At Harrenhal
Daemon dreams of a young Rhaenyra.
Daemon dreams of a young Rhaenyra.

Daemon Targaryen dreams of the throne room and his wife Rhaenyra Targaryen in her youth, who accuses him of wanting to destroy her, all because his brother, Viserys I Targaryen, loved her more than he did Daemon. As Daemon beheads her with his sword, he's awakened by the Castellan of Harrenhal, Ser Simon Strong, who brings news of recent developments on the army of the Greens: House Stokeworth and House Rosby have both recanted their fealty to Rhaenyra and pledged their allegiance to King Aegon II Targaryen without a fight, citing the assassination of Jaehaerys Targaryen as the reason for it.

Simon then announces the arrival of Oscar Tully, grandson of Lord Grover Tully and heir to Riverrun. Daemon learns that Lord Grover is still alive, but incapable of doing much more than laying in his bed, posing a problem for the Blacks, as the situation prevents the armies of House Tully from being raised in their name. Daemon bluntly suggests that Oscar kill his grandfather, but the latter is appalled at the suggestion, explaining that Lord Grover raised him as if he was his son, and the act would amount to kinslaying. Daemon retorts that he can now understand the state of disarray that the Riverlands are in, and since House Bracken has declared for the Greens, he will instead seek the aid of House Blackwood.

Daemon makes acquaintance with Alys Rivers.
Daemon makes acquaintance with Alys Rivers.

At night time, Daemon imagines fighting noises coming from outside of his room, and goes to investigate them. He spots a figure who appears to be his nephew Aemond Targaryen, and follows them in pursuit, but when he catches up to the figure, he sees that despite having Aemond's hair and eyepatch, their face is his own. Disturbed, he stumbles upon the quarters of Alys Rivers, who introduces herself as a bastard and unofficial maester of Harrenhal, after the previous one fled in the night. Alys explains to Daemon that the castle is cursed, as Harren the Black used weirwood trees in the castle's construction, and tensely prods him on his current predicament, musing how he must feel conflicted on serving a queen he doted on as a girl. Daemon grows angry, mocking Alys as a witch, but accepts her offer of a remedy to help him sleep better.

Daemon suddenly finds himself at the dining hall the next morning, in the company of Ser Simon and Ser Willem Blackwood, the latter of who expresses his admiration for Rhaenyra and her spirit, recalling having attempted to propose to her in their youth. Daemon sees the image of his late wife Laena Velaryon in a servant as Ser Willem pledges the armies of his House, so long as House Bracken is made to answer for their treachery.


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On Driftmark
Princess Rhaenys meets Alyn of Hull.
Princess Rhaenys meets Alyn of Hull.

On the docks of Driftmark, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen goes to speak with Alyn of Hull, the man who saved the life of her husband, Lord Corlys Velaryon, at sea. Rhaenys observes his face and bitterly states his mother must have been very beautiful, a hint at Alyn's possible bastardy from Corlys. The Lord of High Tide interrupts the conversation, but Rhaenys admits that the Captain's past is no fault of his own, and he should be celebrated for saving her husband's life, not hidden away.

Corlys pointedly asks if that's the reason why Rhaenys came to see him, but she explains that, in truth, she's received a summon from their granddaughter, Baela Targaryen, requesting she return to Dragonstone, as the recent absence of Rhaenyra Targaryen to seek peace with Queen Alicent Hightower in King's Landing has caused a power vacuum on the Black Council, which Baela and her bethrothed, Jacaerys Velaryon, find themselves struggling to manage on their own.

In King's Landing
Alicent is admiring a stone dragon figurine from her late husband's Old Valyria model set, when Grand Maester Orwyle knocks on the door, having brought Moon tea, an abortifacient, as per her request, causing Alicent to drop the figurine, which shatters on the floor. Orwyle warns that the tea may have side effects (Alicent having told him it was for a girl in her service) for which Alicent thanks him for the warning. As he moves to leave the room, she asks for his insight on who Viserys I wanted as his heir to the Iron Throne, but Orwyle demurs, admitting Viserys never discussed the succession with him. Once Orwyle has departed, Alicent hastily drinks the moon tea, to avoid the possibility of falling pregnant following her trysts with Ser Criston Cole.

Aegon struggles to keep his authority in the Green Council.
Aegon struggles to keep his authority in the Green Council.

At a meeting of the Green Council, Aegon angrily admonishes Lord Larys Strong for allowing Daemon to take over Harrenhal nearly unopposed, though Larys calmly states that the castle is in tatters and will likely drive Daemon to madness trying to repair it sufficiently to garrison an army, while all of the gold of House Strong lies safely within his hands. Prince Aemond Targaryen suddenly interjects, announcing that Harrenhal will have to wait, because Ser Criston marches on Rook's Rest, the seat of Black-aligned House Staunton. Aegon realizes his younger brother has been conducting war strategy without his authority, but is unable to provide a response when Aemond addresses him in High Valyrian, as he struggles to form a sentence in the language. With the rest of the Small Council silently in agreement with Aemond, the course of the war is set.

Alicent receives a visitor in her chambers.
Alicent receives a visitor in her chambers.

Later the same day, Queen Alicent is visited by Larys, who noticed her absence from the Small Council meeting, and observes the cup of moon tea on Alicent's table. The Master of Whisperers stealthily implies he's aware of her relationship with Criston Cole, but chooses not to press the matter. The pair discuss Prince Daemon's capture of Harrenhal, Larys reiterating to Alicent he sees the castle's loss as a necessary sacrifice to keep the Blacks occupied, and Criston Cole's military successes in the Crownlands, before turning his attention to the books laid out open in front of Alicent (part of her effort to find any historical references to the dreams of Aegon I Targaryen, spoken of by Viserys in his final hours). Larys prods Alicent when she claims to have shared her late husband's interest in history by asking if she believes Viserys looked to history when he chose to name Aegon his heir, noting that no matter how well suited he thought his eldest daughter for the crown, history would have told him how Westeros would react to Rhaenyra's succession. She concludes the conversation by somberly lamenting that her late husband's intentions are now meaningless; war is inevitable at this point, and Rhaenyra and Aegon's supporters will believe what they will to justify their actions in the coming conflict, to which Larys agrees.

Alicent coldly rebukes Aegon.
Alicent coldly rebukes Aegon.

As the Green Council meets again on another morning, Aegon abruptly leaves when Jasper Wylde and Tyland Lannister heap praise upon Aemond and Ser Criston, declaring that they all bore him. He's surprised to find his mother in his private chambers, who scolds him for throwing away his late father's books. He responds that he simply had them removed, not burned, before confessing to feeling ignored by his Small Council and overshadowed by Aemond and Criston. Alicent is unsympathetic to his situation, mocking Aegon's belief that merely wearing the crown makes him wiser than men who studied and strove for years to earn their seats on the King's Council, and expressing her disappointment Aegon hasn't had the wit to silently learn from his more learned advisors so he might amount to even half the king his father was. Angered, Aegon rebukes her, but Alicent scoffs at his implied threat to either banish or execute her like his grandfather or the Red Keep's ratcatchers. Alicent reminds Aegon that, given she ruled in Viserys's stead during his illness and Otto Hightower's lengthy service as cunning statesman, he should be begging them for their opinions and counsel, rather than the other way around, bitterly adding Aegon has no idea what sacrifices were made to put him on the throne. When he earnestly asks for her wisdom, she sternly replies there is only one thing he should do: nothing.

Aegon meets with Sunfyre in preparation for battle.
Aegon meets with Sunfyre in preparation for battle.

Feeling despondent and with the need to prove himself as a ruler, Aegon heads to the Dragonpit to retrieve his dragon Sunfyre, and together they fly off over King's Landing and towards Rook's Rest.


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On Dragonstone
Baela Targaryen reports on her latest findings after riding Moondancer: the armies of Ser Criston, cautious of the threat of dragons, now mostly ride at night and under tree cover in the Riverlands, as they advance northwest towards an unknown destination. The lack of certainty irritates Ser Alfred Broome, who grudgingly says she should've burned them earlier when she had the opportunity. Jacaerys defends Baela, as they only possess any information because of her efforts.

Corlys and Rhaenys with the Black Council.
Corlys and Rhaenys with the Black Council.

The members of the Black Council bicker among themselves due to the lack of any word from Prince Daemon in recent days, the growing numbers of the Greens' army and the absence of Rhaenyra, until the arrival of Corlys Velaryon, who admonishes their disunity in the absence of their Queen, a sentiment shared by Rhaenys, who asserts Rhaenyra is doing everything she can to put an end to the conflict.

After many days of absence, Rhaenyra Targaryen returns to Dragonstone, now with full certainty that Viserys wished for her to succeed him in the Iron Throne and aware peace with the Greens is no longer an option; she must fight or die. Jace briefly protests her journey to King's Landing as an unecessary risk, but assures everyone stands with her still. Rhaenyra is informed that Cole plans to march on Rook's Rest, as the keep of council member Simon Staunton, and boldly states her intention to fly there on Syrax herself, but is convinced by Rhaenys that the best course of action is to send her and her mount Meleys there instead. Before the battle, as Jace protests she let him fight to secure her claim and his to the Iron Throne, she tells Jacaerys of Aegon the Conqueror's prophecy, the Song of Ice and Fire.

At Duskendale and Rook's Rest
Lord Darklyn is executed for treason to the Crown.
Lord Darklyn is executed for treason to the Crown.

Ser Criston Cole and his army sack the town of Duskendale, following numerous military successes of his campaign through the Crownlands. The Lord Commander promises mercy to any man who bends the knee to King Aegon II and raises arms against Rhaenyra Targaryen. Lord Gunthor Darklyn, loyal to the monarch who named his son, Ser Steffon Darklyn to her Queensguard, refuses the terms of surrender and lambasts the "Kingmaker" for his dishonorable conduct, before being summarily executed by the latter for treason. Cole's squire brings him a message, prompting him to change course and order the army to go East, following the coastline, much to the confusion of Ser Gwayne Hightower, who expected them to press towards Harrenhal.

Arriving at the vicinity of Rook's Rest, Ser Gwayne counsels that the best course of action is to rest up and wait until nightfall to conduct their attack on the castle, but Criston insists on pushing forward and striking at daylight. Gwayne reminds him of their recent encounter with Baela and Moondancer, and that the Blacks possess many dragons ready to strike at a moment's notice just from across the bay on Dragonstone. Ser Criston still remains confident in his plan.

The  about to begin.
The Battle at Rook's Rest about to begin.

The Green army begins marching out of their encampment in the nearby forest to assault Rook's Rest, deploying multiple siege weapons and hundreds of infantry. Ser Criston has the levies of Houses Rosby, Stokeworth, and Darklyn move forward while keeping the forces of House Targaryen and House Hightower in reserve. As they advance forward, Criston's army is met with heavy resistance from the Staunton garrison, who begin subjecting the attackers to multiple arrow volleys.

Their advance is halted when Meleys is spotted in the air, forcing the Greens to retreat back to the treeline. Gwayne admonishes Criston that this is the exact reason he opposed a daytime attack, but Criston reveals this is part of his plan, ordering two of his archers to launch signal arrows. This alerts a series of soldiers deeper in the forest to blow horns that finally reach Aemond, signaling for him and Vhagar to enter the battle. At that same moment, Aegon flies overhead atop Sunfyre, having departed King's Landing earlier to personally join the battle, much to Aemond's fury, who subsequently stalls his own entry into the fray.

Rhaenys on her mount in the battlefield.
Rhaenys on her mount in the battlefield.

With Aegon's unexpected entry into the engagement throwing his plan into disarray, Criston orders for more signal arrows to be fired as he rallies the Green army to join their king into battle, boosting their morale and reversing the retreat caused by the levies with sending the rest of his army in to battle. As Criston's army presses forward toward Rook's Rest, Rhaenys spots Aegon and Sunfyre and orders Meleys to attack. Aegon begins the battle with a blast of fire, but Meleys evades and then attacks from below. The battle-tested Meleys quickly gains the upper hand over her inexperienced opponent, slashing Sunfyre's belly with her talons and sending the smaller dragon plummeting towards the ground, drenching soldiers below in boiling blood from his wounds. Sunfyre manages to stay aloft, but Meleys attacks again as he climbs back into the sky, clamping her jaws around Sunfyre's right wing and ignoring his frantic bites at her head to dislodge her.

Suddenly, Lord Simon and the Staunton garrison see Vhagar's enormous body emerge from the treeline, much to the relief and awe of Criston and the Green army. As Meleys continues to assault Sunfyre, Rhaenys and Aegon both spot Aemond and Vhagar advancing on them. Initially relieved at his brother's intervention, Aegon becomes horrified as he realizes Aemond intends to attack both of them as Vhagar unleashes a blast of dragonfire. Rhaenys and Meleys manage to dodge the bulk of the blast, but Aegon and Sunfyre are struck head-on. Heavily injured, Sunfyre and Aegon freefall from a high-altitude, crashing into the nearby forest with great force, much to Criston's horror, who rides off to the impact site.

With Rhaenys and Meleys largely unharmed from Vhagar's attack and with Aegon and Sunfyre now incapacitated, the two fly seaward away from Rook's Rest. Despite being at a severe disadvantage against Aemond and the much larger Vhagar and with the opportunity to escape to safety, Rhaenys resolves to return to the battle instead. As Rhaenys circles back, Aemond spots Meleys as he flies over his brother's crash site and has Vhagar turn around to confront her. As the two dragons become entangled, both blasting one another with dragonfire, they also begin to fall out of the sky, sparking panic amongst the Green army on the ground. As Criston's army attempts to flee, Meleys breaks loose just above the ground and flies off, while Vhagar crashes into the battlefield violently, crushing dozens, if not, hundreds of men in the process, and knocking Criston unconscious from the impact.

Undeterred, Aemond and Vhagar swiftly recover, with Vhagar crushing more fleeing Green soldiers underfoot as she takes flight once again. Meanwhile, Rhaenys and Meleys, both exhausted and injured from the battle, prepare to depart back to Dragonstone. Rhaenys attempts to locate Vhagar both on the ground and in the air to no avail. As they fly over Rook's Rest, however, they are suddenly attacked from below by Vhagar, much in the same way as it was with Prince Lucerys Velaryon and Arrax. With Vhagar's massive jaws crushing down on Meleys's neck, both Rhaenys and Meleys struggle in vain to break free as Vhagar drags them skyward. Ultimately, Vhagar proves too strong, fatally crushing Meleys's neck in her jaws, with Meleys giving Rhaenys one last look before succumbing to her injuries. Vhagar then releases Meleys, with Rhaenys resigned to the same fate as her dragon as the two plummet from the sky, violently crashing into the walls of Rook's Rest as a blast of fire erupts from Meleys's body.

Aemond points Ser Criston to his brother's location.
Aemond points Ser Criston to his brother's location.

Sometime after Rhaenys and Meleys's death, Criston rouses from unconsciousness to the horrid sight of his decimated army and the burnt-out battlefield. In the distance, he sees Ser Gwayne rallying what little remains of the Green army to push through the breach created by Meleys's body and capture Rook's Rest. Criston proceeds to make his way through the carnage towards Aegon's crash site, attempting to enlist the aid of a soldier, only to discover the man is merely an incinerated skeleton that disintegrates at his touch. Criston eventually arrives at Aegon's crash site in the forest, spotting both a severely injured Sunfyre and Aemond approaching with his sword unsheathed. As Criston inquires on Aegon's location, Aemond wordlessly points forward with Aegon's Valyrian steel dagger, revealing his motionless, shattered body with Sunfyre curled around him. Speechless, Criston collapses to his knees in shock as Aemond departs.

The Red Dragon and the Gold

Prologue: 11 years ago, at Harrenhal
King Jaehaerys is presented with the final result of the Great Council.
King Jaehaerys is presented with the final result of the Great Council.

In the year 101 AC,[a] the lords of Westeros gather in a Great Council to elect a Prince of Dragonstone to succeed Jaehaerys I Targaryen, following the deaths of the king's sons. Although fourteen claims are brought forward, only two are truly considered; those of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Jaehaerys's eldest grandchild, and Prince Viserys Targaryen, his eldest grandson. The Great Council elects Prince Viserys to succeed his grandfather.

In King's Landing
Aemma and Rhaenyra discuss childbirth.
Aemma and Rhaenyra discuss childbirth.

It is now the year 112 AC,[b] nine years into Viserys's reign. High above King's Landing, his only daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, flies across the city atop her dragon Syrax, landing her outside the gates of the Dragonpit. As the Dragonkeepers escort Syrax away, Rhaenyra is greeted by her sworn shield, Ser Harrold Westerling of the Kingsguard, and her friend, Lady Alicent Hightower. The two girls exchange comments on Syrax's growth before Rhaenyra invites Alicent to take a ride with her on Syrax, though Alicent politely declines. Ser Harrold and several men-at-arms escort Rhaenyra and Alicent in a covered wagon back to the Red Keep. Rhaenyra then pays a visit, with Alicent in attendance, to her heavily pregnant mother, Queen Aemma Arryn. Rhaenyra is dismissive of the idea of being a mother, but Aemma insists that as royal women, birthing royal children is how they serve the realm.

The Small Council discusses the Triarchy and the Heir's Tournament.
The Small Council discusses the Triarchy and the Heir's Tournament.

Within the Red Keep, Viserys hosts a meeting with his Small Council, with Rhaenyra in attendance as a cupbearer (though her father lightly chides her for being late to the meeting). His Master of Ships, Lord Corlys Velaryon, warns that the Free Cities have formed an alliance named the "Triarchy" and are trying to claim the Stepstones for themselves. Should the alliance eradicate the pirates currently inhabiting the Stepstones, Corlys warns, Westerosi ports could be badly affected, but his concerns are dismissed by Viserys and his Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower. The Master of Coin, Lord Lyman Beesbury, also complains to Viserys about the ruinous amounts of gold his younger brother, the absent Prince Daemon Targaryen, has spent in his new role as commander of the City Watch to properly arm and supply his men, but Viserys will hear no complaints against his brother. The discussion then turns to the upcoming "Heir's Tournament" Viserys has planned for the upcoming birth of his next child. Despite Grand Maester Mellos's insistence that there is no way of determining the sex, Viserys is confident the child will be a boy.

Daemon gives Rhaenyra a gift.
Daemon gives Rhaenyra a gift.

After the Small Council concludes, Rhaenyra and Ser Harrold head to the throne room, where they find Prince Daemon sitting on the Iron Throne. Ser Harrold is shocked by such disrespect, but Rhaenyra, used to her uncle's flippancy, is more amused. Rhaenyra and Daemon converse in High Valyrian, with Daemon, in his own words, noting the irony of Viserys throwing a tournament for his benefit (since until Viserys actually has a son, Daemon is his heir by law) before gifting his niece a bejeweled necklace of Valyrian steel. Later that evening, as Rhaenyra and Alicent spend time in the Red Keep's godswood, Rhaenyra concludes that she hopes her unborn sibling is a boy for the sake of her father's happiness, ignoring Alicent's remarks that a son would overshadow her in the line of succession. Elsewhere in the Red Keep, Viserys endures the Grand Maester treating a wound supposedly inflicted by the blades of the Iron Throne on his back that has become infected, before going to see his wife Aemma in her bath. Viserys tells her of his confidence their child will be a son, but Aemma insists that boy or girl, it will be their last; after several miscarriages and stillbirths, and one child dead in the cradle (a total of five within ten years), she can't bring herself to mourn another child.

Daemon leads the City Watch.
Daemon leads the City Watch.

As night falls, Daemon declares to the men of the City Watch, proudly identified by the gold cloaks he has bestowed upon them; that he has turned them from a disorganized rabble into a professional force to be reckoned with. He then leads them in a purge of the criminal elements of King's Landing, who are rounded up en masse to face summary justice; thieves lose a hand, rapers are castrated, murderers executed on the spot. At a Small Council meeting the following morning, at which Daemon is in attendance, Otto complains that the violence used by Daemon and his men was too excessive. Daemon defends his actions by pointing out that with most of Westeros's nobility coming to his brother's tournament, and the general lawlessness of King's Landing, extreme measures were warranted to ensure the safety of all of Viserys's subjects within the city walls. Corlys Velaryon also speaks in support of Daemon's actions, arguing the criminals of King's Landing should fear the City Watch. The discussion turns into a personal argument when Otto snipes that Daemon could put as much effort into his marriage as his work with the gold cloaks, insinuating Daemon should return to his wife's seat, Runestone, in the Vale of Arryn. Daemon scoffs that his wife, Lady Rhea Royce, is likely happier for his absence, derisively referring to her as his "bronze bitch." When Otto defends Lady Rhea's honor, Daemon sarcastically offers to give her to Otto as a replacement for his own late wife. Otto furiously rises to his feet at the insult, but Viserys defuses the argument, chiding Otto for letting Daemon provoke him while admonishing Daemon to police the city without the previous night's brutality. Later that night, Daemon complains to his mistress Mysaria, a brothel proprietor, about the lack of respect for his efforts shown by his brother and the Small Council. Mysaria reassures Daemon that, given his reputation and the power and prestige he possesses, the king can not so easily replace him.

Alicent and Rhaenyra spectate as Ser Criston Cole jousts against a Tarly knight.
Alicent and Rhaenyra spectate as Ser Criston Cole jousts against a Tarly knight.

The following day, Viserys commences the Heir's Tournament with an announcement that Queen Aemma has gone into labor. Prince Daemon quickly becomes a favorite contender in the lists, further insulting Otto by picking as his first opponent his eldest son Ser Gwayne Hightower; he unhorses Ser Gwayne by striking at his mount's legs and then prods Alicent into granting her his favor for the tourney. Rhaenyra and Alicent are also intrigued by a new contender, Ser Criston Cole, after his unexpected victories against Lord Boremund Baratheon and his son, Ser Borros. As the tourney continues, a maester arrives and summons Viserys and Otto away. To Viserys's horror, Grand Maester Mellos explains that Queen Aemma's child is in breech, and that they must either cut open her womb to free the baby (a procedure that will almost certainly kill her) or risk losing both mother and child. Despite being appalled by the necessity of such a choice, Viserys grudgingly gives his consent, watching as the Grand Maester's acolytes hold down a delirious and screaming Aemma while Mellos cuts into her womb.

Daemon and Criston duel.
Daemon and Criston duel.

On the tourney grounds, Ser Criston manages to unhorse Daemon in the joust; furious at his unexpected defeat, Daemon angrily demands his sword to continue the fight in a melee. Ser Criston dismounts to oblige the prince, wielding a flail while Daemon fights with Dark Sister, one of the two ancestral Valyrian steel swords of House Targaryen. A savage duel ensues from which, to the shock of all spectators, Ser Criston emerges victorious. As a beaten and humiliated Daemon angrily storms off, Ser Criston approaches the royal box and asks Rhaenyra for her favor. Rhaenyra tosses down a floral wreath to him and bids him good luck in the rest of the tournament.

Queen Aemma tries in vain to give birth to Prince Baelon.
Queen Aemma tries in vain to give birth to Prince Baelon.

In the Red Keep, at his wife's bedside, Viserys weeps over Aemma's body, his wife having bled to death from the procedure to save their child. The Grand Maester informs Viserys that the child in question is a boy and hesitantly asks the king if he and the queen had chosen a name. Viserys answers "Baelon" (in honor of his own father), but at that moment, the infant prince begins choking in the Grand Maester's arms.

A funeral is held for Aemma and her son.
A funeral is held for Aemma and her son.

Several days later finds the royal court gathered at the Hill of Rhaenys[6] for Queen Aemma and Prince Baelon's funeral. Viserys is near catatonic with grief, while Rhaenyra bitterly ponders to her uncle whether her father finally found happiness in the few short hours her brother lived. Daemon, sympathetic to his brother and niece's losses, urges Rhaenyra to support her father, insisting Viserys will need her more than ever, before Rhaenyra, with a command of "Dracarys" to Syrax, sets her mother and brother's funeral pyre ablaze.

Viserys wearily discusses the succession with his Small Council.
Viserys wearily discusses the succession with his Small Council.

The next day in the Small Council chamber, Otto presses Viserys to set his succession firmly in order. With Prince Baelon's death, Daemon is once again Viserys's heir presumptive, but Otto is adamant that Daemon cannot be allowed to sit on the Iron Throne and compares him to Maegor the Cruel, unaware that Daemon is listening to the entire conversation from the shadows. Viserys angrily dismisses Otto and Mellos's insinuations that Daemon would be willing to murder him to seize the crown, insisting that his brother lacks the patience to be king, and retorts to Otto's complaints that Daemon's command of the City Watch effectively gives the prince his own army by pointing out it was Otto's idea to give Daemon the command, given how vigorously Otto complained when Viserys named his brother Master of Laws and Master of Coin. Otto concedes the point, but argues that Daemon should be kept far from power. Corlys Velaryon asks who else would have a claim, to which Otto suggests Rhaenyra. Lord Lyonel Strong, the Master of Laws, vehemently protests this, arguing that Westeros has never had a queen and doing so would overturn centuries of tradition. Viserys refuses the notion of choosing between his daughter and his brother, so Corlys offers an alternative: his own wife Rhaenys; as the daughter of King Jaehaerys's eldest son Aemon, she has a valid claim to the throne, and a male heir (Laenor) to continue her line. Otto and Lyonel shout him down before a furious Viserys berates his Small Council for behaving like crows squabbling over a corpse while he is still mourning his wife and son, before storming out.

Otto commands Alicent to comfort the king.
Otto commands Alicent to comfort the king.

Within the Tower of the Hand, Alicent pays her father a visit as Otto dispatches Mellos with a message to be sent by raven to Oldtown. Otto embraces his daughter, asking after Rhaenyra, before suggesting Alicent might offer her condolences to the princess's father as well. Though apprehensive about the request, Alicent complies, visiting Viserys in his chambers wearing her mother's dress and bearing a gift of a rare historical text, and offers her condolences at Queen Aemma's passing, for which Viserys thanks her. Later that evening, at a pleasure house on the Street of Silk, Daemon hosts a drunken orgy for several of his subordinates in the City Watch. Prompted by Myseria, Daemon raises a toast to his late nephew. Otto reports this event to Viserys, insisting that his sources claim Daemon dubbed Baelon "the Heir for a Day." While the context is ambiguous, Viserys takes it for an insult and summons his brother.

Daemon is disinherited by Viserys.
Daemon is disinherited by Viserys.

Viserys confronts Daemon in the throne room, seated upon the Iron Throne, the Targaryen sword Blackfyre in his hand, surrounded by his Kingsguard. Viserys angrily demands to know if Daemon truly mocked his nephew as the "Heir for a Day." When Daemon calls it his own way of showing grief, Viserys erupts at Daemon for celebrating his restored status with his "lickspittles" instead of consoling his brother and niece, and for throwing everything Viserys has given him back in the king's face. Daemon retorts that Viserys has only ever tried sending Daemon away from his side, and complains that even after ten years of rule, he has never offered him the role of Hand of the King. When Viserys scoffs at the notion, Daemon insists he deserves it as Viserys's brother, and that he would do a better job of it than Otto Hightower, who he describes as an overambitious second son out for himself. As Viserys defends his Hand, Daemon asserts that Otto doesn't protect his brother, whereas he would. When Viserys asks from what, Daemon bluntly replies "Yourself. You're weak, Viserys, and that council of leeches knows it. They all prey on you for their own ends."

Outraged by the insult, Viserys declares his intention to publicly name his heir. When Daemon insists he is his brother's heir, Viserys retorts "Not anymore" and orders Daemon to return to his wife's seat in the Vale. When Daemon steps forward to protest, the Kingsguard draw their swords and block his path, and Daemon grudgingly withdraws.

Viserys informs Rhaenyra of his decision.
Viserys informs Rhaenyra of his decision.

Later that evening, Viserys summons Rhaenyra to Balerion's shrine within the bowels of the Red Keep. Rhaenyra is confused by the summons, given her father has barely spoken to her since her mother's funeral, and even more so when he asks her what she sees when she looks at the dragons. Staring at Balerion's skull, Rhaenyra admits that she sees their family; the people say that the Targaryens are closer to gods than to men, but it is only because of their control of the dragons. Viserys warns Rhaenyra that the dragons are a dangerous power, a power that caused the Doom of Valyria and might well destroy their family if they are not careful. He states that a Targaryen must always understand that truth if they aspire to be king or queen.

As his words sink in for Rhaenyra, Viserys apologizes for spending years chasing a son when he already had a worthy heir in his daughter. He insists that she has the makings of a great queen. To cement his trust in her, Viserys tells Rhaenyra a truth known only to their family: Aegon the Conqueror was not solely motivated by ambition to conquer Westeros. Like Daenys Targaryen foresaw the Doom of Valyria, Aegon had a vision that foretold the end of the world of Men. Aegon had a vision that the end would be preceded by a terrible winter descending from the North, and that what lurked within that storm would destroy the world of the living, unless the kingdoms of men united against it with a Targaryen to lead them. Since Aegon's time, a Targaryen king has passed knowledge of Aegon's vision, which he dubbed "The Song of Ice and Fire" to their heir, to ensure Westeros was ready when the evil Aegon foresaw finally descended upon mankind.

Rhaenyra is named Princess of Dragonstone.
Rhaenyra is named Princess of Dragonstone.

Before a gathering of the realm's nobility, including the lords of Velaryon, Hightower, Stark, and Baratheon, Viserys bears witness as the nobles declare oaths of fealty to him and to Rhaenyra as his named heir. At the Dragonpit, Daemon, absent from the ceremony, presents Myseria to his own dragon Caraxes, before they both take flight on Caraxes's back.

The Heirs of the Dragon

On a beach of one of the islands, Craghas Drahar, prince-admiral of the Triarchy forces, executes shipwrecked Westerosi sailors by nailing them to posts on the beach to either drown or be slowly eaten alive by the crabs drawn by the tide.

In the Crownlands
The Small Council discusses Ryam Redwyne's replacement and the Stepstones.
The Small Council discusses Ryam Redwyne's replacement and the Stepstones.

As King Viserys and his Small Council discuss the recent death of Ser Ryam Redwyne, Lord Corlys Velaryon furiously storms into the chamber, raging that the Triarchy forces have now sunk four Westerosi ships, including one from the Velaryon fleet, and demands action, insisting he be allowed to use the royal fleet to clear out the Stepstones. Ser Otto Hightower and Lord Lyman Beesbury argue against starting a war with the Free Cities, who are financing Drahar's occupation, while Viserys explains that he has sent envoys to the Triarchy's enemies in Pentos and Volantis with the prospect of an alliance against their common foe, but Corlys retorts that further inaction will only strengthen the belief in the Free Cities that Viserys is weak, as evidenced by the fact he has done nothing to end Daemon's illegal occupation of Dragonstone for almost half a year. Rhaenyra speaks up, suggesting that the Velaryon fleet, backed by Targaryen dragonriders, could easily reclaim the Stepstones (a suggestion that meets with Corlys's approval), but at Otto's urging, Viserys overrides her suggestion and dispatches her with Ser Harrold Westerling to consider the prospective replacements for Ser Ryam.

Rhaenyra judges Kingsguard candidates.
Rhaenyra judges Kingsguard candidates.

In Maegor's Holdfast, Rhaenyra watches as Ser Harrold presents various knights to take Ser Ryam's place on the Kingsguard. Rhaenyra is dismissive of most of them, asking Harrold if any have seen actual combat, rather than just tourney fighting. The sole candidate who has is Ser Criston Cole, who explains he earned his knighthood battling Dornish raiders in both the Dornish Marches and the Boneway; despite Otto's protests that a more politically valuable candidate should be chosen, Rhaenyra insists that she wants her father defended by a knight with actual combat experience and picks Criston for the vacancy.

Viserys speaks with Alicent.
Viserys speaks with Alicent.

In his private chambers, Viserys talks with Alicent Hightower, while pondering over a model of Valyria, expressing his hopes to try and match old Valyria's glory. The conversation turns to Rhaenyra, with Viserys admitting his uncertainty of how to speak with Rhaenyra in the wake of her mother Aemma's death. Alicent advises Viserys to reach out to his daughter to bridge the gap (though she admits she hasn't mentioned her dalliances with Viserys to Rhaenyra for fear of the latter's reaction). Alicent offers the same advice back to Rhaenyra when they go to pray at the Grand Sept.

Viserys, Corlys, and Rhaenys discuss a potential marriage alliance.
Viserys, Corlys, and Rhaenys discuss a potential marriage alliance.

Later that afternoon, in the Red Keep's gardens, Viserys meets with Corlys and his wife, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen; Viserys and Corlys exchange apologies over their terse words in the Small Council chamber, but Corlys repeats his advice of not allowing the Free Cities to think Viserys weak, firstly by striking back at the Stepstones, and by a marriage between Viserys and their daughter Laena, uniting House Targaryen's dragons and House Velaryon's fleet to prove the strength of his reign. Viserys is wary of a new marriage so soon after Aemma's death, but Rhaenys reminds him it will be expected of him to remarry and produce more heirs to strengthen his line. Rhaenyra reiterates the same advice and Grand Maester Mellos also supports the union, remarking that it would go a long way to healing the rift between Houses Targaryen and Velaryon left by the Great Council at Harrenhal.

Viserys walks with Laena.
Viserys walks with Laena.

The next day, Rhaenyra and Rhaenys watch from a balcony of the Red Keep, as Viserys walks with Laena. Viserys is visibly uncomfortable about potentially marrying a child, while Laena is more interested in hearing about Viserys's experience as the last rider of Balerion, as well as pondering the whereabouts of Vhagar. Rhaenys notices how bothered Rhaenyra is about her father remarrying, which prompts the younger princess to reply that Rhaenys must be bothered since Laena is her daughter. Rhaenys replies that the situation obviously bothers her, but bluntly tells Rhaenyra that whoever her father takes as a wife, should Viserys have a son, the men of Westeros will expect that son to be his heir, not Rhaenyra. Rhaenys notes that given her own passing over, the men of Westeros will not accept a woman on the Iron Throne.

A Dragonkeeper reports Daemon's theft of a dragon egg to the Small Council.
A Dragonkeeper reports Daemon's theft of a dragon egg to the Small Council.

Later that evening, Viserys dines privately in Alicent's company, where she commiserates with him over his reluctance at wedding a new queen and gifts him a repaired model of a dragon for his miniature of Valyria. Otto interrupts the meal to inform the king that he has called an emergency meeting of the Small Council. One of the Dragonkeepers is present at the meeting, who informs Viserys that an egg has been stolen from the Dragonpit. The culprit is none other than Daemon, who left a missive announcing his intention to take his mistress Mysaria as his second wife, flippantly inviting his brother and council to attend, and as Mysaria is now with child, Daemon wishes to place a dragon egg in the infant's cradle in keeping with Targaryen tradition. Viserys, furious at this latest display of insolence by his younger brother, declares his intention to retake Dragonstone from Daemon, but Otto insists the king cannot risk himself, warning that Daemon is unpredictable and has fortified the island and castle with a private army of his gold cloaks, and volunteers himself to lead efforts to expel Daemon from Dragonstone. Rhaenyra is also left angry when she learns the egg Daemon had stolen was the one she had picked out for her little brother Baelon. Before departing for Dragonstone, Otto meets with Alicent in private and urges her to continue her liaisons with the king.

Daemon is confronted by Otto.
Daemon is confronted by Otto.

Ser Otto Hightower's forces, consisting of himself, Ser Harrold Westerling, Ser Criston Cole, and twenty of his household guard, arrive on Dragonstone. Daemon, accompanied by Mysaria and a detachment of his gold cloaks, intercept them on the bridge leading to the castle. Otto relays Viserys's demands that Daemon is to relinquish the stolen dragon egg and the castle, disband his private army, and banish Mysaria. Daemon refuses, insulting Otto and Criston in the process, insisting he is merely following his house's traditions. When Otto threatens Mysaria, Daemon draws Dark Sister, prompting both sides to draw their own weapons, though Otto orders his men to sheathe their weapons when Caraxes appears to defend his master.

Rhaenyra arrives on Syrax.
Rhaenyra arrives on Syrax.

Before the tension can spill into open conflict, Rhaenyra arrives unannounced on Syrax. She dismounts and brushes past a protesting Otto to confront Daemon personally. Rhaenyra dares her uncle to kill her if he truly wishes to reclaim his former status as her father's heir, but Daemon cannot bring himself to murder his niece in cold blood, even for his old position, and begrudgingly tosses Rhaenyra the dragon egg before retreating with Mysaria and his retinue back into the castle. Rhaenyra turns the egg over to the care of the Dragonkeepers.

Daemon broods at Dragonstone.
Daemon broods at Dragonstone.

Within the castle, Mysaria, who reveals she was not pregnant, Daemon having concocted the claim to spite his brother, berates Daemon for provoking Viserys, stating that while he enjoys a degree of protection as the king's younger brother, she does not and would likely end up the one who pays the price for Daemon's antics. Daemon assures Mysaria that he will protect her.

Viserys seeks Lyonel's counsel.
Viserys seeks Lyonel's counsel.

In Otto's absence, Viserys meets with Lord Lyonel Strong for an impartial opinion about a prospective marriage to Laena Velaryon. Although Lyonel acknowledges Viserys's discomfort at marrying a child, he adds that strengthening an alliance with House Velaryon could temper Corlys's bitterness over the Great Council's decision, unify the last descendants of Valyria, and ensure the Crown has access to the Velaryon fleet should the situation in the Stepstones deteriorate into open war. The meeting is interrupted by Grand Maester Mellos informing Viserys of Rhaenyra's departure and return from Dragonstone.

Viserys talks with Rhaenyra.
Viserys talks with Rhaenyra.

The Kingsguard escort Rhaenyra to her father's chambers, where he angrily chides his daughter for taking off without his leave and risking her life, though he does concede that only she could have recovered the egg and ended the situation with Daemon bloodlessly. They speak about Aemma for a time, Viserys noting that Rhaenyra has inherited a lot from her, before reluctantly broaching the subject of a prospective remarriage. Viserys insists that he cannot replace Aemma, but with only Rhaenyra as his heir, were anything to happen to her, House Targaryen would come to an end, and though Viserys insists he will not replace Rhaenyra as his heir, even were his new wife to give him sons, he must ensure the continuation of their line.

At a Small Council meeting the next morning, Viserys declares his intention to marry Alicent Hightower. Only Otto looks pleased with the King's decision; the rest of the Small Council stand in silent shock, while Alicent averts her eyes from Rhaenyra. Furious at this latest insult to his family, Corlys brands Viserys's decision "an absurdity" and storms out of the chamber. Rhaenyra follows him, disgusted and hurt by her father and friend keeping this from her.

Enraged at the snubbing of his daughter by Viserys, Corlys invites Daemon Targaryen to his castle High Tide. Corlys rages at Viserys's disregard and lack of respect for his family and loyal service, citing Daemon's own fall from Viserys's good graces as proof that they share a common cause, being men of action forced to make their own way in the world who have never received the due respect or appreciation for their efforts. Although Daemon chides Corlys for speaking disrespectfully of his brother, he is intrigued when Corlys proposes a joint expedition between them to eliminate the Crabfeeder, clear out the Triarchy forces from the Stepstones, and simultaneously claim wealth and glory for themselves, while proving their value to the dissenters at Viserys's court.

The Rogue Prince

In the Crownlands
Three years have passed since King Viserys's marriage to Alicent Hightower, in which time Queen Alicent has given birth to a son, Prince Aegon. The royal court is preparing to depart for a grand hunt in the Kingswood, with Viserys excited to leave the politics of court behind even as his new Master of Ships, Ser Tyland Lannister, badgers him about the prospect of Prince Daemon and Lord Corlys being defeated in the Stepstones. Ser Otto Hightower dismisses Tyland's concerns, insisting that Daemon and Corlys's military campaign was commenced without the king's blessing and that to send aid to them now would make the Crown look weak, while Viserys is more concerned about the notable absence of his daughter. Alicent finds Princess Rhaenyra brooding in the Red Keep's godswood; Alicent tries to make friendly overtures to her old friend turned stepdaughter, but Rhaenyra is disinclined to listen and storms out. In private, Otto's elder brother, Lord Hobert Hightower, urges his brother to encourage Viserys, now that Aegon's infancy is over, to name the boy as heir apparent to the Iron Throne, in keeping with Westerosi tradition.

The royal family arrives in the Kingswood.
The royal family arrives in the Kingswood.

The royal family travels to the Kingswood in a closed wheelhouse; Rhaenyra expresses surprise the heavily pregnant Alicent is accompanying them, though she replies that the maester assured her being out in the fresh air will do her good. Rhaenyra is left discomforted when Viserys expresses hope she will soon marry and make him a grandfather. The mood grows further tense when Viserys insists she should accompany him on the hunt in her capacity as his heir, as he claims she has been shirking her duties as princess; Rhaenyra scoffs at the idea, insisting that none of the nobles present at this hunt are here for her, a conclusion that is only strengthened upon their arrival at the royal hunting encampment, where Lord Hobert leads the cheering for the infant Aegon, hailing the boy as the "Second of His Name", making it clear to Rhaenyra at least some of the realm's nobility consider Aegon, not her, Viserys's heir.

Jason Lannister courts Rhaenyra.
Jason Lannister courts Rhaenyra.

Within the royal pavilion, after enduring the conversations of the noble ladies present and growing angry at their denigration of Daemon's campaign in the Stepstones, Rhaenyra exits the pavilion only to be approached by Lord Jason Lannister, who plies her with honeyed wine made in Lannisport and waxes lyrical about the privileges offered by Casterly Rock. Rhaenyra is confused when Lord Jason admits he does not possess a Dragonpit but does have the means to build one; when Rhaenyra questions why he would need such a thing, Jason replies he would build one to satisfy his Queen...or his lady wife. Realizing that Lord Jason is trying to make a marriage proposal to her, Rhaenyra takes her leave and storms back into the royal pavilion to remonstrate with Viserys.

Rhaenyra argues with Viserys.
Rhaenyra argues with Viserys.

When she confronts her father, Viserys insists Lord Jason's proposal is merely the latest in a long list of offers for her hand he's been receiving since she came of age, and Rhaenyra has snubbed every effort Viserys has made to engage her in the discussion. Rhaenyra protests she has no interest in marriage, to which Viserys angrily rages that he was expected to marry again for tradition and duty, so she is no different. Before the argument gets more vicious, Otto interrupts with a report that a white hart has been sighted by the Royal Huntsman, insisting catching and killing such a creature, hailed in local lore as the "King of the Kingswood" would surely be an auspicious portent on Prince Aegon' nameday. Before departing with Otto, Viserys insists Rhaenyra will marry.

Rhaenyra walks in the Kingswood with Criston
Rhaenyra walks in the Kingswood with Criston

Furious and hurt, Rhaenyra storms out of the pavilion, mounts a horse and flees the encampment; Ser Criston Cole sees her doing so and mounts up to follow Rhaenyra in his capacity as her sworn shield. Rhaenyra races through the Kingswood with Criston in close pursuit, begging her to stop, before finally catching her on the shores of a small lake. Rhaenyra bitterly laments her father trying to marry her off to Jason Lannister, though she is briefly cheered up when Criston jokingly offers to kill him. Criston urges they return to camp, but Rhaenyra suggests they explore the Kingswood for a while, as she has no desire to return yet. As they walk through the forest, Rhaenyra asks Criston if he was betrothed; he replies that his status as the son of Lord Dondarrion's steward would have allowed him to wed a common girl, but there was never any he had his eye on. Rhaenyra confesses to being envious of his freedom, lamenting that despite being named her father's heir, she wields no real power and authority, being little more than a figurehead. Criston counsels her otherwise, reminding Rhaenyra that she was the one who raised him to the Kingsguard, the highest honor that anyone from House Cole has ever received.

Jason gifts Viserys a spear.
Jason gifts Viserys a spear.

Back at the royal pavilion, as Viserys gets drunk and waits for reports from the Royal Huntsman the white hart has been tracked down, Lord Jason Lannister approaches the king and tries to press his suit for Rhaenyra's hand. Unfortunately, his comment that as Lady of Casterly Rock, Rhaenyra will be well compensated for her loss in station as Viserys's heir angers the king at the assumption he intends to replace Rhaenyra as his heir. When Lord Jason admits there has been idle talk amongst some of the lords regarding the suggestion, Viserys angrily accuses Jason of allowing treasonous talk to foment amongst his bannermen and dismisses him. Viserys is further exasperated when Otto approaches him, suggesting an alternative betrothal for Rhaenyra: Prince Aegon (in a transparent attempt to move his grandson closer to the Iron Throne). Viserys laughs incredulously at the notion, insisting the boy is only two years old. Otto suggests it would put an end to further suits from the nobility for Rhaenyra's hand and the bother this has caused Viserys, but Viserys dismisses the matter out of hand, along with Otto, and sinks deeper into his cups.

Viserys talks with Lyonel.
Viserys talks with Lyonel.

Later in the evening, he engages his Master of Laws, Lord Lyonel Strong in conversation, lamenting that despite being Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, he is unable to control his seventeen year old daughter. Lord Lyonel jokingly suggests it might be a Targaryen family tradition, given that while Viserys's grandfather, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, ruled over half a century of peace, he was driven near to madness by the antics of his children, particularly his daughters, eliciting some amusement from Viserys. Lyonel asks if the King wishes his advice on the matter; Viserys irritably assumes Lyonel means to put forward his own son Ser Harwin Strong as a candidate for Rhaenyra's hand, but Lyonel instead advocates the best choice for Rhaenyra might be a marriage to Ser Laenor Velaryon; as the Sea Snake's son, he is heir to the wealthiest House in Westeros, of pure Valyrian descent with Targaryen blood from his mother, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and such a marriage would help heal the rift between Houses Targaryen and Velaryon, only made worse by Viserys spurning Laenor's sister, Laena Velaryon in favor of Alicent. Though Lyonel does note the proposal depends on Laenor surviving his father's campaign in the Stepstones, Viserys clearly gives the matter considered thought.

Rhaenyra camps with Criston.
Rhaenyra camps with Criston.

Out in the Kingswood, Rhaenyra and Criston make camp for the night. Rhaenyra asks Criston if he believes the realm will accept her as Queen; Criston demurs and insists they will have no choice but to. A rustling in the foliage nearby disturbs them; when Criston draws his sword and goes to investigate, a wild boar charges out of the bushes, trampling Criston and attacking Rhaenyra before Criston and Rhaenyra overpower and kill the animal, Rhaenyra delivering the killing blow in a wrathful frenzy. Back at the royal encampment, a heavily drunk Viserys laments to Alicent his fears he made a mistake naming Rhaenyra his heir; his obsessive pursuit of the prophetic vision he had, of a son born to him wearing Aegon the Conqueror's crown, resulted in Viserys losing Queen Aemma and becoming estranged from Rhaenyra. He'd hoped naming Rhaenyra as his heir might begin to repair the damage his obsession caused, both to his family and to the realm, but despite Alicent's reassurances, a tearful Viserys wonders, now he has a son born to him, was he wrong to put Rhaenyra first.

Viserys kills a hart.
Viserys kills a hart.

The next morning, Viserys and his courtiers accompany the Royal Huntsman to a clearing in the godswood; unable to track down the white hart, they have caught a large stag for Viserys to kill instead. Using a spear borrowed from Lord Jason, it takes a conflicted Viserys two strikes to slay the animal. Elsewhere in the kingswood, a dishevelled and bloodstained Rhaenyra and Criston encounter the white hart; Rhaenyra merely admires the animal before letting it go unharmed and returning to the royal encampment with the boar's carcass.

Otto pressures Alicent to convince Viserys to name Aegon heir to the throne.
Otto pressures Alicent to convince Viserys to name Aegon heir to the throne.

Back at the Red Keep, Otto and Alicent share a private conversation: Otto insists Alicent urge Viserys to name Aegon as his heir, claiming letting Rhaenyra pass over him to ascend the Iron Throne would incite chaos. Alicent reminds her father that the nobility of the realm, including House Hightower, swore obeisance to Rhaenyra as Viserys' heir and that she will not raise her son to steal his sister's birthright. Otto retorts that Aegon is the one being robbed, as by tradition and precedent, as Viserys' son, he is his father's rightful heir, and the next King of Westeros. Later that evening, Alicent goes to speak with Viserys, who reveals he has received a petition from Ser Vaemond Velaryon, requesting reinforcements in the Stepstones, as well as frustratedly insisting that Rhaenyra needs a husband of suitable rank to support her and rule by her side as King-Consort, regardless of her personal feelings on the matter. Alicent urges Viserys to give Rhaenyra at least the belief she can choose her own husband, as well as sending reinforcements to the Stepstones, since it is better for Westeros that the Velaryons and Daemon, rather than the Crabfeeder, are victorious.

Viserys gives Rhaenyra leave to choose her own husband.
Viserys gives Rhaenyra leave to choose her own husband.

The next morning, Viserys summons Rhaenyra to the Small Council chamber. He reveals his intention to send reinforcements to Daemon; Viserys refuses to let his younger brother die out of pride. He asks Rhaenyra's thoughts on the matter, to which she retorts he and his Small Council have made it frequently clear her thoughts on matters of governance are immaterial, prompting Viserys to exasperatedly ask if his daughter intends to become as much a thorn in his side as his brother. He apologizes for trying to foist Jason Lannister on her, insisting that he only wanted to help Rhaenyra by providing her House Lannister's wealth and power through marriage; Rhaenyra scoffs that in her mind, it was her father making a pretty transparent effort to get her out of the way so he could replace her. Viserys insists he is not trying to replace Rhaenyra, but reminds her, even though his marriage to her mother became a happy one, it was originally arranged for political gain, as have most royal marriages in Westerosi history. Viserys urges Rhaenyra to pick a husband, both so she can have the happiness of starting a family of her own and build support for her claim to the Iron Throne with her husband's family, but insists he will allow her to choose her own consort.


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In the Stepstones
Craghas executes Velaryon soldiers.
Craghas executes Velaryon soldiers.

It has been three years since Lord Corlys Velaryon and Prince Daemon Targaryen led an invasion fleet to the Stepstones to put an end to the depredations of Craghas Drahar. On the beach of Bloodstone, as Drahar amuses himself by executing prisoners while his men loot the wreckage of a Velaryon ship, Daemon descends atop Caraxes, the dragon's fire incinerating many of the Triarchy's soldiers on the beach, while the rest retreat with Drahar into the island's caverns where Caraxes cannot pursue. Volleys of arrows from Triarchy archers on the cliffs overlooking the beach force Daemon and Caraxes to retreat.

The Velaryon war council at Dwarfstone.
The Velaryon war council at Dwarfstone.

Several weeks later, at the Velaryon camp on Dwarfstone, Corlys, along with his son Laenor and brother Vaemond discuss their situation as Daemon returns from another dragonborne sortie against Drahar's stronghold. Corlys lists that their supplies are about to run out, the men are demoralized, and ships bound to resupply them from Driftmark are still weeks away. Laenor proposes a desperate gambit, using Daemon as bait to lure the Crabfeeder's forces into the open to eliminate them all at once, despite his uncle's misgivings. The war council is interrupted by the arrival of Ser Addam, a messenger from King's Landing sent by Viserys, promising his brother reinforcements. Enraged at the notion of being bailed out by his older brother, Daemon attacks the messenger, beating him with his helmet before the Velaryons intervene. Daemon later departs for Bloodstone alone in a rowing boat.

The Velaryon army comes to Daemon's aid at Bloodstone.
The Velaryon army comes to Daemon's aid at Bloodstone.

Fashioning a white flag from the wreckage of previous battles on Bloodstone, Daemon goes to one knee, holding out Dark Sister in a gesture of surrender. When one of Drahar's soldiers moves to take the sword, Daemon stabs him with a dagger, recovers Dark Sister, and cuts down any man standing between himself and Drahar. The Triarchy archers bring Daemon down short of his goal, but as Triarchy soldiers move in to finish him off, they are set ablaze by Laenor Velaryon astride his own dragon Seasmoke, who then wipes out the Triarchy archers overlooking the battlefield. As the Triarchy forces reel, Corlys and Vaemond lead a brutal counterattack against the enemy, while Daemon pursues Drahar into the caves. As the Velaryon forces claim victory, a blood-stained Daemon emerges, dragging the upper half of Drahar's bisected corpse behind him

Second of His Name

King of the Narrow Sea

We Light the Way

The Princess and the Queen

Driftmark

At High Tide
Six years have passed since the funeral of Laena Velaryon. In the Hall of Nine, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, attended by her granddaughter Baela Targaryen, listens to Maester Kelvyn reporting that her husband, Lord Corlys Velaryon, who has spent that time fighting to maintain Westeros's hold on the Stepstones, has been seriously wounded in an ambush by Triarchy forces. His ship is expected to return to Driftmark in three days, but his fever might claim his life by then. Ser Vaemond Velaryon, in attendance, insists that as Corlys's closest kin, he should inherit Driftmark if his elder brother dies, rather than Corlys's preferred choice of Lucerys Velaryon, who Vaemond asserts is a bastard son of Harwin Strong. When Rhaenys warns that her cousin, King Viserys, would have Vaemond's tongue for such words, Vaemond retorts that Alicent Hightower rules in Viserys's stead, and he expects her to ratify his claim to Driftmark.

On Dragonstone
Prince Daemon Targaryen climbs the Dragonmont, the volcano overlooking Dragonstone castle, where he recovers three dragon eggs laid by Syrax from a nest within the volcano, handing them over to the Dragonkeepers upon his return. Within the castle, a pregnant Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen watches her eldest son, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon reciting High Valyrian under the tutelage of Maester Gerardys, reassuring her son when he keeps reprimanding himself for making mistakes that he has plenty of time to learn. Rhaenyra dismisses her eldest son and his younger brother, Joffrey, along with the maester as Daemon enters, wanting to discuss a letter sent to them by Baela from Driftmark. Rhaenyra is furious at Vaemond's intentions, particularly since she expects Alicent and Otto Hightower to side with him, noting that if Lucerys's claim to Driftmark is overturned, by extension, Jace's and her own claims to the Iron Throne will be jeopardized. Rhaenyra is also concerned that the letter mentions Rhaenys has returned to court, since they cannot be sure of her intentions. Daemon confidently asserts Rhaenys will not support Vaemond, given her taking Baela as her ward. Rhaenyra argues that Rhaenys still blames them for the death of her son Laenor, and has only taken in Baela to honor her daughter Laena's memory. Both conclude that they need to return to King's Landing to fight for Luke's claim.


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In King's Landing
Rhaenyra and Daemon arrive, accompanied by her sons and Daemon's younger daughter, Rhaena, at the Red Keep, receiving a minimalist greeting with only Lord Allun Caswell in attendance. Their anger at the lack of reception only grows when they discover that in their absence, the Red Keep is now festooned with iconography of the Faith of the Seven; Rhaenyra outright states she barely recognizes her old home.

In Viserys's chambers, Rhaenyra and Daemon find his model city of Old Valyria covered in dust and cobwebs, having been unattended for years. Much to their horror, Viserys is bedridden, disorientated and clearly in pain, his hair all but gone, his teeth rotten, and his face swathed in bandages. Daemon brings up the matter of Corlys being wounded in the Stepstones and the succession of Driftmark being disputed, only for a delirious Viserys to insist both are already settled. Daemon urges Viserys to support Lucerys's claim over Vaemond's, but Viserys confusedly remarks that Alicent and Otto attend to court business. A child crying out behind them draws Viserys's attention, so Rhaenyra introduces her father to his youngest grandsons from her marriage to Daemon: Aegon and Viserys. Viserys is delighted to see the children, joking the younger has a name fit for a king. The children start to wail, and Viserys, stricken by a sudden onset of pain, insists he needs his tea, pointing to a cup by his bedside. Once he has drunk, Daemon takes the cup from his brother and sniffs it, frowning as he recognizes the scent of its contents.

Ser Harrold Westerling interrupts a meeting of the Small Council to inform them of Rhaenyra and Daemon's arrival. The Council briefly discusses the succession of Driftmark; Grand Maester Orwyle remarks that Corlys wanted Lucerys to succeed him, with Lord Lyman Beesbury agreeing that as Laenor's son, Lucerys is the rightful heir. Lord Jasper Wylde argues that Corlys never formally named Lucerys as his heir, while Ser Tyland Lannister notes that Lucerys has no experience commanding ships, a necessity to hold the position of Lord of the Tides. Queen Alicent declares the claimants can present their petitions the following morning, taking her leave to go and meet Rhaenyra and Daemon, only to be informed by Ser Erryk Cargyll (whom she briefly mistakes for his twin brother Arryk) there has been an incident in Prince Aegon's chambers. In the queen's apartments, Alicent's lady-in-waiting, Talya, presents the Queen with a weeping girl, Dyana, one of Princess Helaena Targaryen's maids, confirming no one else has seen her. At Alicent's request, Dyana tearfully explains that when she tried to serve Prince Aegon wine, he drunkenly forced himself on her. Alicent is sympathetic to the girl, confirming she believes that Dyana is telling the truth, but buys Dyana's silence with a pouch of gold and forces her to drink Moon tea, noting that others might dismiss her testimony. Afterwards, a furious Alicent confronts a drunken Aegon in his chambers, berating him for his assault on Dyana, only the latest of many, bringing shame on her and his wife with his conduct, disgustedly declaring Aegon no son of hers. Aegon feebly protests at the weight of expectations placed upon him and the fact nothing he does ever satisfies his parents, but Alicent is unsympathetic. When Helaena, unaware of what has happened, enters the room and asks if anyone has seen Dyana, Alicent breaks down in tears and embraces her daughter.

In Viserys's room, Rhaenyra and Daemon discuss the extent of his deterioration when Alicent enters the room. The couple outright accuse Alicent and Otto of keeping Viserys stupefied on milk of the poppy so that they can rule in his name without interference. When Alicent protests that Viserys's condition leaves him in agony and the maesters recommended such treatment, Daemon sarcastically asks if the maesters also prescribed stripping the Red Keep of Targaryen heraldry in favor of the iconography of the Seven. Alicent piously retorts such devotional displays are meant only to guide and remind of a higher authority. When Rhaenyra questions which authority will decide on her son's right to his own inheritance, Alicent smugly replies that will be her, and her father in his capacity as Hand of the King. In the Red Keep's yard, Jace fondly reminisces about their boyhood days training there, while Luke is more self-conscious of the stares of the courtiers, aware that his resemblance to Harwin Strong rather than Laenor Velaryon undermines his claim to Driftmark. The brothers notice a crowd forming around a sparring match; to their shock, they see Criston Cole duelling their uncle, Prince Aemond Targaryen, who has grown into a formidable warrior since they last met. Aemond defeats Cole, who compliments the victory, remarking Aemond will swiftly be winning tourneys before long. Aemond makes clear he has no interest in such things before noticing his nephews in the crowd, asking Jace and Luke if they've come to train with a menacing edge in his voice. Jace and Luke are saved from having to answer by the arrival of Vaemond, escorted by his retinue and several Hightower guardsmen. Vaemond meets privately with Otto and Alicent, pledging the Velaryon fleet to support them in return for acknowledging him as heir to Driftmark.

In the Red Keep's godswood, Rhaenyra meets with Rhaenys, accompanied by Rhaena. Rhaenys is delighted to see her younger granddaughter, but less so Rhaenyra, who asks Rhaena leave to let the older women talk privately. Rhaenyra concludes Rhaenys is in King's Landing to advocate for her own claim to Driftmark, rather than in support of Vaemond. Rhaenyra insists that the proceedings are a trap engineered by Otto and Alicent meant to insultingly denounce Lucerys as illegitimate; an angry Rhaenys snaps Rhaenyra did worse when she cuckolded Laenor. Rhaenyra insists that she loved Laenor in her own way and that she was uninvolved in his death. She also offers to betroth Jace and Luke to Baela and Rhaena, allowing Baela to be Jace's Queen and ensuring rule of Driftmark will pass through Laena's line by Rhaena as Rhaenys originally wished. Rhaenys seemingly rebuffs the offer, remarking that she must stand alone.

That night, as a storm batters King's Landing, Rhaenyra sits at Viserys' bedside. He awakes and briefly mistakes her for Alicent before Rhaenyra corrects him. Rhaenyra then asks her father if he believe the Song of Ice and Fire, the prophetic dream of Aegon the Conqueror, is a true prophecy. She reminds Viserys that he told her it was their duty to hold the realm united against the return of a coming evil, but warns his naming her heir divided the realm and she has found the burden of that duty a hard one to bear. Rhaenyra tearfully pleads for her father to defend her and her children if he believes the dream true, but Viserys is too delirious from pain, illness and medication to respond, and Rhaenyra weeps at the realization even her beloved father has forsaken her to fend for herself.

The next morning, as Orwyle and several acolytes tend to Viserys's affliction, the king orders Otto to arrange a supper that night with all of his family in attendance, as well as refusing milk of the poppy. Later that day in the throne room, Otto, seated on the Iron Throne in Viserys's stead in his role as Hand of the King, presides over the succession of Driftmark in the event of Lord Corlys's death. Vaemond speaks first, citing House Velaryon's history as a survivor of the Doom of Valyria, as well as citing himself as Corlys's closest kin and a true heir of Velaryon blood. Rhaenyra scornfully accuses Vaemond of serving nothing but his own ambition in undermining the succession of Laenor's trueborn son and Corlys's preferred successor, only to be silenced by Alicent. Once Vaemond's petition is concluded, Otto invites Rhaenyra to speak on Lucerys's behalf. She begins by denouncing the entire proceeding as a farce, but before she can speak further, the throne room doors open and, to the incredulity of all present, Viserys hobbles into the throne room, clearly in pain but determined to support his daughter one last time. Viserys declares his intention to sit the throne and preside over the ruling, forcing Otto to withdraw. He struggles to climb the steps of the Iron Throne, initially dismissing the offer of Ser Erryk's help, but when he stumbles a second time, out of breath from exertion, his crown falls from his head and another figure steps forward to help. Viserys is about to rebuff them, when he sees it is Daemon, his face drawn by concern for his older brother, and Viserys allows Daemon to help him up the steps and place the crown upon his head once more.

Once settled upon the throne, Viserys declares his confusion as to why a settled succession is being debated, noting the only person fit to give further insight into Corlys's wishes would be his wife, Rhaenys. Rhaenys steps forward and, to the shock and anger of Vaemond, Otto and Alicent, asserts that Corlys always wanted Lucerys to succeed him as Lord of Driftmark, a decision she supports...as she is confident Corlys would support her decision to accept Rhaenyra's proposal to betroth Jace and Luke to Baela and Rhaena. Viserys declares the matter settled, reaffirming Lucerys as heir to Driftmark and the next Lord of the Tides. An outraged Vaemond furiously snaps that Viserys has no authority to decide House Velaryon's fate when he broke centuries of tradition and Westerosi law to install his daughter as heir, angrily denouncing Lucerys as no true Velaryon. Angered by Vaemond's presumption, Viserys coldly reminds Vaemond he is nothing more than a second son, whereas Lucerys is the king's trueborn grandson. Vaemond refuses to be silent, raging that he will not allow House Velaryon to end on account of Lucerys, stopping short of openly calling the boy a bastard. Daemon, glaring at Vaemond, dares him to say the word that will damn him, and Vaemond bellows aloud that Rhaenyra's children are bastards and, as the crowd murmurs at this outburst, turns to face Viserys and hisses that Rhaenyra herself is a whore. An apoplectic Viserys rises to his feet and draws his dagger, vowing to take Vaemond's tongue for the insult to his daughter's honor. Before he can, Daemon slices off the top of Vaemond's skull with Dark Sister, sardonically quipping that Vaemond "can keep his tongue", before casually cleaning and sheathing Dark Sister as Otto bellows at the Kingsguard to disarm Daemon. The shock and exertion overcome Viserys who collapses in pain on the throne, but despite a panicking Rhaenyra and Alicent pleading with him to take medical assistance, Viserys refuses, insisting he must make things right.

Later that evening, Rhaenys watches as the Silent Sisters prepare Vaemond's body for burial. Grand Maester Orwyle urges her to leave, noting it is considered bad luck to look upon the face of death, but Rhaenys dismisses him, remarking that the Stranger, who has come for her family so many times, no longer cares if her eyes are open or closed to him.

Concurrently in his personal chambers, Viserys dines with both sides of his family. Removing his mask to show the extent of his facial decay, Viserys beseeches them all to reconcile their differences, both for the sake of unity in House Targaryen and out of love for him. Rhaenyra and Alicent try to broach their past estrangement, with Rhaenyra toasting Alicent's diligent care of her father, and Alicent acknowledging they are both mothers who love their children, saying Rhaenyra will make a fine queen. Aegon makes several leery passes at Baela, much to Jace's annoyance, but acknowledging his grandfather's wish for peace and reconciliation, Jace instead chooses to toast his uncles in remembrance of his fond memories of their shared childhood. Helaena also offers a toast to Baela and Rhaena at their prospective marriages, as well as making a subtle jab at Aegon regarding their own, much to the amusement of everyone at the table. As several musicians in the corner begin playing, Jace invites Helaena to dance with him, which she happily accepts. Viserys smiles contentedly as both sides of his family enjoy themselves, before retiring to his chambers for the night. Unfortunately, once he is gone, the reconciliatory mood is ruined when Lucerys, amused at the memory of "the Pink Dread", can't help but snigger when a suckling pig is set on the table before Aemond. Infuriated by the reminder of his childhood humiliation, Aemond gets to his feet and sarcastically toasts Jace and Luke, calling them "wise, handsome, and strong". Aware Aemond is indirectly insulting them, Jace and Luke promptly get into a fight with Aemond and Aegon before Daemon separates them. Rhaenyra sends her sons back to their quarters while Aemond backs down and leaves after Daemon stares his nephew down, recognizing it is not worth picking a fight with a man who has already demonstrated his willingness to use lethal force in defense of his stepsons. Rhaenyra and Alicent briefly commiserate over the antics of their sons; Rhaenyra promises to return on dragonback once she's seen her family safely back to Dragonstone, with Alicent remarking she and the King would both like that.

Concurrently, Talya visits a lavish manse within the city belonging to Mysaria, informing her true employer about events in the Red Keep.

Later that night, Alicent comes to Viserys' chambers and helps him take medicine for his pain. Confusing Alicent for his daughter, Viserys continues his previous conversation with Rhaenyra, insisting that he believes Aegon the Conqueror's dream was a true vision and that she must be the one to prepare Westeros against the coming darkness. Hearing the Conqueror's name, Alicent misunderstands, believing Viserys is nominating their son Aegon as his successor. Once Alicent is gone, Viserys calls out his last words, "My love," to his late wife, and quietly dies, unaware of the chaos he has unwittingly sowed.

The Lord of the Tides

House of the Dragon

Alicent knows her throne rests on a misreading she can no longer unsee, yet chooses to defend it anyway.

Alicent Questions Orwyle on Viserys

Searching Viserys's Historical Tomes

Fatalistic Admission to Larys

Larys Observes the Moon Tea

Harsh Rebuke of Aegon's Competence

Larys Reframes Viserys's Choice as Pragmatic

Alicent has privately concluded the Green succession was built on a misreading of Viserys's final words, and her search through historical texts is an attempt to find external justification for a war she suspects was started on a lie. Her continued support of Aegon is therefore not a conviction but a choice, one she makes while suspecting it is wrong. This reframes the entire Green cause not as legitimate succession but as willful self-deception that Alicent maintains with full awareness of the alternative.

Alicent Knows She Built a Lie

Harrenhal's curse doesn't reflect Daemon's guilt, it hunts it, using Alys Rivers to expose the truths his mind cannot survive.

Dream beheading of young Rhaenyra

Aemond's face becomes Daemon's own

Alys Rivers' preemptive knowledge of Daemon's conflict

Weirwood curse as castle's mechanism

Vision of Laena in a servant

Daemon accepts Alys's sleeping remedy

Hallucinations blurring sleep and waking

Daemon's psychological collapse at Harrenhal is not ambient; it is coordinated. The castle's weirwood-infused curse provides the architecture of his vulnerabilities, identifying the precise wounds around borrowed identity and parasitic significance, while Alys Rivers functions as a prepared operational agent who uses an administered drink to strip his agency and deliver him into a chemically softened state where those wounds are fully exposed. Neither force is sufficient alone: what dismantles Daemon is the combination of a supernatural targeting system and a person who knew how to aim it before he arrived.

Harrenhal's Curse Weaponizes Daemon's Deepest Wounds

Alys Rivers Used Harrenhal's Curse as a Targeting System

Larys knows about Alicent and Criston, and his silence is not mercy but a weapon he is saving for the perfect moment.

Larys Observes the Moon Tea Cup

Alicent Lies to Grand Maester Orwyle

Orwyle's Side-Effect Warning

Larys Chooses Not to Press

Moon Tea as Parallel to Rhaenyra's Accusation

Alicent's Physical Reaction After Drinking

Shattering Figurine at Orwyle's Arrival

Larys Strong is hoarding knowledge of Alicent's affair with Criston Cole as leverage rather than weaponizing it immediately, and his deliberate restraint is the tell. A Master of Whisperers who mentions nothing is more dangerous than one who speaks. The deeper problem for Alicent is not that Larys knows, but that she has continued the affair and maintained proximity to Larys regardless, which suggests she has already conceded his ownership of the secret without admitting it to herself.

Larys Holds the Cup Over Alicent

Larys surrendered Harrenhal not in defeat but as a trap, letting the cursed castle itself destroy Daemon while Strong power endured elsewhere.

Larys's Calm Defense of the Loss

Madness Prediction, Gold Secured

Daemon's Worsening Hallucinations

Alys Rivers Confirms the Curse

House Strong Wealth Preserved

Larys Understates Daemon's Threat

Larys Strong surrendered Harrenhal not as a military failure but as a targeted psychological operation, using the castle's cursed deterioration to destroy Daemon's mind while preserving House Strong's wealth outside the Blacks' reach. His calm explanation to Aegon is not damage control but a disclosure of design. The move carries a private motive the Greens cannot see: Harrenhal is where House Strong fell, and Larys is completing a transaction, not serving an alliance.

Larys Surrendered Harrenhal to Destroy Daemon

Aemond's delay at Rook's Rest was calculated, not accidental, allowing him to burn his brother alive under cover of war.

Aemond Holds Back Vhagar for Aegon

Vhagar Fire Strikes Sunfyre Too

High Valyrian Council Exclusion

Secret Raven Messages With Cole

Aemond Walks From Aegon's Body

Contrast With Lucerys Accident

Aemond Is Next In Succession

Aemond engineered Aegon's incapacitation at Rook's Rest through a sequence of private coordination with Criston Cole, a staged Small Council announcement, and dragonfire directed at both Sunfyre and Meleys once Aegon was committed past retreat. Cole is the sole witness whose silence Aemond requires, but Cole's loyalty was never to Aemond. It runs through Alicent instead, and has since been complicated by a mutual entanglement that makes that silence structurally unreliable in ways Aemond could not have anticipated when he recruited him.

Aemond Used Rook's Rest to Burn His Brother

Aemond Secured the Perfect Witness, But Not the One He Thinks He Has

Alicent's rejection of Aegon as worthless becomes the wound that drives him to reckless suicide at Rook's Rest.

Alicent's 'Nothing' Verdict

Aegon Dismissed by Small Council

Aemond's Unauthorized War Strategy

Drunk Aegon Flies to Rook's Rest

Alicent's Emotional Instability

Mother's Contempt as Final Straw

Alicent's dismissal of Aegon is not background noise before the battle at Rook's Rest. It is the functional cause of it. The show sequences her contempt and his flight without naming the connection, but the evidence argues that Aegon's battlefield recklessness is a response to his mother's verdict on his worth, not a military decision. If that causal link holds, Alicent bears direct responsibility for Rook's Rest, not through malice, but through the habitual contempt she has never recognized as lethal.

Alicent's 'Nothing' Sends Aegon to War

Daemon's war for Rhaenyra masks a deeper rivalry: she remains the sibling who stole his father's favor, a wound that poisons his loyalty.

Rhaenyra's Accusation in Dream Dialogue

Daemon Beheads Dream Rhaenyra

Aemond Figure Reveals Daemon's Own Face

Alys Rivers Names the Contradiction

Harrenhal Strips External Resistance

Dream Recurs Across Multiple Nights

Daemon's participation in the Dance of Dragons is not loyalty to Rhaenyra but a sustained attempt to win a posthumous argument with Viserys, using her victory as proof that her elevation over him was the error. The dream at Harrenhal does not surface ambivalence; it surfaces the founding grievance of his psychology and resolves it, in his own unconscious, with her execution. His war effort on her behalf is structurally compromised not by divided allegiance but by the fact that she was never the point.

Daemon's True Enemy Has Always Been Rhaenyra

Rhaenys turned her dragon back into battle at Rook's Rest not by mistake but by choice, selecting death over escape.

Rhaenys Turns Back Into The Fight

Aemond Withholds Vhagar Deliberately

Rhaenys Already Winning Before Retreat

Meleys's Precision Against Vhagar's Firepower

Warrior's Death Over Strategic Survival

Dragonpit Choice As Prior Haunting

Rhaenys chose her death at Rook's Rest with full tactical awareness, not because she misjudged the engagement but because she had already decided not to leave it. After downing Aegon and identifying Aemond's trap, she re-entered a fight she could have escaped, a decision that reframes her death as the culmination of a reckoning she had been carrying since the Dragonpit. The Battle of Rook's Rest was settled by her refusal to survive, not by her enemies' superiority.