The grand halls of Dragonstone were heavy with the weight of secrets and the scent of burning candles. Within the stone walls carved by ancient hands, the flickering light cast long shadows across the polished floors and tapestries embroidered with the dragon sigil of House Targaryen. It was here, in the heart of the island fortress, that King Jaehaerys I Targaryen convened his Small Council. The council chambers were a place of measured words and cautious eyes—where decisions shaped the fate of Westeros and where even the smallest whisper could ripple into a storm.
King Jaehaerys sat at the head of the long, oaken table, his face calm but marked by the wisdom of years and the burden of rule. Beside him, Queen Alysanne watched quietly, her silver hair gleaming like the scales of her dragon, Silverwing. Around them gathered the lords and advisors—Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King; Prince Daemon Targaryen, the fiery and unpredictable younger brother; Lord Corlys Velaryon, the sea lord with eyes as sharp as the horizon; and other trusted men whose counsel was weighed carefully.
The topic that day was unusual, whispered through reports and vague sightings, yet demanding the full attention of those who understood the power of dragons and the fragility of their rule. "The dragonkeepers have sent reports," Ser Otto began, his voice low and deliberate, "of something new on the island. Not a beast we know. Movements seen near the western cliffs, signs of smoke where none should be. They have found strange claw marks, too small for the dragons we tend." His eyes flicked toward the king. "They believe a new dragon may have hatched in secret."
King Jaehaerys folded his hands, his gaze steady. "A new dragon… unseen and unclaimed. That is dangerous news. Dragons do not simply appear without meaning." He glanced at Queen Alysanne, who nodded subtly. "We have kept careful watch on our brood. No new hatchlings should have been born without notice."
Prince Daemon leaned forward, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Perhaps a hidden clutch, born in the wild. It would not be unheard of for a dragon to hatch in secret, away from the eyes of men." His voice was sharp, filled with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "But if true, it could upset the balance we have worked so hard to maintain. An unknown dragon with no rider… it could be a threat or a tool."
Lord Corlys cleared his throat, his weathered face thoughtful. "If this creature is real, it is small still. The reports say no one has seen it clearly, only glimpses—shadows and smoke. It has not yet taken flight or sought a rider. That gives us time, but little."
The king nodded slowly. "We must decide how to act. Do we seek out this dragon? Do we attempt to claim it, or do we wait and watch? To rush into this could provoke a disaster, but to ignore it could be even worse."
Ser Otto spoke again. "The dragonkeepers suggest placing more watchers and traps near the reported locations. No harm, only observation. If it is truly a hatchling, we may gain it as an ally. If it is wild, we must be prepared."
Queen Alysanne's voice was soft but firm. "Dragons are not beasts to be tamed lightly. The bond between rider and dragon is sacred. If this creature remains wild, we risk angering it. We must approach with wisdom, not haste."
A long silence fell over the chamber as the council weighed the options. The existence of an unknown dragon was a matter both thrilling and dangerous. It was a living flame in the midst of politics and power—something that could either forge strength or burn everything to ash.
King Jaehaerys finally spoke, his tone resolute. "We will increase the watch along the western cliffs and the island's edges. The dragonkeepers will be given strict orders to observe but not to provoke. We will learn what we can before making any decision. And if this creature is found, it must be approached with care and respect."
Prince Daemon smiled, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "A mystery on Dragonstone. It could mark the beginning of a new chapter—or the start of a storm." He leaned back, eyes still fixed on the flickering candlelight.
The council agreed to the king's plan, and as the meeting dispersed, whispers lingered in the air like smoke from a dying fire. The Targaryens and their closest advisors understood that dragons were more than weapons or symbols—they were living forces of nature, wild and unpredictable. This new presence on Dragonstone was a thread pulling at the fabric of their rule, and none could say where it might lead.
Outside the chamber windows, the island remained silent and watchful. Beneath the darkened sky, Jake moved quietly among the shadows, unaware that his fate was now entwined with the destiny of kings.