The Crazy Art Called Love

19 | Ridiculous Rules and Curfews

~~Harumi's POV~~

It's Christmas Eve! However, if there's one thing I learned from being stuck in these walls for 11 years, it's that Christmas is just another day to improve myself to be worthy of becoming Ninjago's next Empress. But all that is changing today! Lloyd is coming over again for a Christmas dinner with my adoptive parents.

I'm pretty sure they want to interrogate him about our latest beach adventure. Oops. It's a good thing Lloyd and I practiced all night on how to answer their questions and get our stories straight.

I decided to spend the whole afternoon creating a whole new outfit for tonight. His friends were throwing a Christmas party and I wanted nothing more than to go. Whether I get permission or not.

"Princess Harumi. Where would you like these?" Hutchins knocked on my door and pointed towards the guards who held lots of bags in their hands.

Since I did not get approval to go Christmas shopping, I begged Hutchins to do it for me. Although I now owe him extra hours of Princess training.

"Just leave it there please. I'll take care of it." I instructed and the guards immediately sighed in relief. I wonder how long it took them to find what I asked for. "Thank you."

I asked Lloyd for advice on what the other ninja liked so I could get them the perfect Christmas present. I met most of them already but there were still three left.

I dragged the bags into my room and began inspecting each item before I grabbed some wrapping paper. If I wanted to make a good impression, the least I could do was bring them presents.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Welcome back, Green Ninja."

We exchanged greetings for a moment before heading to the dining room. Much to my adoptive parent's dismay, I was already wearing my new outfit under my formal gown. But they didn't have to know that.

The sun was already setting by the time Lloyd arrived. Just in time for dinner.

"I thought it was a one-time thing." I whispered to him for was wearing a suit once again. I wouldn't say I'm complaining, he really looked more attractive in those.

"My mother insisted I look best for her future daughter in-law." He rolled his eyes before reaching out to hold my hand. "She expects I act my best too."

"I see."

I decided to play along with him but it ended up making us both laugh instead.

"Lloyd, would you care to tell me how Harumi was able to meet up with you at the beach?" The Emperor raised eye brow before taking a sip of his wine.

"Father, it was one time. I promise it won't happen again." I answered with a lie. Of course I would go back outside without their permission.

"I just want to know, Harumi." He then turned to Lloyd. "Do you know?"

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. But when I got there she never told me how she arrived." I was grateful he kept my secret even if it meant lying to the royal family of Ninjago City.

"Ah, that is unfortunate."

Silence. Very, very uncomfortable silence. 

"So, uhm, have you spotted any trouble lately?" The Empress joined in the conversation and I noticed they were starting to act a little more casual than how they usually do.

"The team and I are very attentive when it comes to the trouble makers of the city, Your highness. I can assure you there are no signs of any mishaps."

They all fell into a conversation that was built on small talk. I wanted nothing more than to get out of there already. I then felt Lloyd grab my hand again before lifting it up to leave a kiss on my knuckles. I stared into his eyes, his eye contact never breaking, right before he winked at me.

"If you don't mind me asking, Your Highness, we are throwing a Christmas party at the monastery tonight and it would mean a lot if the Princess were to join us." Lloyd took his shot and I knew he was nervous to ask this.

I just hope they would approve. Although, I hope for many things. One of which was for my heart to stop racing around in my chest because I feel like it's about to explode.

"A Christmas party?" The Empress asked before wiping her mouth with a table cloth.

"Yes. My family would be there and I will personally make sure Harumi gets home safe."

The Emperor and Empress looked at each other for a moment. Which made Lloyd and I reciprocate their actions. There were no words said since we both knew I would still sneak out if they did not approve.

"If you are at least one second late, you are forbidden to see my daughter." The Emperor declared and I was stunned. They are letting me go? "Your curfew is 11pm, young lady."

I checked the clock that was hanging on the wall and noticed it was only 6:30 which gave me 5 hours and 30 minutes to have fun. It wasn't enough but I'll take it.

"Really?"

"Yes. You're right. You deserve a life outside from this palace and if Lloyd is the one who can help give that to you, then I have no choice other than to approve of it." The Emperor stated which made me gape in shock.

"Close your mouth, dear. You're still a princess and this is just a trial. Both of you are still under observation which means as her suitor, there are rules you must follow."

There always had to be a catch. Lloyd and I nodded to tell him to continue.

"No holding hands, there must be a good distance between you two at all times. No dates without our approval, no kissing, no touching, you must always bow and royal titles are still required, and definitely no dangerous stunts." He directed the last one towards Lloyd. I guess he knows about the parkour.

"Ri-right. I understand, Your majesty." He nodded and we all stood up.

After more formalities, Hutchins walked us to the door.

"Please follow your curfew, Princess. Do it for yourself." He advised before commanding the guards to open the gates.

"I will, Hutchins."

Lloyd and I waved good bye to my adoptive parents before walking out of the palace. For once, I didn't have to worry about getting caught.