Dragonstone has the coldest halls, that much was obvious to Hugh the moment he step foot inside. Everything is so different from what he is used to see, and yet a part of him feels right at home in between the cold walls and the dark history that walks through them in the same pace as he does.

The welcome was not warm, that much he can tell. He saw it in Prince Jacaerys's eyes, in the stance of the lords that serve Queen Rhaenyra, even in the princess's eyes. The only daughter of the Queen and her late husband, Ser Leanor Velaryon. The moment she stepped into the hall and her eyes fell upon him, Ulf the White and Addam of Hull, something shifted.

And Hugh got so dangerously curious, maybe in a way that would bring trouble.

With war knocking on their doors, and very little preparation, he can't even sleep, he can't think of anything but the glory it might bring, and what he might lose if he freezes when the time to ride Vermithor into battle comes.

But right now, with his steps drawing closer to the private study where the princess called for him, he can't help but wonder... How is the princess going to lead him and the other dragonseeds into battle, when she seems like she can't even look at them in the eye?

As he steps into the study, the only thing he can see is the fire of the hearth reaching heights that should be nearly impossible, and the calm princess standing in front of it like the fire itself owes her answers. Then again, for a daughter of fire and blood, it could be possible.

Before speaking, Hugh clears his throat, just loud enough to announcce his presence.

"Your Highness," he begins, voice as controlled as he can master in this moment. "You called for me?"