“The only thing that could tear down the House of the Dragon was itself.”
Contents
In the season’s cold open, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen holds a Great Council to decide the issue of his uncertain succession. With the candidates narrowed to Rhaenys Targaryen and Viserys I Targaryen, the lords select Viserys as heir.
Nine years into his reign, Viserys’ wife, Queen Aemma Arryn dies in childbirth after Viserys forces her into a cesarean section. His would-be heir, Baelon, dies hours later.
Meanwhile, his daughter Rhaenyra Targaryen grieves the loss of her mother with the help of her closest friend, Alicent Hightower. When Alicent’s father, Otto Hightower, reveals that the King’s brother and heir apparent, Prince Daemon Targaryen, mocked Baelon’s death, Viserys declares Rhaenyra to be his heir and banishes Daemon to Runestone.
Daemon Targaryen initially goes to Dragonstone with his frequent paramour, Mysaria. He steals a dragon egg from King’s Landing and claims he and Mysaria are married and that she is with child. Otto Hightower is sent to negotiate with Daemon, but nearly causes a battle to break out. Rhaenyra Targaryen arrives and dares Daemon to kill her, but her calling of his bluff successfully pushes him to leave Dragonstone and return the egg.