Chapter 67
The palace was livelier than ever. Since the announcement of the queen's return and her pregnancy, preparations had begun for a grand celebration. But inside Ling and Ping's chambers, something far more personal was taking place.
Ping sat on a cushioned seat by the window, her hands gently placed over her growing belly. Ling knelt beside her, his fingers lightly tracing over the fabric of her robe where their child rested.
"We should give our child a name," Ping said softly, looking down at him.
Ling's eyes lifted to meet hers, a rare tenderness in his gaze. "Already? We don't even know if it's a boy or a girl."
Ping smiled. "I don't need to know. I just want our child to have a name—something meaningful."
Ling thought for a moment, his fingers stilling over her stomach. "What about… Lian?"
Ping tilted her head. "Lian?"
He nodded. "It means 'graceful' and 'lotus.' A symbol of purity, resilience… like you."
Ping's cheeks warmed, and she reached up to brush her fingers over his cheek. "I like it. Lian… it's perfect."
A knock on the door interrupted their moment. Mei entered, followed by the palace physician.
"My lady, my king," the doctor bowed before stepping forward. "I have come to check on the queen's health."
Ping nodded, allowing him to do his examination. Ling watched closely, his protective instincts sharpening with every movement the doctor made.
After a few moments, the doctor smiled reassuringly. "The queen is in good health, and so is the child. I can now confirm that she carries only one."
Ping exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Part of her had wondered if she would have twins, but now there was certainty.
Ling smirked. "One is enough to handle."
Ping chuckled. "You say that now, but when they arrive, you might regret it."
The doctor bowed once more. "I will continue to monitor the queen's health. For now, rest is important."
After the doctor left, Ping turned back to Ling. "So… it's decided then. Our child will be named Lian."
Ling pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Yes. And they will be the most loved child in all the land."
As the evening fell, Ping felt a warmth in her heart. Their family was growing, and everything felt right.