The Crazy Art Called Love

11 | The Royal Inspection

~~Harumi's POV~~

It had been a few days after I informed the Emperor and Empress that I was dating Lloyd. I don't know what came over me when I told them that, or what I was thinking. The only thing that was on my mind were the butterflies I felt when Lloyd kissed my hand.

I smiled at the memory but immediately shook my head. I couldn't have fallen for him could I? We're friends and that's all we're going to be.

The Emperor and Empress wasted no time in asking to meet him for they were not all too happy I had a boyfriend without their approval. It took some convincing but I eventually got Lloyd to agree to do this. So that's how I found myself in my formal attire, waiting for the green ninja to enter the palace doors for what I'd like to call, the royal inspection.

It was 1 in the afternoon when Lloyd was escorted into the palace. I stood beside my parents in my green gown. I had some paint on my face which the Empress insisted I put on.

"Good afternoon, Green Ninja." The Emperor greeted as Lloyd walked up to us. "Welcome to the Jade Palace."

He was wearing a suit with a black coat and a white dress shirt underneath that included a green tie that matched the color of my gown.

His hair was fixed and I knew this was all his friends' doing. I have to admit they did a great job because he looks really handsome. Thank goodness I wore face paint, otherwise the heat on my face would be very obvious.

"It is a pleasure to be here." Lloyd bowed and we all returned it. "Thank you for having me over."

"Please, you have our gratitude after everything you have done for Ninjago City." The Empress dismissed and I knew Lloyd got flustered over the comment. "We are honored to be in your presence."

"The honor is all mine, Your Majesty."

"Shall we head to the dining room?" The Emperor held out his arm and the Empress slid hers in it. They both led the way which gave me some time to talk with Lloyd as we followed closely behind them.

"I never thought I'd get to see you in a suit." I teased and playfully pushed him which made him chuckle and run a hand through his hair.

"The guys thought it would help make a good impression. But I have to admit, it's the most uncomfortable thing I've ever worn." He scratched his neck and tried to adjust his collar so he could breathe.

"Tell me about it. I get to wear this, every day!"

"I will never complain about my gi ever again."

We both laughed quietly as we entered the dining room. Even if it wasn't required, Lloyd pulled out my chair before taking a seat beside me.

"Thank you." I smiled at his chivalrous actions. I guess there are still some people like that in the world.

"You're welcome." He smiled back as the servants began to pile in, each holding a tray of food.

"So, Lloyd, is it?" The Emperor started as we got served portions of food on our plates. Here we go.

"Yes, Sir." He responded before reaching out for his glass of water.

"Is being a ninja a steady profession?"

I could hear coughing beside me which made me pat his back.

"Father, I told you I don't need anyone to support me when I can do that all on my own." I defended but he held his hand up.

"Let the boy speak, Harumi." He informed me before turning his gaze towards Lloyd.

"I am not certain about that, Your highness. I was chosen to protect Ninjago City and that means I will continue to be a ninja for as long as it is in danger." He answered casually, acting like he wasn't choking on his water just a few seconds ago.

"I see. And do you realize that my daughter also has her duties to fulfill in this city?" My adoptive father continued his interrogation just as I expected. It's a good thing we prepared for this.

"I am aware."

"Then how do you suppose you two can manage to balance your relationship with your responsibilities?"

The Emperor really bombarded him with questions. I felt so bad for putting him in this situation in the first place. I reached under the table and grabbed his hand to let him know it was okay. I just hoped the empress didn't notice me eating with one hand.

"As long as we both make time for each other, I'm sure it would work out. We don't always have to focus on our duties since there are also other things important in life."

Wow. He was indirectly standing up to my adoptive parents and I couldn't help but feel flustered he was doing this for me. But this was going to be a long night.

"Would you care to explain how Harumi was able to call you her boyfriend without our knowledge?" I knew that question would arrive any time soon and I sighed.

"If it would make you more comfortable, sir. I'd gladly start as her suitor. I am not aware of the royal protocol for that but I am willing to follow the rules." Lloyd glanced at me and smiled.

I wasn't sure if he was trying to make this whole thing believable or he really wanted to court me. I secretly hoped it was the latter but that's up to him.

"Harumi only gets suitors of royal status." The Emperor pointed out and I was holding myself back from kicking him under the table.

"Father, Lloyd is already the city's hero. What more could you possibly want?" I tried to defend. They were starting to get unreasonable which made me want to roll my eyes.

"We'll allow you to court the princess. But you will be kept under observation." The Empress nodded and I sighed in relief.

"Of course, your highness."

Silence. Very, very, uncomfortable silence. Only the sounds our utensils were making filled the room and I tensed up. Why wasn't anyone speaking? The emperor and empress looked at each other every now and then but continued to eat their food.

~~Lloyd's POV~~

After what felt like the longest lunch I have ever had in my life, the Emperor and Empress gave us time to explore the palace but I knew it wasn't private. As a ninja, I gained the instincts that helped me tell whether someone was following us or not and I could definitely hear silent footsteps behind us every now and then.

I thought back to our conversation the other day about this. It was definitely not what I expected.

"I guess I'm not the only one who needed my family off my back." I smirked, placing my phone a little farther from my face.

"What do you mean?"

"I kind of used the same excuse to my friends. Cole wouldn't stop pointing out how we looked like a couple so I gave in and told them we were dating." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"This is perfect!" Harumi responded a little too enthusiastically that I tilted my head in response. "I mean, we could continue this for a while and we can hang out in peace. And my parents would stop forcing me into marriage with someone else."

I froze. What?

"Uh, marriage?" I asked. Why did my stomach just turn and when did I close my hand?

"Oh right." I could tell she was now serious. "Look, as the princess of Ninjago my parents want me to find an 'Emperor' which is why they have been trying to set me up with different suitors."

"Oh." Was all I could say. It does make sense. She is a princess after all.

"Are you okay?" I looked up to see Harumi with a concerned look on her face. She was frowning.

"Yeah, yeah. So how did that go?" I tried to change the subject.

"Honestly it was all a waste of time. I said no to every single one which explains why I always wanted to get away from my parents." She rolled her eyes and I laughed.

"The team tried to get me into speed dating but they ended up picking me up at an arcade that was 5 blocks away." I recalled the memory and it managed to bring a smile to her face. I was glad she felt comfortable again. "Are you okay with this? Pretending to be with me?"

"Lloyd, I hope this doesn't change anything between us. I see it as a better chance to hang out with you and not just as an excuse." Harumi smiled. I always loved seeing her smile, but why did I realize this just now?

I was shocked to find out she used the same excuse as I did. But to the Emperor and Empress? It was definitely a risky move.

"You're really going to court me?" Harumi asked from my left which pulled me out of my thoughts and I smiled.

"We wouldn't want to get caught now, would we?" I whispered to make sure whoever was following us did not hear a single word. She giggled in response which made my heart flutter at the sound.

As much as I want to believe it's for the sake of keeping up the lie that we're dating, I couldn't help but take things seriously. We entered the palace gardens and it was a wonderful place. I'm sure Master Wu and Zane would love to tend to all the plants and flowers that were surrounding us right now.

"For you, princess." I held out some of the flowers I had picked from a bush we passed by. I really hope it was allowed otherwise I would be in very big trouble.

"Aw, thank you, Greenie." She took them in her hands and took a quick sniff. "You do know you're not supposed to touch the flowers, right?"

"What—but I—."

"Oh, relax. I'm only kidding."

I breathe a sigh of relief. She's going to end up giving me a heart attack one day. I playfully shoved her before wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"Do that one more time and I will stop going on adventures with you." I smirked when she gasped at the statement.

"How could you!" She pushed me away and had this offended look on her face which I could tell was just pretend.

The rest of the day was filled with questions, tests, and other things I would believe the Emperor and Empress were making up as we went along just to prove I needed to be of royal status to be worthy of their daughter. I wanted to point out such things weren't necessary but I wasn't exactly informed of the protocol so I had no choice but to follow along.

"Do I really have to do this?" I pleaded towards Harumi and eyed the Emperor who was standing a few feet away from me.

"You'll be fine." She smiled and fixed my tie. "Just be yourself."

"Right. Got it."

I walked towards the Emperor for the one on one session he requested.

Grandfather, please help me now.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"So?"

"How'd it go?"

"What happened?"

I was immediately bombarded with questions the second I entered the living room of the monastery. As much as I wanted to rip out the itchy suit I was wearing, I was way too exhausted to even get up from the couch.

"I'm invited to the royal dinner they're having on Christmas." I spoke with my face pressed on the cushions as I laid on my stomach. I wasn't entirely excited about another inspection with the Emperor and Empress but I couldn't just turn down their invitation.

Perhaps this fake dating thing was definitely not a good idea for either of us.

"And?! Do they approve of you now?"

"We'll have to wait and see." Was all I could respond before I passed out.