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 the palace

His Majesty told you about his decision?" Bryant

Rocky nodded.

you agree?"

out of the hall,

walked out. Everyone's eyes were focused on Rocky, Prince Crimson of the Holy Dragon Empire.

to make today," Rocky said, loud and clear for everyone to

suspended whispering began once again. They shared questions and assumptions, wondering what the announcements were going to be.

rumors were spreading throughout 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

the Holy Dragon Empire. After Alston was killed, the forces that had once aided him scattered and turned to other princes, who were hardly any match for Rocky. None of these princes held a responsible position; they lacked the strength and ability to lead. Rocky was the best candidate to inherit the throne, and was

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 presented her with

were to marry Shirley, he would receive undisputed support from the Ximen Clan, the first clan of the Holy Dragon Empire. They would consider him as their own and provide him with all their resources. He would become the pillar of the empire with the support of the Three Great Generals, along with the backing of the two strongest clans of the Holy Dragon

be able to do whatever it was that pleased him and completely rule the whole

be unbeatable. It sent shivers down the spines of anyone who was against him until that

Nigel, as the heir to the throne," Rocky

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

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

crowd. "He refused

a prince. Isn't it something he's