Bet We Could Discover Some History

The opening of the fifth episode of House of the Dragon’s second season, titled “Regent,” heads to Driftmark. Here, we witness a grieving Lord Corlys, portrayed by Steve Toussaint, walking with tears streaming down his face. This somber moment is mirrored by Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) at Dragonstone, staring at the horizon, visibly grieving as well.

In King’s Landing, the scene shifts to a public display as soldiers parade the head of Meleys. Ser Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) looks expectantly at the crowd, but the smallfolk remain silent, with some bowing at the fallen dragon’s sight. A herald shouts, “Behold! The traitor dragon Meleys! Slain at Rook’s Rest by your king!” However, dragons are loyal to their riders, making the claim that Meleys was a traitor questionable. It was Aemond, not Aegon, who killed Meleys, but the smallfolk seem unaware of this detail. They know enough to expect a response from Rhaenyra’s side, the Blacks.

The crowd murmurs, “Rhaenyra will answer this! This is an abomination!” causing confusion in Cole. “Don’t they know we won the battle?” he asks. Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) perceptively notes, “Strange victory. If it was one.” A blacksmith in the crowd tells his apprentice, “It’s just meat,” referring to the dragon, trying to appear indifferent.

At the Red Keep, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) watch the scene from a parapet. They notice a litter being carried behind Meleys’ severed head, probably Aegon’s body. Inside, Alicent approaches the body. Aegon, still alive but grievously injured, has his armor removed by the maester, revealing his extensive burns. Aemond looks on coldly.

Aemond, addressing his mother, says, “Someone will have to rule in his stead.” Elsewhere in the keep, Criston is grilled by Alicent about the events at Rook’s Rest. He details the high casualties and the state of Sunfyre, mentioning the dragon “long in the dying,” a stark departure from the book’s narration.

At Dragonstone’s small council, serious concerns are raised. “Our largest dragon has been killed. Criston Cole marches about the Crownlands unchallenged,” states Ser Alfred Broome (Jamie Kenna). Rhaenyra challenges the council’s dismissal of her concerns. A tense exchange follows with Ser Alfred undermining her battle strategies due to her gender, but Rhaenyra holds her ground.

Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett) intends to go to Harrenhal to secure Daemon’s loyalty to Rhaenyra, vowing to negotiate an alliance with the Freys to aid their military strategy. Emotional and determined, Jacaerys argues his position with Baela (Bethany Antonio), who tries to reason with his frustration over his constrained role.

Meanwhile, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), out for dominance, demands Lord Bracken submit to him or face fire. Unsurprisingly, the Bracken representative chooses defiance. However, Daemon strategizes to keep them alive for a reason, showing a more tactical side despite his menacing threats.

The Eyrie sees Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) discussing defenses with Laena (Savannah Steyn), negotiating their alliance by leveraging the promise Rhaenyra made for dragons in exchange for support.

Back at Dragonstone, Rhaenyra reflects with Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) on how she is perceived by her council. Mysaria underscores the public’s fear and discontent, emphasizing Rhaenyra’s undervalued potential.

In a touching conversation with her stepdaughter Baela, Rhaenyra discusses the legacy of Rhaenys and how it still impacts their decisions. Baela receives a mission to engage her grandsire, Corlys, asking him to accept a role as Hand of the Queen, which he initially resists until Baela’s heartfelt reminder of Rhaenys’s bravery and purpose sways him.

Daemon is haunted by visions as he focuses on his military campaign, attempting to reconcile his ambitions with the gruesome realities his forces impose. He acknowledges the patriarchal resistance to Rhaenyra’s rule and his own strategic necessity in their alliance.

In King’s Landing, the political maneuverings continue. Aegon remains comatose while debates ensue over who should act as regent. Alicent’s bid is rebuked in favor of Aemond, highlighting the fragile power dynamics at court.

The struggles of the smallfolk, represented by the blacksmith’s family, underscore the unseen toll of noble conflicts.

Alicent confronts Criston, seemingly disillusioned by his loyalty and the harrowing memories he recounts from the battlefield. Meanwhile, the city is further thrown into turmoil as the smallfolk are confined by Aemond’s orders, creating further unrest.

Jacaerys negotiates with the Freys in the Riverlands, showing his diplomatic prowess in securing necessary alliances for the impending conflict.

Daemon, aware of his tarnished legacy, grapples with his violent tactics. He contemplates the gender biases that threaten Rhaenyra’s claim, envisioning a joint rule as king and queen despite public resistance.

As driftmark mourns, Baela passionately reminds Corlys of Rhaenys’s legacy, urging him to align with Rhaenyra. He reluctantly accepts her plan to pass Driftmark to sea and salt heirs, respecting Baela’s assertion of her identity.

In Dragonstone, Rhaenyra deliberates the need for dragons, remembering the hidden power of Vermithor and Silverwing, contemplating the recruitment of Valyrian-blooded dragonriders, illustrating the persistent struggle for strategic advantage.

The aftermath of battles and personal losses weigh heavily on Rhaenyra and her allies as they prepare for the next phase of conflict. Jace’s initiative and Baela’s resolve signify a broader mobilization effort. Daemon’s wavering between brutal force and political acumen reflects the complexity of the war ahead.

The episode’s peaceful veneer belies the brewing tensions and calculated moves of each faction. The mourning for Princess Rhaenys and Meleys transitions into strategic planning and realpolitik maneuvering as alliances are tested, and new ones are forged amidst the ongoing fight for the Iron Throne.

Source: HBO, Game of Thrones, Clutchpoints