The Crazy Art Called Love

1 | Palace Problems

Just to be clear, I'm tweaking the plot so if you guys find Master Wu and Pixal, that is completely intentional to fit the story line. Carry on!

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~~Harumi's POV~~

I wave goodbye to Vania who just dropped me off in front of my adoptive parent's house. Yes, my adoptive parents, not mine. See I was adopted by the Royal Family of Ninjago when my real mother and father passed away a few years ago. Of course, not many knew of our existence, and no one knew I was the princess, but that was not the case inside the palace. Everyone has a role to play and a role to fulfill. I, for one, am not doing my share for many reasons.

"Princess Harumi. What on earth are you doing out here?" Hutchins, the royal adviser, was now standing in front of the palace doors with his arms behind his back. His facial expression showed that he was truly disappointed in me. Like everyone in this family is.

"I was coming back from the library with a friend." I lied through my teeth, now grateful that I changed clothes in Vania's car.

But what choice did I have? It's not like they would ever let me go to the beach. And if I wanted a chance to live a normal life, sneaking out is the best I could do.

"You know the rules, Princess. You are not to leave this palace without any guards." He recited the phrase from the same paragraph the Emperor and Empress had me memorize throughout my childhood.

"I know. I'm sorry." I quickly place a sorry expression on my face and said those words as best as I could. Hutchins sighs and I knew I had won over his pity. "I won't do it again, I promise."

"Very well, Princess. Please follow me into the castle. Your mother and father have some news they would like you to hear." Hutchins turned around and I followed without another word.

It was probably another proposition to get me to marry a suitor that they would pick out. Is it not enough that they have my life in control that they need to choose who I'm going to be spending the rest of it with too?

I reached my bedroom and make myself look decent for the Emperor and Empress which meant I had to hide my face with some paint and wear a long, itchy, gown that fits their expectations.

"This is going to be a long day." I sigh to myself and plaster a fake smile. The sooner I get this over with, the better.

Then I can finally text that cute boy I met at the beach. The mere thought of him made my heart flutter as the memories of today's events replayed in my mind. I meant what I said. He is cute.

"Harumi? Are you ready?" Hutchins asks from outside my bedroom door and I make my way towards him.

"Of course." The smile on my face was a façade. I did not want to talk with them at all, let alone discuss my future. I'm a teenager for goodness sake! I want to live.

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"Hello, Harumi." The Empress greets me and I bow to her and then to the Emperor. "I heard you went to the library unsupervised today. Is that true?"

"Yes, Mother but--." I was quickly cut off by my adoptive father.

"No but's, Harumi. You are a princess and it is far time you act like one." His voice was stern and cold. Just like him.

"Yes, Father. I apologize." I bow my head once more and wait for them to speak to me.

It's one of the things I have learned while living here. Only speak when spoken to.

"I know you are wondering why we have called you in for today. And that is because we would like to discuss another potential husband for you." The Emperor really does not believe in slowing the blow.