Two cars parked outside the courtyard.
We have visitors?!?
They are all unfamiliar to me. It's not the car that was used by Mikael before.
Olivia, Peter, a gentlewoman and a girl younger than me is waiting for us, outside the house.
We halted our horses and descent from it.
Stefan unload our camping bag and give it to Olivia.
While the two girls approached him with admiration.
And Peter approached me and Winter, then lead Stygian and Winter to the the stable for grooming and feeding.
As I walked down the courtyard, back to the house.
Stefan called out "Beatrix! Please come and meet our visitors.." he cheerfully plea.
I approached them without hesitation.
He introduced me to Lilly Stein the Grand Duchess of Baden, the gentlewoman and the younger girl, Princess Sophie of Dothinghelm, his younger sister.
" I am pleased to meet you..." and bow down.
I saw Lilly's distasteful reaction in her face, she doesn't even bother to shake my hands that I offered but instead put her arms around Stefan and flutter her lashes while looking at him. Princess Sophie is so sweet, reached out my hands and hugged me with fondness.
Lilly asked Stefan "What happened to you..Your Highness? We arrived very early today.. for the celebration of Christmas Eve dinner. " while pouting her lips.
"Your highness, we had camping in the Exit Glacier last night" he responded.
"For a long time that I asked you to tour me around, not even once you compel on my request!" she added in hissy fit.
"I apologize your highness, I have been busy on those days. I'm sorry but I need to freshen up with Princess Beatrix. See you later" Stefan annoyingly said.
He grabbed my arms and excuse us with Princess Sophie.
"See you later my little sister! " and kissed her on her forehead.
We quickly left them in the courtyard.
He dragged me up to the stairs in a hurry.. When...
A big deep voice called Stefan from the dining area.
"Stefan! Prince of Dothinghelm! Please come.. meet your old man and your mother..
Stefan looks at me, feeling agitated.
I just nodded and let go of his hands.
And run through the stairs up to my room.
Immediately, I freshen up and changed into a puff sleeved, button down, embroidered with gold roses, olive dress then I put on my gold necklace.
How awkward and fretful earlier, in meeting those girls in their prettiest Princess dresses.
But..
The attention that Stefan had given me was priceless!
I cherished our memories together and lay down in bed to take a nap.
And doze off.
I'm startled with a knock on the door.
" Yes? " I asked.
"Your highness! You are called to share the dinner table in 30 minutes" Lilian relayed.
"Thank you, Lilian..I'll be ready then." I responded.
I washed my face, put some coconut oil in my wavy hair, comb it carefully then fix a gold floral feather corsage, in between my forehead and right ear.
Put a dash of a cherry red lipstick.
Then a pair of olive green and gold patchwork leather shoes in low heel pumps.
And a gold lacy sexy gloves to match everything.
That's just perfect!
I slowly walked down the stairs.
And feeling edgy...
Then I saw Stefan... below the stairs, wearing grey tuxedo tailcoat with pants satin lapels.
I felt breathless...as I reached him.
He reached out... I took my lacy gloves, he took my right hand and kissed them in respect.
Then, I put back my lacy gloves on.
And while I do so..He whispered in my ears "My Lady! you look gorgeous tonight.."
And I feel hot flashes all over my face.
And we heard Lilly called out Stefan.
"Stefan, we are all waiting!" she said in an outburst.