The Crazy Art Called Love

25 | Rise To Protect

~~Lloyd's POV~~

"But as crime has risen, so has our concern." The Emperor's voice echoed from where he stood outside the palace walls and throughout Ninjago city.

I was inspecting the crowd from the roof of the palace and I couldn't wait to see Harumi. It was the first time I was going to see her make a public appearance as a member of the royal family, except for that one time during Christmas, but I was more than proud of her for putting up with this.

I had to keep my guard up. The leader of the now called Sons of Garmadon gang could still be out there and if she tries to lay a hand on the princess, she was going to deal with me.

The team were talking through our communicators but their conversation was immediately blocked out of my mind the second my eyes landed on Harumi. She was breathtaking. Of all the times I have seen her when we hung out, this was definitely one of the many moments I had found her beautiful.

Her green gown was the same color as mine while her hair was in a messy ponytail and face paint covered her features. I didn't realize I was staring until she met my eyes and smiled.

"Lloyd! Pay attention, the Emperor is almost done." Nya's voice entered my ears as I shook my head to regain focus.

"Right. Sorry."

"You'll have plenty of time to drool over your girlfriend later." Kai teased from the other end of my headset.

I wanted to say she wasn't but then I remember our little agreement and just went along with it.

The Emperor had ended his speech and I spotted a balloon with the same insignia from last night. A set of popping sounds echoed through the area and my first instinct was to protect Harumi.

I immediately tackled her to the ground in case the sound I heard was from a gun.

"Ow." I heard her wince as her head collided with the ground.

"Sorry. Hello, your Highness." I greeted the Empress and discreetly placed my hand over Harumi's. "Is the threat clear?"

"Huh! Firecrackers! False alarm." Nya confirmed and I immediately got up before reaching my hand towards the princess and the empress.

"It is nice to see you again, Lloyd." The Empress bowed her head and I returned it.

"The pleasure is mine, Your highness." I responded before she went off to stand by her husband. I then turned my head to the blonde beside me. "You look beautiful."

"Really? I could have done better." She playfully rolled her eyes and it instantly spread a smile on my face.

"It was your first appearance. You need to take it one at a time."

"Yeah, but you were coming. So I had to make an effort."

We both giggled and that was when I failed to notice the Emperor look in our direction.

"Another announcement. I am proud to present the engagement of my daughter, Princess Harumi, to your one and only Green ninja!" He spoke into the mic and both our eyes widened at the announcement.

"What?!" Harumi and I exclaimed before turning to the Emperor who responded with only a mere smile on his face. Our faces were now the same shade of red and I looked at the ground to avoid eye contact with her.

"Woo, congratulations, Master Lloyd!" Cole teased through my headset but I think they were forgetting how big an issue this was.

"I guess the Emperor has finally approved of you." Kai commented.