I didn't bring any clothes with me, so the palace had provided some. I slipped into a modest, flowy, knee-length light pink knit dress from a well-known brand. The fabric was soft against my skin, and the cut was simple yet elegant. A maid carefully styled my hair into a neat bun, and light makeup accentuated my features. When I caught my reflection in the mirror, a single tear escaped, blurring my view. For the first time, I saw myself as someone worth respect—a decent human being, fragile yet resilient.
My heart pounded as the maid gently complimented me, her voice soft. "You look really pretty."
A faint warmth spread through me, a fleeting moment of hope amid the chaos.
Miss Julia then led me through the grand halls towards the King Julian's office, her hand steady on my arm. We stopped just outside the enormous double doors, and I could hear shouts echoing from within—angry, frantic voices. Both Miss Julia and I exchanged worried glances. We were about to turn away when suddenly, the doors swung open with a force that made me flinch.
Emerging from the room was the man from this morning—Prince Hudson. His casual attire—a polo shirt and khaki pants—clashed starkly with the regal surroundings. He looked at me with a mixture of disdain and something darker, then his eyes flicked to the King.
The King's face was bright red, veins bulging on his forehead as he shouted, "This is unacceptable! How could you—?"
Prince Hudson cut him off, voice raised, eyes blazing. "You want me to marry this creature?" he spat, loud enough for everyone to hear.
A gasp escaped my lips. The word—creature—felt like a slap to my dignity. My cheeks burned with humiliation. I felt my jaw tighten in defiance.
Before I could find the words to respond, Prince Hudson's voice cut through the room again, sharp and defiant. "I didn't come back just to be pawned off like some prize. I refuse to be used as a political tool for your petty games."
The King's face darkened with fury. "Mind your words, Hudson! You've caused enough trouble already. If you step out of this room again, I will revoke your citizenship—your very right to be here! You'll be nothing—stripped of everything."
Prince Hudson clenched his jaw, his eyes flashing with rebellion, but he turned back into the office, fists trembling at his sides. That really hit a nerve.
The room finally settled into quiet chaos, and after a tense silence, we found ourselves seated around a large, heavy wooden table. King Julian occupied the head, eyeing us with a mixture of authority and exhaustion. I sat to his right, Miss Julia on my left, while Prince Hudson faced us across the table.
The King cleared his throat and spoke with calm yet firm tone. "Let me be honest and frank, Miss Margaret. You are very important to us right now. Hudson's actions have caused a storm—threatening the stability of the entire nation. The people petitioned for his removal, and I promised to do what I could to settle this. One solution is to marry him off, at least for a year, to show that we're doing our best to unify the country."
I blinked, trying to process his words. "Why not choose someone… fitting for the situation? Why the raffle?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mixture of confusion and frustration. Honestly, I just wanted my money and to go back to my simple life.
"Exactly!" Prince Hudson exclaimed, surprised that he's agreeing with me.
The King nodded slowly, as if expecting my question. "The advisors planned this. It's a political move—disguised as a marriage. If the people see someone from outside the palace joining our family, they might feel that we're acknowledging them, that we see them as equals, even if just for a moment."
Prince Hudson's face twisted in disgust. "What you're really saying is that you're trying to silence the unrest with a gamble—marrying me to some stranger in hopes of pacifying the masses."
"You have no say in this, Hudson," the King snapped. "You've lived a life handed to you on a silver platter. Whether you like it or not, you have responsibilities—whether you accept them or not. And the trouble you've caused only makes that clearer."
I felt overwhelmed. This was all too much—my head spun. I was just a girl from a small village, not someone meant to carry such weight. The five million I was promised? It didn't seem worth the chaos.
"I'm sorry," I said softly, voice trembling. "But I want to decline your offer, Your Highness. I've read the terms, and I could revoke my prize if I choose to."
Miss Julia and the King exchanged surprised glances, eyebrows raised. Prince Hudson's lips curled into a triumphant smile.
"Miss Margaret," Miss Julia's voice was almost pleading. The King butted in. "Please, think about it. You don't have to marry him. Just pretend for a year—stay with him, keep him out of trouble, and occasionally pose for some pictures. That's all. And I can promise you, I'll double the money. Ten million. Plus a scholarship for college."
At the mention of ten million and a scholarship, my eyes widened. That was life-changing. My heart fluttered with hope—maybe I could finally leave this chaos behind.
Prince Hudson rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.
The King leaned forward, his expression eager. "And you, Hudson, behave for a year, I'll let you go. If you want to settle elsewhere, just as you wished, I will give you that freedom."
-----
After Prince Hudson and I scribbled our signatures on the contract, a heavy silence settled over the room. The air felt thick with unspoken words. Finally, King Julian excused himself, leaving us alone with Miss Julia, who took her place at the head of the table, her expression calm but commanding.
"Congratulations," Miss Julia announced with a faint smile. "Miss Margaret and Prince Hudson, you are now officially 'on paper' engaged."
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, trying to avoid eye contact with Hudson, who sat opposite me. His smirk was impossible to ignore—annoying and infuriating all at once. It made me want to punch his face.
Miss Julia continued, her tone brisk but friendly, "So, the first order of business: starting now, you will be going out publicly as a couple. Think of it as the 'courting stage,'" she explained, exaggerating her gestures as if to emphasize the absurdity of the situation.
Prince Hudson snorted, crossing his arms. "Me, courting someone? Are you crazy, Miss Julia?"
She shot him a stern look, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I am serious, Prince Hudson. Starting immediately, you will publicly court Miss Margaret."
Prince Hudson shot me a glance, his smirk fading into a glint of something unreadable. "Fine," he said reluctantly. "But I'm not going to pretend forever."