The Curse Crown

Chapter 10

**Clariza's POV**

Theodore and I are riding in a carriage, on our way to a vast forest that is still part of the kingdom. He gazes out the window, clearly deep in thought. Theodore has already told me everything I need to know about the upcoming Grand Hunt, but I can sense there's more on his mind.

I can’t help but feel uneasy as I watch him. The weight of his worries seems to hang in the air between us, though he keeps them to himself.

Suddenly, the carriage came to a stop, and the coachman announced that we had arrived.

"Remember everything I told you earlier," Theodore reminded me before stepping out of the carriage. He warned me not to speak too much if I wasn't sure what to say and, most importantly, not to let my guard down.

I simply nodded at him. He got out first, followed by me. There were already a lot of people gathered, and it felt like a grand outdoor party. We walked toward where the other royals were waiting.

"Glad you're finally here. We've been waiting for you to start," Rahjid said, throwing an arm around me as if we were close. But I was still in Theodore's body, and the gesture felt wrong. I quickly shrugged his arm off. From what I know, Theodore isn't exactly on friendly terms with Rahjid. Quit it with the mask, I thought. He's just putting on a show for the crowd, pretending to be the good brother.

"She is my personal secretary, and she'll be joining the Grand Hunt," I replied.

"I didn't know you'd hired a secretary," Rahjid said with a hint of surprise. "If I didn't know better, I'd think she was one of your women." He laughed at the end. It’s clear that he has nothing better to do than to make snide comments about his brother.

"Well, maybe you’re right, but you know, brother, I’ve changed since I’m going to be the king soon. I need to straighten my ways," I responded, showing him respect. He probably thought he was the only one who knew how to make a cutting remark. I couldn't help but laugh inwardly as I saw his mood shift at my words. Now he’s feeling the truth that the crown is already in my hands.

Our conversation was abruptly interrupted when the king arrived.

“Theo, you’re here. I think we need to start now,” he said.

Everyone gathered in the center of what resembled a stage. The king spoke, greeting all the attendees of the yearly Grand Hunt and officially opening the celebration. Afterward, the royal herald began explaining the mechanics of the Grand Hunt. The crowd was both amazed and excited by what they heard, especially the part where the king would grant whatever wish the winner desired.

Once the herald finished explaining, all the nobles and high-ranking individuals who wished to participate were given one hour to prepare. I am now in the tent, with Theodore.There were outfits prepared for us to wear for the event.

When we were inside the tent, I was startled when Theodore suddenly began undressing right in front of me. I know it’s my body he’s using, and there’s no malice intended, but it

felt uncomfortable, especially when he is doing it right infront of me. I quickly stopped him.

“Hey, what are you doing?” I snapped, grabbing his hand to stop him from removing his top.

“Changing, obviously! Why?” he replied nonchalantly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

“In front of me? And that’s my body you’re undressing!” I added, trying to keep my voice steady despite my growing frustration.

“Well, I’m in this body now, so technically, it belongs to me,” he said, sounding almost amused.

What? His response made me feel oddly flustered, and I tried to shake it off. “What are you talking about? We just switched bodies. That body is still mine,” I insisted.

“What’s the big deal? I’m sure you’ve seen every inch of my body when you’re showering, and I’ve seen yours too—every bit of it,” he said with a grin that made my irritation flare.

I was livid. “Don’t tell me you’ve been taking advantage of my body while I’m not looking!"

I’ve been trying to avoid touching anything especially his thing.. while I’m in the shower I even use a cloth just to avoid directly touching it. And here he is, acting like it’s no big deal!

Theodore’s casual attitude made my frustration boil over. It was bad enough having to deal with this body-switching mess, but now it felt like Theodore was violating my privacy without a second thought. I had to remind myself that he was still figuring things out, but that didn’t make it any easier to handle.

“Hey, calm down. I’m not taking advantage of you,” Theodore said, his tone trying to be soothing. “I never once had any dirty thoughts about you while showering. I’m just doing my part to take care of this body hygienically while I’m still in it.”

"Just make sure you don’t do anything wrong with my body. Otherwise, you know what will happen to your pretty face," I tried to threaten.

"Pfft, as if I'd dream of touching this body. Your face is so chubby, and your body’s as stiff as bamboo. Who would even want to desire that?" he retorted with a laugh.

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"Fine, I'll let you change. Just hurry up and make it quick. I’ll wait outside by the tent door and change after you’re done," I said, stepping out and pulling the tent door closed behind me.

**Theodore's POV**

Inside the tent, I could hear Clariza grumbling outside, clearly frustrated. It was amusing to see her so flustered about me changing in her body. It was a new experience for me, and I found her reactions kind of endearing.

As I changed into the outfit, I took a quick look in the mirror. Clariza had a pretty nice physique. I had to admit, she was in good shape, and her gracefulness was striking. It made me realize I’d underestimated her before.

Once I finished changing, I stepped out of the tent. Clariza looked relieved and gave me a sharp glance, but she seemed to be calming down.

“Alright, all done,” I said casually. She nodded and went inside the tent to get her outfit changed too then when were both done, we headed towards the other participants who were already gathering. The atmosphere was electric with excitement as everyone prepared for the Grand Hunt. The royal herald had set up a large table where ribbons were displayed, each representing either a hunter or prey.

“Alright, let’s get this over with,” I said, gesturing toward the table. Clariza nodded and joined me.

We each reached for a ribbon from the collection. The process was simple but crucial: the ribbon you picked would determine your role in the game. I watched as Clariza's fingers hesitated slightly before she selected a ribbon. Her expression was a mixture of apprehension and determination.

When we revealed our ribbons, I saw that Clariza had drawn the role of a prey, while I had become the hunter.

"It looks like I’ll be running away from you," Clariza said with a smirk, her earlier irritation now replaced by a playful confidence. She seemed to have settled into her role as the prey, ready for the challenge ahead.

"Just make sure I won’t catch you easily," I said with a chuckle. "But hey, kidding aside, be careful. We don’t know if there might be traps waiting for us inside." I said seriously to Clariza, wanting her to stay cautious despite the lighthearted moment.