Over the next few weeks, it became increasingly difficult for Roman and Xenia to meet. Her father was in good health again and kept as close an eye on the princess as he could.

It was also difficult for Roman. His father tried to involve him more and more in his future duties as king. No matter how much this displeased Roman. He would have liked to escape every day, every hour of it, to spend all his time with Xenia in the small cottage in the forest.

Besides, he had been very tense in the last few days. Roman sensed that something was about to happen. Only he did not know exactly what it could be or who or what it would concern. His first thought was that it might have something to do with the princess. But he could not be sure. The only thing he was sure about was the fact that Wyatt would soon make his next move. It had been too long since anything had happened. And it was disturbing that neither Xenia's father and his men nor the people Roman had sent out could find him.

Roman would have liked to wipe out the evil danger at an early stage. But that was easier said than done, if no one knew where he was.

And now it had come so far that he and his beloved could only meet under the cover of night. The darkness offered them protection to steal away and meet. It hurt them both very much. Every day was filled with desire and longing for the other.

Now, however, it was almost time. The sun was about to set. Roman needed to fetch a few extra things to take to the cottage. He was ready to slip out of the castle when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Dean was so good at suppressing his feelings that he was able to sneak up on Roman. 

"It's not a good idea to disappear tonight. The king wants to see you. Now!" said Dean.

Roman knew that Dean didn't agree with meeting Xenia secretly, but he didn't say anything, because he knew that there was no point in arguing with the prince.

"Tell him you didn't find me. I'm in a hurry," Roman replied quickly.

"Do you really want him to send other people to look for you? Go to him and hear what he has to say. If you're lucky, it won't take long." he then said.

Roman didn't like to admit it, but Dean was right. And if it took too long, he would just leave. No one could force him. Not even the king.

"You wanted to see me?" asked Roman when he came into the hall where his father was waiting for him.

"Sit down," he said simply.

"I prefer to stand. I have places I'm expected to be," Roman replied.

"Oh I'm aware of that. And I'm telling you, it has to stop. I know what you're doing. And it has to end now. You need to prepare for your duties. It won't be long before you become king." said the king tiredly.

"What are you talking about? You are in the best of health." said Roman then.

"You are mistaken, Roman. I'm getting weaker, too. And I want to abdicate. You're going to reign. You were born to reign. You felt the signs, didn't you? You must have noticed your power building up inside you." he replied.

"I don't know what you mean..." said Roman avoidingly.

"You know it, my son. Look at your arm. The markings are starting to appear. You are ready. Your time has come." he explained to him.

Astonished, Roman rolled up the sleeve of his shirt and watched with shock as the marks of his culture slowly made their way across his skin. He knew what these patterns meant and that there was nothing he could do to stop it.

"This can't be happening. I need more time!" he growled angrily.

"You won't have it. You're going to have to resign yourself to your fate. Just like the girl. She, too, will reign one day. And then you'll be on opposite sides. You are not meant for each other. You'll also have to get married soon. Your mother and I have already found the perfect wife for you," His Majesty said.

"That's not going to happen. I refuse to follow your orders!" Roman shouted and ran out of the hall.

He was so upset that he set off for the cottage without regard for time. His breath was rapid as he ran and ran. If only he could run away from everything so easily.

When he arrived at the cottage it was still much too early. But that didn't bother him. This way he had time to think. He lit the fire in the fireplace before lying down on the bed. His thoughts circled around what his father had said. And the more he thought about it, the clearer the answer became in his mind.

At some point he was so exhausted that his eyes fell shut. For just a moment he wanted to close them to relax. But the moment turned into a few hours.

When the princess finally arrived, she found him fast asleep. With a smile, not knowing what was going on inside him, she lay down in bed with Roman. A glance at the fireplace showed her that the fire was about to die out. Therefore she used her power to move a piece of wood into it.

Then she put a hand to Roman's cheek. Carefully she stroked his skin, his cheekbone. He looked so peaceful. Yet somehow she knew something was going on. Her feeling told her that something would change that night. And it wasn't just because the feeling of paranoia was getting stronger.

"Hello beloved..." whispered Roman softly when he finally opened his eyes and felt Xenia very close to him.

"Were you that tired, love? What happened?" she asked worriedly.

With a deep sigh, Roman stroked her hair as he struggled with how much to tell her. He didn't want her to worry about him. But then... She had to know all.

Slowly.... hesitantly he began to tell her everything. The princess listened attentively to what he said. With every minute that passed, the furrows on her forehead deepened. He stroked them with his fingertip to smooth them out.

"You love me as much as I love you, right?" she asked when he finished.

"I love you truly. I love you madly. I love you forever." said Roman and kissed her hand.

"Then there is only one thing we can do..." replied Xenia calmly.

"And that would be, my beloved?" wanted Roman to know.

"We must form a union that no one can break. A union that makes us one. Physically and spiritually." she replied as her hand began to slowly stroke his muscular chest until she pressed it against the impressive bulge between his legs.

Then she leaned forward and pressed her mouth impatiently against his mouth, which hung open in surprise.

For Xenia it was the first step to make him hers, the next step had to follow after that. Then no one would be able to keep them apart. No powers of this world would be strong enough to break the bond that connected Roman and Xenia since the first moment.