The season 2 finale of House of the Dragon features Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) negotiating a peace settlement with Alicent (Olivia Cooke) to end the ongoing conflict, with the goal of avoiding further clashes with Aemond (Ewan Mitchell).
What Was the Deal Between Rhaenyra and Alicent?
In a surprising twist, Alicent, who originally ignited the war with her interpretation of King Viserys’ last words, appears willing to make significant concessions to end the fighting. Desperate for peace, she makes a secretive visit to Rhaenyra and proposes a straightforward resolution: if Rhaenyra successfully takes King’s Landing with her dragon, Helaena (Phia Saban) will allow her to assume the throne.
Alicent reveals that Helaena, her most compliant child, is serving as Queen Regent while Aemond is absent. Although Aemond is acting like a king, he is not officially recognized as one.
This proposal offers a relatively simple solution to a destructive conflict: seize the castle, claim the Iron Throne, and Rhaenyra becomes the ruler of Westeros. However, this plan hinges on a technicality, and Aemond, if he survives, is likely to oppose it.
Why Aegon Must Die
Aemond may not be the primary issue, but his brother Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), who remains king, poses a significant obstacle to Alicent’s peace. Despite Alicent’s assurances that Aegon will accept Rhaenyra as queen, his presence undermines her legitimacy. In the Targaryen hierarchy, a former king is always seen as a more credible claim to the throne than a reigning queen.
To resolve the succession crisis definitively, Aegon must be eliminated. Alicent also understands that Rhaenyra seeks revenge for the death of her son Luke, who was killed when Aemond’s dragon, Vhagar, went out of control. Daemon (Matt Smith) had previously avenged Luke by orchestrating the death of Alicent’s grandson, Jaehaerys. Rhaenyra demands retribution, insisting on “a son for a son.”
In light of this, Alicent agrees to sacrifice Aegon to ensure the future stability of her remaining family.
What to Expect in Season 3
Initially, Rhaenyra is frustrated with Alicent’s peace offer, feeling it is “too late.” With Daemon’s army preparing to march south, Tyland joining forces with the Triarchy, and Aemond heading to Harrenhal, the conflict is far from over.
Season 3 will delve into the “Dance of the Dragons,” providing a dramatic portrayal of the events that inspired George R.R. Martin’s title, Fire & Blood. The peace deal between Rhaenyra and Alicent deviates from the book, suggesting further changes may be on the horizon in the upcoming season. With Aegon potentially out of the way and Aemond distracted, Rhaenyra is poised to claim the throne amidst the turmoil.
This season will also showcase the impact of Rhaenyra’s decisions, particularly the destruction of the Targaryen myth surrounding dragon-taming. Her army of bastards has shattered the belief that only pure-blooded Targaryens can bond with dragons, significantly altering the kingdom’s narrative.
As Rhaenyra’s dark-haired heir faces his own succession challenges, the return of Aegon looms as a potential threat. Season 3 of House of the Dragon promises to start with high drama and intense developments.
