The Medallion

Everyone was shocked by the emperor's unexpected announcement. No one had expected that the emperor would reinstate to Rocky the title of 'Prince'. Deservedly, he had been stripped of the title for touching the Holy Dragon Bead without permission.

They had not expected that the emperor would have such a huge change of heart towards Rocky.

More than everyone else, Alston was unhappy with the emperor's decision. Like his siblings, he had never regarded Rocky as their brother. Though were step-brothers, born of the same father, they all looked down on Rocky, because his mother was of humble birth. To them, he was just a bastard. So when Rocky was stripped of his title two months ago, they were all over the top with glee at his loss.

But they had never expected that their father would entitle Rocky as a prince again. If he did so, Rocky would become the youngest prince and the shame of the royals again. By all means, they would not agree with their father's decision to number that son of a peasant woman with them. However, none of them would dare say that to the emperor. Once their father had made a decision, they would have no other choice but to abide by his will.

Even so, they still looked at Rocky with contempt. They did not care that Rocky had showed a splendid performance at the Dragon Birth Festival and he was hailed as the ultimate prodigy of the Holy Dragon Empire. They still hated on him.

Only Alston, the next emperor of the Holy Dragon Empire, one of them question him — and that, on very rare occasions would.

"Father, I don't understand why you do this." He would not so readily agree to Rocky's admission back into royalty. If anything, Rocky was a direct threat to Alston's ascent to power.

sacred treasure of the empire, only an heir to throne can possess the bead. It's

for only two months, if he is entitled a prince again so soon, he will only make all the royal family look like a cavalier lot in the eyes of the people,"

And I am sure people will appreciate having him back to his rightful position," Lena disagreed. She hated

back." Alston was determined. As heir apparent to the throne, he had some influence in the empire. Right now,

also surprised by the decision. But the emperor was justified to reward him for the outstanding performance at the festival. So when he heard Alston disagreed, he retorted at once with the

to talk to

Didn't you hear what our daddy said just now? I am a prince again. So the only difference between you and me is age. But we are both princes now. This

He

on and on, the ministers exchanged curious guesses but did not know how to stop them. They waited on the emperor to act. They were all clear that once the emperor

expected, the emperor immediately scolded Alston. Then with finality, he declared, "I have made up my mind. I will

the decision, Alston snorted as he gave Rocky an angry stare. Then

point of disagreeing with His Majesty in public?" Lena