baby is born. We will need A nursery in the palace and at your duchy. We already set up the nursery here. I love the rocking chair you choose."
Riley smiled replying, "I love the nursery here it's more casual. I am sure the palace nursery will have to be worthy of the heir. I hope we can have the Duchy's nursery more casual too. I'd like to raise our child as normal as possible. They will just be the heir to the throne too." Liam nodded in agreement. He wanted that too Kissing her lips gently.