The Crazy Art Called Love

12 | Never Talk to Strangers

~~Harumi's POV~~

"Time to go, Princess." Hutchins knocked on my door.

"Coming."

For the last 48 hours, I continued to do the Royal family's bidding where I would pretend we were the example of a perfect family. Hutchins changed my guards and made them promise to keep an eye on me.

He never really believed my excuse of meeting Lloyd on the phone. So I had to be more careful now because I know he would be observing me. The day went by slower than expected. 

This time I was handing out presents through the streets of Ninjago city. Many children did not recognize me so we ended up having a story time session in the middle of the park.

"And that is why you must never trust a snake." I closed the book and looked at my small audience.

"Wow. But aren't they on the good side now?" A little boy raised his hand.

"After they realized what they did was wrong, they changed for the better." I answered with a smile.

"Thank you, Princess." The children gathered around me and gave me a hug. It took me back to the times when I was a little girl playing in the park too.

"You're welcome."

I heard a cough behind me and I turned around to find a girl in rags.

"Do you have anything for me, Princess?"

She had grey skin and her black hair was all frizzy as it flowed to her waist. She looked very pale and dehydrated so I did what any person would do.

"Here. Please, hydrate yourself." I held up a bottle of water and she took it. I noticed her hands were shaking as she drank.

"T-thank you, Princess." She bowed and went to walk away.

"Wait. Let's get you something to eat." I smiled and grabbed her hand before she could leave. I turned back to the guards. "I'll get her some food. You two can continue handing these out." I gave them my basket and walked away.

We approached a noodle stand and I ordered two bowls for her and myself. It was the least I could do.

"Thank you." She muttered before digging in. I could tell she wasn't fed much.

"It's my pleasure."

It was quiet at first. I wanted to say something but she beat me to it.

"How does it feel, to be a princess?"

I was taken aback by the question. But I guess she just wanted to make conversation.

"Well people think it's really easy and fun, and yeah I guess sometimes it is but most of the time it's really hard." I answered honestly and began eating.

"It must be nice to live in a palace and have everything you ever need." She scofted before taking a sip of the soup.

"It's really not as good as you make it sound."

"Perhaps you could give me a tour? I would really like to experience the life in the palace."

She was so direct and I started getting a weird aura from her. I placed down my chopsticks and made myself clear.

"I'm sorry. But I can't just let anyone into the palace. Enjoy your food, I need to get going." I stood up and proceeded to walk away but what she said made me stop.

"Wouldn't you like to know about your parents, Princess?" I turned around and that was when I caught a glimpse of the knife in her hands.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I crossed my arms and acted clueless. She can't know anything about that, it was all just a trick.