House of the Dragon Season 2 finale finds the Targaryens and Hightowers clashing with their dragons to see who will sit on the Iron Throne of Westeros

The Dance of the Dragons is happening on the Season 2 finale of HBO’s House of the Dragon, as the deadly civil war wages on between the Targaryens and Hightowers.

Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) found some unexpected allies in the form of new dragon riders in last week’s penultimate episode.

Now that she has the advantage in terms of dragon riders, she intends to strike at the Hightowers in tonight’s finale.

The pay cable network has already renewed the series for Season 3, though it’s unclear when production will begin.

It’s also unclear if the show will have any sort of a time jump between Season 2 and Season 3 quite yet or if it will continue directly after Season 2. 

The episode begins with Tyland Lannister trying to negotiate the breaking of the King’s Landing blockade in Essos.

‘It seems you need us more than we need you,’ Jason is told, while another tells Jason to give  them the Stepstones, but he’s not agreeing. 

‘Give them to us outright, if you prevail,.  and all that will cease. We will impose a simple tax on those passing through. Recoup the losses we took fighting the Velaryon hordes,’ Tyland is told as he says it’s extortion.

Tyland says they will drive up the price of basic goods, but he’s told, ‘It’s better than starving, surely.’

Tyland agrees but thinks the Prince Regent Aemond may well have him hanged for this. 

They also insist on meeting the commander and say their troops are loyal, but it is revealed to be  a woman who says she won’t sail with someone who can’t ‘best’ her.

‘At what?’ Tyland inquires, as she turns and smiles. 

The episode cuts back to King’s Landing, where the recovering King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is in bed as Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) looks after him.

Orwyle pours him some tea as Aegon says, ‘Some rum wouldn’t go amiss,’ asking again, ‘Just a little. ‘

Aegon says, ‘You’re a good man, Orwyle,’ when Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) enters, asking Aegon, ‘for a word.’

Larys says, ‘I must ask you, Your Grace, to steel yourself. We must leave King’s Landing, quickly, and we will not return for some time.’

Aegon is shocked as Larys continues, ‘The Pretender has found three new riders for her dragons,’ as Aegon says, ‘That’s impossible.’

Larys says, ‘Your brother thought the same. He flew to challenge her and was rebuffed. Fled in terror, from what I hear.’

Aegon says, ‘He deserves no less,’ but Larys says, ‘Be that as it may, he has gone in fury to Sharp Point… And laid waste to the whole of the town.’ 

Aegon says, ‘Fucking mad cunt. She really did it then?’ Larys says, ‘I fear so,’ as Aegon says, ‘So, what was the f***ing point in all this then?’

Larys adds, ‘The gods are cruel, Your Grace, but I hope you can see the urgency.’

Aegon insists, ‘No, no. I am the king. Why must I run?’ Larys says, ‘Because the prince regent is going to kill you. You were in danger before, and now, he is thwarted and he is angry. There is no telling what he will do, but we have an opportunity while he is away.’

Aegon says, ‘An opportunity to push him out. Take me to my throne and once he returns, I shall take him prisoner…’

Larys says, ‘Hm? And what then? When Rhaenyra descends on you with her seven dragons, and you, without Vhagar, what then? I have, over the years, in anticipation of little bumps in the road, moved the greater part of Harrenhal’s gold reserves to the Iron Bank in Braavos. We can live… Well and remain until what is coming has passed.’

Aegon laughs weakly and says, ‘You want to take me to Essos to live with the goatf***ers?’

Larys insists, ‘It’s best to live, I think. However you do it,’ though Aegon adds, ‘Is it? My dragon is dead. I am burnt… And disgusting… And alone. And I’m a cripple.’

Larys insists, ‘You are not alone,’ but Aegon adds, ‘My cock is destroyed, did they tell you that? Yeah. It burst into flames like a sausage on the spit.’ 

Larys says, ‘Do not despair, Your Grace. There are better days ahead. Let your brother and the Pretender destroy themselves in blood and bitterness. When they are spent, and their armies in Tatters, we will return, and the people will rise up to meet us.’

Aegon says, ‘I can’t even piss without it running down my leg,’ but Larys insists, ‘They will be tired of endless deprivation and fear. They will hail the returning king… His father’s true heir. Aegon the Victorious… Risen from the ashes. Aegon the Peacemaker. Aegon the Rebuilder.’ 

Aegon says, ‘Aegon, the Realm’s Delight.’

The episode cuts back to Dragonstone as Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett) finds two of the new dragon riders, Ulf (Tom Bennett) and Hugh (Kieran Bew).

Jace tells Ulf to remove his feet from the table but Hugh tells him he’s the Prince as Ulf gets up and hugs him.

Ulf says they’re all dragon riders but Jace gets angry and says, ‘It is a sacred inheritance of which you know nothing.’

Hugh insists, ‘Forgive him, my prince. He is not much used to the manners of court.’

Jace responds, ‘Or any manners at all, I’d say. Do you know what has happened this last hour, hm? The so-called prince regent has burned Sharp Point down to its stones. Thousands of its folk dead or lost. Its harbor in ashes. Will you prepare to face such an enemy? Or will you stay here and make yourself easy? If you hinder our efforts through sloth or unreadiness, I will see you hanged, and your body fed to the dogs in the street.’

Rhaenyra is outside speaking with Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), telling him, ‘The new riders are a boon to us, but now the deed is done, I cannot erase my doubts. We know little of who they are, and what is the strength of their character. Addam of Hull, at least, is known to you.’

Corlys responds, ‘He’s a shipwright in my employ, and it is reported to me that he is a man of integrity. I’ve had little to do with him… To my regret. But the beasts have been claimed. You now have a great advantage. You must strike, quickly, while the prince regent mulls his next action.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘I had hoped my advantage may be in deterrence. Vhagar has ever been our foremost threat, and she is now overmatched.’

Corlys says, ‘Vhagar is not his only dragon,’ but Rhaenyra says, ‘The third brother is untested, has never left Oldtown, and his dragon is younger than Vermax.’

Corlys says, ‘But a dragon nonetheless. And you forget another,’ as Rhaenyra says, ‘Helaena? She does not ride. She has no taste for it.’

Corlys says, ‘She may yet be compelled. And her dragon…’ as Rhaenyra continues, ‘Dreamfyre, hatched when the Conqueror was king. She is formidable. Still, Helaena is no warrior.’

Corlys says, ‘Aemond thought himself invincible. He has now discovered he is not. He’ll be angry, desperate. He will not stop at burning Sharp Point, and he will not be denied.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘You speak truly… Though I wish it was not so,’ changing the subject, asking about his ship, ‘How goes the Sea Snake?’

Corlys says, ‘Better than new. We’ll rejoin the blockade on the morrow. Let our foes beware, be they Lannister or Greyjoy. But… My ship is no longer the Sea Snake. She was a testament to my own glory. I’ve given her a new name. The Queen Who Never Was,’ revealing it’s named after his late wife Rhaenys (Eve Best), who was killed earlier. 

Rhaenyra says, Corlys… I thank you,’ as Corlys says, ‘What I do now… I do for her. Your Grace, you are ready. You have six dragons under your banner. My ships sail at your command, and my men serve you. But the Lannisters are marching, and the Hightowers from Oldtown. You must crush this beast at its head and before too many days have flown. There is, of course… Another player that has yet to be revealed.’

The episode cuts to the Riverlands, where Daemon (Matt Smith) is told, ‘Ah, Your Grace, a word. It seems the sheep on our land has been sold upriver. My vassals have sent a drove of swine instead. Dragons do eat pigs, I assume?’

Daemon says, ‘Caraxes prefers them. How goes your muster?’ The man says, ‘We’ll be ready to March in two days’ time,’ as Daemon says, ‘See to those pigs. 

Daemon is told, ‘Ser Alfred Broome has come to see you,’ as he told, ‘I am sent as an emissary from the queen, to ascertain your movements and your intentions.’  

‘You’ve arrived just in time to see my new army, Broome. What do you think of it?’ Daemon says, as Broome says, ‘It’s very large.’

Daemon says, ‘Lannister hesitates. I aim to March on King’s Landing before he can catch me.’

Broome asks for a word in private and says, ‘I would speak honestly with you,’ as . Daemon says, ‘I’d expect nothing less.’ 

Alfred Broome says, ‘I was faithful to the king, your brother. I pledged my banners to Rhaenyra, his heir. I will never serve the usurpers or the whelps of Oldtown, but there are battles to be fought,’ as a voice faintly says, ‘Traitor.’

Broome asks, ‘Did you hear something?’ Daemon says, ‘This place will have you barking at the moon.’

Broome continues, ‘While you have mustered an army, Rhaenyra has faltered… Turning aside from our judgment, and taking a course, I myself, deem reckless. Rhaenyra will chart her own course, for good or ill. But you are a leader of men. If you declare yourself, your lords will follow you.’

Daemon says, ‘I never took you for a turncloak… Ser Alfred,’ who explains, ‘Rhaenyra’s intentions are good. But what we need, in this moment… Is a king.’

Back in King’s Landing, Jasper ‘Ironrod’ Wylde tells Aemond, ‘It appears that the Pretender sent boats to collect those among the smallfolk who believed they had any drop of Targaryen blood.’

Aemond says, ‘Deception and subterfuge. Cowards, all of them. Put an end to this madness. Let no vessel come or go from our harbor without our inspection.’ 

Jasper says, ‘This will hinder the work of the fishing boats. The people depend on them for sustenance. They will need no sustenance if they are slaughtered by the enemy. We must all make our sacrifices.’ 

Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) asks Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), ‘Why does everybody hate us?’ 

Alicent says, ‘They’re unhappy… And unhappy people look for someone to hate,’ as Helaena says, ‘We didn’t order the blockade.’

‘No, but we are the crown, so they expect us to break it. Drink this,’ Alicent says, as Helaena says, ‘I was happier before I was queen.’

Alicent asks, ‘What would you think about leaving this place?’ But Helaena asks, ‘Where would I go?’

Aemond enters and tells Helaena, ‘The crown has need of your service. The Pretender has raised new riders against us, and we must answer in kind. I need you to fly with Dreamfyre to battle.’

Helaena says, ‘I do not wish to fight,’ but Aemond says, ‘Our wishes must take second place now to what is necessary to preserve the throne.’

Helaena insists, ‘I won’t burn anyone,’ but Aemond says, ‘It isn’t a question,’ as he storms over and grabs Helaena by the arm and starts dragging her away.

‘They have defiled our birthright, made commoners into dragonlords! It is a sin and must be punished!’ Aemond insists as Alicent says, ‘May I remind you your sister is still the queen?’

Aemond fires back, ‘As you were once! And you see now what is the consequence of your weakness! We are in peril today more than yesterday!’

Alicent says, ‘Was it peril that moved you to burn the town of Sharp Point? Peril or basest fury at your own humiliation? You wish to rule the Seven Kingdoms, but you rain ruin and death upon its smallfolk when you’ve been insulted because it makes you feel strong and now you seek to corrupt your sister, of all our line, the gentlest and most deserving of your protection.’

Aemond says, ‘And who will protect her if she cannot protect herself?’ Alicent says, ‘And who will she be if her mind is broken?! ‘Tis no longer our rule that is threatened, our very lives. Would you not have us prevail?’

Alicent insists, ‘Not like this. Not like this!’ as Aemond walks away as Alicent goes to see Maester Orwyle.

‘Grand Maester. I must again request your assistance. I need passage. And your discretion.’

The episode cuts into the woods where Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) puts a sword at Criston Cole’s (Fabien Frankel) neck, and says, ‘Do you think nothing of your oath… Lord Commander?’

Criston says, ‘I think of nothing else, my lord,’ as Gwayne says, ‘Steward’s son from Dorne fucking the queen of the Seven Kingdoms.’

Criston says, ‘Former queen. She has broken no oath, for all I may have done,’ as Gwayne says, ‘I could send you to the Wall.’

‘You could. Stain the Hightower name for a generation. King’s mother and his Hand,’ as Gwayne says, ‘She is my sister.’

Criston says, ‘She saved my life. Twice. Once from the headsman’s axe and once from myself. Since then, she has been the beacon I follow. Do not think I have no shame in me, ser. Desire for women has brought me grief after grief.’

Gwayne says,’Then resist it,’ but Criston says, ‘Oh, would that it were so simple,’ as Gwayne says, ‘Your brothers in the Kingsguard find a way.’

‘Do they? MM, perhaps they do. Or perhaps all men are corrupt… And true honor is a mist that melts in the morning,’ Criston says. 

Gwayne admits, ‘That is a bleak philosophy,’ but Criston says, ‘I have no philosophy. Or rather, my philosophy was this. To protect the righteous and dispense justice on the rest. But now… You saw what I saw. The dragons dance, and men are like dust under their feet. And all our fine thoughts, all our… Endeavors are as nothing. We March now toward our annihilation. To die will be a kind of relief. Don’t you think?’

Criston cleans his blade as Gwayne looks on, not responding to his morbid question. 

The episode cuts back to Essos, where Tyland is fighting with the commander Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn), in a muddy fight.

While she clearly has the upper hand for awhile, Tyland ultimately bests her, which silences the crowd. 

‘You have impressed me, Lord Tyland. King’s Landing has sent a most doughty ambassador,’ Sharako says.

Tyland says, ‘I hope… You will testify to the worth of the ambassador… By agreeing to his most humble request.’

Sharako says, ‘I will most certainly consider it. After dinner. Have you ever eaten the flesh of your enemies?’

Tyland says, ‘What? I have not and I would not,’ as Sharako says, ‘So you reject the hospitality of my house,’ but she laughs and says, ‘A jest, my lord. What do you take me for? A jest! Come.’

Back in Dragonstone, Jace is told it is not befitting of a prince to pout but he insists he’s not pouting. 

Jace says, ‘They are an insult to us. To what makes us Targaryens. If any common lout can ride a dragon.’

She tells him, ‘You are the crown prince, the son of the rightful queen, and here you are sulking because you believe that if not for the dragon or the trappings of your station, that you are nothing. Do you believe that you are the first noble heir who was not sired by his noble father? Such is the way of the world, Jace, and in resenting it, you only diminish yourself. Easy enough to say. I’ve heard the whispers the whole of my life.’

She tells him, ‘Then prove to them that you are worthy. Get up and take your place by your mother’s side.’

Back in Essos, Tyland sings a son at dinner for his hosts, as they all applaud him but one says his name wrong, calling him Tyrod.

Sharako says, ‘You have proven yourself most accommodating. And more accomplished than one would think, to look at you. I will be pleased to sail at your side. And my captains with me.’

She tells her crew, ‘To the Gullet on the morrow! And let the Sea Snake rue the day we meet again.’

Tyland says, ‘ Ya! My king will be well pleased. To friendship!’

Tyland says it is late and he goes to retire, but Sharako says, ‘Oh! Before you go… Lord Tyland. MM. You are a handsome man, and you have proven your worth and virility. I wish to have children by you.’

Tyland nervously says, ‘You, you– You want me to,’ as Sharako says, ‘Indeed. I want you to f**k my wives.’

Tyland asks, ‘How many wives do you have?’

The episode cuts back to Dragonstone as the new dragon riders all feast as Rhaenyra proposes a toast. 

‘A toast. To our new riders. The three of you are not of noble birth, but you have done a thing never dreamed of before now,’ she says, as Ulf chuckles. 

Rhaenyra continues, ‘I have entrusted you with a power only few have known. And I charge you to take it up with fealty and respect. Serve me well, and I will make you knights of the realm.’

Alyn says, ‘We will not fail you, my queen. What must we do?’

Rhaenyra says, ‘I had thought the mere fact of you might stay the enemy’s hand. But Lord Corlys is right. We must strike while we have the advantage… And end this war. Learn your beasts and your commands. You will fly in two days’ time. The strongholds of the usurper, Oldtown and Lannisport, and their armies, all must be subdued. Alone, without allies, he will have no choice but to surrender.’

The woman asks, ‘You wish for us to kill innocents. And so many,’ as Jacaerys says, ‘It is hard… But it cannot be helped.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘We must break the will of our enemy… Or more will die in a struggle that stretches on without end.

Rhaenyra is asked, ‘What about Vhagar?’ as she answers, ‘She is fearsome… But she is one dragon. The prince regent cannot defend against all of us.’

Ulf says, ‘I’ll take him on myself. Silverwing’s a goer, she is. We’re afraid of nothing.’

Ulf asks for, ‘more of these little birds,’ as Rhaenyra says, ‘A knight will comport himself with grace at the queen’s table.’

Ulf says, ‘Best make me a knight, then,’ as Jace says, ‘You forget yourself… Friend,’ as Ulf says, ‘A sense of humor would do you all good.’

Rhaenyra is told, ‘There is a message from Harrenhal, Your Grace. The castellan, Ser Simon Strong. Daemon has raised his army… But Ser Simon fears treachery.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘I will not allow it. Addam… Come with me,’ as Ulf is finally brought his birds.

Daemon wakes up and finds the witch Alys (Gayle Rankin), asking her, ‘Do you never sleep, witch?’

‘I’m Goin’ to the godswood,’ she tells him as he ultimately follows her as she tells him, ‘When you came here, you were a closed fist. You wished to bend the world to your will. But you’ve discovered, I think, that… This world will not be governed. There are omens here for those who seek them. You do not scoff?’

Daemon says, ‘I’m no longer inclined to,’ as Alys laughs and says, ‘I’m pleased to hear it. Do you wish, then, to learn what is given to you? All your life, you have sought to command your own fate, but today you are ready.’

She places her hand on what could be a Weirwood tree and instructs him to touch it as black liquid seems from it as we see a three-eyed raven and an army of White Walkers in quick bits of footage, seemingly events that happen hundreds of years later that are told in the Game of Thrones series.

He’s seen drowning then we see footage of a woman – possibly Daenerys Targaryen – with three dragons and glimpses of the Iron Throne… with Rhaenyra sitting upon it… as we see Helaena, who is possibly revealed as a Seer.

‘It’s all a story,’ Helaena says, adding, ‘And you’re all but one a part in it. You know your part. You know what you must do.’

The episode cuts back to King’s Landing, where Aemond says to his sister Helaena, ‘We share the same blood, you and I. I know you wish no harm to anyone. But in a time like this, when the good of the realm depends on us… Our mother is not a dragonrider. She cannot understand that you and I have a truer call to heed. Come with me… To Harrenhal? We will lay waste to Daemon and his army. Let our enemy see that we will answer outrage with outrage.’

Helaena says, ‘And if I refuse? Will you burn me as you did Aegon?’ as Aemond says, ‘That is a lie,’ but Helaena insists, ‘I saw it. You burned him and you let him fall.’ 

Aemond insists, ‘What you say is treason,’ but Helaena says, ‘Aegon will be king again. He’s yet to see victory. He sits on a wooden throne. And you… you’ll be dead. You were swallowed up in the God’s Eye, and you were never seen again.’

Aemond softly says, ‘I could have you killed,’ but Helaena insists, ‘It wouldn’t change anything,’ as she walks away.

Rhaenyra rides on her dragon to the Riverlands, as she’s met by Ser Simon Strong, ‘I am the castellan, Ser Simon Strong, Your Grace. Well met. Welcome to Harrenhal, my queen. I did not think to see you here yourself.’

She says, ‘Your message gave me much concern,’ as he says, ‘Yes, I must admit I had reason to fear. But come, see for yourself.’

She follows him inside as a huge gathering is in place as they all silence when they realize she’s there.

Daemon walks through the crowd and says, ‘I wasn’t expecting you.’ 

‘That seems rather a lapse in foresight. I see you have done well here,’ she says, as Daemon says, ‘They are sworn to me. And not a moment too soon.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘And to whom are you sworn?’ Daemon answers in High Valyrian, ‘The world is not what we thought it was. This war is just the beginning. Winter is coming with darkness and doom.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘You sound like my father,’ but Daemon insists, ‘I saw it. I saw that we cannot withstand it, and yet somehow, we must.’ 

He continues in Englilsh, ‘The realm’s only hope… Is a leader who can unite it and my brother chose… you,’ as Daemon kneels before her. 

‘You are the true queen, Rhaenyra. First of Her Name. Protector of the Realm. I am meant to serve you, and all of these with me, until death or the end of our story.’

The rest of the gathered soldiers all bend the knee for Rhaenyra, who takes Daemon’s had and tells him in High Valyrian, ‘Leave me again, at your peril.’

He tells her in High Valyrian, ‘I could not. I have tried,’ before turning to the soldiers and screaming, ‘For every one of us who falls… A hundred of them! There will be no mercy! We fight for our queen!’

They all cheer for her as Rhaenyra looks on as the episode cuts back to Corlys who is readying the ships.

Eryck of Hull comes to Corlys and says, ‘You sent for me, Lord Hand,’ as Corlys tells him, ‘Gulls are flying low today. The weather will change.’

‘Not until late, I think, but… -I will ready the storm sails,’ he says, as Corlys says, ‘We join the blockade, and are like to find ourselves in peril, sooner than late. I wish to set out on good terms with my first mate.’

Eryck says, ‘Have I been remiss in my duties? You’ve done what is asked of you, and more. But you are curt… Silent, and the men find you distant. You cannot lead if you do not inspire.’

Eryck says, ‘Well, I never asked to lead, as you well know,’ as Corlys says, ‘You have been given a position to which all who serve here aspire.;

‘Forgive me, my lord. I will endeavor to improve myself,’ Eryck says, as Corlys says, ‘I am trying to help you.’

Eryck says, ‘You want to help me? Is this the help you offer after all these years? A reminder to be grateful?’ 

Corlys says, ‘I mean no offense. You may go,’ as Eryck says, ‘Do you know what it was like for us? To grow up fatherless… To be sneered upon as bastards, never sure of the bread to feed us? Do you know what hunger does to a boy? What grief does? Or shame?’

Corlys says, ‘You are dismissed,’ but Eryck continues, ‘I sold fish in the market from cold dawn until sunset, putting by coppers to stave off the winter, and I watched the man who sired me walk past with his son and heir with a fur around his shoulders… Choosing sweetmeats to eat after supper by the fire. And now that boy is dead. And his sister before him. And the heir that took his place. And now, now, now you remember I live. Now you wish to– suddenly to scatter the crumbs of your favor. I am an honorable man, and I will serve you because I must. But if it is all the same, I will decline any offers of help. If I survive this war… I will continue as I began… Alone.’

The large wild dragon is found in the riverlands as Rhaenyra’s daughter chases after it while Rhaenyra meets with Mysaria.

 ‘You have done what no one else would dream of, and you have been rewarded. The gods favor you. They put the means to victory in your hands,’ Mysaria says.

Rhaenyra adds, ‘And yet, to claim it, I must strike and in striking, I doom thousands to their deaths. I do not believe my father would’ve wished this. He left you with no choice. Be strong. You know you are just. You must not let the Realm fall to those who care for power more than peace. You must prevail.’ 

Rhaenyra asks, ‘And who pays the price?’

Later that night, Rhaenyra has a knock on the door when she goes down and finds Alicent waiting for her, saying, ‘I had to see you.’

‘Who knows?’ Rhaenyra asks, as Alicent says, ‘None save my protector. He laid down his sword at your gate.’

Alicent says, ‘I’ve been, I think… Mistaken. I was raised to believe there was an order to things, that there was security in following the paths laid out for us. I resented you, I think, for… Caring so little for any of it, for knowing what you wanted. I did not know what I wanted. I knew only what was expected of me.’

Rhaenyra asks, ‘Why have you come here?’ Alicent says, ‘Because I lost my way. Or rather, it was taken from me. All those I put my faith in, my husband, my father, my lover, my son…’

Rhaenyra says, ‘Ooh. The incorruptible queen sullies herself with a lover,’ as Alicent says, ‘Do not judge me for what you yourself have done. Your father died. I took comfort with another. I too have desires.’

Alicent says, ‘Yes, but you alone made virtue your banner. And I clung to it… In defiance of you, I think, who so disdained it. I have been alone, of late. I walked outside the walls of the city and I felt a weight lifted from me. -How lovely for you. -I thought, for the first time, what I would choose… If not for the duty I put before all else.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘Shall you cast your son down and rule alone?’ Alicent says, ‘No, I do not wish to rule, I wish to live. To be free of all this endless plotting and striving. The crown will pursue war and victory at any cost. But as for me… I would take my daughter and her child and leave it all behind.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘It’s too late… Alicent. You said it yourself. Blood has been shed, cities burned, armies March, and you wish to wash your hands of what you yourself set in motion.’

Alicent says, ‘Oh, the arrogance of blaming me, as if you would not have been challenged regardless.’ 

Rhaenyra says, ‘Did not your hand bring it forth like a midwife?’ Alicent says, ‘I did only what I thought your father wanted.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘Oh, go then. Leave us behind, as you say. Wander in the wilderness. What has it got to do with me? Did you come here thinking you would be absolved?’

Alicent says, ‘He never stopped loving your mother, you know? He was very fond of me, and I of him, but… She was the vision that sustained him even after she herself had slipped from his grasp, it was his love for her that kept him resolute in his choice of heir.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘And yet, you believe he wavered at the end. Why have you come here?’

Alicent says, ‘Aemond will soon fly to join Cole in the Riverlands. When he’s gone… Helaena as queen will be the crown’s authority. If you come then to King’s Landing, I will see to it that our guards throw down their arms, we will open the Gates, we will shed no blood. You will enter as a conqueror. Already you have the stronger hand. Once you take the throne, this senseless war must end.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘What of Aegon?’ Alicent says, ‘He’s broken beyond recognition. He lies in the dark, in pain and terror. He has many faults, but… He still heeds his mother. I believe I can prevail upon him to bend the knee, if indeed…’

Rhaenyra says, ‘No! Still… You defend him. Still you imagine you can have all you want without paying too high a price, a price I had no choice but to pay.’

Alicent insists, ‘What I want is to set things right,’ as Rhaenyra says, ‘If I am to take the throne, I must put an end to the opposition. I must take Aegon’s head. And I have to do it for all to see. You know this. However you may try to evade it, you know this. Choose. Will you shrink from what you set out to do? Or will you see it through… And make your sacrifice? A son for a son.’

Alicent shakes her head but eventually agrees, as Rhaenyra says, ‘You are much changed.’

Alicent says, ‘Let us be done with this, please,’ as Rhaenyra says, ‘And what do I do with you now?’ 

Alicent says, ‘You let me go, to do what I promised. And you fly to the Red Keep in three days’ time, and you take your throne. Or you take me for a liar. I have neither weapon nor armor. My life itself is forfeit. I… Cast myself on the mercy of a friend who once loved me.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘History will paint you a villain. A cold queen… Grasping for power, and then defeated.’

Alicent says, ‘Let them think what they must. I am at last myself… With no ambition greater than to walk where I please and to breathe the open air. To die unremarked and unnoticed… And be free.’

Rhaenyra says, ‘You speak as if from a distant dream,’ as she asks, ‘Come with me,’ as Rhaenyra says, ‘My part is here, whether I will or no. It was decided for me long ago,’ before she tells Alicent softly, ‘Go,’ and she leaves.

Alicent leaves as Rhaenyra’s dragon riders prepare to take King’s Landing as Rhaenyra’s daughter keeps running after the dragon.

The Hightower armies march into the Riverlands as Daemon looks out over his army while Tyland Lannister is at sea.

Rhaenyra’s daughter finds the dragon as it howls at her, but we don’t know if she claims it or not.

Larys Strong has taken King Aegon away from King’s Landing, leaving the Iron Throne unclaimed – for the moment – as the season comes to an end. 

The series is set 200 years before the events that unfolded in HBO‘s flagship series Game of Thrones, and 100 years into the rule of House Targaryen over Westeros.

By the end of Season 1, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) had died, with his only son, Aegon II, taking claim to the Iron Throne.

Rhaenyra felt that she had a right to the throne, as House Targaryen became divided between factions led by Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), Rhaenyra’s former best friend and wife of King Viserys.

The Season 2 premiere suffered a bit of a ratings hit, with 7.8 million viewers tuning in last week through all platforms.

That number was a 22% drop from the 10 million viewers that tuned in for the series premiere back in August 2022.

The drop was attributed to linear viewing, those who watched the episode live on HBO, which was 1 million fewer than the series premiere.

The second episode of Season 1 actually increased to 10.2 million, representing a series peak, with 9.3 million viewers watching the Season 1 finale.

The show’s season two debut was penned by showrunner Ryan Condal and directed by Alan Taylor, who previously directed episodes of Game of Thrones, as well as HBO staples such as Boardwalk Empire, Sex and the City, The Sopranos and its prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark.

The show’s second season kicked off with a revised opening titles sequence that was noticeably different than the one broadcast in the show’s first season.

The first season of House of the Dragon featured an animated opening that incorporated Old Valyria in a stone model.

It had been presided over by the late King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine). It included red blood streaming through Valyria’s streets, with symbolism alluding to the Targaryen leaders.

House of the Dragon will return for Season Three on HBO, though it’s unclear when the show will return quite yet.