Xenia was sitting at her desk, going through a few last things that needed to be done. She was humming softly to herself when suddenly there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" she called out.

The door opened with a soft creak. Xenia lifted her head and saw Roman's mother coming towards her. Patricia had a big smile on her face when she saw her by now heavily pregnant daughter-in-law. In the last few months, his parents visited the castle quite frequently. And with each visit, the tensions and the relationship between them all got better. Especially his mother made it her responsibility to help Roman and Xenia as much as she could to prepare for the baby.

"Oh hello! What are you doing here? Did we know you were coming? Did I forget?" Xenia immediately asked in a slight panic and tried to stand up.

"Stay seated, stay seated. I came here very spontaneously. I still had a few things I wanted to bring you. Sika is with Roman in the stable looking at the two new stallions. How are you feeling, sweetheart?" she replied, giving the queen a kiss on her hair before sitting down on a chair in front of the desk.

"I'm feeling pretty good. I'm ready to go any time now. It's just that my back hurts pretty bad if I sit or lie down too long. The little one is bouncing around and loves Roman's voice more than anything." Xenia said, stroking her belly.

"Maybe you and Roman should go swimming. The water is still warm enough. And it will relieve your back for a short time." said Patricia.

"That sounds like a very good idea. A little relaxation certainly can't hurt. Who knows how much time we have left..." she replied.

"That's true. Well... Here I have a few more clothes for the baby. Some of them are even from Roman himself. And then a few little things I couldn't resist. The little shoes I crocheted myself," said her mother-in-law and began to unpack the big bag she had with her.

The women talked for a few minutes until Zela came in and told them it was time for lunch.

"Would you like to join us?" asked Xenia after thanking Zela.

Discreetly, she glanced at Zela's hand, but there was nothing to see yet. Every day she waited for Dean to finally ask the question. So far, however, it had not happened. Xenia was aware that the ring might not be ready yet. After all, such things needed time and it was supposed to be perfect.

Together with her mother-in-law, Xenia then made her way to the dining room. On the way there, they met Roman and Sika. Roman's father quickly hugged Xenia before making room for his son.

"How are my two favorite people?" he asked after giving his wife a kiss while stroking her belly.

The baby gave Roman a firm kick to his hand in greeting. Roman chuckled softly.

"As you can see, we're doing fine. And it's all set up. You know what I mean." replied Xenia.

"That's what I like to hear. But now let's eat. The little someone has a big appetite." he said while putting an arm around his beloved.

A few hours later Xenia was back in her suite, packing a few things into a bag.

"What are you doing, beloved?" asked Roman as he stepped into the room behind her.

He put his hands on her shoulders and massaged them for a moment before pressing a kiss to her temple.

"Your mother had the idea of going for a little swim. It might do my back some good. And while we're out, we can take a look at the cottage to make sure everything is indeed ready." she replied.

Then she remembered that she had forgotten towels. But since she didn't want to run back to get them, she simply used her powers to bring them to her.

"Well then, let's get going. Have I told you today that I love you?" asked Roman then.

"Yes, but I never get tired of hearing it." Xenia laughed.

"I love you." replied Roman, giving her a long kiss.

"I love you." said Xenia and put her hand to his cheek.

She held his face there and looked deep into his eyes. Xenia felt so blessed that she had wound her mate. Despite everything that had happened since then, there was no doubt in her mind that it was fate.