House of the Dragon: King Aegon's fate is revealed as the war between House Targaryen and House Hightower carries on

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The fate of King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is revealed in the fifth episode of the eight-episode second season of HBO's House of the Dragon.

King Aegon surprised everyone when he headed into battle atop his dragon Sunfyre, though it was he that was surprised when Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) seemingly attached the King... though it's unclear if that was on purpose or not.

The King plummeted to the earth atop Sunfyre, though the young king's fate has not been confirmed.

This week's episode reveals that King Aegon is still alive... but barely hanging on and the maesters don't expect him to survive... with Aemond named as the new King.

Last week also showcased the death of Eve Best's Rhaenys Targaryen, as her dragon Meleys' head was carted through the streets of King's Landing.

The fate of King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is revealed in the fifth episode of the eight-episode second season of HBO 's House of the Dragon 

This week's episode reveals that King Aegon is still alive... but barely hanging on and the maesters don't expect him to survive... with Aemond named as the new King.

This week's episode reveals that King Aegon is still alive... but barely hanging on and the maesters don't expect him to survive... with Alicent's son Aemond named as the new King.

The episode begins with Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), who likely just learned that his wife Rhaenys (Eve Best) has died.

We then see a busy market where wares are being exchanged, when the 'traitor dragon Meleys' head is rolled on a cart through the streets.

Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) asks, 'Don't they realize we won the battle?' 'Strange victory, if it was one,' Alicent's brother Ser Gwayne (Freddie Fox) says.

One boy says he thought the dragons were gods, clearly confused that one was killed in battle.

Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and her son Aemond watch from a balcony, as she notices he carries the King's dagger.

A large box - possible a coffin - is carried into the Red Keep by several knights in full armor though it's not known what's inside. 

Alicent asks, 'Is he alive?' She's told, 'His Grace remains with us, for the moment.' 

She asks if he's still alive and she's told, 'I'm afraid I cannot say. Now, if you'll excuse me, Your Grace, these next hours are most critical'

The episode begins with Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), who likely just learned that his wife Rhaenys (Eve Best) has died

We then see a busy market where wares are being exchanged, when the 'traitor dragon Meleys' head is rolled on a cart through the streets

Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and her son Aemond watch from a balcony, as she notices he carries the King's dagger.

A large box - possible a coffin - is carried into the Red Keep by several knights in full armor though it's not known what's inside

Alicent goes to Criston, asking, 'What happened?'

He says, 'We took the castle. At the cost of some 900 men,' as Alicent says, 'So I've heard.'  

'I left a meager garrison behind to protect it and the king's dragon. Sunfyre was long in the dying.'

Alicent asks, 'The king, Ser Criston, what befell him?' Criston says, 'His Grace fought valiantly.'

She asks, 'And Aemond? What was his part in this?' but Criston says he cannot say.  

Alfred Broome says, 'Our largest dragon has been killed. Criston Cole marches about the Crownlands unchallenged. Duskendale and Rook's Rest are gone. We still have no ground army but the one we hope that Daemon will raise. He who has left us... After some marital spat. 

Alicent goes to Criston, asking, ' What happened?' 

He says, 'We took the castle. At the cost of some 900 men,' as Alicent says, 'So I've heard.' 

Alicent asks, 'The king, Ser Criston, what befell him?' Criston says, 'His Grace fought valianttly.'

Rhaenyra asks 'Do you take issue with me, Ser Alfred?'

He insists, 'My loyalty to you is proven, my queen,' but she says, 'Your loyalty, perhaps, but your willingness to give me deference in a time of war.'

Alfred says, 'I could never doubt your capability, or your quickness of mind. It is merely that the gentler sex, heretofore, has not been much privy to the strategies of battle, or their execution.  

Rhaenyra says, 'There has been peace in our lifetime. You've seen no more battles than I have.

Rhaenyra says, 'Send to Maidenpool and to Crackclaw Point. Let them man their garrisons and give them stores or weapons if they find them wanting. If Cole pursues his campaign, our allies must be ready. -We must answer Rook's Rest, and Duskendale. 

Bartimos Celtigar says, 'They are lost already. But Vhagar is depleted after such a hard-fought battle.'

Lorent Marbrand adds, 'If Aegon is dead...' as Steffon Darklyn finishes, 'We will soon know it.'

Gormon Massey says, 'Twould be a victory in name only. They will soon prop up another in his stead.'

Rhaenyra asks 'Do you take issue with me, Ser Alfred?'

Bartimos says, 'The time is ripe. If we can strike King's Landing before their dragon is recovered...' as Rhaenyra says, 'Then I myself must do it.'

They insist it's, 'out of the question, as she asks, 'What would you have me do?'

Baela Targaryen meets Jace, asking, 'Jace? Where are you going?' 

Jace says, 'To Harrenhal. To treat with Daemon. Rhaenys is fallen. He must affirm his loyalty to my mother and report his standing.

Baela says, 'And you think you will tame him... When the queen herself could not?' 

He adds, 'My mother gladly sends you away to scout, to fight, whilst I'm here being forced to play the coddled princeling. It's humiliating, Baela.'

Baela adds, 'She only protects you. You are the succession,' as Jace says, 'Then I must be seen to act for her claim and mine. I can sit still no longer. I must act. The Freys. They control the crossing at the Twins. Cregan Stark's graybeards are marching south. If his men had a direct route into the Riverlands, we would not have to wait for Daemon to act. I will treat with The Freys to secure it.'

Baela says, 'She will not like it,' as he adds, 'Then don't tell her. Not until I'm away.'

The episode cuts to Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) atop his dragon Caraxes calls as he says, 'The hour is late and my dragon is hungry. You have no choice but to submit. Our terms are simple, Lord Bracken. Renounce the false king Aegon as a usurper and bend the knee to me or your house burns.'

Baela Targaryen meets Jace, asking, 'Jace? Where are you going?'

Jace says, 'To Harrenhal. To treat with Daemon. Rhaenys is fallen. He must affirm his loyalty to my mother and report his standing

The episode cuts to Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) atop his dragon Caraxes calls as he says, 'The hour is late and my dragon is hungry. You have no choice but to submit. Our terms are simple, Lord Bracken. Renounce the false king Aegon as a usurper and bend the knee to me or your house burns'

Bracken says, 'I would sooner be the Lord of Bones and Cinders than bend my knee before some heathen Blackwood cunt... And his hired dragon. The Brackens were a people hatched out of the deepest of the Seven Hells, Your Grace. It would be a kindness to oblige them and send them back whence they came. Did your brother's head keep on its way back to you, Willem? I heard the maggots got to it.' 

Daemon says, 'That is quite the impression, Lord Bracken. But alas, not an answer.' Lord Bracken says, 'We choose fire.'

Daemon admits, 'I did not think they would be so eager to die. They made their choice.  need them alive. I came here to raise swords, not corpses.'

Another Bracken says, 'But now you see what my house has known for generations. They are pigheaded, intransigent. They would rather burn than succumb.'

Daemon says, 'Exactly the kind of men I need. It may yet be possible, I think, for both of us to achieve our ends. We have fought them for an age and more. Then perhaps you could try less fighting and more... Persuading. 

Jeyne Arryn says, 'Over the centuries, many and more armies have broken themselves against my bloody gate. Are you listening? My lady. The Eyrie itself is impregnable. Unless, of course, we're descended upon from the sky. You promised the Queen Rhaenyra 15,000 swords. In return for protection. A dragon. Then she has exceeded your terms. She sent two. Both still wet from the egg. I have hunting hounds that are more fearsome. 

She's told, 'They are dragons nonetheless. I do not recall you specifying the size of the beast in your request.

Jeyne insists, 'Will you goad me, child? When your bread and shelter now depend on my pleasure?'

Daemon says, 'That is quite the impression, Lord Bracken. But alas, not an answer.' Lord Bracken says, 'We choose fire'

Daemon admits, 'I did not think they would be so eager to die. They made their choice. need them alive. I came here to raise swords, not corpses'

Jeyne Arryn says, 'Over the centuries, many and more armies have broken themselves against my bloody gate. Are you listening? My lady. The Eyrie itself is impregnable. Unless, of course, we're descended upon from the sky. You promised the Queen Rhaenyra 15,000 swords. In return for protection. A dragon. Then she has exceeded your terms. She sent two. Both still wet from the egg. I have hunting hounds that are more fearsome

Baela insists, 'The dragons will grow... In time,' but Jeyne insists, 'I don't have time. I mislike feeling powerless,' as Bala says, 'So do I.'

Jeyne says, 'This will be your chamber. I'll expect you at supper this evening? My sympathies for the death of your grandmother.'

Back in Dragonstone, Rhaenyra says to Mysaria, 'The way they spoke at my small council today.

Mysaria says, 'Do they hold you responsible for Rhaenys and her dragon?' Rhaenyra says, 'I would rather they had. They speak around me, not to me. They would make me queen, but they wish to keep me here, confined.'

Mysaria says, 'They betray their own smallness, but Rhaenyra says, 'In truth, I cannot fault them. I am now the sovereign. I cannot do as I please. And war has ever been for men to make.'

Mysaria says, 'You are your father's chosen successor,' but Rhanyra says, 'He did not prepare me to fight. If I had been a son, a sword thrust into my hand the moment I could walk. Instead, I was given my father's cup... Taught the name of every lord and castle between Storm's End and the Twins, but not the difference between hilt and 'foible. And they know it. And Daemon as well.'

Mysaria asks 'Will you send to him?' Rhaenyra says, 'For too long, I have looked to him for strength. If I must be supplicant to my own husband, what does that make me? I do not know my part, Mysaria. The path I walk has never been trod.' 

Mysaria says, 'Criston Cole made a mistake. Parading a dragon's head through the streets like a prize of war, but the people see an ill omen.'

Rhaenyra says, 'Yes, as do I. They are afraid, bread is scarce, the king has fallen, they whisper to each other that when Viserys lived, -there was peace. But will whispers tear down stone... Or break shields?'

Mysaria says, 'Do not underestimate your subjects. They are a thousand-thousand living in the shadow of the Red Keep and forgotten for too long.' 

Back in Dragonstone, Rhaenyra says to Mysaria, 'The way they spoke at my small council today.

Mysaria says, 'Do they hold you responsible for Rhaenys and her dragon?' Rhaenyra says, 'I would rather they had. They speak around me, not to me. They would make me queen, but they wish to keep me here, confined.'

Rhaenyra says, 'And you think they will turn to me. To the discontented, rumors are feed.'

Mysaria says, 'Your Grace. What you cannot do, let others do for you. There is more than one way to fight a war.'

Later, Baela tells Rhaenyra, 'The thought of her lying in a field, broken amongst her enemies.' 

Rhaenyra asks, 'Did your grandmother ever tell you of the night she claimed Meleys?' Baela says, 'She snuck into the Dragonpit. She knew that place better than any Elder. They say she could see in the dark. My father was furious. His own mother's dragon, the fastest beast ever known, -and she'd have none of him. But bent her neck to Rhaenys.'

Rhaenyra says, 'She was fierce... In love and in anger. She did not always care for me, but... For what she gave me in the end, I'm grateful. I wished I had known her when she was young. You are very like her in some ways. And with her gone... I must rely on you, I think.'

'Would you give this to your grandsire? I do not wish to stand alone,' she says.

Daemon hears in a vision, 'Daemon. You were always the strong one. The finest swordsman... The fearless dragonrider. Your brother had great love in his heart... But he lacked your constitution. Viserys was unsuited for the crown... But you... Daemon, you were made to wear it. If only you'd been born first.

Daemon is having dinner, and he's asked by Simon Strong, 'Is the duck not to your liking, Your Grace? There's also goose, if you'd prefer it. I like the goose, myself. 

Daemon says, 'Uh, I'm not hungry,' as Simon Strong says, 'I was saying, given the rather dire news from Rook's Rest... It appears the winds have shifted and each side has suffered great loss, and will be unsure of what is to follow. A good time, then, for a show of strength. I believe Willem Blackwood is bringing House Bracken to heel. We must ready the castle to receive a great host.'

Mysaria says, 'Do they hold you responsible for Rhaenys and her dragon?' Rhaenyra says, 'I would rather they had. They speak around me, not to me. They would make me queen, but they wish to keep me here, confined.'

Mysaria says, 'Do they hold you responsible for Rhaenys and her dragon?' Rhaenyra says, 'I would rather they had. They speak around me, not to me. They would make me queen, but they wish to keep me here, confined.'

Later, Baela tells Rhaenyra, 'The thought of her lying in a field, broken amongst her enemies.'

Simon says, ' You seem sure of this,' as Daemon says, 'All men may be led, Ser Simon. Even Rivermen. 'Tis a matter of showing them whom it behooves them to follow.' 

Daemon asks, 'How does the work here progress?' Simon says, 'Oh, um... We're drawing water for the kitchens -and lighting the forges. That is merely the beginning, of course. The roof alone has needed tending since the reign of Aenys. And the storerooms. And... And the Wailing Tower. The bats have made the corridors almost impassable with the quantity of their... Their shit. I venture there are Smiths and armorers to be found near Nutton and Riverbend.'

Daemon says, 'Well, send for them, and levy the farmers from Antlers to High Heart. Task their huntsmen to bring us meat and wood.'

Simon says, 'Um, there is, of course, the matter of payment. After the, the tragedy that befell his father... Larys transferred his family's wealth to King's Landing.'

Daemon says, 'Is there any gold left in your coffers?' Simon answers, 'Enough to keep this small establishment you see fed and warm. Relatively. I... I rather thought, Your Grace, as emissary to the Queen that p-perhaps she could provide the necessary coin -if you could only write to her.'

'No. Harrenhal is my command. I shall guarantee the payment myself,' as Simon says, 'Very well, Your Grace,' but Daemon says, 'You should address me as "My king." 

Simon says, 'But you're the prince,' Daemon says, 'What would you call the husband of the queen?'

Simon says, 'Well, the king...' as Daemon adds, 'There it is, then,' as Simon adds, 'Consort,' as Daemon says, 'That last bit seems unnecessary, don't you think?

Simon says, ' You seem sure of this,' as Daemon says, 'All men may be led, Ser Simon. Even Rivermen. 'Tis a matter of showing them whom it behooves them to follow.'

Daemon says, 'Well, send for them, and levy the farmers from Antlers to High Heart. Task their huntsmen to bring us meat and wood.'

The episode cuts to Alicent, who meets with the maester Orwyle, the maester who is treating King Aegon. 

Orwyle says, 'The armor was Valyrian steel, but His Grace suffered grievous burns over much of his body. He has many broken bones. I fear there are more injuries within, injuries we cannot see. 

Alicent says, 'We are grateful for your works, Grand Maester. Has he woken?' Orwyle says, 'No. I must admit, I'm not sure he will ever wake. I have plied my crafts to their fullest extents. Our king's fate lies with the gods now. 

Alicent tells the council, 'A king cannot rule in his sleep. The realm will have noticed his absence. Let them hear of his great deeds at Rook's Rest. But now we must name a regent to take his place until he recovers... Or does not.'

She's told, 'A wise strategy, Your Grace. A regency will assure the people of the stability of the crown. Did you have a candidate in mind, Your Grace?

Alicent says, 'I myself served in this role for my husband. I am well-prepared to do it again.

She's told, 'You played your part admirably in a time of peace, Your Grace, but circumstances have changed.' 

Alicent says sarcastically, 'And here I had forgotten.' 

The episode cuts to Alicent, who meets with the maester Orwyle, the maester who is treating King Aegon.

Orwyle says, 'The armor was Valyrian steel, but His Grace suffered grievous burns over much of his body. He has many broken bones. I fear there are more injuries within, injuries we cannot see.

Ironrod says, 'The king does not lack for heirs. The obvious choice is his immediate successor, Prince Aemond.'

Tyland Lannister: Agreed,' but Alicent says, 'Aemond is young. And his lack of restraint has already cost us dearly.'

Orwyle says, 'It is experience that offers the surest path to security. Queen Alicent ably shouldered the duties of the realm when her husband's health failed him. Experience is valuable, yes, but the dowager queen is a woman.'

Alicent says, 'I am no stranger to rule or to sitting at this council. Aemond is a fearsome dragonrider. His skill is best employed in the field, but my experience is needed here, at this table.'

She's told, 'No offense was meant, Your Grace, but... At a time when we must show strength. Lord Larys? 

Larys says, 'I agree, Your Grace. It must be Prince Aemond. What would it say if, in response to Rhaenyra's crowning, we raised up a woman of our own? But, um... But the Hand speaks for the king's voice. Ser Criston, what say you?'

Criston says, 'Aemond is the next in line. It must be him. 

Aemond asks, 'What is our standing in the Riverlands?' Tyland says, 'Uh, the banners of House Tully are in disarray, Your Grace. Prince Daemon has little hope of fielding an army of any size, for now.

Alicent says, 'I am no stranger to rule or to sitting at this council. Aemond is a fearsome dragonrider. His skill is best employed in the field, but my experience is needed here, at this table.'

Larys Strong says, 'We would do well to send word to young Oscar Tully. It's only a matter of time before he inherits his grandsire's mantle. 

Aemond says, 'Tell me, Lord Strong, how I can trust the counsel of a man who leaves the jewel of the Riverlands to be plucked by our enemy? Your brother's host can meet Daemon. He should quicken its pace and check the Rivermen while their banners are in disarray.'

Tyland says, 'I shall send Lord Jason encouragement,' as Aemond says, 'What else?'

Orwyle says, 'We might turn our attention to the smallfolk here in King's Landing. They have grown weary of the Sea Snake's blockade.'

Aemond says, 'So have we all,' as Orwyle says, 'Many are fleeing the city, spreading word of their fear and unrest.'

Aemond says, 'Then let the Gates be closed. No one is to leave or enter, save with our consent. Merchants, so forth. (Heavy breathing) (Clearly) Go to your tasks. We shall meet again at first light. Oh, and someone cut down the f***ing ratcatchers.'

Meanwhile, Kat says, The city's safe no longer. There is no food. Our neighbors are stealing from each other. We must get out.

She's asked, 'And where would you have us go? North, maybe? South? For all we know, every road leads into the dragons' teeth. Like the one they carted through the streets? 

Larys Strong says, 'We would do well to send word to young Oscar Tully. It's only a matter of time before he inherits his grandsire's mantle.

Meanwhile, Kat says, The city's safe no longer. There is no food. Our neighbors are stealing from each other. We must get out.

Kat says, 'You think Rhaenyra will let such an affront go unchallenged? We should make for Tumbleton. My brother will have room. You would have me turn beggar?

'Are we not beggars already? Have you been paid for those machines you were forced to build? The king has promised payment,' he says as Kat says, 'The king has lied!'

Alicent goes to see Criston, saying, 'Presumed you'd be here. Seeing faithfully to the Prince Regent's commands.

Criston says, 'Aemond is the next in line. It is the order of things. You know what he is... What he has somehow become.'

She says, 'Has your loyalty faded? Or does it flourish only at night and flee the sunrise like a moth?

Criston says, 'What I saw at Rook's Rest,' as Alicent says, 'What? What did you see?' 

'Their armor melted. There were men walking. They were on fire. We have given the war to the dragons. A dragonrider should lead us. And what of justice, of temperance? Or is strength now to be our only god? So you cast me aside,' Alicent says. 

Criston says, 'Have I not spared you? What we must do now is... Terrible. Will you preside over it? Is this who you are, Alicent?'

Alicent says, 'I did not ask to be spared. And I did not give you leave to speak my name.'

The Gold Cloaks shut the gates as one says, 'By order of Aemond Targaryen, Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm... '

The Gold Cloaks shut the gates as one says, ' By order of Aemond Targaryen, Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm... '

One townsfolk says, 'Aemond? -Does he mean the king?' The Gold Cloak says, 'You are ordered to return to your homes!'

Many chant 'We want meat! Meat! -Meat!' as the crowd is whipped into a frenzy.

The episode cuts to Forrest Frey, who says, 'Our Lord Grover Tully has not declared for Rhaenyra. It means death to bare steel against your liege, as I'm sure my prince is aware. And against your queen? Hm?

Jace says, 'Jason Lannister is marshaling to the west. We need to check him before he reaches Riverrun. That requires passage. And if Stark's army is too slow? The wind's rising. Winter is nigh upon us. Our hesitance does not lie in Rhaenyra as Queen, nor in the ruminations of Lord Tully, the oaf. 

Forrest says, 'Our fear lies in Vhagar,' as Jace says, 'You fear a dragon leagues away when mine own sits outside your walls?' 

Sh asks, 'Do you offer us your protection?' Jace says, 'I do. And the protection of my uncle.'

She asks, 'And Daemon, I'm sure, has consented to this?' Jace insists, 'He will do as his queen commands,' as she says, 'That does lend us some comfort. Though it occurs to me that dragons -cannot be in two places at once. Or three.

Jace asks, 'What do you want?' She says, 'Larys Strong has been relieved of his castle. Does the queen intend to raise up a new lord?'

Many chant 'We want meat! Meat! -Meat!' as the crowd is whipped into a frenzy.

Jace says, 'You want Harrenhal. For that... My mother will want more than your crossing.'

She asks, 'What does Her Grace desire?' Jace says, 'Bent knees.'

Alys Rivers tells Daemon, 'You were born to wield a sword, but not so much an axe, perhaps.' Daemon says, 'There are others who would sit idle and wait for their claims to be brought to them.'

Alys says, 'I hear strange things from Bracken land, from Stone Hedge and Lambswold and Mory.'

Daemon asks, 'There's news, then?' Alys says, 'News? No. What I hear, I hear in the wind. Cries of anguish. Children being taken from their mothers, men coming home to find their doors unlatched... Their wives carried away.'

Daemon says, 'War is a terrible thing,' but Alys says, 'This is not war. These are crimes against the innocent, that any upright man would repudiate.'

Daemon says, 'Surely you haven't mistaken me for an upright man. The Brackens had their chance to do as I required.'

Alys asks, 'Is that the kind of army you would raise? Men who hate you... Who serve you under duress?'

Many chant 'We want meat! Meat! -Meat!' as the crowd is whipped into a frenzy.

Daemon insists, 'Well, once they agree to serve me, I'll treat them fairly. Set an example for the rest of the Riverlands to follow.' 

Alys says, 'And once again, in the name of power, it's the weak and the women who must endure.'

Daemon says, 'That fool, Aegon, is unlike to survive. The realm will suffer if Aemond one-eye rules. You should pray you never meet him. He will cut you down soon as wish you good-day.'

Alys says, 'I'd heard the same thing about you. But I'll cross you no further. I'm sure your tactics are, after all, approved by the queen.' 

Daemon says, 'She cannot succeed, Alys. Even if I willed it to be so. The people who support her will not be led by her. They look to a man for strength. Who's better suited to it? The Hightowers with their scheming? Or Viserys's first true heir? When I take King's Landing... Rhaenyra is welcome to join me there and take her place by my side. King and queen... Ruling together.'

Alys asks, 'And if you lose?' Daemon says, 'Then I'll be dead, and none of this will be my problem.'

Simon tells Daemon, 'A message, Your Grace. Uh... Uh, fresh news from Stone Hedge. The Blackwoods have overwhelmed the Brackens, and, uh, Lord Amos has pledged his banner to you. House Bracken is yours.' 

Daemon says, 'Call Ser Willem here so that I might congratulate him. The Blackwoods will be feted in these halls.'

Daemon insists, 'Well, once they agree to serve me, I'll treat them fairly. Set an example for the rest of the Riverlands to follow.'

Simon tells Daemon, 'A message, Your Grace. Uh... Uh, fresh news from Stone Hedge. The Blackwoods have overwhelmed the Brackens, and, uh, Lord Amos has pledged his banner to you. House Bracken is yours.' 

Baela finds Corlys, stating 'I sought you at High Tide. I was surprised when they said you were here.'

Corlys says, 'My castle is a tomb. Empty. Haunted,' as Baela says, 'I am sad to have missed its highest days. I imagine your Hall of Nine filled with lords and kings, all eager to treat with the legendary Lord of the Tides. The wealth you brought back from Yi Ti and Asshai, inspiring awe and envy. I wonder if any of them knew it was all for her. Queen Rhaenyra wishes to name you Hand.'

Corlys says, 'Even the death of my wife does not content her. Has she not asked enough of my house?' 

Baela insists, 'It is a sign of her great esteem,' as Corlys says, 'Or does she think the position will compensate me for my loss?'

Baela says, 'Pledge your peace to King's Landing, then. They will accept it most gleefully. Rather I would sail into the West and be lost. You have done so before, at great cost to yourself and those who loved you. Rhaenys was not only your wife... Not a thing to be taken from you. She was a Targaryen princess. The Queen Who Never Was. And she flew to Rook's Rest of her own will. And she died. She died as she would have wished to die... With honor, in dragonfire. The way my mother chose... And the way I myself wish to meet my end. I grieve my grandmother who loved me but I carry her on with me. I will see Rhaenyra ascend the Iron Throne, as Rhaenys wished. As Rhaenys herself should have. You yourself may do as you see fit.'

Corlys says, 'Granddaughter. I would make you my heir,' as she says, 'I am blood and fire. Driftmark must pass to salt and sea,' before leaving.

Rhaenyra tells Ser Alfred, 'You were correct... In saying our best hope of an army is with Daemon. And I have, perhaps, erred in waiting for him to prove himself. I wish you to go to Harrenhal.'

Baela finds Corlys, stating 'I sought you at High Tide. I was surprised when they said you were here.'

Rhaenyra tells Ser Alfred, 'You were correct... In saying our best hope of an army is with Daemon. And I have, perhaps, erred in waiting for him to prove himself. I wish you to go to Harrenhal'

Alfred asks, 'Are you removing me from your council?' She responds, 'Ser Alfred... I-I-I will not deny you have tried my patience of late, or that I would prefer a council more inclined to champion their queen, but... You and your house served my father well, and I know you will never accept the Hightower claim.'

Alfred says, 'Not while I live, Your Grace,' as Rhaenyra says, 'We cannot challenge King's Landing without the Riverlands but I will not send a message by raven for Daemon to disregard. I ask you to... Reason with him. Find out his state of mind and his intentions.'

Alfred asks, 'Intentions?' Rhaenyra says, 'Whether he means to raise a host for me or for himself.'

Alfred insists, 'He would not dare,' but Rhaenyra says, 'Have you known Daemon to lack in daring? Go now with haste. I'll send good men to see to your safety.'

Alfred asks, 'Have you any message for him?' She says, 'Tell him I would much like to finish our last conversation,' as Alfred leaves.

Meanwhile, Simon goes to wake up Daemon at a very early hour, telling him, 'The Riverlords have come, Your Grace. They wish an audience.'

Daemon says, 'Now? -What godless hour is it?' Simon says, 'The wolf. They are demanding to speak presently.'

Daemon goes down to meet them, stating, 'I see I must begin here with a lesson in etiquette. Or failing that, in proper fear of your Targaryen master. Is there some reason you feel free to wake a king in his bed? Or shall I now begin your education?'

Baela finds Corlys, stating 'I sought you at High Tide. I was surprised when they said you were here.'

Simon says,' House Bracken have been brought to heel at the hands of Willem Blackwood,' as Daemon says, 'That news is stale,' as Simon says, 'Yes. There have been, um, complications.'

They're told, 'The sacred septs on Bracken lands -were looted and burned. As were the fields and farms. The livestock was stolen and our peasants put to the sword. They pursued the women and the children. There were works of barbarity. Punishing Bracken for his own treasons is one thing, aye.'

Daemon says, 'The Brackens were given their chance. They would not see reason,' as they're told, 'The Blackwoods have exploited the war for the crown to visit atrocities -upon their old rivals.'

Piper says, 'I have seen my fair share of their quarrels, and I tell you, there is no honor in a fight such as this.'

A woman says, 'A terrible war is being fought in these lands. Have you looked after our girls?'

Darry says, 'We should've expected nothing more from a man who ordered the slaughter of a child in his mother's arms.'

Daemon says, 'That is a lie. And I will have the man who told it brought before me,' as he's told, 'Well, your man is half the kingdom, my prince.'

A woman says, 'Know this, interloper: The Riverlands are an ancient place, watched closely by the eyes of old gods and new. And dragon or no, we shall not raise our banners for a tyrant.

Daemon says, 'That is a lie. And I will have the man who told it brought before me,' as he's told, 'Well, your man is half the kingdom, my prince.'

A woman says to a knight, 'I have an errand... For the lady Mysaria,' as the knight says, 'I thought she was dead.'

The woman says, 'Would she die without collecting her due? I must see an old friend,' as the knight says, 'Most people want out these days,' as he lets her in.

Aemond is in the throne room as Aegon's wife asks, 'Was it worth the price?' Aemond doesn't answer her.

Meanwhile, Alicent is watching over King Aegon, barely able to breathe, clinging on to life, as she touches his face gently before leaving... but after she leaves he softly says, 'Mummy.'

Meanwhile, Jace goes to see Rhaenyra, as they talk about a woman named Visenya,  Vhagar's first rider, and the first wielder of Dark Sister. 

'I hope you do not mean to use her as an example,' Jace says, as she says, 'Why shouldn't I?' He says, 'It was a long time ago.'

She asks him, 'What is the mood at the Twins? Did his lordship quibble?'

Jace says, 'He wishes for the Freys to be granted Harrenhal. At war's end. Assuming.'

Aemond is in the throne room as Aegon's wife asks, ' Was it worth the price?' Aemond doesn't answer her.

Aegon's wife asks, 'Was it worth the price?"

Rhaenyra says, 'I'm proud of you, Jace. You have done our cause a great service,' as Jace asks, 'Then, why do you look angry?'

Rhaenyra says 'You chafed at being prevented from action. Imagine my lot. I'm a dragonrider as well, with a war being fought over my ascension. And yet, I must wait here... Always prudent... Sending others to fight and be felled in my name. Even you have managed to do your part.'

Jacaerys says, 'You are the queen... The tie that binds us. No harm can come to you,' as Rhaenyra says, 'And you are my son, and I did not give you leave to go.'

'You do not give me leave to go to anything. But who else is there? Rhaenys is dead, and Baela cannot bear the burden alone,' Jace says, as Rhaenyra says, 'And when Aemond comes hunting for you? Your dragon is young. Will you fly before Vhagar as Luke did?'

Jace says, 'Perhaps Daemon could,' but Rhaenyra says, 'Daemon is not here. And Aemond now rules in King's Landing.'

Jace asks, 'Is Aegon dead?' Rhaenyra says, 'Dead or alive, we have no answer for Vhagar. Aemond will not wait long to press his advantage. And then what? I have done all I can from here, sent my messages, invoked my alliances. But if all else fails, it is I who must fight. Vhagar is big, but Syrax is quicker.'

Jace says, 'So was Meleys,' Rhaenyra says, 'Meleys fought two dragons and one of them is slain. Shall I fight for my birthright? Or shall I wait here until we are all destroyed? I need dragons.'

Jace says, 'We have no dearth of dragons. We have two large enough to stand against Vhagar. They are called Vermithor and Silverwing and they sleep just beneath our feet.' 

Rhaenyra says, 'I'm proud of you, Jace. You have done our cause a great service,' as Jace asks, 'Then, why do you look angry?'

Rhaenyra says, 'Yes, and if only they had riders, none could stand against me. I would go forth in strength and not from necessity.'

Jace says, 'There is Rhaena,' as Rhaenyra counters, 'Who nearly lost her life in her last attempt. I would not risk it again.'

Jace say, 'There are those of our line who never ruled. Those who married into other noble houses, their children born with other names.'

Rhaenyra says, 'A generation ago, or more. Their blood would be thin. And yet... A dragon will only accept a dragonlord to ride it.'

Jace says, 'Or so say the histories. Valyrian histories. Written to gild us in glory.'

Rhaenyra asks, 'Are you suggesting we put a Mallister on a dragon? A Tarly?' Jace says, 'It's better than death and defeat. There are records here, surely, of our line and of those who fell out of it. There could be scores of them.'

Rhaenyra says, 'It's a mad thought,' as the episode comes to an end.

The preview for next week's episode shows Rhaenyra saying, 'It has never been attempted before. To claim a dragon, you must also be prepared to die. Perhaps the gods will favor us.'

Meanwhile, Criston says, 'If Daemon prevails in the Riverlands, I no longer have the numbers to challenge him.'

Aemond says, 'My uncle is a challenge I welcome, if he dares face me,' while Alicent tells Aemond, 'You have the arrogance of youth. Have the indignities of your childhood not yet sufficiently been avenged?'

House of the Dragon continues its second season with the sixth of eight episodes on Sunday, July 21 at 9 PM ET only on HBO. 

Last week also showcased the death of Eve Best's Rhaenys Targaryen, as her dragon Meleys' head was carted through the streets of King's Landing.

  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

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.

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.