The latest and finale episode of House of the Dragon tied the whole show together with a throwback to Alicent and Rhaenyra from episode one.
The prequel takes us back 200 years before Daenarys vowed to “break the wheel” and shows the Targaryen family at the height of their power. Now allegedly ruling over Westeros is King Aegon with his mother Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and her father Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans). On the other side of the water lies the true heir Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and her husband/uncle Prince Daemon (Matt Smith).
Back weeks and weeks ago, we were introduced to the younger versions of Rhaenyra Targaryen as played by Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Alicent Hightower. These characters were the best of friends and too innocent to realise that they were both in a game that they had no control of.
In the initial episode, Alicent is caught up in a book about Nymeria’s fleet while Rhaenyra is listening, laying on her lap. Shortly after, Rhaenyra rips the page out of the book and gives it to Alicent.
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In the proceeding episodes their relationship deteriorates drastically. After Alicent is married to Rhaenyra’s father, they both fight for their claim to the throne. It gets so bad that a physical confrontation between the two ends in Alicent slicing her arm with a knife.
After the passing of the King, Rhaenyra’s father and Alicent’s husband, war becomes almost inevitable. In one last attempt to avoid bloodshed, Alicent sends her father Otto to Dragonstone to plead with her to bend the knee to King Aegon.
Though Prince Daemon is not interested in hearing the bargaining of traitors, Rhaenyra listens after she is presented with the page she tore for Alicent.
This move persuades Rhaenyra to at least confer with allies to ensure they can take the throne without unnecessary deaths.
However, in the final moments of the series, she hears about the unexpected murder of her son Prince Lucerys. Whatever hope there was for a peaceful resolution, is now gone.
If you haven’t checked out our recap for House of the Dragon episode 10, do so here!
Or for something lighter, check out our collection of ‘The Black Queen’ memes.
