The Crazy Art Called Love

23 | Lanterns and Dragon Parades

~~Harumi's POV~~

The next few days went by like a blur and the next thing I knew it was new year's eve. Ninjago City really gets in the spirit during the holidays and the Emperor and Empress try their best every year to make the celebration worthwhile unlike Christmas.

Although the footage of my dancing from that night at the Christmas party did not go unnoticed for it was practically trending on social media. And as usual, they scolded me for not acting like the princess they raised me to be.

It was a good thing not many people recognized me and who I was. Otherwise, it would lead to numerous disasters. One of which meant I would never be able to see Lloyd again.

"No, no, no. The procession starts at 6." I heard Hutchins clarify on the phone. It seems like New Year really has everyone on the edge.

"Princess! There you are." One of the maids came running in my direction as I walked through the corridor. "We need to get you ready. The Emperor and Empress want you to look the best for tonight's celebration."

"Of course they do." I muttered under my breath.

The maid directed me towards the fitting room and I knew it was countless hours of being dressed up like a doll. My mind trailed off I as I let them get to work. Lloyd has been ignoring me for 3 days now and I'm not sure what I did wrong.

I did not forget to greet him a Merry Christmas but after that he never texted me.

"You seem in distress, Princess." I knew it wouldn't take long for rumors to start amongst our staff.

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it." I quickly dismissed.

Maybe the kiss he gave me meant goodbye. That he never wanted to see me again and made sure I had the best time of my life before leaving me. No. Lloyd isn't like that. He was probably busy with his duties as the Green Ninja and that was something I could understand.

The least I could do right now was follow what my adoptive parents wanted and just carry on with my day to ignore the slight feeling of pain forming in my heart.

~~~~~~~~~

It took them three hours to get me prepared and I barely looked decent. But there was no time to change that now because after clothes, the next was another two hours of reminding me how to act.

"You must keep your chin up at all times and smile. You're the Princess. You must show the people you're happy to be celebrating this day with them." Hutchins walked around me with a ruler in his hands and used it to fix my stance.

After lessons it was dinner with my adoptive parents and I could tell they were pleased with how I looked when I could have done better in half an hour. I discreetly took my phone out my pocket to check for notifications.

Still nothing. Just the girls getting excited over what they had planned for tonight. I wish I had their freedom. My lock screen didn't seem to make things better for it was only a reminder of the guy I grew to care about.

"Is the Green Ninja going to be joining us tonight?" The Empress asked and I looked up with a surprised look on my face.

"I did not think you would want him to be here. Considering what happened last time." I muttered the last part and poked at my beans.

"Nonsense! We would love to have him over." The Emperor exclaimed a little too proudly and I began to grow suspicious. What were they up to this time?

"If it is only for public appearances, Lloyd is not a big fan of being on the media." I quickly stated.

"Everyone loves the attention. It will be great for you two."