The heavy oak doors of the King's private solar swung open, revealing a richly appointed room bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. Tapestries depicting dragons in flight adorned the walls, and a large table, laden with maps and scrolls, dominated the space. King Jaehaerys Targaryen sat at its head, a figure of both wisdom and command. His silver hair glinted in the light, and his violet eyes turned toward Hadrian Peverell with keen interest.
Hadrian, clad in his finest attire—a dark grey doublet embroidered with gold and red—stepped into the solar. Behind him, Kreacher followed silently, carrying a small wooden chest lined with velvet. It contained the gift Hadrian had crafted specifically for the King, a token of both Skagos's newfound allegiance and his own respect for the Targaryen dynasty.
"Lord Hadrian of Skagos," the King greeted, his voice even but warm. "Come in. I have been eager to speak with you."
Hadrian inclined his head in a deep bow, his movements graceful but measured. "Your Grace," he replied, his tone respectful yet confident. "It is an honor to stand before you."
Jaehaerys gestured to a chair across from him. "Please, sit. We have much to discuss."
Hadrian obeyed, taking a seat and folding his hands neatly in his lap. Kreacher, ever vigilant, placed the chest on the table and stepped back into the shadows, his presence barely noticeable but ever-watchful.
Before the conversation began in earnest, Hadrian leaned forward and pushed the chest toward the King. "Your Grace, before we speak of matters of state, I wish to present you with a token of respect from Skagos. It is a small gift, crafted with great care and meant to honor the royal house."
Jaehaerys raised a curious eyebrow but nodded. "A thoughtful gesture. Let us see it."
With a nod, Hadrian opened the chest, revealing the necklace within. It gleamed in the fading sunlight, its intricate design capturing the room's attention. Two dragons, forged from Valyrian steel, seemed to dance together in mid-flight. Their eyes, deep ruby red, glowed with an inner fire that seemed almost alive. The chain itself was delicate but strong, each link a testament to Skagosi craftsmanship.
The King leaned closer, his gaze sharpening as he examined the necklace. "Exquisite," he murmured, lifting it carefully from the chest. The weight of the piece was solid in his hands, the craftsmanship flawless. "Two dragons dancing. A symbol of unity, perhaps?"
Hadrian nodded. "Indeed, Your Grace. It is meant to reflect both the strength and harmony of your house and marriage—a union forged through fire and blood, but one that soars above all others. The rubies were selected to mirror the Targaryen sigil, and the steel is a testament to the enduring legacy of your rule."
Jaehaerys smiled, the faintest trace of pride flickering across his face. "You honor House Targaryen with this gift. Tell me, was this crafted by your own hand?"
Hadrian hesitated briefly but then answered truthfully. "Yes, Your Grace. I oversaw its creation personally. It was important to me that it be worthy of its recipient."
The King's gaze lingered on Hadrian for a moment, as if weighing the sincerity of his words. Then, he set the necklace aside carefully, its brilliance catching the firelight. "Your craftsmanship is remarkable, Lord Hadrian. But tell me, what brings Skagos—long known for its isolation—into the fold of the North and, by extension, the Crown?"
Hadrian leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. He had anticipated this question and had prepared an answer that would reveal enough to satisfy curiosity while guarding the deeper truths of his magic and origins.
"Your Grace," he began, "Skagos has always been a land apart—a harsh and rugged place where survival often takes precedence over politics. For generations, my people endured in relative isolation, relying on their own strength and resources. But isolation breeds stagnation, and in recent years, it became clear that Skagos could not thrive alone."
Jaehaerys listened intently, his fingers steepled under his chin. "Go on."
Hadrian continued, his voice steady. "When I assumed leadership, I saw an opportunity to change that. The North, under House Stark, has provided us with a chance to connect with the wider world while still retaining our identity. And by pledging ourselves to the Crown, we seek to demonstrate that Skagos is not a forgotten corner of Westeros but a land capable of contributing to its prosperity."
The King nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "You speak of opportunity and connection, but I sense there is more to your decision. A leader such as yourself does not act without a deeper purpose."
Hadrian allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "Your Grace is perceptive. Indeed, there is a larger vision. Skagos is a land of untapped potential—its resources, its people, and its culture. By aligning ourselves with the North and the Crown, we aim to unlock that potential and ensure that Skagos becomes a beacon of strength and prosperity."
Jaehaerys regarded him for a moment longer, his violet eyes piercing. Then he leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "A wise approach, Lord Hadrian. You speak not only as a leader but as a builder of legacies. Few possess such vision."
"I am humbled by your words, Your Grace," Hadrian replied. "It is my hope that this vision will not only benefit Skagos but also strengthen the realm as a whole."
Their conversation turned to lighter matters—tales of Skagos's rugged beauty, the challenges of ruling such a land, and the intricacies of the Northern way of life. Hadrian spoke carefully, sharing enough to paint a picture of Skagos's unique character while avoiding any mention of the magic or otherworldly knowledge that had shaped his decisions.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the room in a warm, golden glow, Jaehaerys rose from his seat. "I look forward to seeing what Skagos becomes under your leadership, Lord Hadrian. You have the makings of a great lord—and perhaps, in time, even a friend to the Crown."
Hadrian stood as well, bowing deeply. "Your Grace honors me. I will do all in my power to ensure that Skagos proves itself worthy of your trust."
The old King nodded, his expression one of quiet approval. "Let us now join the feast. There is much to celebrate, and your presence will not go unnoticed."
With that, Jaehaerys placed the necklace carefully back into its chest and gestured for Hadrian to follow. As they left the solar, the weight of the conversation lingered in the air—a quiet affirmation that Skagos had taken its first steps onto the stage of Westeros, with Hadrian Peverell at the helm.
For Hadrian, the evening's feast would be another opportunity to solidify Skagos's place in the wider world. But as he walked through the gilded halls of the Red Keep, he couldn't help but feel the stirrings of something greater. The necklace he had crafted was not just a gift; it was a symbol—a promise of what Skagos could become.