The bell high up in the bell tower began to chime. That was the moment. The doors to the church opened and everyone present stood up as their queen entered the church. Except for the ringing of the bell, there was silence. Everyone watched in awe as Xenia walked up the long aisle to the altar.

She was nervous. Part of her was afraid of how people would react. But she knew that in the long run, this was what everyone needed. She wasn't doing this just for herself and Roman. Even though it might seem that way from the outside. Both did it to create more peace and harmony for everyone. For too long there had always been turmoil and fights.

The Bishop and the other honorary dignitaries began the ceremony. They spoke of the past and the future. Little did they know that it would not be the future they painted with their words. Xenia could not help but smile.

And that smile grew even bigger when she spotted the abdicated king and queen, Roman's parents, in one of the first rows. Xenia had insisted on inviting them, much to the displeasure of her advisors. And indeed they had accepted the invitation. This was yet another important piece of the puzzle to the plan.

The two were to be there firsthand when the people learned what was to happen to their kingdom. No one suspected that it would not be long before their whole world would turn upside down.

Xenia took her seat on the throne before the bishop placed the heavy crown on her head. She swore her oath in a firm voice, but her thoughts were still with her husband. She knew that he was also watching her at that moment.

Then the time had come. The queen had asked to be able to address all those present.

"I, as your new queen, promise to do everything in my power to protect you and keep the peace in this kingdom. With God's help, I will create a society that will faithfully stand by me. But I will not do it alone," Xenia said before raising her hand and opening the heavy doors of the church.

A figure in a long black cloak entered the church. The hood pulled deep into his face so that no one could recognize it. Slowly he also walked down the aisle. A murmur of uncertainty went through the rows of guests. No one knew what was happening.

When he reached Xenia, he went down on one knee and lowered his head ever so slightly. She closed the distance between them and held out her hand. The cloaked man gently took it in his and then pressed a kiss on the queen's hand.

"I will do it by my husband's side. He is your new king. Together we will create a new order, a new empire. Two will become one. Stronger than ever before." she said.

Roman stood up straight again and with a quick, smooth movement pulled the hood off his head and the cloak off. On his head he wore the crown of his kingdom. He stood next to his wife and clasped her hand tightly. Now they stood together. Side by side.

A shocked gasp went through the ranks as slowly everyone realized what had just happened here. And probably it would take much longer until they understood it completely.

"King Roman and I are joined in marriage. I am the rightful queen here. He is the rightful king there." she continued.

"And from today, we rule only one empire. We unite the two kingdoms into one. Together we move into a bright, promising future where we stand together as one nation." Roman added before looking at Xenia who smiled proudly at him.

Then he gave her a kiss. A kiss that finally the whole world could see. And especially his shocked parents who had seen nothing of it coming.