Alert – House of the Dragon: Rhaenyra makes a bold move to claim a dragon… with surprising results as the ‘small folk’ begin to rise up in King’s Landing – News Alerts

Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) makes a bold move to try and claim a dragon to get an advantage in the ongoing civil war in HBO’s House of the Dragon.

While Rhaenyra waits for Daemon (Matt Smith) to assemble an army in her name, she takes a bold risk by attempting to claim another dragon.

As it was revealed in the preview for this week’s episode, it can be a risky gambit, with the one who attempts to claim may die in the process.

The dragon in question – Seasmoke – does in fact gain a rider… although not the one that Rhaenyra intended.

The episode – entitled Small Folk – revealed how the commoners of King’s Landing were starting to rise up, leading to tumult in the Red Keep.

Rhaenyra Targaryen ( Emma D’Arcy ) makes a bold move to try and claim a dragon to get an advantage in the ongoing civil war in HBO’s House of the Dragon .

While Rhaenyra waits for Daemon ( Matt Smith ) to assemble an army in her name, she takes a bold risk by attempting to claim another dragon.

The episode begins with the Lannister army of soldiers advancing on horseback carrying maroon banners.

Jason Lannister (Jefferson Hall) meets with men from The Golden Tooth, with Humfrey Lefford telling Jason, ‘The Golden Tooth is honored to receive you, my Lord Lannister. I have 500 fighting men, armed and full of spirit. I bring a thousand knights of my own, and seven times as many archers and men-at-arms. I have 500 fighting men, armed -and full of spirit.’

Jason tells him, ‘I bring a thousand knights of my own, and seven times as many archers and men-at-arms. By the time we are finished with the Riverland scum, the Red Fork will have earned its name.’

Humfrey tells them, ‘We are ready to March at your command, my lord. I suppose you will make for Harrenhal at once.

Jason tells Humfrey, ‘I want you to send a raven to King’s Landing. Tell my brother we are ready to March as soon as Prince Aemond is able to join us… On Vhagar.’

Humfrey asks, ‘And until the prince makes his answer, my lord?’ Jason says, ‘My men have had a long march. They are most eager to embrace the hospitality of your keep.’

Back in King’s Landing, new king Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) reacts to the raven that Jason Lannister sent, stating, ‘He dares to summon me! “With haste”? Are the Lannisters so diminished that they cannot March from the Tooth to Harrenhal without an escort?’

He’s told by Tyland Lannister, ‘There is a large dragon in the Riverlands, Your Grace,’ but Aemond says, ‘I am the prince regent, not a dog to be called to heel. Tell your brother that if he does not deliver his host to Harrenhal, “With haste,” Daemon’s dragon will become the least of his worries.

Aemond says, ‘I have a task for you as well, Ser Tyland. We will make an alliance with the Triarchy. I’ve had enough of this cursed blockade.’

Humfrey asks, ‘And until the prince makes his answer, my lord?’ Jason says, ‘My men have had a long march. They are most eager to embrace the hospitality of your keep’

Tyland says, ‘My prince… You cannot mean to treat with the Free Cities. The captains of their ships are dangerous mercenaries, little more than pirates.

Aemond says, ‘They are a stone’s throw away across the Narrow Sea. Lannister and Hightower ships will take months to arrive. The Triarchy will delight in the chance to terrorize the Sea Snake again. Let them weaken his blockade while our true allies make their long journey east.’

Alicent asks, ‘What has come of our letters to the Greyjoys?’ She’s told, ‘They have been to no avail. The Red Kraken waits, seeking his best advantage. Though we may draw him in with honey, if it comes to it. An offer of marriage, perhaps, to the dowager queen?’

Alicent says, ‘Out of the question,’ as Criston Cole says, ‘The dowager queen speaks wisely, Your Grace. Even if the blockade could be broken, are we to invite these alien raiders into our waters, so close to King’s Landing?’

Aemond tells Cole, ‘It’s time you set out for Harrenhal, I think,’ as Cole says, ‘Your Grace, if Daemon prevails in the Riverlands, I no longer have the numbers to challenge him. We lost much at Rook’s Rest, as you well know.’

Aemond says, ‘The longer we wait, the more chance he will prevail. Lannister will March from the west. Take what strength we have and force Daemon and his Riverlords to fight on two fronts.’

Criston Cole says, ‘We would do better to await the Hightower host and set out in good time, as Aemond says, ‘There is no time. It’s a fortnight’s March to Harrenhal. We must strike before his army is raised.’

Criston asks, ‘And you yourself?’ He answers, ‘I will fly out to meet you when the time is ripe. My uncle is a challenge I welcome… If he dares face me. I see we’re all agreed.’

They all leave but he says he would like a word with Alicent, telling her he doesn’t want her on the small council.

‘It’s not a matter of obligation. This council has need of a tempering voice,’ Alicent says but Aemond says, ‘We have more than enough of those, if you ask me.’

Alicent tells her son, ‘You have the impetuousness of youth… And its arrogance, neither of which is to be desired in a king.’

Aemond says, ‘I release you of your seat, such as it was. I’m sure you’ll be much pleased to return to more… Domestic pursuits.’

She goes to touch his face and says ‘Have the indignities of your childhood not yet sufficiently been avenged.’

Aemond gets up and walks away from his mother, telling her, ‘You have the gratitude of the crown.’

The episode transitions back to Dragonstone, where Rhaenyra meets with her own council, including Corlys Velaryon.

They bring forth Ser Steffon Darklyn, as Rhaenyra tells him, ‘I find myself, Ser Steffon, in an impossible position. I have lost Princess Rhaenys and her dragon. I hold an island seat with no land army. And I must not go to battle myself… As I am constantly told, lest I am slain or captured, and… With me, our hopes of victory.’

They all leave but he says he would like a word with Alicent, telling her he doesn’t want her on the small council

Alicent tells her son, ‘You have the impetuousness of youth… And its arrogance, neither of which is to be desired in a king’

Aemond says, ‘I release you of your seat, such as it was. I’m sure you’ll be much pleased to return to more… Domestic pursuits’

She goes to touch his face and says ‘Have the indignities of your childhood not yet sufficiently been avenged’

The episode transitions back to Dragonstone, where Rhaenyra meets with her own council, including Corlys Velaryon

He tells her, ‘There is still Daemon and Caraxes… And the Rivermen,’ but she says, ‘That remains to be seen.’

‘In any case, I must now proceed as if I stand alone. And I see now, that to do that, I need more dragonriders for Vermithor and Silverwing, and for Seasmoke, who I believe misses his bond,’ Rhaenyra says.

He says, ‘But there are no more in your family, Your Grace. Your younger sons are babes,’ as they mention Princess Rhaena but they are told the dragon would not take her.

Steffon asks, ‘Then who could do it?’ She says, ‘You. You are of noble birth. And I had always heard, as you know, that the Darklyns and the Targaryens had some common blood. I looked into the history, and indeed it is true. Your grandmother’s grandmother, Aeriana, was born a Targaryen princess. And I have been thinking could it be possible? To even consider such a thing.

One of the members says, ‘I must protest, Your Grace, the risk involved in such a venture.’

Steffon says, ‘I am but a man. The dragons are gods. Your Grace honors me beyond what I deserve.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘You understand your peril, Ser Steffon? I do not compel you to do this. It has never been attempted before. To claim a dragon, you must also be prepared to die.’

He says, ‘I well understand the risk and I accept it with gladness. I swore to ward my queen with all my strength, and to give my blood for hers. That is my oath, Your Grace.’

He says, ‘But there are no more in your family, Your Grace. Your younger sons are babes,’ as they mention Princess Rhaena but they are told the dragon would not take her

Steffon says, ‘I am but a man. The dragons are gods. Your Grace honors me beyond what I deserve’

Rhaenyra says, ‘Then perhaps the gods will favor us.’

The episode cuts to the Riverlands as Daemon (Matt Smith) sees a vision of his late brother, the former King Viserys (Paddy Considine).

‘Did you say it? “The Heir for a Day.” Did you say it?’ Daemon answers, ‘You can’t possibly still be angry about this.’

Viserys says, ‘My family was just destroyed. You should’ve been at my side. But instead you chose to celebrate your own rise. Laughing at me… Laughing with the whores and lickspittles. No. You have no allies at court but me. I have only ever defended you. And everything I’ve given you, you’ve thrown back in my face! I have decided to name a new heir. You are to return to Runestone and your lady wife at once, and you are to do so without quarrel, by order of your king.’

Daemon begs for the door to be open as Ser Simon Strong comes in, as he suggests, ‘I do wonder, Your Grace, if you’re getting enough sleep.’

Daemon asks, ‘Are you mocking me? Or are you perhaps the culprit who has been tampering with my peace? A friend by day and a foe by night.’

Simon asks, ‘To what end?’ Daemon says, ‘To mine, perhaps,’ as Daemon pulls out a blade and puts it to Simon’s throat.

‘Perhaps… You resent my being here. Perhaps… You are an agent -of the Hightower rabble. Or are you still in league with your club-footed nephew? Or is it Rhaenyra herself?’ Daemon says, adding he should stop watching him.

The episode cuts to the Riverlands as Daemon (Matt Smith) sees a vision of his late brother, the former King Viserys (Paddy Considine)

‘Did you say it? “The Heir for a Day.” Did you say it?’ Daemon answers, ‘You can’t possibly still be angry about this’

Daemon begs for the door to be open as Ser Simon Strong comes in, as he suggests, ‘I do wonder, Your Grace, if you’re getting enough sleep’

Daemon is about to leave as Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) says, ‘You weren’t going to bid me farewell?’

Daemon says, ‘There’s something wrong with me. Someone poisoned me. The food, the wine. Or else it’s this swamp air.’

Alys says, ‘The ghost of Harren the Black moaning his curses from Kingspyre Tower.’

Daemon says, ‘Drivel! All of it! The ghosts, the curses, the blasted weirwood bed! I’m done with it!’

Alys says, ‘Ah, yes. It is your way, is it not? When something does not please you, you run. Dragonstone, the Stepstones, Pentos, Harrenhal. I awake and I do not know where I’ve been. There are older things in this world than you or I, or living memory. You are not the player, but a piece on the board. As am I, for that matter.’

He says, ‘I’m not like you,’ as she adds, ‘In some ways, no. You struggle to see there’s an anger that blinds you. She never even wanted it. The crown. She spared it no thought. Well, that’s perhaps why your brother gave the crown to her. Perhaps those who strive for it are the least suited to wear it.’

Daemon yells, ‘Don’t lecture me!’ as Alys adds, ‘Viserys never wanted it himself, if you recall. It came to him, and he did his best. It’s not a prize to be won, but a burden to bear.’

Daemon adds, ‘If you have any counsel for dealing with the Riverlords, I’d be glad of it,’ as Alys pokes fun at him saying, ‘Daemon Targaryen asking for help?’

Daemon is about to leave as Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) says, ‘You weren’t going to bid me farewell?’

Daemon says, ‘There’s something wrong with me. Someone poisoned me. The food, the wine. Or else it’s this swamp air’

Daemon yells, ‘Don’t lecture me!’ as Alys adds, ‘Viserys never wanted it himself, if you recall. It came to him, and he did his best. It’s not a prize to be won, but a burden to bear’

He insists, ‘Counsel,’ as Alys adds, ‘House Tully is not the largest house in the Riverlands, nor is it the richest, but it is the most stable. The Tullys’ wisdom has kept the river houses in line for centuries. They would kill each other to the last man if it were not for their liege lord.’

Daemon adds, ‘That dotard is of no use to us,’ as Alys says, ‘But Grover Tully is their Lord Paramount. Without him, they will never raise their banners as one. Rivermen are made of mud. They would rather die stuck in it than yield one inch to one another.’

Daemon says, ‘Then I can do nothing,’ as Alys says,’ You? No,’ as a bird lands on her arm.

Daemon insists, ‘I need help, Alys,’ as Alys adds, ‘Do nothing now. In three days’ time, the winds will shift,’ before walking away.

The episode cuts back to Dragonstone as chants are heard as they prepare to see if this dragon claiming attempt will work with Ser Steffon Darklyn.

The dragon Seasmoke arrives as they speak to it in High Valyrian, as one tells Steffon to not ‘show fear.’

Seasmoke lowers its head as Steffon slowly approaches it, as Steffon says ‘I’ve done it,’ but as he approaches closer, Seasmoke sets Steffon on fire, as he slits his own throat to put himself out of his misery.

The episode cuts back to Corlys Velaryon, as he meets with Alyn of Hull, as Corlys says he wants him to serve as his first mate.

Daemon says, ‘Then I can do nothing,’ as Alys says,’ You? No,’ as a bird lands on her arm.

Daemon insists, ‘I need help, Alys,’ as Alys adds, ‘Do nothing now. In three days’ time, the winds will shift,’ before walking away

Alyn asks if it’s an order or a request and Corlys says he expects him to report for duty on the morrow and he obliges.

Dyana and another man talk about the feasts in the Red Keep while there is dwindling food in the city.

Sylvi says, ‘Makes you sick, doesn’t it? Knowing they’re banqueting every night at the castle, while we go without.’

Dyana says, ‘That can’t be true,’ but Madam Sylvi says, ‘My girls were taken to the Red Keep a few nights ago. Feasting and merriment for the new Prince Regent.’

Back at Dragonstone, Bartimos Celtigar walks with Rhaenyra and says, ‘I am far from alone among your councilors in holding this to be a truly unfortunate result, Your Grace. Seasmoke has fled Dragonstone, and Ser Steffon was a valiant knight. Most regrettable, if, perhaps, foreseeable. I myself, if you recall, was in favor of treating with Lord Mooton to March on Rook’s Rest. A more conventional approach, true, not as sensational. And, uh, his– his numbers were few, but we may yet retake,’ as Rhaenyra turns and slaps him in the face.

‘It is my fault, I think, that you have forgotten to fear me,’ she says and walks away.

Mysaria goes to see Rhaenyra, telling her, ‘It was worth the risk, no matter the outcome.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘More good men killed? That’s my fault,’ as Mysaria insists, ‘Ser Steffon went willingly.’

Dyana and another man talk about the feasts in the Red Keep while there is dwindling food in the city

Sylvi says, ‘Makes you sick, doesn’t it? Knowing they’re banqueting every night at the castle, while we go without’

Sylvi says, ‘Makes you sick, doesn’t it? Knowing they’re banqueting every night at the castle, while we go without.’

Mysaria goes to see Rhaenyra, telling her, ‘It was worth the risk, no matter the outcome.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘It was a reckless thought. That an ancient Valyrian beast would suffer a Darklyn to ride it.’

Mysaria says, ‘Surely he was not the only possibility. Might there not be others among the highborn of the Seven Kingdoms?’

Rhaenyra says, ‘And who will be so foolish as to try, after hearing what befell Ser Steffon? I will look again. But Darklyn had the most likely claim.’

Mysaria says, ‘There is good news to be had. The smallfolk of King’s Landing are listening. They were ready enough to hear. The usurpers have abandoned them. They are hungry, and they need someone to blame.’

Rhaenyra asks, ‘Will it be enough?’ Mysaria answers, ‘We have laid the kindling only. Tonight we will light it, and watch it begin to flare. And when it does, Aemond will put it down with force. That will make it rise the hotter.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘He cannot destroy his own city. Neither can they overthrow him.’

Mysaria says, ‘Maybe not, but it is harder to wage war abroad when you must also keep peace at home. Then let us see to our plan. If I may, Your Grace… This becomes you.’

Back in King’s Landing, food is running out in the streets due to the blockade, as on woman begs a merchant, ‘I’ve been waiting all day. I’ll take anything. Scraps?’

Rhaenyra says, ‘It was a reckless thought. That an ancient Valyrian beast would suffer a Darklyn to ride it’

Mysaria says, ‘Surely he was not the only possibility. Might there not be others among the highborn of the Seven Kingdoms?’

Rhaenyra says, ‘He cannot destroy his own city. Neither can they overthrow him.’

Supplies are brought into the Red Keep as the smallfolk grow angrier and angrier by the moment.

Jasper “Ironrod” Wylde tells Aemond, ‘It seems, Your Grace, that the smallfolk have become restless.’

Aemond dismisses it by saying, ‘So?’ Ironrod continues, ‘There is not food enough in the city. Those with means have bought more than their share.’

Aemond says, ‘All the more reason Ser Tyland must break the blockade,’ as Ironrod says, ‘In the meantime, the people are hungry, and their anger is rising. The enemy without may be fought with swords. The enemy within is more insidious.’

Aemond says, ‘Why is this anger directed at us? It is Rhaenyra the Pretender who ordered the Gullet closed and left them all to starve.

Larys Strong says, ‘They still look to you to ensure their well-being. That is the burden of authority. But you should not go it alone. It does occur to me that Your Grace has yet to name a Hand. Ser Criston, of course, served your brother, but you need one who may advance your cause… With shrewdness and subtlety.’

Aemond says, ‘Do you take me for a fool?’ Larys says, ‘On the contrary, my prince.’

Aemond adds, ‘I’ve little patience for the self-important, Lord Larys, and even less for flatterers and lickspittles. But you are, as it happens, correct. Every king needs a Hand. I’ll make it your responsibility.’

Aemond dismisses it by saying, ‘So?’ Ironrod continues, ‘There is not food enough in the city. Those with means have bought more than their share.’

Aemond says, ‘Do you take me for a fool?’ Larys says, ‘On the contrary, my prince.’

Larys says, My prince, it is an honor I’d never considered for myself…’ as Aemond says, ‘No, not to serve as Hand, you toad. To fetch him. Send word to Otto Hightower. My grandsire may be overcautious, but his devotion to his family has never been in doubt. You’ll see it done.’

Maester Orwylle (Kurt Egyiawan) arrives and says, ‘I am happy to report that His Grace the king has regained consciousness this morning, if only for a few moments.’

Ironrod says, ‘You said there was little hope,’ but Grand Maester Orwyle says, ‘He is stronger than I thought. This morning his breath comes easier. He may yet live, thank the gods.’

Aemond says, ‘What happy news,’ as he goes to see Aegon, asking him, ‘What do you remember?’

‘Nothing,’ Aegon says, as Aemond puts pressure on his wound, as Aemond says, ‘You challenged Meleys. It was foolish.’

Aegon insists, ‘I remember… Nothing,’ as Orwylle returns, as Aemond says, ‘It seems my brother has a long recovery ahead of him, Grand Maester. See that he is made to rest comfortably.’

The episode cuts to Rhaena Targaryen, who watches over Rhaenyra’s youngest son, telling him, ‘And I’ve decided there is nothing to be gained with fretfulness. Not all of us, I suppose, are called to great deeds. Some of us must serve in smaller ways… Even if they are not what we would choose for ourselves.’

The boy says, ‘I want Mother,’ as they see some charred earth.

Maester Orwylle (Kurt Egyiawan) arrives and says, ‘I am happy to report that His Grace the king has regained consciousness this morning, if only for a few moments.’

Aemond says, ‘What happy news,’ as he goes to see Aegon, asking him, ‘What do you remember?’

‘Nothing,’ Aegon says, as Aemond puts pressure on his wound, as Aemond says, ‘ You challenged Meleys. It was foolish’

Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) enters and tells Rhaena, ‘ I bring good news, Rhaena. Prince Reggio has answered your letter. He’ll be most pleased to shelter Rhaenyra’s youngest sons in Pentos. And their half-sister.’

Rhaena doesn’t react, as Rhaena says, ‘Thought you’d be happy. Or at least less morose. You hate it here.’

Rhaena says, ‘You misled me, my lady. There is a large dragon in the Vale.’ Jeyne says, ‘Rumor of it began shortly after the war. Ranging more broadly for food… My maesters surmise. It is large and formidable, but alas, wild.’

Jeyne says, ‘A merchant cog, the Gay Abandon, will take you to Pentos. I’ll send six good men to protect you on the crossing.’

Back in Driftmark, Alyn gets ready to serve as, cutting his hair to avoid his white hair giving away that Corlys is his actual father.

His brother Addam says, ‘You know you’re not fooling anyone. Lord Corlys has chosen to raise you up to serve alongside him and yet, you still continue this subterfuge.’

Addam says, ‘You saved his life, brother. Do you never think about what could be ours? Or yours, anyway. The riches… Servants… The Driftwood Throne.’

Alyn says, ‘We spent the whole of our lives in the shadow of the Sea Snake’s great castle. I do not wish to dwell in it any longer.’

Back in Driftmark, Alyn gets ready to serve as, cutting his hair to avoid his white hair giving away that Corlys is his actual father

Rhaenyra meets with Jace, who tells her, ‘It was a bold attempt. I admire you for it. They say you struck Lord Bartimos today in view of the staff and guard. The household is abuzz with it.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘He’s lucky I did not have his tongue,’ as Jace asks, ‘And what did he say that was so deserving?’

‘I have tired of being protected… Jace. I bring to mind too much their mothers or their daughters. They must see in me a ruler. And the symbols of authority are not jewels and gowns, but the shield and the sword.’

Jace says, ‘My ruler is my mother. And I do not wish it otherwise. Will you lead us to war yourself?’

Rhaenyra says ‘Well, for a certainty I cannot remain here, pacing the floors, waiting for defeat and despair to visit me.’

Jace adds, ‘Oh, don’t be ridiculous,’ but Rhaenyra insists, ‘I’m doing all I can. I have directed Lord Mooton to March on Rook’s Rest, and sent another raven to the Vale to persuade. We may marshal the strength of the Vale, Maidenpool, and all our allies besides. We will still never match the strength of the Green armies. We need Daemon and his dragon.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘May I be free for even one hour of the constant refrain of Daemon, Daemon, Daemon.

Lorent Marbrand arrives with Mysaria, whos says, ‘My queen, our gift is sent,’ as Jace asks, ‘What gift?’

Rhaenyra meets with Jace, who tells her, ‘ It was a bold attempt. I admire you for it. They say you struck Lord Bartimos today in view of the staff and guard. The household is abuzz with it.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘He’s lucky I did not have his tongue,’ as Jace asks, ‘And what did he say that was so deserving?’

‘Let us hope for clouds over the Blackwater tonight,’ Rhaenyra says.

A small boat arrives on shore, filled with food as one man discovers it and sees more boats arriving as well.

Back in King’s Landing, Alicent watches over Aegon, as Orwylle arrives, as she says, ‘You said he’d improved.’

Orwylle says, ‘His Grace sleeps nine hours of every 10… But he did open his eyes and speak, however briefly. His mending may be long and painful, but it is my sincere hope that His Grace will be spared.’

Alicent asks, ‘And what will he be if he lives?’ But Orwylle dosn’t answer.

Alicent asks, ‘My letters to my father…’ He says, ‘I have sent ravens, again, to Highgarden and to Oldtown. And now, to all the great houses in the Reach. There has been no word from Ser Otto, as of yet. There is war in the Reach now, Your Grace. House Beesbury has raised arms against the Hightower host. Retribution for their lord’s demise.’

Orwylle leaves as Alicent tells Aegon, ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry.’

She leaves the building and finds her brother Gwayne, telling him, ‘Tis well that I found you. I wish to give you my blessing.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘He’s lucky I did not have his tongue,’ as Jace asks, ‘And what did he say that was so deserving?’

She leaves the building and finds her brother Gwayne, telling him, ‘ Tis well that I found you. I wish to give you my blessing’

‘Well… My thanks to the queen dowager,’ he says, and she asks, ‘I wondered if you’ve heard from father? I’ve sent ravens to Highgarden and Oldtown, but have had no reply. I’ve heard nothing but neither have I sent any message.’

‘If he wrote letters, it would be to you. You were always his favorite,’ Gwayne says, as she says, ‘Strange there has been no word.’

Gwayne insists, ‘Otto Hightower is ever-resourceful. He will send news when there is news to send.’

Alicent says, ‘I often wonder what life could’ve been if he had brought you to court instead.’

Gwayne says, ‘I’m the eldest son. It was right that I was raised at Oldtown. But you were eight years of age and motherless. It must’ve been difficult.’

She asks about her son Daeron, adding he writes to her, ‘Less and less these days.’

He says, ‘You did well to send him to ward. Yes, it seems the Red Keep, for all its privileges, may, in fact, be a less than salubrious environment for the forming of young men.’

‘Was it the court or was it their mother?’ Alicent asks, as Gwayne says, ‘I’m sure you did your best. I must join Ser Criston. Wish us luck, sister.’

Alicent says, ‘I often wonder what life could’ve been if he had brought you to court instead.’

I shall pray to the Warrior for your safe return,’ she says as Gwayne and Criston both leave on horseback.

Alicent goes to see Aegon’s wife Helaena, saying she thinks they should light a candle for Aegon, ‘and all our lost souls.’

There is a commotion in the streets as everyone rushes to get the food Rhaenyra sent in the middle of the night.

‘They came ashore in the middle of the night with gifts from the queen. She thinks of us, even now!’ one commoner says.

Alicent and the Queen are rushed out of the Red Keep as some start cheering for Queen Rhaenyra.

On man reaches for Alicent and a knight promptly cuts his arm off, infuriating the masses as Alicent tells them to ‘sheath your swords.’

The masses grow angrier and rush the knights as Alicent and Helaena run off and are cornered for a brief moment.

They are rushed inside a huge carriage, safe for the moment, but others are heard cheering for Queen Rhaenyra, before their rushed out of the Red Keep.

There is a commotion in the streets as everyone rushes to get the food Rhaenyra sent in the middle of the night

Back in the Red Keep, Aegon is still barely hanging on when a handmaiden is about to give Aegon a potion, but Larys strong tells her, ‘No more.’

She says the Grand Maester instructed her to, but Larys says, ‘The king will be most eager for his draught, in an hour,’ as she leaves.

Layrs tells him, ‘The drink takes the pain away, -but it dulls your mind. Oh, take heart, Your Grace, you’ve already written yourself into legend. You survived dragonfire. But I’m afraid you will never be whole. Orwyle has exhausted his abilities. He’s bound your leg… But you will never run again. Your mind… Is all that remains to you. I do not say that gladly. I came screaming into the world in the bowels of one of Harren’s great towers. My lungs were strong, but my foot so twisted that… My father named it sorcery. Accusing a member of our household of casting… Maligned spells. Well. People will pity you either behind your back… Or in your presence. And they will stare… At you, at you… Or turn away. And they will underestimate you. And this will be your advantage.’

Aegon says, ‘No, N– No,’ as Larys says, ‘Your brother rules in your place now, which means that your life is in danger. But I think you know that.’

Aegon softly says, ‘Help me.’

Meanwhile, Daemon approaches a vision of Viserys and embraces his mournful brother.

‘I’m sorry. You needed me. I’m here now. I’m here now,’ Daemon says, as Simon Strong whispers, ‘Your Grace. Sorrowful news from Riverrun, my king. Lord Grover is dead.’

‘Uhh… The old man,’ Daemon says as Simon says, ‘Indeed. Young Oscar Tully is now Lord Paramount of the Riverlands.’

Aegon softly says, ‘Help me.’

‘What was the manner of Lord Grover’s passing?’ Daemon says, ‘Well, he’d been ill, of course. Riverrun’s masters… Have been at their wits’ end. Our own healer, Alys Rivers, volunteered her renowned skills. She plied her craft, but… There was naught more to be done.’

Addam of Hull reports for duty, seeing the dragon Seasmoke flying overhead, causing everyone to run for cover.

Addam runs into the woods as the dragon flies over the trees, but he trips on a log as the dragon gets face to face with the beast – which does not have a rider… as it seems Seasmoke has indeed chosen Addam as his rider.

Mysaria tells Rhaenyra, ‘Your banners were carried from the ship into the city. They went as far as the Gates of the Red Keep before they were turned away. It is, as we hoped, a warning to the usurpers that you have strength beyond what they accredited.’

Rhaenyra barely reacts as Mysaria says, ‘I thought you’d be pleased,’ but Rhaenyra admits, ‘I do not think I can win this war.’

Mysaria says, ‘I think you are tired,’ but Rhaenyra adds, ‘My own son questions my capabilities. He thinks I need Daemon at my side.’

‘He was everything I wanted to be. Carefree. And dangerous. A man. And I was what he wanted. Cherished by my father, and made my father’s heir. We were halves of a whole. He’s never been at peace. He wished to possess me, but not to be possessed and to see me take hold, finally, of what he always believed to be his. I fear what he may now do. I fear he may have turned against me,’ Rhaenyra says.

‘It is more his way to disappear,’ Mysaria says, but Rhaenyra says, ‘In either case, I have lost him… And Caraxes with him. Rhaenys and her dragon are dead. I have Syrax and two young beasts. We cannot take on Vhagar alone. And I have no army.’

Addam of Hull reports for duty, seeing the dragon Seasmoke flying overhead, causing everyone to run for cover

Mysaria says, ‘You have the Velaryon fleet and the men who fight in it,’ but Rhaenyra says, ‘It’s not enough. And even if we somehow prevailed, how will I rule a kingdom when my own son doubts me?’

Mysaria insists, ‘You have me,’ as Mysaria says, ‘You have my thanks… Truly.

Mysaria tells her, ‘It was my father. I was still a child. He… Had his pleasure with me. And when, after many months of this, it became evident that his seed had taken root. There is a scar here as well. I cannot bear children. He left me for dead… But I lived.

Rhaenyra says, ‘I’m so sorry,’ as Mysaria insists, ‘Swore to myself I would never trust another. And… That oath has stood me well. This world is cold and cruel, and there are few in it who are steadfast. You, I think, are steadfast. You have seen me as worthy, as an equal, even. Because of that, I will serve you. I believe you are meant to be queen.’

They both embrace in a hug… before they start kissing passionately… when they’re interrupted by a knight.

‘Begging your pardon, Your Grace. The dragon Seasmoke has been sighted flying over Spicetown,’ the knight says.

‘Yes, he does that,’ but the knight says, ‘From what we have heard… He has a rider.’

Mysaria asks, ‘Who?’ but the knight says, ‘Impossible to tell from the ground,’ as Mysaria asks, ‘The Greens?’ Rhaenyra says, ‘I don’t know who else it could be.’

The knight asks, ‘Shall I summon your counsel?’ Rhaenyra leaves the room and boards her dragon Syrax and takes off, as her son Jace cries for her as she does as the episode comes to an end.

The preview for next week’s episode shows Rhaenyra meeting with Addam, saying, ‘You stand with a dragon of House Targaryen. What do you want?’

Alicent says, ‘All my life, I have endeavored to serve both my house and the realm. And somehow, none of it matters.’

House of the Dragon returns with the penultimate episode of the eight-episode season on Sunday, July 28 at 9 PM ET on HBO, with the season final airing Sunday, August 3.

The series is set 200 years before the events that unfolded in HBO ‘s flagship series Game of Thrones , and 100 years into the rule of House Targaryen over Westeros.

The series is set 200 years before the events that unfolded in HBO’s flagship series Game of Thrones, and 100 years into the rule of House Targaryen over Westeros.

By the end of Season 1, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) had died, with his only son, Aegon II, taking claim to the Iron Throne.

Rhaenyra felt that she had a right to the throne, as House Targaryen became divided between factions led by Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), Rhaenyra’s former best friend and wife of King Viserys.

The Season 2 premiere suffered a bit of a ratings hit, with 7.8 million viewers tuning in last week through all platforms.

That number was a 22% drop from the 10 million viewers that tuned in for the series premiere back in August 2022.

The drop was attributed to linear viewing, those who watched the episode live on HBO, which was 1 million fewer than the series premiere.

The second episode of Season 1 actually increased to 10.2 million, representing a series peak, with 9.3 million viewers watching the Season 1 finale.

The show’s season two debut was penned by showrunner Ryan Condal and directed by Alan Taylor, who previously directed episodes of Game of Thrones, as well as HBO staples such as Boardwalk Empire, Sex and the City, The Sopranos and its prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark.

The series is set 200 years before the events that unfolded in HBO ‘s flagship series Game of Thrones , and 100 years into the rule of House Targaryen over Westeros

The Season 2 premiere suffered a bit of a ratings hit, with 7.8 million viewers tuning in last week through all platforms

The show’s second season kicked off with a revised opening titles sequence that was noticeably different than the one broadcast in the show’s first season.

House of the Dragon airs new episodes Sundays at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT only on HBO

The show’s second season kicked off with a revised opening titles sequence that was noticeably different than the one broadcast in the show’s first season.

The first season of House of the Dragon featured an animated opening that incorporated Old Valyria in a stone model.

It had been presided over by the late King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine). It included red blood streaming through Valyria’s streets, with symbolism alluding to the Targaryen leaders.

House of the Dragon airs new episodes Sundays at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT only on HBO.