The Medallion

"Chief Bryant only wishes the best for our empire. He has no obligation to consider marrying off his granddaughter, the successor of their clan, to you. It is a sacrifice, and we shall appreciate him for his service to the empire," the emperor sighed.

Rocky remained silent and his eyebrows knitted in thought.

Both Isis and Lena had their eyes on him, also lost in their own thoughts.

A long silence ensued and finally Isis remarked, "Basil, you don't have to worry about hurting my feelings. It's fine." She knew that it was hard for him to give an answer to the emperor in her presence. But from the moment she had decided to marry him, Isis never expected Rocky to solely belong to her. He was like the wind—free and wild. He would always attract any women in his path with his unique charm; she had accepted that long ago.

Rocky turned to glance at her. Seeing her gentle smile, he turned to his father and said, "Father, I've made my decision. I will announce it in front of the people."

The emperor was hesitant. He couldn't tell what was going through Rocky's mind. He wanted a clear reply, but decided to respect his son's decision.

"Basil..." Isis whispered. She had so much to say to him, but stopped herself and looked at their son who rested silently in her arms.

"Father, if there's nothing else, I will make the announcements to the public." The emperor nodded slightly. Rocky bowed to him, turned around and headed to the door.

"Father, what will his replies be? Will he marry Shirley?" Isis asked, unable to contain her anxiety after Rocky disappeared through the open doors.

"Whatever he chooses to do, I believe he will make the right decision for the empire and for himself," the emperor replied solemnly.

Isis exchanged a glance with Lena, and both of them walked to the door to witness the announcement.

and Marcia walked up to Rocky when he entered

His Majesty told

Rocky nodded.

agree?" Bryant asked

the hall, and Marcia and Bryant followed close

instantly when he walked out. Everyone's eyes were focused on Rocky, Prince Crimson of the Holy Dragon Empire. They held their

loud and clear for everyone to hear. He swept his eyes over the excited crowd.

They shared questions and assumptions, wondering what the announcements were

the Imperial City. The people of the empire expected great changes to happen. The most wide-spread rumor was that the emperor would soon pass the throne to Prince Crimson.

other princes, who were hardly any match for Rocky. None of these princes held a

was another rumor that was widely discussed. Shirley had publicly mentioned her engagement to Rocky at the centennial celebration of the Ximen Clan and was willing to marry him. At that time, Rocky had also

Clan, the first clan of the Holy Dragon Empire. They would consider him as their own and provide him with all their resources.

day arrived, Rocky would be able to do whatever it was

that throne, he would be unbeatable. It sent shivers down the

Nigel, as the heir to the throne," Rocky announced,

heir? Was this the emperor's decision or Rocky's? The crowd wondered in silence as they stared

explanation. It was His Majesty's desire to pass the throne to Prince Basil. But he has no intention or desire to be the emperor, and hence, refused the rights to the throne. After careful consideration, His Majesty decided to name Prince Basil's son, Prince Nigel, as the heir. This was by no means a rushed decision. It is His Majesty's final word, and I believe that you will hear and

arose among the crowd. "He

prince. Isn't it something he's supposed to do? What else does Prince