"Why do we have to meet the new royal family?" Nya asked as she buckled up her gi for the visit to the new helm of Ninjago. "We haven't exactly had the best run with royalty."

"Tell me about it," Lloyd grunted, pulling his hood over his head. "I am not looking forward to this."
"Oh, come on," Jay said as he shoved his jika-tabis on. "It can't be a repeat of last time."
"The current family are related to the late Jade rulers," Zane countered his point, already suited up and waiting for the rest of his team. "But I highly doubt that the new princess was working with Harumi."
"Yeah, well," Lloyd grumbled as he stood and crossed his arms, the second to be ready. His entire body was tensed, mind stressed. "I'm not taking any chances."
A staff was brought down harshly a top his head. Lloyd yelped at the hard smack, scrambling around to send his uncle a wide-eyed, betrayed look as he rubbed his injury.
"You will all be on your best behaviour," Wu said sternly, staring pointedly at his nephew. Misako stepped forward to push back Lloyd's fringe into his hood so it'd stop draping over his green eyes. The green ninja whined at his mother's fussing, shoving her hands away. "It was an act of graciousness that brought us into the palace and you will treat the new rulers with respect."

"And if the new princess turns out to be evil?" Kai asked. "The last one kind of raised Lord Garmadon from the dead. We don't exactly have a great rep with royalty."
Wu stared at the team dryly.
"Best. Behaviour," the old Sensei snapped.
"Jay, go change your robe," Misako said quickly as she redid the knot on Cole's gi.
"What? Why?"
"It's got a nacho cheese stain down the front."
Jay glanced down. "I'm saving it for an on-the-go snack."
"Jay."
"I'll be right back," the lightning master sighed as he dragged his feet back towards his room.
"Why are you trying so hard, mom?" Lloyd muttered through his mask as he watched Misako pick a hair from her kimono and flick it off. "It's hardly worth the stress."
"The new royal family are important figure heads of our society and are strong allies," Misako explained just as Jay returned wearing a stainless robe. "First impressions are the foundations of relationships."
"Waste of energy," the green ninja snarled under his breath before raising his voice to a normal volume and addressing the team. "We all ready? Let's go."

Misako's fussing turned out to be in vain as the team's clean image was immediately tousled and wind blown due to the flight to the palace. The elemental dragons disappeared as the team landed in the courtyard of the new jade palace, having been rebuilt on the outskirts of the city.
"They sure put this up fast," Cole noted, impressed at the intricate, historic-looking architecture despite the brand-new building. Red and black, of course. It reminded them of the monastery, but without the training yard and the forestry. "Y'know, considering the city was shrouded in that oni darkness for a while."
"Good afternoon, ninja," said a man with grey hair slicked back as he stepped from the front entrance. "My name is Jonesy, the royal advisor. I will be escorting you to the throne room. Follow me."
The ninja followed the royal advisor into the palace, where Jonesy took them for a small tour before heading towards the throne room. Some parts of the palace was still being built and decorated.

Nya slowed down to join Lloyd, who was trailing at the back of the group with a scowl.
"How are you doing?" the water mistress asked, staring at the side of the masked ninja's face. His eyes had gone red with frustration.
"Peachy," Lloyd snapped quietly, fists clenching as the group entered a large, exquisitely designed room. Its main feature were the thrones at the end of the long, red carpet. Upon said thrones were the new emperor and empress. "Just perfect."
The emperor and empress stood when the ninja and Wu and Misako stopped before them. Introductions were made and a touch of small talk was initiated. Lloyd's dull anxiety grew.
"Where's the princess?" he asked suspiciously, voice tight with strain. The empress smiled curtly. A flash of discontent crashed in her eyes.
"Ah, yes, well-"
"Get BACK HERE YOU LITTLE TWERP!"
A small, furry body crashed into the room, followed by a girl in laughably not princess attire. Her fat pants were covered in paint stains. Her hair was a mess.
"Stoooop!" she cried, giving chase to the squeaking animal as it scampered across the polished floor - totally oblivious to the visitors. Her socks struggled to catch grip.

"Y/n, why are you chasing a raccoon?" the emperor asked sternly, his loud voice booming in the confines of the large room. Y/n stopped, flinching in surprise before straightening. The raccoon struggled in her arms. Her shirt held many scratch marks from the wild animal.
"It keeps sneaking in through the window and eating the soap bars in the bathroom," she explained. "It's going to make itself sick!"
"It's fine, princess," Jonesy reassured. "We can handle it."
"'H- handle it,'" the princess echoed, narrowing her eyes as she held the raccoon close to her chest. It began foaming at the mouth. The soap dropped to the floor. "As in destroy the poor animal? It's only hungry! I'm taking it to the kitchen."
"NO Y/N WAIT-"
She halted in her tracks, cuddling the squirming raccoon as if it were a teddy bear and not a flea-ridden beast. Her mother sighed, rubbing her temples.
"At least greet our guests."

The princess blinked in confusion before her eyes jumped to the group she hadn't noticed before.
"Oh!" she said in surprise at the ninja. "Oh, wow, hey! Big fan."
She lifted a hand to wave. The raccoon chomped down on it. Y/n stilled.
"Ow."
"Deal with the raccoon then go and get ready," her dad ordered wearily. "We told you that we were having guests over. Why do you never listen?"
Y/n's face scrunched into an expression that looked like she wanted to argue her defence, but remained silent. With the raccoon still gum-deep in her hand, the princess' frown tightened as she silently exited the room to do as told.
"Your daughter is, uh. Spirited," Wu spoke up when the doors to the throne room had been shut behind the sullen princess. The empress sighed.
"Y/n's had the most trouble... adjusting to her new role," M/n confessed, voice erring on the edge of exasperation. "I admit, we were easy on her duties as a noble house when she was growing up. We expected that the throne would never fall to us, so we decided to let her life be as normal as we could allow - we never would have imagined..."
She trailed off. The rest of the sentence hung in the air, heavy and thick with emotion.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Misako said softly. "From what I heard, the previous emperor and empress were very kind."
"Were Harumi and Princess Y/n close?" Lloyd asked, still staring at the doors with narrowed eyes.
"Oh, yes," the emperor nodded. "They had a lot to relate to due to their roles."
"... right," Lloyd murmured.
His hands clenched.

🍃🍂👑🍂🍃

I adjusted the small tiara with a grimace as I scampered down the hall with my flats in hand. The kimono dress was heavy and hot to wear with so many layers dragging me down. I could barely breathe past the waist sash.

"Where are they?" I asked Jonesy as he joined me in my speedy pace down the long halls. Servants bustled around the place, doing random, miscellaneous jobs.
"In the garden," the advisor replied, brushing off some loose hair from my shoulder. "Your parents are not pleased with your entrance this morning. The ninja are a group of very influential people."
"I know," I sighed, glancing down at the raccoon bite mark with a grimace. Said raccoon was currently in the courtyard, being fed some slop from the kitchen that smelt like cat food. It seemed to enjoy it, anyway. "I lost track of time."
"A habit you must learn to rectify," Jonesy pointed out. My mouth thinned into a line.
"Yeah," I said shortly. "Easier said than done, apparently."
"You are doing well, Y/n," Jonesy reassured. "It's only been three months. You can't expect to be perfect at this new life of yours right away. Or ever, if we're being realistic. Who's ever perfect?"

I snorted, pausing at the doors that lead to the garden.
"My parents thought Harumi was the perfect princess," I reminded with a pointed look at the advisor. "And she turned out to be a total tyrant. Me being a general embarrassment is a vast improvement."
"You're not an embarrassment."
"I got bit by a raccoon in front of some of the most powerful people in all of Ninjago, Jonesy," I said, face twisted in a look of disappointment at myself. "I probably have rabies, now."
"The best princess with rabies there is," Jonesy said with a smile. "Now, go on. They came all the way here to meet you, too. Greet your guests."
I inhaled deeply through my nose and held it for a few seconds, steeling my nerves, reeling in my thoughts. I can do this. My breath was released.
"Yeah," I murmured to myself as I dropped my flats and shoved my feet into them. "I can do this."

I pushed the doors open and stepped out into the patio. The ninja and my parents were strolling across the gardens, seemingly caught in conversation.
"Let's go then, Jonesy," I sighed, stepping out onto the grass of the large lawn. The advisor followed as we made our way towards them.
"Ah, here she is," my dad noted as he noticed my approach. "Would you be so kind to grant her a do-over?"
"Of course," the older lady smiled warmly. "It's wonderful to meet you, princess."
"Ditto," I chimed in reply. Jonesy cleared is throat and my cheeks flushed in shame. "I- I mean, it's wonderful to meet you all, too."
I didn't want to ask if this morning could possibly get any worse, because chances are, it probably would. Just to taunt me.
I was already messing up my second chance. Mom squeezed my hand in subtle support.
"I suppose introductions are still in order," my father said. "Y/n, this is Misako and Wu. And I trust that you already know the ninja, Jay, Zane, Kai, Nya, Cole and Lloyd."

"It is a pleasure to meet the new Jade Princess of Ninjago," Zane spoke up in a pleasantly calm voice.
"O- oh, I don't go by that title," I stammered, flustered. Mom squeezed my hand and I leapt to continue. "B- but thank you! It's an honour to meet Ninjago's saviours."
"Why don't you go by that title?" Lloyd asked, tilting his head. I glanced at him and stumbled over a breath at the dark red of his eyes. Had his eyes always been red? I could've sworn they were green. His mask hid a scowl, but it couldn't hide it from his gaze. My brow furrowed as Cole hissed a warning at the leader.
"The late Jade princess is... a sore subject," I replied, voice clipped. His red eyes narrowed further in what I suspected was suspicion, but couldn't be sure of. He was so guarded.
"How so?"
Such simple words with an even simpler connotation. I stared at him. The world held its breath.
"She killed my aunt and uncle," I said quietly. "I would rather have as little to do with her if I could."

Lloyd's red eyes turned away, unyielding in their chilled atmosphere. My gaze dropped to the grass that brushed against the bottom hem of my skirt.
The Sensei cleared his throat, breaking the silent tension.
"We were just talking about how fast the new palace was built," Wu noted, changing the subject. I was quick to jump on to the new topic.
"Oh, yes!" I nodded, plastering on a smile as the group began to stroll across the lawn once more. "I'm still finding new parts about the palace. The place is quite confusing at first."
The conversation continued, yet I felt uneasy. I tried to distract myself by entertaining and focusing on not making even more of a fool of myself. He was so cold in real life. He didn't seem that frigid when he was on the news or fighting.
Maybe it was because Harumi raised Lord Garmadon from the dead?
But what did that have anything to do with me?

Jay smacked the back of Lloyd's head as he passed.
The green ninja's glare dug holes into my spine.

The group were to stay for a few days, due to making an appearance with my parents' first speech as the new rulers. They stayed in the guest wing on the other side of the palace, which made it marginally more easier for me to avoid them.
Especially Lloyd.
Not- not because he scared me, or anything.
No way.
As soon as I was relieved of 'duty,' I quickly made my way back to my room to rid myself of the heavy kimono and slide into something a little more causal. I peeked my head out of the door to check if the coast was clear of a one green ninja. Satisfied, I slinked out of my room and began to make my way towards where I thought was the library.
It was not the way to the library.
I got lost in my own home.

"Jonessyyy," I called out softly, grimacing in embarrassment as I strolled down the hall - totally stranded. "Heeeeeelp-"
A body bumped into mine as I turned the corner. I jolted in surprise, stepping back.
Red eyes stared down at me.
Ah, fuck. My smile was strained. The one guy I was trying to avoid.
"Oh, hello Lloyd," I greeted, voice shaking halfway through my sentence. He'd finally taken his mask and gi off and goddamn was he unfairly attractive. Not to mention that being a ninja did wonders for his physique. The green shirt sleeves he wore caught the muscular swell of his biceps in a way that I had to force myself to ignore. It was difficult. "What are you doing?"
"Patrol," Lloyd replied, voice snippy and quick. I owlishly blinked at his tone, gaze dropping to the side awkwardly. "What are you doing, princess?"
I breathlessly laughed, scratching the back of my neck as I glanced up and down the hall for an escape.

"I- uh, I got lost."
"In your own home?"
"In my defence, it's a very large home," I pointed out. My eyes jumped back up to his and I immediately regretted it as my vision found his seething glare before bouncing away.
Was I expecting an apology for what happened before? Yes, admittedly, just a little. Was I disappointed that I didn't get one, even just a little mutter of that simple, single word? Also yes.
"W- well," I began, shifting my weight between my heels and my toes. "I'm sure you're very busy. I'll be on my way."
"Wait," Lloyd ordered after I'd stepped around him. I grimaced, feet pausing. We turned to face another once more, both reluctantly in two very different senses. "How's your hand?"
I blinked in surprise at his concern before glancing down at the little bite mark.
"F- fine," I stammered, clutching my loose comfort pants with my other hand. "It's been treated... thank you, Lloyd."
He just gave a stiff nod before continuing down the hallway. I watched him for few seconds before abruptly remembering that I was still lost.

"Jonesssy," I whispered a call, continuing my aimless wander through the uncharted halls of my new home.

🍃🍂👑🍂🍃

Dinner was quiet and tense.

One good thing; Jay and Nya and I quickly bonded over ridiculous royal etiquette.
"What fork do we use?" Jay asked, leaning in close. I stared at the array of utensils. War flashbacks crossed in front of my vision of previous lessons on cutlery.
"I... I don't know," I whispered. Jay and Nya grimaced. I quietly giggled sheepishly.
Throughout dinner, I kept feeling like somebody was staring at me but when I did a discreet glance of the table while we all silently ate, I couldn't find anyone wanting my attention. Or just watching. Or maybe I was being paranoid.
My own gaze kept jumping to Lloyd.
We went our seperate ways after dinner. Once again, I pulled off my kimono and changed into some pyjamas. A knock on my door made my lift my eyes from my book.
"H- hey, it's me," Nya called through the door. "I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries."
"You're not," I reassured as I opened the door. "What is it?"

"The rest of the team and I are going to go swimming in the lake out back," Nya began, tugging her dark hair into a bun. "We wanted to know if you would like to join us?"
I blinked in surprise, noticing the swimsuit peeking out from beneath her shirt and the towel in her grasp. I glanced out the window; it was already dark. But- but going swimming at night did sound fun.
"Are... are you sure?" I asked quietly. "I mean, are you sure I'm not imposing?"
"Of course you're not, princess," Nya encouraged. "We wouldn't have asked if we didn't want you to be there."
My nails tapped on the wooden frame of my doorway, contemplating. Finally I caved and a smile began to blossom on my face.
"Okay," I nodded excitedly. "I'll get changed really fast."
"Awesome!"
I stumbled around my room as I changed, shoving on a light t-shirt dress that I never got to wear anymore before joining Nya. The rest of the team was already out by the lake. The moon's reflection swayed on the rippling surface.

I sat on the dry ground with Kai while the others splashed and laughed. The fire ninja entertained me by telling the stories of how they got their true potentials. Lloyd was set off to the side, quiet.
Jay and Nya retuned when Kai joined the others in the shallow shore of the lake. Nya made quick work of drying her hair. Jay was left dripping water everywhere.
"Can I ask something?" I hummed.
"You just have," Jay grinned. I smiled amusedly.
"Very funny," I said dryly before my smile faded. "Is the green ninja usually so..."
"Abrasive?" Jay finished. "Rude? Blunt? Nope."
"Then what's his problem?" I asked, staring at the blond as he stared at his toes, dipping just beneath the surface of the clear water. The moon illuminated him in silver, playing in the gold of his hair, brushing prettily against his skin.
"It's because he fell in love with Harumi before we realised that she was the quiet one," Nya murmured. "He got hurt pretty badly."
He was in love with Harumi?
"Oh..."

The sight of him sitting there on the edge of the lake suddenly felt so melancholic, so lonely and sad. Sympathy pulled at my heartstrings, strumming them like a harp, tugging on the wires and wanting to drag me forward. Instead, I swallowed before tearing my gaze away from the lonely boy lost in his thoughts.

It wasn't my place to say anything.

🍃🍂👑🍂🍃

After another few days avoiding Lloyd while growing closer to the rest of the team, I finally made my daring escape.

Grabbing my skateboard, I pressed it against my chest as I snuck through the halls to find my escape and avoided servants, advisors, chefs and every other person working in the walls of the palace.
I finally slipped through to the garden and dashed across the lawn towards the large hedge maze. The evening was still light but the sun was dipping fast. As is, I'd barely have enough time to catch up with Naomi at the skatepark.
Slipping my way through the maze that I memorised for whenever I needed to escape lessons or, akin to this case, the palace itself, I watched the sky in awe at the pretty colours.
"What are you doing?" hissed a voice. I screamed, bringing my skateboard up to protect myself as I spun to confront my stalker. The board hit a sword. My clenched eyes popped open before my lips parted in confusion, heart thundering in shock as I stared at the person behind the pointed sword.

"L- Lloyd?" I gasped, stammering and breathless as my panic began to subside. His red eyes narrowed. "What- what the-"
My eyes dropped down to the sword tip, poised and pointed at me. I blinked.
"Why do you have a sword?"
"Why are you sneaking out of the palace?" Lloyd countered, stepping forward. "Off to organise some evil crime s- syndicate stuff? Huh?"
"What are you talking about," I said dryly.
"What are you doing sneaking around?"
"I'm just going skateboarding!" I insisted my innocence as I lifted my board, which now had a little nick out of thanks to the clash with Lloyd's sword. "I can't remember the last time I was allowed to go skateboarding - please don't tell my parents!"

He stared at me before releasing a huff.
"Watch where you're swinging that board," Lloyd grunted, sheathing his sword. I stared at him blankly.
"Are you seriously warning me about my weapon?" I asked, voice monotonous in disbelief as I pointedly stared at the very sharp and very fatal-looking sword strapped to his back. "Are you seriously doing that right now?"
"Stay here," he continued, ignoring me and my very valid point. "I'm going to get changed into my gi. I'll be escorting you."
"Fine," I stressed. "It's not as if I haven't lived my whole life with guards breathing down my neck, or anything."
He didn't respond to that either. Quiet as a gentle breeze itself, Lloyd turned to head back to the palace. I stayed still for exactly ten seconds before pulling a face and sticking out my tongue out at his far-off, retreating figure like the adult-child I was before turning on my heel and racing towards freedom.
And I'm supposed to rule the country one day.

"What took you?" Naomi asked when I finally made it to the skatepark. "I was waiting for an hour!"
"I'm so sorry," I huffed, sitting back on the concrete as I tried to catch my breath. I had all but ran from the palace to the park. I pulled out a treat from my hoody pocket and held it out for Naomi. "As an apology gift."
Naomi took the chocolate with a calculating, thoughtful look.
"... apology accepted."
I snorted. She grinned, unwrapping a treat and taking a bite.
"Was it really that hard to sneak out?" Naomi asked as I picked myself up to actually make use of my board. "Usually you're so quick."
"Now that we're the official royal family, there are so many guards," I stressed, balancing my board over the edge of the skate pool. "Not to mention-"
"Him?" Naomi asked, voice squeaking. I glanced over my shoulder and tensed. My board fell into the dip.

"Yes," I sighed in defeat as the green ninja stood at the edge of the small forest, face thunderous and arms crossed. "Him."
"Is he staying at the palace or something?" Naomi asked, whispering loudly as I slid down into the pool to retrieve my board.
"Unfortunately," I muttered, tossing my board up to ground surface and pulling myself halfway up after it. I crossed my arms over the edge, shoes catching the sloped side as I stared back at the red-eyed man. "I think he hates me."
"That does look like an expression to kill," Naomi admitted. "But at least he knows you exist. The earth ninja will never even know of me."
"Cole's nice," I agreed, lifting myself out the rest of the way. "You could always visit. You know, as my 'guest.' Then strike up a conversation."
"You'd do that for me?" Naomi gasped in appreciation.
"Of course," I replied with a grin. "You're my best friend, Nomes."

She giggled elatedly before dropping her board onto the edge and pushing off. I sat, legs swinging over the lip and closing my eyes as I listened to the sound of skateboard wheels over smoothed concrete.
"You know," Naomi huffed. "It's a shame that the green ninja hates you. He's kind of cute."
I peeked an eye out the side, staring Lloyd up and down. I gave a shrug.
"He's alright," I said.
"'He's alright,'" Naomi echoed, mocking my voice. My brow furrowed at her teasing. "You so find him cute. You always do this deflection thing - as if I can't read you like an open book."
"Yeah, okay, he's hot," I caved, half-snapping. "So what?"
Naomi leapt off of her board and jumped up beside me. She dropped an arm around my shoulders and raised a palm to the sky, encouraging me to join in on her vision.
"I can see it now," Naomi gushed dramatically. "'Princess Y/n and the Green Ninja, power couple for the ages.'"
"Sure," I snorted, shrugging off her arm as I picked up my board. "Maybe in a million years."
"I'm already writing the fanfiction!"

"I have to go," I announced with a frown as I stared at the setting sun, ignoring her remark. "It's getting late."
"Whaaat?" Naomi whined. "You were here for like, ten minutes!"
"I'm sorry!" I apologised. "If I don't get back before anyone realises, my parents are going to freak out."
"They were fine with letting you out before," Naomi grumbled. I tilted my head with a sad smile.
"I wasn't the princess before."
"I prefer it when you weren't the princess," she muttered, throwing a stone into the grass. "At least we actually got to hang out."
I sighed softly through my nose.
"You and me both."
I said my goodbyes before retreating from the skatepark and finding the path that lead through the forest and back home. I passed by Lloyd, staring straight ahead. He followed, half a step behind.

"If you're going to yell at me for running off, just get it over with," I grumbled into the dark silence of the woods.
He remained quiet. Leaves crunched underfoot.
"Silent treatment?" I hissed through my teeth. "That's rough, dude."
Shivers ran up my spine at his continued reticence. It felt like I was being stalked home by a serial killer. Or escorted by a school teacher. Lloyd Garmadon was laughably neither, yet I got the slightest of vibes that he really did want to plunge that sword of his through my gut.
For whatever reason he had.
"I told your parents."
I spun on my feet. The board clattered to the dirt ground while a look of horror stretched my face.

"You what?!"
"You were leaving palace grounds without permission or an escort," Lloyd replied coolly. "I was doing my job."
"What job? The job of being a dick?!" I burst, even going as far to stomp my foot in pure frustration. "This was my last bit of freedom I had! The only time I'm allowed to be normal! I- I'm..." it hit hard and I crouched, running a hand through my hair in agitation as my eyes stung. "... I'm going to spend the rest of my life stuck inside those stupid walls."
"Then you shouldn't have left the palace."
I stood abruptly, teetering at the sudden movement as I glared at the green ninja. I was spurred on by his unfeeling words, pissed by his inability to empathise with me. His red eyes stared back, composed yet filled with an anger so passionate and wild that I was surprised he could keep himself restrained. I wasn't even restraining myself.
"Lloyd Garmadon, you are a jerk! A- and mean!" I accused, pushing my finger into his chest in rage. "I've been nothing but pleasant to you and you treat me as if my very existence rubs you the wrong way! What is your problem-?!"
"The problem," Lloyd interrupted in a scathing, peeved snarl. "Is that you're a princess."

I stilled. My blood boiled.
"Get it through your thick head!" I hissed incredulously at his poor reasoning, taking a large step towards him. "I am NOT HARUMI!"
My yell echoed through the woods. It circled us and stabbed us through with sharp knives. Lloyd's red eyes widened slightly in surprise at my shout.
"I have nothing to do with your little princess issue so stop taking it out on me!" I continued, feeling the oncoming sobs of frustrated anger crawl up my throat. "I have done nothing to deserve your attitude and it's starting to piss me off! And- and now the one thing I got to have for myself, the one thing I had that made me feel normal- that's going to be taken away, too!"
Guilt made his lips downturn. He went to say something but I held up my hand before grabbing my skateboard.
"Save the lecture," I mumbled, turning to resume the long, painful walk home. "I'm going to get enough of it from everyone in the palace."

The walk back to the palace was agonisingly silent. An air of bad blood swam between us, curling viciously. We entered through the main gate as I had no reason to sneak back in anymore. I'd been thoroughly busted by this goody-two-shoes with a chip on his shoulder.
"What were you thinking?" Jonesy insisted, not quite snapping but certainly not sugarcoating his tone as we walked through the entrance into the building. "What if something had happened?"
I stayed silent, guiltily staring at the rugged ground. Jonesy sighed.
"Your parents at waiting for you in the drawing room. I have to see how dinner's getting on."
Jonesy turned off at the next corner. Lloyd was still following.
"You may leave," I said, staring at the closed door that held both my parents and my prison sentence. Lloyd hesitated, so I turned to stare at him emotionlessly. I held his gaze. A silent challenge.
He inclined his head with a small bow.
"Princess," he mumbled his goodbye before turning to leave. I stared at him as he retreated down the hallway.

With a weary sigh, I opened the door to face my catalyst.

🍃🍂👑🍂🍃

Dinner that night was tense and silent. I dare say, it was worse than the first night.

I stared at my dinner blankly, having long ago lost my appetite. Namely, after getting my ear chewed out when my parents found out that I'd been leaving the palace by myself ever since we moved in three months ago.
I was grounded. Essentially, for the rest of my life. Or at least, until I became empress. Extra guards outside my room, more cameras around the grounds of the palace. It was starting to feel more like a prison than a home.
"Excuse me," I said into the quiet, standing from the table and leaving the room. Eyes lingered on my back before I closed the door behind me.
I strolled through the halls, lost in thought. Probably getting lost. Definitely getting lost. A feeling of helpless resentment settled heavily in my gut as I meandered. A guard was following. I would no longer know the meaning of privacy.
'You are a princess now,' my father had said. 'Start acting like one.'
My brow furrowed. But I could barely walk in a straight line without making a mess of things.
'You need to learn self-restraint,' my mother had ordered. 'You are going to be ruling this country one day.'
But I didn't want to. I can't make decisions as huge as what would be expected of me to do.

I just wanted things to go back to the way they were. When I didn't have a mountain of responsibilities suddenly slammed down onto my shoulders. When I was free to come and go as I pleased. When I was allowed to see Naomi whenever. Not exactly a normal life, but more normal than this.
It'd be fine. Lloyd and the rest of the team were leaving the day after tomorrow, due to return home after the public appearance. Then maybe things will calm down.
Or my stress would build.
I'm going to have grey hair by the time I'm twenty.
I found the library and took a spot in the window seat. I didn't bother to turn on the lights. The fireplace provided enough luminance.
I could already see the new guards stationed around outside in the garden. They'd at least doubled. I rested my head against the glass of the window as I stared at what was once my path to a brief taste of normalcy.
A weight settled down on the other end of the window seat. I ignored him, staying still as I hugged my knees.

"I'm sorry."
My gaze flickered to Lloyd. He stared at his lap as he leant his back against the glass.
"You're right," he continued, turning his gaze to me. "I took it out on you. You're not like Harumi."
I wanted to scoff. I wanted to say 'no shit, Sherlock,' and wave him away with my nose to the ceiling. I wanted to berate him about how he made me feel.
Instead I tilted my head in confusion and crawled towards him. Lloyd stared, confused and ready to pounce away before I gently grabbed his cheek. I peered closer in bafflement.
"Wh- what are you-?"
"Crazy," I murmured, turning his head towards the fire to make sure it wasn't the light playing tricks on me. "I swear your eyes weren't green before."
"Th... they change colour," Lloyd replied, stammering as I leant in closer. His cheek heated under my hand.
"Really?" I hummed. "That's cool."
"I- is this some weird way of you accepting my apology?" he squeaked.
"What?" I sat back and my hand slipped from his jaw. His gaze followed my palm. "Oh. No. I'm still mad."
Lloyd's green eyes fell to the side.
"Fair enough."

The guard stationed at the door cleared his throat. We both glanced over at him.
"Thank you for apologising," I said as I stood and smoothed out the skirt of my kimono. "I will see you tomorrow morning."
Lloyd stared. I raised a brow, awaiting his reply.
"U- uh, yeah," he scrambled to reply with a quick nod. "Yes. See you tomorrow."
I nodded slowly at his flustered response before stepping away to leave the room. Before I turned at the doorway, I risked one more peek at the green ninja.
He was staring out the of the window with a conflicted expression.

His fingers were touching his cheek, just as mine had done before.

🍃🍂👑🍂🍃

I was zoning out while my parents made their speeches.

I stood on the stage to their left, hands folded in front of me with a ridiculous amount of make up on my face. To their right was the ninja. I was close enough to Lloyd to see the boredom in his green eyes.
My gaze jumped away when he glanced at me.
Finally, it was over. A small celebration at the wrap up of our first public appearance was set up in the ballroom. It was also a chance to meet some of the higher-ups in Ninjago City, though most I'd already met through previous balls and meet ups. However, this was the first I was supposed to properly interact with them, as the regal, defined and proper princess Y/n.
I almost spilt tomato sauce down the front of my dress.
"This is our daughter, Princess Y/n," my father introduced, brining along the mayor. "I'm sure you've already met."
"Ah, yes," the mayor smiled. "We have. Congratulations on your new title. Just don't go bringing devils into the city!"

"Aha, ha," I laughed awkwardly, eyes jumping to the side. "... yeah..."
I caught sight of a few businessmen and women as they muttered amongst themselves while staring at me. They abruptly turned away and I shifted nervously. It seemed that Lloyd wasn't the only one uncomfortable with princesses.
I couldn't blame anyone (well, anyone except Harumi, but she was already six feet in the ground) for feeling the way they do. However, it still didn't make me feel to grand.
"Hello, mayor," greeted a new voice. I glanced up to find Lloyd standing beside me, mask tucked away. "Fancy seeing you here."
"Ah, Lloyd Garmadon!" the mayor grinned. "A pleasure, as always. How is your father doing?"
Lloyd's grin dropped a whisper.
"He's doing fine," he replied.
"Still locked up?"
"... yes."
I glanced up at Lloyd suspiciously. My parents moved on to speak with a few other people that I didn't care to find out who.

"How is the city?" Lloyd continued.
The mayor spread her hands at the bustling amount of people in the ballroom.
"Celebrating! It's a new start."
"Indeed it is."
"Oh, I think my P.A needs me," the mayor said suddenly, glancing through the crowd at a waving, young man. "If you'll excuse me, princess, green ninja."
I nodded with a smile and watched her leave. Lloyd went to turn to retreat himself.
"Your dad isn't locked up," I noted. Lloyd grimaced, pausing. "I could see it on your face. You're a horrible liar. Where is he?"
"I... I don't know," Lloyd confessed, turning back to me. "He helped save Ninjago and then just... walked off."
"The lord of darkness walked off," I repeated dryly. Lloyd nodded. "Are you at least looking for him?"
"Of course we are!" Lloyd hissed under his breath, glancing warily around the ballroom. "Can we discuss this later, please? We're trying to keep it on the down low to avoid mass hysteria."

I huffed, crossing my arms.
"Fine," I snapped quietly. "But I'm telling my parents."
"What-!"
"Think of it as the first step into making us even," I pointed with narrowed eyes. Lloyd silenced. "Deal?"
"... deal," he muttered.
I did exactly that once everyone had left, including the ninja. My parents understood the situation and agreed to let the ninja handle it. They'd handled worse, after all. They knew what they were doing.

It was so quiet without them.

The ninja were off battling some snake lady a week after they had left the palace. My parents were meeting up frequently with the police commissioner about it. I wasn't allowed to know anything other than what popped up on social media. Not even allowed to sit in on the meetings.

Another week after that and there was a knock on my bedroom door.
"Ah, crabcakes," I cursed as I placed my nail polish to the side and paused buzzfeed unsolved on the laptop. I hobbled to the door, grimacing at the still-wet polish on my toenails.
"Yes?" I asked, popping my head around as I opened the door. I blinked in surprise. "Lloyd?"
He smiled sheepishly. My gaze dropped to the bouquet of flowers in his hands. My face fell.
"Oh, god, please don't tell me that you're here to confess your undying love."
"Hardly," Lloyd snorted. "You haven't accepted my apology yet. I'm sweetening you up."
I pulled a face as I took the flowers. They were pretty, anyway. Full of roses and posies. A sweet scent curled off of the petals.
"I'm pretty sure you're not meant to tell me that," I reminded as I swung the door open wider and carefully walked to place the flowers on top of my chest of drawers. I'd get a vase for them later.

Lloyd shrugged as he followed me inside.
"You're smart," he said. "You'd figure it out anyway."
"You think I can be bought with some pretty flowers and a compliment?" I snickered, turning back to him and crossing my arms. "You must think I'm so shallow."
"It was worth a shot." He frowned. "You got nail polish on your shirt."
"Huh?" I glanced down before grimacing at the yellow stain on my front. "Noooo! It got everywhere!"
And that was how Lloyd fixed up my nail polish on my fingers.
He was frustratingly precise.
"Is this all you came here for?" I asked when I slowly pulled my hand away from his. It felt cold without his touch. He screwed the top back on while Ryan screamed from the laptop.
"It was just a quick visit," Lloyd nodded, leaning back as he sat cross legged on my bed. I smiled amusedly.
"Did it really bother you that much?" I snickered.
"I could hardly sleep at night," Lloyd teased. "Am I forgiven?"

I hesitated.
"Yes."
Lloyd's green eyes bored through mine.
"You hesitated."
"No, I didn't."
"You did," Lloyd corrected, but he didn't seem dismayed about it. "I'm not forgiven after all. I'll just have to keep spoiling you."
"Please, do not."
"Sorry, did you say 'please, doughnut'?" he asked, tilting his head mockingly. "You want a doughnut, princess? I can get you a doughnut."
"I-"
"I'll be right back!" Lloyd said, jumping from the bed and quickly making his way towards the window and leaping out.
"Oh, my god!" I gasped, scrambling to stick my head outside. Lloyd was easily scaling the building and safely landed on the ground before glancing up. I slumped in relief.
"You worried?" he called up.
"No!" I denied, lying through my teeth. "I just wanted to make sure you're okay so I can get my doughnut."
"Oh, of course!" Lloyd nodded. "I'll be back in ten minutes!"

I blinked, watching as he raced off through the garden and said quick hellos to the guards.
"What a loser," I sighed affectionately before jolting in surprise. "Ew what. No. Stop that."
I smacked my face for good measure.

The doughnut was really nice.
So was his company. I guess.

🍃🍂👑🍂🍃

I fell flat on my ass.

"Owwww," I whined, picking myself up. "Face it, Madame. I'm just not good at dancing."
"Don't be silly, dear!" Madame Mutjer reassured. "It only takes practise. Try it again."
I went to step before my toes caught the hem of my dress. My face fell into a scowl as I saw the polished ground rushing towards me. I'd lost count of how many times I'd tripped over the floor-length stupid skirt.
"T- try again," Madame encouraged, replaying the start of the song I had to practise the waltz to. She looked pained.
"This is super entertaining, by the way."
We both glanced up to see Lloyd, leaning against the doorframe into the ballroom with his arms crossed and an annoyingly cute smirk.
"What are you doing here?" I grumbled as I stood. Madame cleared her throat. I backtracked.
"Lloyd, what a pleasure!" I chimed with fake enthusiasm before I dropped the act harder than Naomi fell for Cole. "Now what the hell are you doing here?"

Madame smacked my arm. I giggled, edging away before tripping over my skirt again and eating shit once more.
"I have got to get out of this torture device," I complained. Lloyd snorted, holding out a hand for me to take. "Thank you."
"I'm here as I've still yet to have been forgiven," Lloyd replied as he pulled me to my feet. "But now I'm just suspecting that you keep telling me you haven't as to keep me around."
"Trust me," I scoffed. "If I wanted you to stay, I'd have no qualms in asking. I'm not weak hearted, Mr. Green Ninja."
"I believe that," he grinned.
"Why don't you help the princess out with the waltz?" Madame Mutjer asked, butting in with a smug beam. "She needs a partner to practise with."
"No way!" I laughed.
"No, thank you!" Lloyd chimed awkwardly. "I'm just popping in."
"You pop in an awful lot these days," I pointed out. He carelessly shrugged.
"It's on my way for patrol."
"I bet you stop by just so you can steal food from the kitchen," I snickered, shoving back his shoulder.

"Yeah," he smiled softly. "That's exactly why."

Lloyd continued to visit and I began to grow fond of him. I'd long since forgiven him for ratting me out to my parents, yet I couldn't bring myself to tell him.
I was scared that he wouldn't show up as much if I said that. Which was dumb. I knew that it was dumb.
Yet I still couldn't bring myself to do it.
One time, he arrived late at night, knocking on the window. By then it was a regular practise; Lloyd sneaking inside through my window. He said that it meant he didn't have to make small talk with any of the guards or the people working in the palace.
I can respect that.
I opened up the window. Lloyd was hanging leisurely off of the edge of the palace with an easy smile. I'd long since been desensitised to the danger of it.
"Want to go for a walk?" Lloyd asked, crossing his arms over the window sill and dropping his chin on them. I frowned, glancing past him.
"It's the middle of the night."
"I know," he grinned. "Romantic, right?"
"I don't like you that way," I said dryly.
"That's a shame," he snickered, lifting himself up. "I love Lloyd Garmadon."
"Hilarious," I said. "Let me get my coat."

After sneaking through the halls from Lloyd's expert guidance, we made it out to the large green paddock that made the palace's lawn.
"Any particular reason as to why you wanted to take a walk?" I asked, shoving my hands into my pockets.
"Just talk."
"Just talk?" I echoed with a tilt of my head. "What about?"
Lloyd sighed through his nose. His smile was sad.
"We found my dad," he murmured, digging his chin deeper into his own jacket. I glanced up at him, shocked. "I guess I just wanted to talk to somebody about it that wasn't my team or any of the officials."
"Oh..." I hummed, gaze dropping to the grass that swept beneath our shoes. "Are... are you okay? Is your dad okay?"
"I think you're the first person who's asked me if he's okay." Lloyd exhaled a slow laugh before continuing. "He's fine. I think. I'm pretty sure he just wants a quiet life now, but we're still keeping an eye on him. Y'know, just in case."
"Just in case."

"But, uh, there is one problem," Lloyd said, face pulling into a frown. He stopped walking so I did too, turning to him. "I'm dying."
My expression twisted into a look of desperate horror. I stood before him, frozen to the ground. My body began to shake.
"W- what-?"
"The only thing that can cure me," he sighed. "Is your forgiveness."
My lips twisted into a scowl. I slapped his arm and stormed away with a scoff.
"That is not funny, Lloyd Garmadon!" I snapped. He laughed, jogging to catch up.
"It's nice to know that you care," he chuckled. I set my jaw, glaring ahead at the large tree that stood next to the lake. "Aww, princess! I'm sorry."
I turned my head away, crossing my arms. Lloyd struggled to keep his chortles inaudible.
"I'm sorry," he tried again, poking my side. I gasped in surprise, instinctively jolting at the ticklish touch. "Do I need to do more to get your forgiveness now?"
"Stop trying to get on my good side," I grumbled. This did not deter him in the slightest.

"Princess," Lloyd hummed, leaning in close. His blond hair brushed my temple. The moonlight outlined him in a precious silver. "Princess. Princeessss-"
"I've told you not to call me that."
"Princeeeeesssssssss-"
"UUUGH! Why do you have to be so pretty and annoying!" I snapped, shooting him an irritated look. Lloyd blinked.
"You think I'm pretty?"
I stilled. Then I flamed with embarrassment as I feverishly stepped away.
"NO!" I shrilled, lying through my teeth and unable to look him in the eye. "I s- said pretty annoying! Why do you have to be so pretty annoying!"
"That doesn't even make sense," he pointed out. The corners of his lips were twitching, as if he were trying to hold back a smug grin.
"Yes, it does!"
"It doesn't," Lloyd shook his head. "But that's okay, I understand. I'm irresistible."

"Shut up!" I squeaked, shoving him back. He chuckled, barely having been pushed back a step. His hand caught my wrist and I was pulled into his chest.
I blinked owlishly, staring up at him with wide eyes. His grin turned sweet. He was barely a breath away. My heart thumped loudly in my chest - I suddenly felt weak in the knees, stomach fluttery and sick.
"It's okay," Lloyd murmured and his low voice sent trembles straight to my core. "I think you're pretty, too."
My cheeks heated. My breaths shortened. "I-"
"Pretty annoying," he finished with a flick to my forehead and a boyish 'ha!' My jaw dropped open at his tease.
"You asshole!"
"Don't let your parents hear you talk like that!"
"You're dead, green ninja!" I hissed, poking my finger into his chest. He snickered, not at all threatened by me.
"I've heard those words so many times that I'm immune, Princess."
I huffed, crossing my arms. With it, I changed the topic.
"What did I tell you about calling me that? Just call me Y/n."

Lloyd shook his head. His smile was unfaltering.
"I didn't call you princess for that."
My brow furrowed in confusion before it clicked. Oh. Oh. My cheeks went red. The encompassing, all-consuming feeling from before retuned with vigour.
"That's a very lazy pet name, Lloyd Garmadon," I murmured, starting the walk back to the palace. "I expect you to come up with something more original next time."
"What about sunshine?"
I stared at him. My cheeks went redder.
"I- I was kidding-"
"I'm not," Lloyd said nonchalantly. "I need a nickname now. What should you call me? The handsomest man in all the land?"
"Stupidest, more like," I muttered. He gasped in mock hurt.
"You should come visit the monastery," Lloyd said. "I'm always visiting the palace."
"Of your own accord," I reminded.
"You love my company, admit it," he pressed, sidling close up beside me. I rolled my eyes.

But I couldn't bring myself to deny it.

🍃🍂👑🍂🍃

"Are you sure you're allowed to leave the palace?"

"I've already asked," I reassured Lloyd. "Besides, my parents love you. I'm fine as long as I have a guard, and I've got the best one in all of the land."
"Jonesy's coming?" Lloyd asked, looking around for the advisor.
"Haha," I laughed dryly. "Very funny. Let's go."
Our ride to the monastery was on his elemental dragon that was more big magic green purry kitty than dragon. The rest of the team was lounging in the living room when we arrived and we joined them after Lloyd gave me a quick tour of his home.
"Lloyd's brought home a girl," Kai said, wiping a fake tear. "I'm so proud."
"Ha-ha," Lloyd mocked, unamused. "Shut."
"Does this princess know how to handle a sword?" Nya asked. Lloyd tensed.
"I have never touched a sword in my life," I admitted. "WAIT. That's a lie. I got taught how to knight somebody last week and I almost cut off the priest's head."
Lloyd snorted a laugh.
"It's nOT FUNNY, LLOYD!" I hissed, slapping his arm. "I'm traumatised!"
"It's a little funny," he confessed. My glare was livid. "Yes? No? Okay."

After that, Lloyd showed me his room. It was nothing like I'd expected - it was actually a normal teenage boy's room. For an extraordinary teenage boy.
"HHOOOHOOH YOU HAVE COMIC BOOKS!" I gushed, racing to the messy bookshelf. "I was never allowed to read them!"
"So sad."
"The absolute saddest," I cried, pulling out a comic. My face brightened at the colourful drawings and the popping title. "Fritz Donnegan! Never heard of it."
"You've never heard of Fritz?!" Lloyd asked, horrified. "Not even the movies?!"
I shook my head.
"Okay," Lloyd said, pulling me towards his bed and sitting down. I crossed my legs, eyes wide as I clutched the comic to my chest. "Emergency history lesson is a go. Buckle up, sunshine. This is going to be wild."
An hour later and in the middle of Lloyd explaining the imperial sludge arc, he was called to training. I went to watch but got distracted on the way by a three-legged puppy called Kashu. He definitely deserved my attention.

The ninja were speaking amongst each other as they warmed up. My name was spoken and I paused, hidden by the door.
"... damn dude, you have a type?" Kai snickered.
"What? No?" Lloyd replied, confused.
"Yeah, you do," Cole pointed out. "Princesses."
"Y/n's different."
"Oh, wildly different," Nya agreed. "But a princess, too."
"Shut up!"
"Just admit it," Jay piped up. "You have a crush on her."
"I do not have a crush on princess Y/n!" Lloyd stressed.
"Incorrect," Zane spoke.
Oh.
I mean, yeah, sure, it made sense. I was eighty percent sure I had a crush on him myself.
Was I going to do anything about it? No. Was I going to hide and wallow in my emotions alone? Absolutely.
I didn't need to watch them train, anyway. I fled from the scene, face red and a mess.
Yet, an hour later, I found myself drawn back to the dojo. The rest of the team had left but Lloyd continued on. I poked my head around the corner and my heart leapt up into my throat.

Lloyd was training. Shirtless.
And he looked...

Oh no oh no - Lloyd was my friend. Friends should not be gawking at him doing one armed push ups. I should not be watching shamelessly as sweat dribbled down his glistening, scarred skin. I should not be noting the way his muscles rolled with each little movement.
I should not being entranced by the way he huffed with each push.
But I couldn't help myself.
I was drawn to the pretty image like a moth to a flame, like a fish to water. His chest heaved, his arms flexed, his green eyes squinted in concentration. It affected me so viscerally, so ethereally. A foreign warmth blossomed into existence deep in my gut and it made shivers tremble across my nerves.
I was spellbound, mouth dry and wide-eyed.
An involuntary, shuddering sigh escaped from my lips and to my horror, Lloyd glanced up at the choked sound. I jolted my head back with a strangled inhale, praying to god that he didn't notice me.
Hiding behind the wall, I clutched a hand over my thundering heart.
Jesus Christ.

I was quiet on the way home.

Madame Mutjer was unimpressed by how I was distracted the next day during my dancing lesson.
"You're worse than usual," she sighed disappointedly as I landed on the ground for the fifteenth time. I rolled onto my back and held my face. I screamed into my hands.
"I'm okay," I said, sitting up. Madame stared at me, concerned. "I'm okay."
I lifted myself to my feet and held a breath, clenching my eyes shut as my head swirled. I should not be thinking such nasty thoughts of my friend. Just the idea of it was so demeaning, so belittling of our platonic relationship.
But it was the things my brain actually came up with that made me so unfocused and flustered.
"Ah, Lloyd!" Madame Mutjer called and I flinched, grimacing in embarrassment before realising she was talking to the actual Lloyd in the doorway rather than addressing my thoughts. "Good, good. You can help the princess learn how to dance the waltz."
Oh fuck. No. God, no please.

"W- wait-" I stammered.
"I really don't know how to dance-" Lloyd began as Madame grabbed his arm and hauled him into the ballroom.
"Trust me, you cannot be worse than the princess," she said, pulling Lloyd up in front of me.
I shot her an offended look. "A- aye. Ouch."
I was ignored.
"Alright, kids," she said, despite not being much older than us herself. "Hands."
Lloyd stared at me, frozen in confusion. My body was still, unmoving as I stared at the front of his shirt. Madame gave a sigh before manually placing our hands where they needed to be.
Lloyd's warm palm on the small of my back sent me into the stratosphere. His hand in mine had me spiraling into the sun. My heart stuttered at the intimate proximity, at the closeness that was charged with an intoxicating electric energy that pulsed with desire. It submerged me whole, fizzled over my skin, left my cheeks a bright, blushing red. I stared hard at a loose thread on the hem of his neckline.

I was so focused on not focusing on Lloyd that I didn't noticed when Madame began guiding him into guiding me along the ballroom floor. Stepping in time with the music, breathing in time with my skittering heartbeat, everything was Lloyd as I tried to think of anything except for Lloyd.
"Ah! Très bein!" Madame cheered, looking as proud as a mother whose child had taken their first steps. I blinked, returning to reality and glancing at the woman. "That was wonderful! Gorgeous! Flawless! Lloyd, you made my ugly duckling into a beautiful swan!"
"What," I said before realising that the music had already stopped and that I was in a different place in large room than before. "Wait, did you just call me ugly-"
"I have never seen you dance with such grace!" Madame gushed, clutching her hands to her chest. She looked ready to sob. "You didn't trip on your skirt once!"
"R- really?" I asked, glancing up at Lloyd before realising that we were still standing very close to one another. Flushing red, I quickly stepped away from him and his hovering gaze. "I- I mean, uh, yeah. Yes. Very good."
His eyes were red again. It made my heart throb for a reason that I couldn't place.

"Again!" Madame ordered with a giddy smile, pressing play on the small music speaker once more. My breath caught in my throat, unwillingly glancing up at Lloyd. His smile was boyishly crooked as he held out a hand for me to take and dipped his head into a smooth bow.
"May I have this dance, your highness?"
My mouth went dry. My heart stuttered in its pace. Never before had I reacted in such a way to someone using that form of my title, but the way it slipped through Lloyd's mouth like golden caramel had me absolutely melting.
"Hokay," I squeaked, placing my hand in his. His hand slid around my waist and I caught my bottom lip with my teeth, breath hitching. Lloyd noticed - of course he did, he's barely a foot away from me - and smugly smirked.
If Madame wasn't vibrating with excitement, I'd cuss him out for being so egotistic... if I could manage to speak.
"Ready?" Lloyd asked as the starting point fast approached.
"Y- yeah," I stuttered, swallowing thickly as I followed his lead. "... you picked it up fast."
"Faster than you," he noted. My eyes finally jumped to his, but only to send him a condescending glare.
"I'm aware."

Lloyd chuckled and the soft sound sent my heart soaring.
"I do have a question, though," he said. I hummed, voice strained. "What's with the guards?"
My eyes shot to the three bodyguards standing in the corner of the room. One stared at us. The others scanned the room.
"I, uh," I began sheepishly. "I may have tried to sneak out to see Naomi again. And got caught. Now I'm under twenty-four-seven surveillance as my punishment."
"You moron," he snorted.
"Excuse me," I scoffed. We turned in time with the music. "Not everyone can just summon a magical dragon and fly off whenever."
The music stopped again. We were excused, Madame finally letting me off easy for once. I guessed it had something to do with me dancing better than usual. I didn't trip with Lloyd - not even once.
I tried not to think about the connotations surrounding that.
"Would you like to go for a walk in the garden?" Lloyd offered as we exited the ballroom. The bodyguards trailed a few steps behind. "I have more news regarding my dad. If you want to hear it."
"Yes," I nodded quickly before clearing my throat. "I'll get changed and join you shortly."

Lloyd softly looped a loose strand of hair around a finger and tucked it back. His smile was heart-faltering.
"I'll be waiting."
He turned to walk off down the hall towards the gardens before I could reply. My heart was hammering in my ears as I watched him leisurely meander away, thumbs tucked into the pants of his gi in a look of total ease. The tips of his ears were pink.
One of the bodyguards coughed to hide his grin. I squinted a look.
"I saw that, Dave," I said, pointing at him with narrowed eyes. He struggled to drop his smile.
"Sorry, Princess."
When I made it to my room, I shut the door before having a crisis in peace. Tearing off my kimono, I rushed to get changed into my fat pants and a hoody because it's cold outside. Clothing that would surely get me dirty looks, but I preferred comfort over style. Both would be good, but those kinds of clothes were thrown deep into my closet and I was too much of a mess to pull together a coherent outfit.

Was this a date?
I paused, hand over the doorknob.
Maybe I should put on something a little nicer. But I usually just wear whatever when I'm with Lloyd, why should this be different? If I wore nicer clothes, would I act different? Would he like that or would he hate it?
What was Harumi like? What did he... expect?
Why was I overthinking this? I didn't need to.
'I'll be waiting.'
My heart gave a throb and with it, I pushed down on the handle.
After all, he's waiting for me, not the clothes I wore. Not even Harumi.
Lloyd was strolling around the patio by himself when I arrived.
"Hey," I breathlessly greeted as I approached. He smiled and we began a quiet stroll. His hands in his belt. Mine in my pockets. The bodyguards trailed behind us.
"So, uh," I began awkwardly after the silence had gotten to me. "How's your dad?"
"Good," Lloyd nodded with a small smile. "Yeah, really good. I think he's starting to remember some things. He remembered my name. He used to call me bastard child."

I hid a snort in my hand and was immediately hit with guilt.
"I- I'm sorry-"
"It's okay," Lloyd reassured with an easy-going smile. "You can laugh. It is pretty funny."
But there was a hint of sadness in his green eyes that kept me from doing so.
"It's nice that he's remembering things," I said softly as I removed my hands from my pockets, swinging them mindlessly. "That's a step towards the light, right?"
Lloyd exhaled through his nose slowly. The winter sun danced in golden colours on his skin. It illuminated his faint freckles and brushed through his sunflower hair.
"Yeah," he said quietly, thoughtfully. His fingers caught my palm and I briefly ceased functioning. Everything stopped. I stared, stunned and red as he smiled softly back.
One of the guards cleared his throat and Lloyd stepped away, bringing disappointment with the sudden air between us. He looked unhappy about being told to give some space. As unhappy as I felt.

I awkwardly scratched my temple as we walked, all conversation having dried out. I wanted to hold his hand - properly, this time. I wanted- I wanted to...
I glanced back at the guards before finding Lloyd's gaze. He looked hesitant, not wanting to rebel but yearning to follow through with our train of thought that had somehow synced up. I gave a subtle nod, encouraging it.
After all, some privacy would be nice.
Lloyd sighed, slow and long and languid and unsuspecting. I dropped my gaze back to the grass, kicking it with my shoes. It was due to be cut once more-
I gave a surprised gasp as I was suddenly scooped up into Lloyd's arms. The guards shouted in outrage before giving chase, but they were no match for the green ninja as he threw himself across the bush, past the surprised gardeners, around corners. A game of chase while I giggled in exhilaration as I clung to his shoulders.

Lloyd sharply swung into a tiny alcove in the brick wall of the garden, shrouded by hanging vines and foliage and set me on my feet. We stared through the leaves, struggling to keep our snickers quiet while the guards stopped in confusion. It wouldn't be long until they found our crude little hiding space but the game was fun all the same.
And then I noticed the tiny amount of proximity between us. Barely existent, barely room to breathe. Stone pressed up against my back and Lloyd on my front, the space was suffocating yet so inviting.
Lloyd's snicker tapered off when he noticed me staring and his eyes widened when he realised the same thing I had. His hand fell from the sun-soaked shrubbery that dappled us in gold and green.
Lloyd swallowed, nervous as he edged closer. His fingers caught mine and I held on tight, twisting mine through his, latching me to him. Connected, finally.
He subconsciously licked his bottom lip and it sent me spiraling into an endless ocean of emotions that I would be lost in forevermore. My free hand caught the back his neck and I lifted myself on my toes to press a kiss to his lips.

First kisses are weird. It's a dance without a plan, a battle without training. Nothing but the rush of endorphins and the instinctive orders of where to place our hands, how to tilt our heads, when to part to breathe. I expected this - the first kiss to be a little awkward, a little confusing.
What I wasn't expecting was the rush of excited, sparkling bliss that came with the second kiss Lloyd began after we had briefly broke off to catch our breaths.
The second kiss was what had me weak in the knees. The second kiss was what had me melting into Lloyd's hands, into his kiss, into him. It sparked a building desire so pretty and bright in my chest that I knew was undeniably a deep affection for him.
I could even call it love.
Yeah. I think I could call it love.
His palm found my cheek. His fingers threaded through my hair and our intertwined holds still linked between us. It was so nice and peaceful yet invigorating and jarring.

The bushes were pushed aside. Lloyd and I jumped apart, faces red and breathing laboured. My lips tingled with the wake of the kiss.
The guards didn't look pleased. I giggled nervously, pulling a lock of hair from my face.
"Hey, guys," I squeaked. Lloyd shifted guiltily on his feet. The guards stepped aside, silently ordering us out and back to the palace. We did as told and I ran a hand down my face.
"I think we're in trouble," I whispered to Lloyd. He nodded, cheeks still flushed a pretty pink. His red eyes jumped to mine and suddenly it didn't matter that we were in trouble because I just kissed Lloyd and he kissed me back.
Flustered, I dropped my gaze to the ground and bit my lip. I felt like soaring. I could hold back the little giggle that had me cradling my hands against my mouth. A small smile parted on Lloyd's lips and then he was quietly chortling, too.
Our amusement faded fast when we found the emperor and empress standing on the patio with frowns on their faces. Lloyd was fast, but it seemed that palace gossip was faster.

"Son, I think it's time for you to go home," my dad said sternly and I wilted at the look in their eyes. Each paternal gaze held such disappointment. It ate away at my resolve.
Actually, I think my mum looked a little amused.
I nervously clasped my hands in front of my lap, chewing on my lip in agitation. Lloyd smiled a small, barely-there farewell as he turned to leave.
"What were you thinking?" my dad began. "You are a princess, Y/n! You cannot be gallivanting off with some boy!"
"Well, he's not really some boy," my mother murmured. "He's the green ninja."
Dad shot a pressing stare at her. She sent a pointed look back. He didn't bother to argue.
"I was happy with you being friends with Lloyd Garmadon, but kissing? Running off from your guards? That crosses the line."
"Why?" I asked quietly, lifting a pitiful look to dad. "Because he's a boy or because he's not royalty? You do remember that his grandfather created the very world we live on, right?"
Dad's face went a little red with frustration as he tried to counter with a stronger point than mine.

"If I may," Jonesy began, stepping up and taking the stage. "There could be publicity potential within this relationship between the princess and the green ninja."
I glanced at the advisor questioningly.
"The public opinion of Y/n was tarnished even prior to her ascendance for the title due to the late Princess Harumi. If people see Lloyd Garmadon, the saviour of Ninjago and the beloved green ninja, wouldn't that prove a positive response towards Princess Y/n?"
"Yes!" I agreed readily before playing the words back through my head once more. I stepped forward eagerly. "Yes, exactly!"
"She is not ready-"
"With all due respect, Jamie," Jonesy interrupted, sounding much more like how he used to before we moved into the palace - as my father's best friend, not just an advisor. "Your daughter is almost eighteen years old. I think she is ready - and who more trustworthy than Lloyd Garmadon?"
I pointed at the advisor.
"That," I said. "Thank you."
"Lloyd's a nice boy," Mum continued. "He's very polite. I like him. If anything, I say he's better than some of the royalty that we've met. He's certainly more well behaved than Y/n."
"Yeah!" I nodded. "He's way better b- wait hey."

"We'll discuss this later," my dad grumbled, which was his roundabout way of accepting without outright accepting. I sighed in relief. "You have a ball to prepare for."
I frowned.
"That's next week."

"A week goes by faster than you think," my dad pointed out.

🍃🍂👑🍂🍃

He was right. A week did fly by.

I hadn't seen Lloyd since the day that we kissed and he'd been the only thing I could think about. Every waking moment, every dream, every side-tracked thought was of him and the precious first (and second) kiss that we shared.
I couldn't stop thinking of him.
It was driving me crazy.
The ball was in celebration of my eighteenth birthday and people far and wide were invited - not that I knew half of them.
Who I did know, unfortunately, were Claire and Aaliyah; two girls from noble houses. Naomi stood by my side as the four of us endured a painful conversation. When the two girls finally left to converse with some other people, Naomi turned to me and gagged. I snorted loudly, hiding my mouth with a hand.
"These people are only here because they want to get in on the royal family," Naomi huffed. I spotted the ninja and brightened.
"Not all of them," I smiled, eyes searching the group for the familiar blond locks of Lloyd. "Your boyfriend just arrived."
"He did?" Naomi gasped. "Oh, thank god. A bunch of old men keep badgering me for my hand in marriage. I don't think they realise that I'm only seventeen. And also not from a noble house."

"I'll give you a title when I become empress," I vowed before frowning. "I think I can do that."
"You'll be empress. You can do whatever you want."
"Not exactly." I sent a smile at Naomi before returning to search for Lloyd. My shoulders slumped. "I don't... I don't think he came."
"Who? Lloyd?" Naomi asked, scouring the approaching group for the green ninja. "Oh... oh, Y/n. I'm sorry - but maybe he has a good reason? He is the green ninja, after all."
I smiled. It didn't feel genuine.
"Yeah," I said quietly. "That's probably it. His missions are more important than some measly ball."
Still, it didn't cease the crashing of disappointment in my gut. Naomi shot me a worried look.
"You guys look amazing!" I gushed, putting on a show. The ninja were dressed up to the nines and looking damn good while doing it. Jay adjusting his bowtie with a smug grin.
"Thank you, Princess!" he chirped.

Small talk with the ninja made my disappointment grow from the lack of Lloyd. I was really hoping that I'd see him that night, but there was no point in moping off to the side. If he didn't show up, then he didn't show up.
"I'm going to dance," I said to Naomi.
"You're a disaster at dancing," she pointed out.
"I'm going to attempt to dance."
"I'll prepare some ice packs," she offered. I placed a hand to my chest.
"Thank you," I said emotionally. Naomi snickered.
Naomi was right. It was a disaster. I kept stepping on toes and fumbling on my small talk. It was just so natural with Lloyd. I bet Madame wished that he were there. If only to make her teaching skills look good.
After retiring from dancing (I think I heard an audible sigh of relief when I hobbled off to the side), I retreated to an empty corner and slunk into the shadows as to avoid people and small talk. Leaning back against the wall, I closed my eyes. I was so tired.

"Sorry I'm late, sunshine," said a voice from beside me. "I had to pick out a tux."
"Lloyd?" I perked up, opening my eyes to find him standing before me with a crooked smile. I brightened, grin growing. "You came!"
"Of course I did," he smiled softly. "Why wouldn't I? Though, I have to admit-" he tugged at the neck of his tie. "- this isn't quite my scene."
"It's not mine, either. However, you do look dashing," I complimented, picking off a hair from his shoulder and flicking it to the side. His green eyes flooded red and I found myself transfixed by the way they bled into a different colour. "The green ninja cleans up well - when he isn't covered in grime and sweat, that is."
"Nothing a good shower can't help," Lloyd smirked. "Oh - happy birthday. I got you a present."
My brow furrowed as he pulled out a little jewellery box. I gently plucked it from his open palm.

"You really didn't hav-"
"I wanted to," Lloyd insisted with a gentle voice. I stared at him for a beat before my curiosity got the better of me. Slowly lifting the lid, it revealed a small, silver charm in the shape of a sun on a thin, leather bracelet.
"It's beautiful," I murmured, brushing a thumb over the smooth silver.
"A sun for my sunshine," Lloyd hummed. I bit a grin, shaking my head in adoring amusement.
"That is so cheesy."
"Hold out your wrist," he said as he slipped the bracelet from its velvet pillow. His fingers brushed my skin as he deftly clipped the bracelet around my wrist. The charm was small and simple and subtle - absolutely perfect. It had nothing on the large, chunky diamonds I was force to wear around my neck. What Lloyd had given me was something far more valuable and precious to me.

"May I have this dance, your highness?" Lloyd asked, holding out a hand. Giving a curt, infatuated smile, I slid my palm into his.

"You may."

Lloyd: do you forgive me?
Yn:

Lloyd: