Family

"Stella! You are finally back," Duchess Amelia beamed in glee. She obviously missed her daughter dearly. Her eyes were shining with emotion at finally seeing Stella again. 

The duke and duchess and their servants were waiting for them right by the castle gates.

'You could have just waited inside,' she thought in embarrassment at seeing everyone there. Sometimes, not just Hendrick was obsessed with her. However, it must have been because she was gone for quite some time. They were clearly worried about her wellbeing.

Zafir carefully helped Stella off her horse and Hendrick glared at him for beating him to it. Zafir just shrugged his shoulders and ignored Hendrick's antics. He knew Hendrick was jealous of him for being able to stay at Stella's side at all times. Meanwhile, Hendrick, her blood brother was stuck in Alejandro to do his responsibilities as future duke.