The Source (Chronicles of the Elements #1)

Chapter 21

                                                                Liam

He did not know what to say as it processed through his mind that Aiden was with child. His child. They both took tonics but, thanks to Rory, understood why it obviously had not worked. She stared at him with steady streams now spilling out of her sterling silver eyes waiting for his reaction.

"That is wonderful news! Why are you crying?" he asked as he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.

"Because I didn't know if you would be happy about it, and I'm not sure if I'm happy about it. I don't think I have even fully processed it, but I can feel him through my magic."

"Him?"

"We're having a son, Liam."

A son. He was going to have a son. A smile bloomed over his rugged face as he laid back down in the bed with the love of his existence and kissed her full lips in an attempt to show her how joyous that news was to him.

He then propped himself up on one arm after making sure she was lying back comfortably on the pillows and reached down to place his palm on her flat stomach sending his magic searching until he felt a tiny spark in answer. "I can feel him! He is trying to say hello," he chuckled as he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her abdomen right where he felt the child. "Hello, little one. Your mother and I cannot wait to meet you."

Aiden smiled as she wiped away more tears.

"Do not cry, Aiden. I know this is a lot to take in, but it is something to celebrate."

"I never would have guessed that you would take it better than I could. I thought you would be accepting but not this...excited. I remember your reaction about Mairead thinking you two would have a child."

"I do not love her. You are the one I love more than anything, and I am abundantly happy to be having a son with you! When did you know?"

"He was conceived at the source of elemental magic. I felt him soon after which is why I've been sure that Olc will not succeed in having child with me because I'm already with child. Your child."

Liam took her lips again wanting to continue to show her just how elated he was over such a wonderful surprise.

They went through the next few weeks planning and strategizing with Liam finding it difficult to be on even just the opposite side of the same room from Aiden knowing she was carrying their son. It was a new and strange feeling of possessiveness and need to protect her and the tiny product of their love she held inside.

They had discussed the many reasons to hide their news from the others not trusting the information to anyone due to the current situation, so Liam helped Aiden cloak the babe enough to not give the news away to any Fae senses.

In the privacy of their chambers though, Aiden could relax because the maids had all been sent to the mountain stronghold after the last attack on the palace giving them the privacy they needed. Aiden was more tired than usual, and her appetite had increased. They were both thankful that she was not experiencing any type of sickness that was known to accompany pregnancy because that would have definitely given it all away to the others.

She came into their chambers after the long days and relaxed in the large tub while Liam got her the fresh fruit she craved from the vines and trees she was growing in their closet using her earth and water magics.

After a particularly busy day that had included battling another regimen sent by Olc lead by a Chosen general enhanced with forbidden magic that had gotten past their defenses, all were fatigued. Liam had taken pleasure in defeating the Chosen but not before earning a deep gash to his abdomen that he had to hastily heal during battle.