"Are you really Margaret Anderson?" she asked again, her tone unwavering.
Before I could react, I found myself already inside one of the sleek black cars. The door closed silently behind me. I sat stiffly, my heart pounding as the woman in the suit took the seat beside me. She introduced herself as a representative from the Palace. Like everyone else, you didn't question someone who worked for the Palace, especially not when their car bore the insignia of the royal family—golden crest shining faintly on the door panel.
"Yes," I responded hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper. The weight of her gaze made my throat tighten.
She reached into her coat pocket with a graceful movement. "Can you give me your ID?" she asked, her voice polite but firm.
I fished around in my worn backpack, heart pounding harder. My fingers trembled slightly as I pulled out my battered ID card. The woman examined it carefully, her eyes flickering over my name, age, and school. For a moment, I wondered what this was all about—what could possibly bring someone from the Palace to the middle of a schoolyard, looking for me?
---
"By the way, I am Miss Julia Roverts, from the Palace communications team. You must be so thrilled right now," she said, returning my ID with a slight smile.
I crossed my eyebrows, confusion evident. "Thrilled for what?"
She chuckled softly, almost as if she expected my reaction. "Well, I do get it. Winning the five million dollars with some conditions might be upsetting...."
My stomach clenched. I felt a sudden chill, my heart pounding in my chest. "I won what???"
She paused, then said casually, "You're the five million dollar raffle winner! You didn't know?"
My jaw dropped so hard I thought it might hit the floor. I—me—a multi-millionaire? From a single lucky QR code?
I slapped myself, thinking I must be dreaming. No way this could be real.
"Ho—how?" I stammered, still trying to process the shock.
"Your name was announced last night," she explained, her tone gentle but firm, as if it was obvious.
I couldn't help but giggle uncontrollably, feeling a rush of excitement and disbelief. As they led me inside the Palace, I couldn't stop thinking about what I'd do with five million dollars. For the first time in my life, I felt free—like I could finally breathe.
We entered a spacious office where a few more grown-ups in suits greeted me and shook my hand. Miss Julia was busy introducing them, but I didn't really listen. My mind was racing, imagining all the things I could buy, the life I could finally have.
Then suddenly, Miss Julia smacked my back gently. "Bow!"
Startled, I lowered my head instinctively. The room fell silent.
"All hail, King Julian!" the grown-ups said in unison.
------
After three seconds, Miss Julia straightened, and I quickly followed her lead. Before me stood the most handsome man I had ever seen. Tall, lean, and impeccably polished, he radiated an effortless charm. The King, already in his fifties, looked decades younger—more vibrant, more alive—wearing only a simple gray suit that somehow made him more commanding.
He extended his hand with a warm smile. "Welcome to the Palace, Miss Margaret Anderson, and congratulations."
I hesitated for a split second before smiling back and softly whispering, "Thank you."
The King's eyes twinkled with a mixture of kindness and mischief. "I am glad to know you're very accepting of the prize."
"Five million dollars is more than enough for five lifetimes, Your Highness," I replied eagerly, feeling my cheeks flush with excitement.
He chuckled softly, a deep, reassuring sound. "I like your positivity, Miss Margaret. Though, I must admit, many people are skeptical and critical of this."
I smirked, leaning in slightly. "Why would they be? It's a life-changing moment."
The King's expression grew serious, his gaze shifting just a little. "You know, marrying the prince could be very... challenging."
A pause. My heart skipped a beat. How was the prince's marriage connected to this? The King has five sons—three already married. Was he referring to the youngest? The troublemaker?
"I am so sorry, Your Highness. I cannot speak to that. Whoever the prince marries is out of my hands," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
A heavy silence fell over the room, thick and uncomfortable. Even the aides shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
"So, you're declining? Why did you even join?" the King asked, voice sharper now.
"No, I'm not refusing the money, Your Highness," I said, voice firm but respectful. "I joined because I'm poor."
He studied me for a moment, then leaned forward, eyes narrowing slightly. "But you have to marry the prince first before you get the prize money."
A sudden wave of dizziness washed over me. The room tilted, colors blurred, and everything spun into a haze. I clutched my head, trying to steady myself, fighting to stay conscious.
My vision dimmed, and the last thing I saw was the regal figure of the King, watching me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
-----
I tried to piece together the events leading up to this chaos. The raffle poster—bright, glossy, promising a life-changing prize from a beverage company. I was so distracted by the chance at a better life that I didn't bother to read the fine print. When I scanned the QR code, I just filled out the form and sent it off, never imagining it would lead to this.
Now, Miss Julia and I were alone in the opulent office, her expression tense.
"So, according to the raffle advertisement, you can only get the money after your wedding with Prince Hudson," she said softly, almost like she was trying to comfort me.
I crossed my arms, feeling a fire ignite inside. "What kind of raffle is this?" I tried to keep my voice steady, but frustration bubbled over. This was all so unfair.
Miss Julia cleared her throat, her tone a bit admonishing. "You agreed to the terms and conditions before joining, Miss Margaret."
I clenched my fists, fighting back the rising anger. "But I didn't know it meant I'd be forced into a marriage with a prince I don't even know."
She looked away briefly, then added, "Since you're still seventeen and underaged, you will be staying at the Palace for a year. The wedding will be set next year."
A wave of disbelief washed over me. I had heard rumors—about Prince Albert causing trouble abroad, about how this bizarre raffle marriage was a political move to keep the royal family's image intact. It was supposed to be a quick fix, a desperate attempt to pacify the angry constituents. I remember dismissing it as the stupidest idea I'd ever heard.
And now? I was caught right in the middle of it.
I stared at her, my voice trembling with a mixture of anger and helplessness. I just want my five million. I don't want anything to do with that troublemaker prince.