The chamber had settled into a natural quiet after the pact was sealed. The contract, now signed and sealed, lay untouched on the table, its ink barely dry. It was done.
The bulk of the initial discussions on logistics was over.
And yet, none of them moved to rise.
Because the meeting was not truly over.
The company and the fleet itself were one thing—ships could be built, men could be trained, routes could be carved into the waves—but none of it would matter without the one thing that set them apart.
The device.
Rhaegar turned the compass over in his hands, watching the needle remain steady, pointing unfailingly north.
"Now that the matter of the fleet is settled," he began, his voice smooth but firm, "we must discuss something far more delicate."
Corlys's gaze flickered toward him. "Delicate?"
Baelon exhaled, his hands resting on the arms of his chair. "He means that thing in his hands."
Rhaegar nodded. "The fleet ensures our reach. But this"—he placed the compass on the table between them—"ensures our navigational dominance."
Corlys leaned in. "How many exist?"
"Only this one," Rhaegar admitted.
Corlys's brow lifted. "Just one?"
"For now."
Baelon eyed his son carefully. "And how difficult is it to produce more?"
Rhaegar's fingers tapped lightly against the brass casing. "Not as difficult as I'd like."
Jaehaerys's gaze sharpened. Corlys, too, sat forward slightly.
"Please explain my prince," the Sea Snake said.
Rhaegar sighed. "It is a delicate process, but not impossible to replicate. Given enough time and resources, any city with competent craftsmen could theoretically figure it out. If one were to fall into the wrong hands, its function would not be too difficult to unravel."
Baelon's jaw tightened. "That is… concerning."
Corlys drummed his fingers against the wood. "A monopoly that can be undone is no monopoly at all."
Rhaegar inclined his head. "Exactly. Which is why we must ensure that, even if someone else were to attempt to make one, ours are superior, exclusive, and irreplaceable."
Corlys studied the young prince for a long moment. "And how do you intend to do that?"
Rhaegar inhaled slowly. "By controlling every aspect of its production, distribution, and knowledge."
Corlys shifted in his seat, expression thoughtful. "And what does that entail?"
Rhaegar leaned forward slightly. "The key to maintaining control is ensuring that no single person knows the full process of its creation." His gaze flickered to Corlys. "House Velaryon will not have the ability to produce them, nor will any craftsmen outside of our direct control."
Corlys nodded, unsurprised.
Rhaegar continued, addressing the table. "Each aspect of its construction will be fragmented. The craftsmen working on every single part will all be separate. No one will hold the full knowledge."
Corlys tapped a finger against the arm of his chair in thought. "A wise precaution."
Jaehaerys added then. "To ensure further secrecy, every device produced will be inspected personally by trusted men sworn to House Targaryen. Any suspicion of stolen knowledge or unauthorized copies will be met with immediate action."
Baelon exhaled sharply. "And by 'immediate action,' you mean…?"
Jaehaerys answered in a beat. "What is necessary."
Baelon's gaze flickered to his father, then back to the compass on the table. He did not argue.
Corlys, ever the pragmatist, nodded. "That much I understand. But where will these be produced?"
"Not in King's Landing," Baelon said at once. "Too many eyes."
Rhaegar nodded. "And not in Driftmark. Your shipyards are well-suited for vessels, but this is another matter entirely."
Jaehaerys exhaled. "Which leaves only one true option."
"Dragonstone," Baelon confirmed.
Rhaegar gestured toward the map. "It is the only place we can ensure near complete secrecy. The only people who come and go are those we allow. It is protected from spies, from outside forces, from merchants seeking to turn a profit on stolen knowledge and not to mention many of our dragons reside there."
Corlys leaned back, rubbing his chin. "There is wisdom in that."
"There is an old forge within the castle walls," Baelon said. "Barely used, but still intact."
Rhaegar nodded. "It can be restored and expanded as needed. We will bring in hand-picked craftsmen—only those we trust. If necessary, we will source them from Essos, perhaps captured slaves that we can liberate —people without Westerosi ties, with no reason to betray us."
Jaehaerys tapped the table again. "It will take time to set up a proper production facility."
"Not much. 4 moons should be enough to set up the facility," Rhaegar said simply.
Corlys let out a low hum, thoughtful. "And once production begins?"
Baelon answered this time. "The compasses will remain under our direct control. They will not be sold to outsiders, only leased to the company's fleet. Ownership remains with House Targaryen."
Corlys nodded. "A reasonable arrangement."
Then he raised his brow. "By the way, is that what the device is called? A Compass."
It was Rhaegar who answered him with a nod.
A moment of silence passed.
Jaehaerys looked at his son. "You will oversee this personally?"
Baelon inclined his head. "I will."
Jaehaerys turned to Rhaegar. "And you?"
Rhaegar smiled faintly. "I will ensure that every aspect of the production is done right."
Jaehaerys leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Aemon must be informed."
Baelon nodded. "Naturally. As Dragonstone's prince, he must be made aware of what will be built there."
Corlys asked then. "Will the prince disapprove?"
Baelon shook his head. "No. This endeavor strengthens House Targaryen, and that will be enough for my brother to accept the arrangements."
Jaehaerys affirmed his son's words. "He will not object."
Jaehaerys leaned forward and added. "Then it is settled."
The room fell into a moment of silence, each man contemplating the weight of what had been set into motion.
The fleet was merely the beginning.
The compass and the routes it would allow them to sail and explore were the true keys to securing their hold over the seas.
Baelon finally stood, rolling the tension from his shoulders. "I will see to the arrangements. Corlys, we will speak further on the logistics for the fleet."
Corlys nodded. "We will require additional skilled shipwrights and laborers. That must be arranged as soon as possible."
Jaehaerys tapped the table once, signaling the discussion's end. "Then go. See it done."
Baelon and Corlys both inclined their heads before stepping away.
Rhaegar lingered only for a moment, fingers brushing over the compass once more before following after them.
The pieces were in place.
The game had begun.