The shocking death of Aegon’s child at the hands of the murderous pair, Blood and Cheese, in the first episode of House of the Dragon Season 2 left viewers in a state of shock.
Despite the chaos in King’s Landing, Aegon and the Hightowers are determined to uncover the truth behind the murder of his heir. As all fingers point to Rhaenyra Targaryen, it is evident that the fight for the Iron Throne will only escalate in violence.
1. Episode 2 Ending
The finale of House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 sees the deaths of both Arryk and Erryk, as they become casualties of a conspiracy to either eliminate or defend Rhaenyra. In addition, Alicent and Otto come to an understanding and find common ground.
Ultimately, Rhaenyra has a change of heart and decides to release Mysaria. As Mysaria makes her way towards one of the ships, she catches a glimpse of Arryk heading towards Dragonstone.
Inside, Arryk stealthily makes his way to Rhaenyra’s room and narrowly misses running into his brother. As she is getting ready for bed, Rhaenyra is startled by Arryk’s sudden entrance. Initially mistaking him for Erryk, she quickly realizes her mistake as Erryk bursts in and begins attacking his twin. In a panic, Rhaenyra hides and calls for her maid to get assistance.
Despite Arryk’s frequent attempts to kill Rhaenyra, the two twins continue to battle fiercely. However, Erryk proves to be a skilled fighter and ultimately gains the advantage. In a brutal turn of events, one of the brothers is killed, leaving the remaining twin’s identity uncertain for a moment.
However, it appears that Erryk is the one apologizing to his queen and taking his own life out of guilt, as he puts his sword into his chest and ends his own life.
At King’s Landing, Alicent comforts Otto, who is still struggling with the aftermath of his confrontation with Aegon. She suggests that he travels to Highgarden, where she can speak to Aegon and try to reason with him while he is away. As she departs from Otto, she notices Aegon crying to himself.
When she arrives at her room, Criston is already there. She repeatedly slaps him and continues to physically assault him until he finally grabs her. They then share a passionate kiss.
2. Aegon’s Revenge
Alicent informs Helaena of their new responsibility, but Helaena appears emotionally detached, still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her child. She is certain of one thing, however – she does not want to participate in the procession.
When Alicent mentions what Helaena witnessed, Helaena remains unfazed despite being in bed with Criston.
Larys Strong sits in the dungeons, surrounded by a collection of torture devices, eagerly anticipating Blood’s arrival. With just one glance at his tools, Blood immediately begins to confess all. He reveals that the ratcatcher was also involved, though not to the extent that would spare him from Aegon’s wrath. As Aegon enters the room, he proceeds to violently beat the ratcatcher.
As they lead the procession through the streets of King’s Landing, Alicent and Helaena are accompanied by the body of the young prince, causing the crowds to weep and wail in mourning for their future king. The people’s anger is now also directed towards Rhaenyra.
The crowd’s shouts cause Helaena to become unhinged, and she clings to Alicent in a state of panic. She covers her ears to shield herself from the noise and escape from the overwhelming situation. The carriage getting stuck in the mud only adds to the already traumatic experience.
3. Rhaenyra’s Reaction to the Death of Jaeherys
The news of Jaehaerys’ murder is utterly shocking to her. But what is even more disturbing is the accusation that she was the one responsible for his death. She is determined to deny any involvement with all her might and increase the guard around Dragonstone to prevent any further harm.
Rhaenys and Rhaenyra both look knowingly at Daemon, and the pieces fall into place.
In private, Daemon confides in Rhaenyra, divulging everything. She feels a deep sense of betrayal and anger, realizing that his actions will hinder her quest for the throne. Overcome with fury, she admits that she has never been able to trust him. In response, he angrily departs on his dragon to Harrenhal while Rhaenyra orders Baela to keep a close eye on King’s Landing.
Despite the frigid atmosphere, Ciston feels guilty about the attack that occurred while he was on watch. It is clear that Alicent was worried he may have revealed their affair and had to confirm with him.
Criston discovers Ser Arryk Cargyll and proposes a plan: for Arryk to assume the identity of his twin brother Erryk, infiltrate Dragonstone, and assassinate Rhaenyra. Despite Arryk’s attempts to decline, he ultimately cannot resist the suggestion.
After all that had transpired, we were granted a glimpse into Aemond’s mindset when he visited a pleasure house. He openly admitted to feeling remorse for his actions, acknowledging that his loss of control resulted in the death of Lucerys.
During the first episode, Hugh Hammer, a blacksmith who had requested advance payment from Aegon during court, is seen caring for a woman and her sick daughter. The woman expresses her concerns about the lack of food in the market and the growing fear among the people. In response, Hugh assures her that the king has promised to provide relief.
While at the Gullet, Alyn encounters his brother who encourages him to join Lord Corlys in the upcoming battle. At the same time, Corlys and Rhaenys discuss the potential threat of Daemon to Rhaenyra’s rule, but ultimately come to the decision to place their trust in him.
4. What is the agreement made by Rhaenyra?
Rhaenyra seeks out Mysaria in order to gain insight into Daemon’s actions. Mysaria admits to giving him the names of two individuals in exchange for her own safety, but claims that he has yet to fulfill his end of the bargain. Despite this, Rhaenyra is hesitant to release her, as the potential consequences outweigh any potential gains.
In King’s Landing, Aegon made a daring move within the walls. With uncertainty about which rat-catcher had betrayed them, he commanded that all rat-catchers employed at the Red Keep be killed and publicly hanged outside the castle, causing their families to mourn beneath their bodies.
Upon discovering the news, Otto barges into Aegon’s chamber and berates him, exclaiming that he is acting foolishly. Criston and Aegon simultaneously inform him that Arryk is on his way to Dragonstone to carry out the assassination of Rhaenyra.
Upon hearing this, Otto accuses Aegon of falsely holding the throne. In response, Aegon dismisses him from his role as Hand and appoints Criston as his replacement.
5. About the Upcoming TV Series House Of The Dragon
House of the Dragon is the prequel series to the popular Game of Thrones on HBO, adapted from George R. R. Martin’s novel Fire & Blood.
Taking place three hundred years prior to the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon will depict the reign of the Targaryen family in Westeros before the dragons became extinct. The show will chronicle the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war within the Targaryen family between siblings Aegon II and Rhaenyra, as they battled for the throne following the passing of their father, Viserys I.
Ryan Condall and Miguel Sapochnik direct the show, with Paddy Considine as Viserys I Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Craney as Aegon II Targaryen, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best as Rhaenys Velaryon, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole, and Graham McTavish starring in the lead roles.
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