Emma D’Arcy in House of the Dragon.Photo: Ollie Upton / HBO
Warning: This post contains spoilers forthefinaleepisodeof season 1 ofHouse of the Dragon.
The season finale ofHouse of the Dragon— titled “The Black Queen” — opened at Dragonstone castle with a pregnant Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) having a conversation with her son, Prince Lucerys “Luke” Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), who had doubts about his leadership ability as the Driftmark heir and his future in the realm. She assured him he would be great.
As that was happening, Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best) arrived on her dragon to inform Rhaenyra and Daemon (Matt Smith) of King Viserys' (Paddy Considine) death and of Prince Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) usurping the throne. The tremendous double-shock news resulted in Rhaenyra experiencing a premature stillbirth — one of the most graphic and heartbreaking moments of the entire series.
A livid Daemon — who seemed indifferent over what his wife had just endured with their child — immediately rounded up as many men and resources as he could to form a plan to regain the throne for his wife (but really more for himself). However, he truly believed his brother Viserys was murdered, so there was that motivation, too.
Ollie Upton / HBO
Rhaenyra was somehow able to quickly compose herself and made clear she did not want violence in the efforts to retake the throne. Around that time, Ser Erryk (Elliott Tittensor), a member of the Kingsguard who hated Aegon II, smuggled the late king’s crown to Rhaenyra, who was declared then queen with all those around at Dragonstone swearing allegiance — except Rhaenys.
It was quickly realized and most agreed that the upcoming civil war over the throne would not be fought among men on the ground as much as dragons in the air. With that in mind, Daemon made plans to get more of the great beasts on their side, starting with the enormous, terrifying Vermithor, who did not have a rider.
In private, Daemon physically assaulted Rhaenyra during an argument over her course of action — or, rather, lack thereof as he saw it. Daemon clearly wanted blood and war. Elsewhere, it was revealed that Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) made a miraculous recovery from his near-fatal battle injuries. Rhaenys persuaded her husband to pledge House Velaryon’s allegiance to Rhaenyra, as she noted that while all the men seemed hungry for war, Rhaenyra was showing tremendous thoughtfulness and restraint in hopes of peace.
Rhaenyra sent her sons Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and a very nervous Lucerys to recruit House Arryn, House Stark and House Baratheon as allies, as they had previously sworn their allegiance to her at her late father’s behest. She wanted to remind them of that now.
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source: people.com
