The Rebel

Chapter 1

I am Jazmine Calore, I was born Delta-Rose Calore-Illea, and I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress disorder.

The words from that exact memory wash over me. I blink my drowsiness away as I stand in front of the bathroom mirror. A couple of splashes of water and I shake my head vigorously. Draping a towel over my shoulder, I walk downstairs to the tasteful aroma of breakfast. Aunt Emery and Jason gather at the table as I move closer.

"Morning sis," Jason chirps. The grin on his face sent a warm glow through my body. Today is going to be a great day.

I cut my toast hastily wanting to get food in my mouth. Aunt Emery smiling at a white form before her. She sighs.

"What's with the paper?" Jason says mouth full.

"The prince is holding a selection, he had sent these around the neighbourhood yesterday."

A selection? In no way would I become the prince's wife. I feel my knees clutch.

"The prince is going to be 19 this year, settling down for a family in a few years is not that bad of an idea," Aunt Emery says, staring at me with a smile

I gulp, "No no no no no, you're not suggesting I sign up for it?"

She places the form down and laces her fingers in front of her.

"I won't pressure you into it, but trust me when I tell you this," she leans in, "doing so will impact this family very well."

I look down at the table. Impossible. I wouldn't sign up for it. I don't want to be the wife of somebody I don't even know! My breath is shortening. I feel my fingers tremble on the table and release the cutlery as it gave out. My heart aches as I fall to the ground. A sense of dizziness coming over me.

"Jazmine!" I hear my brother call out.

I heard distant sounds of chairs moving and footsteps coming closer before my eyes shut and I blackout

I wake up to the image of a white ceiling before me, drowning in its colour. Next, to me, I hear whimpers from a male voice beside me.

"Jason..." I call out.

He looks up and a glow lights up his eyes. Jason fumbles as he moves closer to me, looking at me dead straight.

"How are you? Are you okay? What happened? You know if you ever have any problems you could-"

I cut him off, "I'm fine, just passed out," I smile.

"I could see," He chuckles.

"You gave Aunt Emery a fright, she thought it was her fault," Jason adds

I fall silent.

"It was, wasn't it?" Jason asks with worry in his eyes, "What she said about the selection...you felt pressured didn't you?"

I smile, " I'm glad you understand," I sit up in bed and perch my arms on my knees as I rest on my hands.

"I don't like being pressured," I confess, "might I add the selection is a dumb competition."

Jason gives an understanding smile and rubbed my arm in reassurance.

"Okay, but sis, Aunt Emery had good intentions. I'm sure she didn't mean to push you," He suggested.

"How would you know? She looked like a mafia boss staring at me like that!"

"Jaz..." Jason sighs.

"I'm not gonna do it."

"Consider it, Jazmine."

A wave of realisation came over me.

"You want me to do it too, right?" I spit.

"Well, I just think-"

"You want to sell me off to that dog of a prince!" I shoot up, furious," You want me gone!"

"I'm not going to be his wife!" I raise my voice.

"Jazmine! Listen to me."

I huff. My heart aches knowing that's what he wanted of me. I was on the verge of tears.

"I don't care about the reputation that will come with it. I don't care about the money that comes with it. I only care about you."

I look up.

"If I could, I wouldn't let you go, but you're mentally sick and I won't always be here to take care of you."

"W-what do you mean?" I stutter.

"I can't take care of you forever, neither can Aunt Emery. I want you to find him as a console when you're sad. Have him be your healer."

A tear runs down my cheek. Jason grabs the side of my face and wipes it with his thumb.

"I know you don't want to do it. I won't force you, because your choice is the best choice," he smiles.

"I-I'll think about it," I was full-on sobbing. Jason reaches in for a hug.

"I love you, I love you so much. I would never let you get hurt."

I flood his shoulder with tears.

"If you go when you don't think it's right, run back home. I'll be waiting for you,"

I open my mouth, catching my breath. Jason holds me tighter. My breathing relaxing in his arms.

"I'll think about it," I finally mutter.

"I'll let Aunt Emery know that," Jason releases. He gets up from his seat and starts walking to the door, "You should get some rest now, I'll bring up dinner later."

I nod and he leaves the room. I was so lucky to have a brother like him. Somebody who understands me. Somebody who gets me through my troubles. And most importantly, he was the person who soothes my anxiety and the only one who heals me through my disorder. My prime and only relief.

I stare into oblivion, calming myself down. I take a deep breath and smile as I push myself back into bed. Doing so will impact our family very well huh? What impact? The castes are gone, meaning status is gone. I grin. I hope the Prince finds a good wife, cause I know I would never make it as one.