The Sovereign's Curse

Chapter 02: The First Reset

Leon’s mind whirled as Aldric bowed and backed out of the room. The air felt stifling, reality shifting in ways that made his stomach churn. Was this some cruel dream? No. The throb in his chest and the weight of his limbs assured him otherwise. This was real.

He was back. A week before his wedding.

Every detail of the past week replayed in his mind—each interaction, each political maneuver, and, of course, the moments leading to his assassination. Who had sent that assassin? Why had they come for him? And now... how had he returned here?

His pulse quickened as panic set in. He was living in a world where time had rewound itself, like an invisible hand twisting the clock back without any explanation. Who did this to him? Who held such power?

He needed to move. To think.

Leon stood and crossed the room, each step feeling heavier than the last. His chamber, as familiar as it was, seemed alien now. Everything was too perfect, too in place—nothing was out of the ordinary, as if the universe itself had decided to reset.

---

The heavy door swung open with a low creak, and Leon found himself standing in the corridor of the palace, the grand tapestries lining the walls the same as they had always been. A servant passed by, offering a deep bow.

“Your Highness,” the servant said, though there was no malice in his voice—just the calm, collected deference of someone used to doing their duty.

“Everything alright, sire?” Aldric’s voice called from behind, his footsteps soft against the marble floor. He had appeared from nowhere, but Leon hadn’t noticed until the man was at his side.

Leon tensed for a moment, unsure how to respond. How did one explain they had already lived through a day? How could he convince anyone he had witnessed his own death?

“Fine,” Leon said, forcing the word out through his dry throat. “Just… thinking.”

Aldric arched a brow but said nothing. The silence stretched on, making Leon uncomfortable. It was too soon for answers. He needed to figure out what this was—why time itself had reversed. But more than that, he needed to survive.

---

Later that Afternoon

In the council chamber, the usual gathering of advisors and lords awaited him. His father, King Godric, sat at the head of the long table, his imposing figure cast in shadow by the dim light filtering through the stained-glass windows. The others—the High Chancellor, the military strategist, and various nobles—were seated in their usual places.

Leon had been through this meeting before, but now, each word, each expression felt like a puzzle piece he had missed the first time. As the meeting unfolded, discussions about alliances, the wedding preparations, and the security of the kingdom, Leon remained vigilant. He watched everyone, searching for a hint, a tell, anything that could clue him in on who might want him dead.

Elysia wasn’t present—her absence wasn’t unexpected; these meetings were for the inner circle of Valenor. But Leon couldn’t shake the thought of her. Did she know about this? Was she connected to the strange events happening around him?

His thoughts drifted back to their wedding night—the look in her eyes. Beneath the veil of obedience, there was something else there. But if not her, then who?

His gaze shifted to his father. King Godric was as stern and unreadable as ever, issuing commands with a tone that left no room for question. Could the king have enemies within his own court? Or was someone looking to destabilize Valenor by striking at the heir?

Leon’s heart skipped a beat as a new, more terrifying thought struck him. What if the loop wasn’t a gift—but a curse?

---

Nightfall

Unable to find any solid answers, Leon decided to take matters into his own hands. He needed to confront someone who had been there from the start—someone he could test without raising too much suspicion. His steps led him to a familiar part of the palace gardens, where he knew Elysia often spent her time before the wedding.

Under the cover of twilight, the gardens felt far more serene than the chaos in Leon’s mind. The lanterns flickered softly, casting a warm, golden glow on the flowers that bloomed in perfect symmetry. His breath was shallow as he approached Elysia, her figure alone among the roses, her back to him. She didn’t turn as he neared, but her voice cut through the silence.

“I’ve been expecting you.”

Leon halted. Her words held a weight, a knowing, that sent a shiver down his spine. Was it possible she knew? Had she seen this before?

Elysia turned to face him, her eyes calm, though her expression gave nothing away.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” she said, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “For a bridegroom, you’re not as present as I imagined.”

Leon swallowed, trying to push down the rising tension. He needed answers, but this wasn’t the time to accuse her outright. Instead, he decided to probe her, carefully.

“You’re different,” he said, keeping his voice even. “Different from the person I thought you were.”

Elysia’s smile widened slightly, a flicker of amusement crossing her features. “And who exactly did you think I was, Prince Leon? A pawn in your father’s game? A docile bride waiting to be led by the hand?”

Leon narrowed his eyes. “What game are you playing, Elysia?”

She held his gaze, unflinching. “I could ask you the same.”

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Leon didn’t know what to make of her—was she a potential ally in this strange loop, or was she still the dangerous enigma he feared?

Before he could reply, a voice interrupted them.

“My Lord! Your Highness!”

Leon turned to see Aldric hurrying down the garden path, his face pale. “There’s been… an incident.”

Leon’s heart sank. “What incident?”

Aldric hesitated, casting a quick glance at Elysia before speaking again. “A body has been found. One of the palace guards, near the west wing. They believe it may have been… foul play.”

Leon’s blood turned cold. The first ripple of danger had appeared earlier than expected.

Without another word, he turned and followed Aldric, leaving Elysia standing among the roses, her expression unreadable.

---

The Loop Tightens

As Leon followed Aldric through the palace, his mind raced. This death was different—it hadn’t happened before the loop. Someone was already moving against him, but why now? Was it connected to his impending murder?

By the time they reached the scene, a small crowd had gathered. A guard’s lifeless body lay crumpled on the stone floor, blood pooling beneath him. Leon knelt beside the body, his hands shaking as he examined the wound. A clean strike—precise. This wasn’t an accident.

As the whispers grew louder around him, Leon stood, his gaze hardening. He could feel the invisible noose tightening around his neck. He had only a few days to find answers before the loop reset again.

And with every step, the web of deceit grew more tangled, the mysteries more dangerous.

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