Tensions Rise in House of the Dragon Episode 2: Rhaenyras Rising Power vs. Daemons Defiance

Episode 2 of House of the Dragon — currently available on HBO Max and Disney+ Hotstar — is titled “The Rogue Prince.” This clearly indicates Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), who has declared himself the rightful successor to the Iron Throne and set up camp on Dragonstone after being overlooked by his brother, King Viserys (Paddy Considine), at the conclusion of episode 1. It’s interesting that the episode carries his name considering that Daemon receives the least amount of screen time among the leading characters in this second episode of the Game of Thrones prequel. However, it’s also a savvy title known best by readers of “Fire & Blood.” Episode 2 of House of the Dragon drops hints about this too, as characters discuss how Viserys needs to “produce” new heirs. Spoiler alert: he will — and one of them is also a rogue prince.

About six months have passed since the events of the first episode, as time jumps now come into play, when we resume in House of the Dragon episode 2. While Daemon has made a daring move, the eldest Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) is now trying to establish her influence in the Red Keep, following her appointment as heir. During a small council meeting, where she is assigned the role of pouring wine, Rhaenyra suggests to her father that he send dragonriders to confront the threat posed by the Crab Keeper, a new antagonist who has taken control of the Stepstones, a series of islands located east of Dorne and west of Essos. She notes that this would demonstrate strength. (This moment serves as a precursor to her later actions in episode 2 concerning Daemon.)

However, the council consisting solely of men is dismissive of her “suggestions,” leading to her being quietly excluded from the small council meeting. Instead, she is invited to participate in the selection of a new knight for the Kingsguard. There, Rhaenyra once again attempts to assert her will by opting for a knight with combat experience — Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), one of the two new main characters introduced in House of the Dragon episode 2 — over a more politically advantageous choice. This reflects her own aspirations. Unlike typical expectations for women to be pleasant and bear children, Rhaenyra is far more intrigued by dragon-riding and combat. Her curiosity about Ser Criston’s deeds in the Dornish marshlands reinforces this motive.

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Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon episode 2
Photo Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

Rhaenyra’s most audacious attempt to assert her position in House of the Dragon episode 2 sees her act on her own counsel. Upon learning of Daemon’s theft of a dragon egg, proclamation of common-born Lady Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) as his second wife, and invitation to the King for his wedding in two days, Viserys resolves to confront his brother. The Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), pacifies him and offers to go in his stead. Nonetheless, Otto’s efforts to persuade Daemon to embrace reason ultimately fail, as Daemon has no intention to heed advice. He is eager to draw his sword and unleash his dragon Caraxes, even with Mysaria and his unborn child present.

If not for Rhaenyra’s show of strength — her dramatic entrance with Syrax was truly spectacular in House of the Dragon episode 2 — Otto would surely find himself returning to King’s Landing empty-handed. Even Daemon is taken aback by Rhaenyra’s sudden appearance, where she quickly unravels his web of lies. Not only has Daemon failed to propose to Mysaria, but she is not even carrying his child. Daemon was merely fabricating stories. In the end, it is Daemon who reluctantly relinquishes the dragon egg back to Rhaenyra and departs.

A 15-year-old girl has outmaneuvered her uncle, a grown man. This moment can be seen as the initial confrontation in the ongoing Targaryen conflict — referred to as the “Dance of the Dragons” by historians — as we witness the clash between two Targaryens. While their respective displays of force frame the confrontation, the two dragonriders circle the arena, waiting for one to provoke the other. Ultimately, no flames are unleashed and no casualties occur, but the groundwork has been laid in House of the Dragon episode 2.

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Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon episode 2
Photo Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

While Otto tries to assert his influence — whether in the knight selection or in Rhaenyra’s presence at Dragonstone — he fails on both fronts in House of the Dragon episode 2. Initially, he attempts to teach Rhaenyra a political lesson, but she is not easily influenced. In the latter situation, Rhaenyra ends up imparting political wisdom to Otto. When you are facing someone with a dragon, it’s wise to ensure you have one in your corner.

Furthermore, there is a more significant and pivotal political lesson awaiting her in House of the Dragon episode 2. This comes from her cousin, Viserys’ relative, and The Queen Who Never Was, Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best). As Viserys strolls through the Red Keep’s gardens with her daughter Lena, Rhaenys informs Rhaenyra that her father will remarry. As he fathers new offspring, one of them is likely to be a son. When Viserys is no longer around, the populace will expect him to be in charge, not Rhaenyra, because “that is how things are meant to be.” Rhaenys succinctly encapsulates the reality of patriarchy and foreshadows future events when she states: “Men would sooner set the realm ablaze than allow a woman to claim the Iron Throne.”

By the end of House of the Dragon episode 2, it becomes evident that Rhaenyra will not only face opposition from men but also her closest friend. Alicent has been navigating her own path within the Red Keep, though presently she isn’t moving out of desire but more out of her father’s expectations. Following Queen Aemma’s death, she has been engaging in discussions with the King that carry underlying meanings, particularly from Viserys’ perspective. Smart enough to articulate what will gain his approval, she is also gripped by anxiety — evidenced by her gnawed fingernails — and the fact that the King and her father have pitted her against her best friend weighs heavily. Alicent does not wish to destroy their friendship, but she is being manipulated in ways beyond her control.

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Paddy Considine as Viserys, Eve Best as Rhaenys, Steve Toussaint as Corlys in House of the Dragon episode 2
Photo Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

Opting for Hightower over Velaryon will have consequences for Viserys. Rhaenys states to Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon episode 2 that her father is not foolish, yet this choice is evidently unwise, reminiscent of some decisions made by Ned Stark in Game of Thrones. Despite his kingship, Viserys has his “responsibilities,” with fortifying his lineage being paramount. Aligning the ancient Valyrian houses — the Targaryens and the Velaryons — through blood would have been the logical choice, as many have suggested. However, in marrying out of obligation, Viserys has compromised himself, doing so partly out of personal affection. (Moreover, the alternative suitor was merely 12 years old, younger than his own daughter.)

Nonetheless, by selecting Alicent as his bride, Viserys has severed ties he was attempting to mend with Rhaenyra, his sole heir, and Lord Corlys “Sea Snake” Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), who commands a significant portion of the fleet. It’s hardly surprising that the Sea Snake seeks Daemon’s assistance to validate his worth, with the rogue prince engaging in his own scheming. House of the Dragon episode 2 concludes with the assurance that the Crab Feeder will be addressed soon, likely in a blaze of fire and blood.

House of the Dragon episode 2 is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India, and HBO Max in regions where it is accessible. New episodes premiere every Monday at 6:30am IST/ Sunday at 9pm ET.