The city of Ninjago stood tall once more. The sun was able to rise once more over its peaceful land and the people who lived on it. Gentle breezes blew past the grand temples, and the street markets became alive with their vendors and buyers. While the scars have yet to be healed from the massive destruction caused by the Sons of Garmadons and the invasions of Onis, peace has returned. New temples were built, shrines for the fallen had been made, and a festival to honor the new royal family was held.

The Temple of Celebration brimmed with nobility and extravaganza. It was a ceremony that had long since been delayed due to all the chaos. With the last of the royal line having ended in such devastating betrayal and tragedy, it was now time for a new era to begin.

In the place of the previous Princess Harumi stood you. You were Harumi's cousin through adoption, as your family was from her adoptive mother's side. You had grown up quietly in the outskirts of Ninjago, where most of the nobles resided to be away from the chaotic city. Until now.

You stepped up to the final steps of the temple's entrance, dressed in the ceremonial gold and crimson silks. All eyes were on you and the newly established Empress and Emperor, but none of them burned hotter than your newly appointed protector- Lloyd Garmadon.

The young leader of the Ninjas stood by your right, adorned in his green jade robes edged with his elemental symbol with his arm tightly folded over the other and his green eyes glowing with anger. The soft flutes and the cheers of the people could not drown out the roars in his ears. After all, he couldn't bring himself to celebrate this. Not after what had happened with... her.

Harumi's cousin.

You carried no guilt on your shoulders. You had no connection to the Sons of Garmadon or the March of Oni. There wasn't much connection between you and Harumi other than that she was adopted into the family. Harumi never spoke much of her adopted parents, even when she was with Lloyd and the others. And yet...

You were still family with her, through the name and law. And to him, that meant a shadow still lingered over the family. Her shadow was covered in silk and gold that wrapped around you and your parents.

When the high minister raised the crown above your head, proclaiming you as the new crowned princess/prince of Ninjago, the crowd roared with approval. Lloyd was the only one who did not clap.

As you turned to face the crowd, your gaze darted towards Lloyd. For a split second, you two made eye contact. Cold, hard, distrustful eyes met with your own before they moved away. His jaw tightened as he said nothing.

After the ceremony, the crowd dispersed and began the grand festival for the new royal family. Lloyd walked behind you in silence as you walked inside the newly constructed Jade Palace. He was close enough to shield you from any attacks, but far enough distant between the two to avoid any conversation.