✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book One]

CHAPTER 1

[ C H A P T E R 1 ]

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LATISHA VALENTINE

I was betrayed, neglected, and abandoned. I did everything to be of use, to not be labeled as worthless. I grew up with a mindset that I have to do well, because if I don't, I might as well not live.

I was raised in an environment of rebels. Our clan is famous for trading, but behind that morally upright job, lies a secret that no one knows. Everyone in the family does things that shouldn't be practiced in a thriving Empire. There is a reason, and that reason is something I never want to be part of.

My father raised me to be a warrior, he created me to be inhumane and cruel. While my mother trained me to be a lady who resembles a rose: beautiful but deadly.

As I grow, I have different masks on. Outside the shell, I am a simple lady who is adored by many. Obedient, prim and proper, and pristine. Many young ladies in our Empire envy everything about me. I was born with golden hair, fair and flawless skin, with an obscure pair of ocean blue eyes.

Heads turn whenever I walk in the streets. I can hear different voices that talk about my features and that I shouldn't be messed up with, because I came from a noble clan.

My clan is famous for trading goods and services in the economic factor of the Empire. Some people call them merchants, but this business is purely a front cover to hide the real intention of my clan. They move from place to place, town to town, and Kingdoms to Empires. Until my father took a liking in this state.

Magnolia: The progressive Empire of the Region. It bordered a wide landmass and bodies of water. The Moore clan settled in one of the seven states of the Empire: Edinburgh.

Father didn't just choose this plot of land because the weather is good or the trading is successive. Because he was aiming to revolt against the Emperor.

That was the secret of the Moore Clan. One of my mother's stories at night is the narration of how our clan suffered from the late-late Emperor of Magnolia. This is revenge, and I was being trained to pursue triumphs for it.

My mother used to tell me how glad they were that I was born. My exceptional beauty is exquisite and alluring. There are a lot of nobles lining up to take my hand, but just like some traditions where the parents will pick who they want their children to be betrothed with, my parents are not an exception.

They prepared me to be betrothed to a Duke of Riedensteigh. A series of rumors arose that the Emperor wanted his nephew to tie a knot for the position of the Duchess. There was also a rumor that the Duke has a mistress who died of childbirth, if that was really the case.

My parents were glad that the Emperor allowed their letter to present me as a candidate, and I was sent to the Riedensteigh for inspection of my qualifications.

When I first met Roshan, he was looking at me with deadly stares. I know I came from a clan of merchants rather than nobles. But, if I were to tell the truth, my name came from the long line of nobility.

The Empress and Emperor liked me for their nephew. I have a noble aura and my obedience and sensitivity to the surrounding ability gave me points in their favor.

Wala naman akong choice sa mga panahon na 'yon, kasi kailangan kong musunod sa gusto ng magulang ko. I participated as a candidate for the position of the Duchess and spent some time with the Duke.

It wasn't really a sweet moment, but I am just like other women who gradually fell for his mysterious amber eyes, jet-black hair, broad shoulders, and tall figure.