The king came to Xenia's bedside and looked at her luxurious red hair shining in the candlelight and at her tender lips, which were trembling because she was afraid.

"Do you know how beautiful you are?" He said.

Xenia knew the moment had finally come,-the moment when she must tell him the truth.

"I love you!" he cried before she could speak. "I am wildly, crazy in love... I never dreamed I would feel like this.''

"I have something to t-tell you." She felt him stiffen and slowly drawback. Then it took a deep breath. How could she tell him? She asked herself. How could she sweep the happiness from his eyes?