Has Alicent Realized Her Mistake in “House of the Dragon”?

The Dance of the Dragons perhaps commenced in House of the Dragons due to a significant error by Alicent. She believed Aegon was the legitimate heir because she thought Viserys had changed his mind. However, she was unaware of the actual context of Viserys’ conversation at the time.

The latest episode revealed Rhaenyra finding her way to King’s Landing. She recognized that Alicent did not genuinely desire a dragon war, prompting her to attempt to sway her former friend’s opinion. Although she was unsuccessful, Rhaenyra gained insights into Alicent’s unyielding stance on placing Aegon on the throne.

Alicent was convinced that Viserys had altered his decision regarding Rhaenyra’s ascension to the throne. Eventually, after much persuasion, Alicent disclosed Viserys’ final words to Rhaenyra. Upon hearing “The Prince That Was Promised,” Rhaenyra’s eyes widened. Viserys wasn’t referring to Alicent’s son, Aegon, but it was understandable how Alicent might have misconstrued it.

Rhaenyra explained that “The Prince That Was Promised” was part of an old prophecy her father had recounted. She clarified that it involved Aegon the Conqueror, not Alicent and Viserys’ son, Aegon. This revelation brought some relief to Rhaenyra, but unfortunately, it did not avert the impending war.

Alicent’s realization of her mistake was evident. Although she couldn’t admit it to Rhaenyra, this revelation would undoubtedly trouble her conscience. Her error led to the Greens usurping power and installing Aegon on the throne. This blunder set off a domino effect, resulting in a hasty coronation, Luc’s death, and Jaehaerys’ murder.

Without Alicent’s intervention, none of these events would have transpired. The others would have been compelled to crown Rhaenyra as the rightful queen. Now, Alicent finds herself unable to confess her error, effectively telling her son that all his actions were misguided. Given Aegon’s immature behavior and his susceptibility to poor counsel, this dynamic only exacerbates the situation.

Consequently, Alicent is left with no recourse other than to live with the repercussions of her actions. Rhaenyra was correct in asserting that she was always meant to assume the throne.

Source: Various sources