Shortly after the ceremony, the priest went his way and Zela and Dean left the newlyweds alone. But it escaped neither Xenia's nor Roman's attention that the two walked closely next to each other. Again and again their fingers touched. Zela giggled shyly when Dean said something to her.

"It's time, love." said Xenia after a while.

She lifted her head from his shoulder and looked up at him. They both knew it was time to move on to the next phase of their plan. Xenia was confident that everything would turn out well, but she also knew that it would be more than difficult for Roman.

"I know... I will be with you tonight then, beloved. Leave your window open." he replied before giving her a kiss.

Xenia moved her hand and let some of the colorful flowers fly into her hand. She wanted to dry them so they would remind her of this day forever.

"Take care of yourself, okay? I trust you can convince them." Xenia then said and put her hand to his cheek once more.

Roman looked at her and knew that what they were about to do was not easy. Not on either side, but it was worth the try. Even if it meant they would see little of each other in the meantime, and if it was possible for them to meet, they would have to be exceptionally careful.

"No matter how it turns out... I will still always be by your side. You're the only one I need. Not my family's kingdom." he replied.

"Have faith, Roman. We can do this." she said, stealing another kiss before heading back to the castle.

She was surely already awaited. There was a lot that had to be prepared for the coronation. Even if Xenia had arranged that it should take place as quickly as possible and with little effort and fanfare.

Roman looked after his wife until she disappeared into the forest. Unconsciously he turned the ring on his finger as a gentle smile spread across his face. He knew Xenia was right. He had to have faith. And if all went well, all the grudges that separated their kingdoms for so long would soon be in the past.

A while later he arrived at the place where he lived, but his home was with Xenia. He was already itching to make his way to her, to hold her in his arms. It was hard for him to keep a depressed expression on his face. Because everything in him wanted to dance with joy.

He looked for the king and it didn't take him long to find him at his desk. Roman sat down on the chair in front of it as his father lifted his head to look at him.

"Ah, my son. What gives me the honor? I thought you weren't talking to me anymore." he said.

"Well as much as I don't like to at the moment.... I just wanted to let you know that whatever happened between me and... Xenia, is over. You were right. It wasn't meant to be. And I think you'll be happy to know that I'm ready to accept my fate," Roman replied.

He felt bad deceiving his family like this, but it was important.

"Well... I like to hear that, of course. But I'm also sorry you're suffering right now. Don't worry, son. You'll accomplish everything you set your mind to. I'll make sure everything gets done. I think the abdication and your coronation can take place on the same day. To make the process easier for everyone. I'll have the arrangements made," the king said.

"I have a few conditions, though, Father," Roman then said.

"Such as?" his father asked curiously.

"I want this to happen as soon as possible. Preferably within the next few days. Then I won't be able to change my mind. And I forbid you to choose me a wife. When the time comes, I'll do it myself," Roman replied stubbornly.

"I think it's certainly possible. After all, the preparations are already in full swing. I knew that sooner or later you would come to your senses. Even if the Countess will be disappointed. Maybe you should get to know each other anyway. Who knows... it could still happen that you see what we see in her," he explained.

Roman simply shook his head before getting up and leaving the room. The last thing he wanted was to give himself away somehow.

Right now, everything was happening as he and Xenia had anticipated, and that meant that everyone would get the shock of their lives at Xenia's coronation.