The Curse Crown

Chapter 11

Clariza's POV

The atmosphere was charged with excitement and energy as the Grand Hunt was about to begin. I was still in Theodore's body, and my assigned role was a prey. This meant I had to hide to avoid being found by the hunters. The palace maids started distributing badges representing each role in the game. I also saw the roles of others based on their badges. Theodore and Prince Rahjid were both hunters. Then, a familiar voice spoke beside me—it was Euphemia.

"Prince Theo, we're both prey. Could we team up to hide together? You know I'm scared they might find me first," she said with a flirtatious tone.

“You know, Lady Euphemia, if there’s anyone who can protect you, it would be me,” Rahjid said confidently, suddenly joining the conversation. I sensed something fishy about the two of them.

“I will make sure that no one takes your badge, and I might even let you win,” he added, obviously trying to impress Euphemia. Am I the only one who notices that Rahjid seems to have a thing for Euphemia? Well, they do seem to suit each other, considering they both have questionable manners.

I glanced at Theodore, who was standing behind us, seemingly observing the surroundings.I had noticed since earlier that he seemed really distracted, constantly glancing around.

“Well, if something unpleasant happens later, I need to be ready,” I told myself as I tightly gripped the dagger given to each participant. The forest still has wild animals, so to keep everyone safe, we were allowed to use weapons like daggers and swords to protect ourselves from them. However, we were strictly prohibited from using them in the game, especially to harm other participants in the hunt.

The trumpet sounded, signaling the start of the hunt. We, the prey, were the first to enter. We were given an hour to hide or come up with any tactics to avoid being found immediately.Guards were stationed at the boundaries of the forest to ensure that we didn't stray too far and to keep us from crossing the limits.

I glanced back at Theodore one last time before running into the forest. He looked at me with a slight smile, and that expression gave me the comfort and confidence I needed.

I ran into the forest, seeing other participants searching for their hiding spots. Some hid behind large trees, while others tried climbing trees or even used camouflage props like leaves to blend in. I noticed Euphemia trying to follow me, so I rolled my eyes and pushed myself to run faster to avoid her. After a few minutes, I couldn’t see her anymore and noticed that no one else was running nearby. I must have moved farther from everyone, so it was time for me to find a hiding spot as well.

While I was searching for a place to hide, I heard rustling from behind the thick grass. Was it a bear or a wild cat? I suddenly felt scared, remembering that wild animals were still in the forest. I grabbed my dagger just in case.

But I was even more terrified when I saw what had caused the noise. A figure emerged from behind the grass, dressed in black with his face hidden. They looked like assassins. Darn it. Are they the same ones who tried to kill Theodore on the night of the crowning? Three more figures came from behind me.

“Who are you and what do you want?” I asked, trying to mask my fear.

One of the men responded while playing with his sharp knife. “Isn’t it obvious? We’re here to finish the job we started last time. You were lucky to escape before, but now we’ll make sure you don’t leave this place alive.”

His words sent shivers down my spine. Despite my fear, I had to stand my ground. I knew there were guards at the borders, and based on how far I had run, I was probably close to them now. “You know there are guards stationed at the borders of this forest, and we’re not far from them. If I call for help, they might hear me and come running,” I said, trying to intimidate them.

"Do you think we're stupid, dear prince?" he said with a mocking laugh. "We’ve taken care of all the guards already. Even if you scream, no one will hear you. And one more thing—we’re already past the borders, so it’s just you and us here." The four of them laughed hysterically, as if they were crazy.That's why, while I was running, it seemed like no one else was around. I thought I was still inside the borders since I hadn’t seen any guards yet.

I took a step back from where I stood. If Theodore were here, he might be able to fight them off or at least give them a good fight. But right now, I'm in Theodore's body and I don’t know how to fight. I started to run away, my breath coming in gasps, a mix of fear and panic for my life.I didn’t know where I was heading anymore; my mind was clouded with the single thought of running as fast as I could to avoid being found.

I stumbled over a massive tree root, the jolt sending a searing pain through my hand as I realized I had scraped it badly. Ignoring the agony, I forced myself to my feet and kept running. Just then, a sharp, searing pain exploded in my shoulder—an arrow had struck me. The pain was intense, but it was a mere graze, thank goodness, not a fatal wound. Despite my throbbing shoulder, I pushed on, but suddenly, I was thrown to the ground. The impact was brutal, and a sharp, crushing blow to my head left me disoriented and dazed. The world around me grew dark as I slowly slipped into unconsciousness.

***** Theodor's POV****

An hour had passed since the signal was given for the prey to start hiding, and now it was time for the hunters to begin their pursuit. I could hear the distant sound of trumpets signaling the start of our part in the hunt. My eyes scanned the dense forest, alert and focused. I had to find Clariza and the other prey quickly, but I also needed to be cautious.

I saw Rahjid running in the other direction. It was better this way; I didn’t want our paths to cross. I started to observe the surroundings. It was quiet, with only distant bird calls and the sound of the wind. However, my sensitivity is sharper than most people realize. Behind my lazy and complacent exterior, I had secretly trained in sword fighting and martial arts. That’s why it’s easier for me to sense if someone is lurking or hiding nearby.

"Seven," I counted, sensing the people hiding around me. I began moving toward each one to collect their badges. Some protested and refused to hand them over, clearly frustrated that when they saw Clariza, a commoner, who was finding them instead of a noble or high-ranking official.

I had expected to find Clariza easily, but it was clear she was taking the hunt seriously. The thought of her determination brought a smile to my face.

Then suddenly, I felt something unexpected—a sharp, all-encompassing pain throughout my body, as if I had stumbled into something and experienced a jolt of pain in my arm as well. "What's happening?" I muttered, confused by the sudden onset of pain. The discomfort grew worse as I felt a searing stab in my shoulder, like being pierced or struck. This kind of pain was familiar from my sword-fighting experiences, but in Clariza’s body, it felt like fresh wounds, intensifying the agony.

Another wave of intense pain hit me, making me gasp for air as my head throbbed violently. I leaned against a nearby tree for support, struggling to fight off the overwhelming pain. After a few moments, the agony subsided, but anxiety gripped me. Was Clariza's body sick? I cant help not to think if she is alraigh or in troible. Her body’s reaction was alarming. I needed to find her immediately.