The Medallion novel Chapter 80

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.

"I stripped Basil because he touched the Holy Dragon Bead without permission. But what he had done at the Dragon Birth Festival can make up for his fault. But the main reason for his reinstatement is that he now possesses the Holy Dragon Bead, which is the symbol of royalty. Since my predecessor inducted the Holy Dragon Bead into the sacred treasure of the empire, only an heir to throne can possess the bead. It's only that I have already chosen my successor, so Basil may not ascend to the throne. But he should enjoy the same privileges as the next emperor. So I have every reason to restore Basil again. He has to be treated fairly and with all the respect he deserves," the emperor explained.

"Your Majesty, though you want to reinstate Basil, you cannot announce it in haste. Basil was demoted 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," Priest Dean beat around the bush.

"Why would they think the royal family is made of jokers? Everyone has seen Basil's excellent performance at the festival. And I am sure people will appreciate having him back to his rightful position," Lena disagreed. She hated people like Priest Dean who were quick on the bandwagon of trying to mud-sling Rocky.

"I will never agree with you on bringing Basil back." Alston was determined. As heir apparent to the throne, he had some influence in the empire. Right now, he was hoping the emperor would change his mind.

"Alston, what gives you the authority to speak and decide for dad? Who are you to disagree?" Though Rocky was 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 confidence of royalty.

"Who are you to talk to me!" Alston shouted back.