After the two stood there wrapped in each other's arms for what felt like an eternity, soaking up the moment, Roman took his wife and led her to the bed. They lay down on the soft sheets. Xenia let out a blissful sigh as her husband placed his large hand on her stomach. Gently, she placed hers on top of his before seeking his gaze.

Roman's eyes sparkled with pride and so much love. He slid a little closer to his wife to be able to give her a kiss.

"I can't tell you how incredibly wonderful it is to know that I will soon be able to hold a little you in my arms," Xenia said softly.

"As long as the little one has a whole lot of you. Beloved, you give me the greatest gift and I know you are worried about the thing with my father.... That's why I want us to visit them tomorrow after all. I know I said I wouldn't, but... but this has made me realize how insignificant our pride is. Whether it's his or mine. This baby will reunite our family. I can feel it," Roman replied.

Then he raised his hand and gently caressed her face. The tears of joy were still visible on her cheeks. Therefore, he wiped them away before kissing his beloved wife again. Slowly but still passionately. Xenia moaned slightly as she put her arms around his neck.

With every touch and kiss they showed their love to each other. For many hours Roman and Xenia enjoyed their connection until it was eventually late at night. At some point, the queen fell asleep. But Roman still held her in his arms. Unwilling to let go of his family.

One hand kept wandering to her belly. With circular motions, his fingertips stroked her skin. He felt the love pouring out from the unborn child. He had never thought it possible that such a small, actually tiny being could radiate so much love. The moment he realized that Xenia was expecting, his own heart swelled to twice its size. Roman knew that he would always give everything to protect his own little family. Xenia and the baby were the most important things in his life. Next to them, the empire and his duties seemed unimportant to him.

"I love you." he whispered as he lowered his head to her stomach.

And then he lay back into the pillows to close his eyes. He fell asleep quickly. The crackling of the fire and Xenia's soft breathing soothed him. It was like a lullaby.

The next day they both went about their duties. But it was hard for them not to continuously smile and concentrate. Whenever the king and queen had a moment to themselves, they held each other in their arms.

After they had lunch it was time to leave. Together with Dean and Zela and a guard. Although Zela did not say anything, Xenia immediately had the feeling that she knew. It took only one look. And Dean also felt that something had changed. Only, unlike Zela, he was not sure what it could be.

Roman was a little tense, but immediately relaxed when Xenia took his hand and squeezed it tightly. They were told where his parents were. Now they had to hope and pray that they would be happy and that the situation would get at least a little better.

"Father, Mother." said Roman as he entered the room with Xenia.

Dean and Zela waited together with the guard at the door. The two knew how important privacy was. But the guard wanted to follow them until Roman gave him a stare and Dean put a hand on the man's chest to hold him back.

"What are you doing here? Was ignoring your messages not clue enough?" growled Roman's father.

"We have something to tell you and it's important. I'm willing to overlook your stubbornness." replied Roman.

"What's wrong, son?" asked his mother.

"It doesn't matter what they want! I'm not listening to this!" screamed Sika and wanted to run out of the room.

But Xenia held the door shut with the help of her powers. As much as he pulled and tugged at the door, he was unsuccessful.

"No one leaves this room!" said Xenia sternly.

"We're going to talk this out now. Whether you like it or not." she added.

"The hell I will! Roman is a backstabber! His own father, his country, he betrayed!" retorted Sika.

"If you were just a little more open you would realize how brave and right this decision was! Look at how well the people are doing after only a few short months. But you are too stubborn to admit to yourself that what Xenia and I did took courage and faith. We fell in love. Fate wanted us to unite the kingdoms. To be stronger than ever. And I want you in our lives. Or at least my mother, if you prefer to hold on to your grudge," Roman said in a firm voice.

He tried very hard not to shout. No way he wanted to shout in front of his unborn child. But he was angry. Briefly he wondered if it was right to try. But when he looked at Xenia and she put her hand on her stomach, he knew again how important it was.

"Why should I want that?" growled Sika.

"Because you're going to have a grandchild soon!" said Xenia then.

"Oh my God!" exclaimed Roman's mother, coming up to Xenia with quick steps.

She took her face in her hands and looked at her closely. With tears in her eyes, she pressed a kiss on her daughter-in-law's forehead. Then she hugged her tightly. Xenia had completely forgotten what it was like to be hugged by a mother. When she was overcome by her feelings, she clung to Patricia and began to cry.

"Shh... Sweetheart everything is fine." she whispered in Xenia's ear.

Roman walked over to the two women and then pulled his wife into his arms. She laid her head against his chest before taking a deep breath. A soft sniffle could still be heard.

"It doesn't change anything," Sika then said.

"It doesn't change anything? This does not change anything? Are you kidding me? This fuss stops right now. It changes everything. I've had enough of your behavior. Our son married Xenia. He loves her and they are doing what is best for the next generations. And now they are having a baby. Let me assure you that I will not let my child hanging any longer because of you. I want a relationship with our daughter-in-law and with our grandchild. And if you don't like that, then you and I are going to be separated. Is that clear? Whatever your problem is, get over it!" retorted Patricia in a sharp tone.

She was glaring at him and it was clear to both Sika and Roman that she was damn serious. If he were to give her an ultimatum, he already knew the answer. Family meant everything to the former queen. She did not often contradict her husband, but whenever she did, it was not a good idea to argue with her.

All three looked at Sika. They saw him struggling with himself. He looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. Then he took a few big steps toward them. Then he put his hand to Roman's cheek, but still remained silent. Until finally he sighed deeply and in surrender.

"I give you my blessing. But it will take me a while to.... To come to terms with everything. And congratulations. May I hug my daughter-in-law?" he then said.

Xenia broke away from Roman and hugged her father-in-law for the first time. As silly as it sounded, for Xenia it was almost like getting a part of her father back. After all, he had been just as stubborn.

"I am sorry, Your Majesty. I will mend my ways. I promise." he said to her quietly.

But it was still just loud enough for Roman and his mother to hear. Roman didn't trust the whole thing completely. Part of him couldn't believe how easy it was. Still, he was grateful to have his parents back in his life.