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

believe that His Majesty told you about his decision?" Bryant

Rocky nodded.

you agree?" Bryant asked

didn't reply. Instead, he walked out of the hall, and Marcia and Bryant followed close behind him.

eyes were focused on Rocky, Prince Crimson of the Holy Dragon Empire. They held their

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

They shared questions and assumptions, wondering what the announcements were going

spreading throughout the Imperial City. The people of the empire expected great changes to happen. The most wide-spread rumor was that the emperor

princes, who were hardly any match for Rocky. None of these princes held a responsible position;

him. At that time, Rocky had

Dragon Empire. They would consider him as their own and provide him with all

be able to do whatever it was that pleased

sat on that throne, he would be unbeatable. It sent shivers down the spines of anyone who was

the emperor has decided to name my son, Nigel, as the heir to the throne," Rocky announced, with no

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

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

arose among the crowd.

something he's supposed to do? What else