In Tumbleton, 15,000 of Ormund Hightower’s soldiers have taken over Tumbleton. They are going house-to-house, forcibly quartering troops in private homes.

Ormund Hightower has commandeered the the home of the local lord and lady. Specifically, their bathtub. His squire, the real Prince Daeron Targaryen appears but does not have the usual golden-blond hair of a Targaryen. Physically, he looks more like a Hightower.

Ormund learns that the Baratheon’s haven't sent troops and that Aemond not yet shown up to Harrenhal with Vhagar.

Rhaenyra brings her makeshift small council together. Orwyle suggests sending the Riverlord’s army – currently marching to Kings Landing – to take Tumbleton back. He argues it would cost fewer lives than raining down dragonfire. She invites Orwyle to join her Small Council but stops him from using the symbolic balls used by her father, likely ending the tradition here.

Rhaenyra eventually decides to order Hugh and Ulf to watch the town instead.

Mysaria counsels Rhaenyra to name a Master of Coin so the people’s anger can be directed at him rather than at her. Rhaenyra appoints Torrhen Manderly.

Rhaenyra meets again with Alicent who explains that she sent Daeron away to Oldtown when he was a baby because she didn't want him to grow up to be like his brothers. Rhaenyra also wants information about Ormond Hightower. As she leaves, Alicent remembers that Ormund has a strong sensitivity to odors.

Corlys leaves King’s Landing after his argument with Rhaenyra about legitimizing Alyn and Addam as Velaryons. He intends to return to the sea to deal with the Triarchy pirates threatening Driftmark. Corlys has Alyn stays behind in his stead to serve as Hand of the Queen. Alyn proves to be immediately useful, suggesting that they use cats to get rid of the rats that are taking over the castle.

Larys and Aegon make it back to Rook's Rest, where they find the body of Aegon's dragon Sunfyre. Aegon insists that the dragon is still alive, but Larys tries to convince him it is not possible.

When several men appear and question what they are doing, Larys realizes they have lingered too long and decides they need to pose as members of the clergy.

They head into the war-ravaged town, seeking food and shelter. Aegon is taken aback by the squalor. Larys tries to convince him that Rhaenyra pronouncing him dead is a good thing, as it will make his eventual return to the throne a much better story. Aegon suffers several humiliations.

At Harrenhal, Alys greets a party of incoming soldiers led by Criston Cole and Gwayne Hightower.