The Curse Crown

Chapter 7

**Lord Whitlock:**

"The prince must tackle the famine in the north. If the people grow too restless, it could spark an uprising."

**Lady Verena:**

"That’s important, but trade routes are suffering from piracy. We need to protect our economy first, or it will collapse."

**Duke Alistair:**

"Forget trade. Our eastern neighbors are expanding their armies. We need to strengthen our military to avoid invasion."

**Baroness Elara:**

"Security is crucial, but so are reforms. Land distribution and fair taxes could prevent dissent and stabilize the kingdom."

**Lord Whitlock:**

"Without food, reforms won’t matter. The famine is an immediate threat."

**Lady Verena:**

"And without trade, there’s no food to distribute. The prince needs to focus on what keeps the kingdom functioning."

**Duke Alistair:**

"A strong defense is paramount. If we don’t secure our borders, nothing else will matter."

**Baroness Elara:**

"The prince must balance these issues carefully. One wrong move could erode trust and destabilize the kingdom."

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Clariza's POV

"Your Highness?" A noble’s voice snapped me back to the present. I blinked, trying to focus as I realized I had been called upon.

I realized they were waiting for me to respond. I was completely at a loss,I was overwhelmed, my mind racing with anxiety about how to respond to their questions. It was only the first day in this body, and the stress was already unbearable.

I could hear all their discussions, but what did I know about these issues? Although I’d overheard townspeople talking about them, I lacked the knowledge to address them properly.

I thought this meeting was just a formal welcome for me as the new crown prince and future successor of the kingdom. Thats why i made sure earlier to give a short speech to everyone.

I made sure my speech was brief to avoid making too many mistakes. As they say, less talk, less chance of error. I simply thanked the king for choosing me and promised to do my best to be a good leader and support the people. I also encouraged the nobles to show their full support, assuring them that I wouldn’t let them down as their leader. That was all I said.

To me was straightforward—just outlining what I thought a future king should do. I’m not sure why they seemed so impressed. There was a moment of silence after my speech, and then they started applauding.

---

**Prince Theodore’s Speech**

“Thank you all for being here , I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the king for choosing me for this role. It’s an honor I deeply appreciate.

As we move forward, I promise to lead with care, kindness, and fairness. Our people's well-being and happiness are incredibly important to me, and I am committed to creating a kingdom where everyone feels valued and supported.

Harmony and unity are the foundations of a strong and thriving community. So i urge everyone to support me as we all work together for our kingdom's brigher future. Thank you."

*end of falshback*

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I glanced at the king and Rahjid who were also looking at me as if waiting for my response to the concerns and issues raised by the nobles. I had to think carefully about what to say to these people. Suddenly, Prince Rahjid spoke up.

"It seems my dear brother is not yet prepared for the challenges of monarchial duties," Rahjid said. "We all know he isn’t accustomed to such responsibilities, so let’s not make things too difficult for him just yet."

I couldn't quite pinpoint it, but there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, as if he were deliberately trying to embarrass me—well, Theodore—in front of the nobles and officials.

"We all know what my brother is capable of," Rahjid continued. "As you know, I’ve been handling most of these affairs for a long time. So, I suggest that, for the time being, I take over these matters, as it’s clear that he doesn’t yet have enough knowledge in these areas. It might be better for him to enjoy himself or perhaps take a vacation in another kingdom—who knows, he might even find a princess he could fall for!"

He chuckled as if he was making a harmless joke. The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable. Some nobles joined in his laughter, clearly enjoying the chance to belittle Theodore. It was infuriating to see them so openly undermine him and suggest that Theodore wasn’t fit for the role of a crown prince.

“Dear brother," I looked at Rahjid with my battle-ready expression on my face. i cant hide the irritation on my face.

"Sometimes not acting immediately is a sign of patience and wisdom. It doesn’t mean one is indifferent or incapable; rather, it means one is waiting for the right moment to act where others have failed to see the full picture".

Everyone suddenly stopped talking and a tense air filled the room.

" Just because I haven’t been directly involved in the kingdom’s affairs doesn’t mean I’m indifferent or unaware of what’s happening.And let me remind everyone: I am Theodore Kingsley of Silvercrest, the eldest son of King Thanos Albana Kingsley. I swear to you all that from this day forward, I am ready to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to me. No one else is more deserving of this title than I am, and I hope that this is all clear to everyone."

Rahjid looked at me intensely. I could tell he was angry; it was evident in his eyes. I tried to ignore it and instead, I turned to the king and requested if I could address the nobles' concerns in the next meeting. I promised to present a more detailed plan for the kingdom's issues. Fortunately, the king agreed. I excused myself from everyone and exited first.

I needed to see and talk to Theodore. That was the only thing on my mind as I headed back to my room.

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**Theodore's POV**

The sun is about set low and until now i havent managed to go to the palace yet and so when I heard Artimeo said that Rio will delever some bread I hurriedly asked to join him.. I learned that Rio will pass at the palace today, he is going to deliver some bread they made earlier this morning, and yes, I’ve finally learned Clariza’s brother’s name. I had to chuckle at his reaction earlier when I asked for his name; he looked genuinely astonished that his sibling had forgotten it. He even shook me nonstop saying that i have lost my mind.

Now, I’m riding in their old wagon for the first time. It’s evident that this wagon has seen better days—it creaks with every movement and the seat is surprisingly uncomfortable. The ride is jarring, with every bump and pothole on the road sending vibrations through me. Once I’m back in my own body, I’ll make sure to provide this family with a new carriage—something that offers a smoother and more comfortable ride.

“We’re here,” Rio said as we arrived at the palace gates.

“You’ve been acting so weird since you got home last night. Did something happen to you, Clariza? Father mentioned seeing you outside the house in front of the door, asleep." Rio’s voice carried a hint of concern.

Even I can’t remember what happened after I touched the crown. I lost consciousness right after.

I walked toward the gate, and Rio called out to me once more, telling me to come home early and not to stay out too late. I simply nodded in response before he left.

I approached the guards stationed at the entrance. “Let me in! I need to speak with Clariza—I mean, Prince Theodore.”

Suddenly, one of the guards came up extremely close, almost taunting me. “Miss, you can’t enter. And besides, the crown prince won’t see you; he doesn’t speak to commoners like you.” He said, glancing up and down my attire body. What a creep.

“Hey, creep eyes here,” I said to the guard, snapping my fingers near his face to let him know to look at my face, not my chest.

“I’m only going to say this once,” I said, my irritation boiling over. “Will you let me in now, or do you want to wish you were never born?” I threatened, frustrated by their stubbornness. The guard, apparently angered by my words, grabbed me by the collar. What a nerve this guard has.

“You know, you’ve been quite the troublemaker. Leave now, or I’ll make sure you regret it, even if you’re a woman.” He was showing me his fist, as if to intimidate me.

“Dare to hit me, and it will be the end of your miserable, lowly life,” I said, glaring at him.

Just as he seemed ready to strike, someone intervened, and we all turned to see who it was.

“Stop it! Let her go!” shouted Clariza, who was now in my body.

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**Clariza's POV**

“What great timing,” Theodore remarked as the guard immediately released him

“Shes my guest; let her in,” I instructed the guards. I was relieved that I had decided to walk near the palace entrance. If I had gone here a little late. I--i mean my original face or body might have ended up with bruises from that guard’s blows. It was surprising that Theodore would have allowed me to be struck like that. This guy is unbelievable I had been extra careful to avoid causing any harm to Theodore’s body, and it was disheartening to see how recklessly he treats my body.

“We need to talk,” Theodore said to me as he walked past, clearly leading the way.

I followed him closely. A woman, likely a palace maid, stopped and informed Theodore that he needed to walk behind me, as it was palace etiquette for commoners and low-ranking individuals. Theodore simply stared at her, his gaze cold and menacing, as if to say, "Do you want to shorten your days on this earth?"

I intervened, saying, “It’s fine. I’m the one who instructed her to walk in front.”

We went straight to his chamber, and he closed and locked the door. Then, he pushed me against the back of the door, coming disturbingly close. Even though I knew he was in my body, it felt like I could still see him as Theodore rather than myself. He leaned in, His face was just inches away from mine, and my heart began to race.

“What did you do? did u do this so that you can have all these? the riches and wealth?"

Theodore’s words came out like an accusation. As if I wanted to be in his body, stuck in this palace. Like I had chosen any of this.

How dare he say that. I couldn't believe that after everything I’d gone through here—trying to hide what was happening, making sure no one suspected anything—this was what I got in return.

I couldn’t hold back my anger any longer and pushed him away. Being in his body, I had a man's strength, and it was enough to make him stagger back.

“Do you think I wanted this?” I snapped. “I’d rather live the life of a pauper than have anything to do with the life you lead. I don’t care about your wealth, and I’m not dazzled by anything you have. And most importantly you have no right to judge me.”

I couldn’t stop myself from getting emotional. It was infuriating, thinking that the one person I believed I could rely on in this situation was the very one blaming me. As the words poured out of me, I kept pushing him, forcing him to back away.

“You—of all people—should understand! I thought you’d be the one person I could count on, but instead, you’re pointing fingers at me!” My voice trembled with a mix of frustration and hurt as I continued to push him, step by step, as if my words could somehow make him see what I was going through.

“Hey, wait!” he exclaimed as I kept pushing him backward. Suddenly, he lost his balance and tumbled onto the bed. I hadn’t realized we had backed all the way to the corner of his bed. In an attempt to catch himself, he instinctively grabbed my arm, pulling me down with him.

My first kiss... This isn’t at all how I imagined it. I’d always dreamed it would be with someone I truly loved, in a tender moment, not something as chaotic and unplanned as this. But as my heart raced, pounding furiously in my chest, I couldn’t ignore the warmth spreading through me. The touch of his lips lingered, sending a strange, unexpected thrill coursing through me.

I brought my fingers to my lips, still feeling the softness of the accidental kiss. What just happened? Why did it feel so... electric?

He seemed just as shocked, his eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, neither of us moved, as if frozen in time. But then reality hit, and he tried to push me off. I hurriedly stood up, feeling a rush of heat on my face, a mixture of embarrassment and... something else I couldn’t quite place.

I fell—right on top of him.

For a moment, I froze, feeling something soft and slightly wet against my lips. My eyes widened as I realized what had just happened. I had landed directly on his face... and accidentally kissed him!

"I'm sorry, it was an accident," I said, breaking the silence first, my voice still a bit shaky from what had just happened.

"It's fine. It's not like this is your first time kissing someone." His nonchalant tone made my blood boil. Seriously? Did he really think I went around kissing just anyone? I wanted to snap back at him, but I held my tongue. The last thing we needed was another argument over something so... absurd.

He cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. "Anyway..." he continued, turning his back to me, clearly wanting to shift the focus away from the awkwardness between us. "We need to focus on how to switch our bodies back."

I watched him for a moment, trying to let go of the tension. The kiss, the closeness—it was all too much for me to process. But he was right. We had bigger problems to solve than an accidental kiss.

Our attention snapped away from the tension between us when we heard a knock at the door. A familiar voice called out.

"Theo, are you in there?" It was the queen.

Panic flashed in Theodore's eyes. He hurriedly scanned the room, desperately looking for a place to hide. If the queen saw him—saw me—in this body, she would surely start asking questions. One thing I knew for certain: Theodore wouldn’t talk to commoners, and if she found out the truth, everything could unravel.

I gestured quickly to a large armoire by the corner. "Hide in there," I whispered urgently. Without hesitation, he darted toward it, slipping inside just as the queen knocked again, more insistent this time.

Now it was up to me to play the part of the crown prince—his usual cold and reserved self—without giving anything away.

I opened the door, and the queen greeted me with a warm smile. I had no idea how Theodore usually behaved around her, so I tried my best to keep it simple and neutral.

"Theo, I just wanted to congratulate you," she said, her voice soft and genuine. "Your father chose you to be the crown prince. I know we didn’t start off on the right foot, but I want you to believe that I only want what’s best for you."

I could feel the sincerity in her words. I didn’t know what had transpired between them in the past, but suddenly, I was overwhelmed by a wave of longing for my own mother.

She continued, "The king said earlier that he’s proud of you, that you’ve changed today, and you showed the entire council that you’re deserving of being the crown prince. I’m so proud of you, Theo." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"I'm always proud of you, just like I am of Rahjid," she added, her voice thick with emotion. "I hope we can start over."

Her words touched me deeply, reminding me of the way my own mother used to comfort me. Before I realized what I was doing, I reached out and hugged her. The queen was startled at first, but then I felt her arms wrap around me, returning the embrace. Neither of us spoke. We simply held each other, and for a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to forget the complicated mess we were in.

After less than a minute, she gently pulled away, her face beaming with happiness. She said her goodbyes, mentioning she had other things to attend to, but I could see the joy in her eyes as she left.

Once the door clicked shut, I stood there for a moment, trying to collect myself. I had felt something real in that exchange—a connection I hadn’t expected.