In the second episode of the 'Game of Thrones' prequel series, King Viserys announces his new bride and it blindsides not only his daughter and heir Rhaenyra, but also everyone else.
- Aug 29, 2022
AceShowbiz - Fans were brought back to Westeros in a new episode of HBO's "House of the Dragon". Titled "The Rouge Prince", the second episode of the prequel series of "Game of Thrones" saw King Viserys (Paddy Considine) tasking Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) with choosing a new member of the King's Guard. Rhaenyra, however, wasn't happy with the candidates' lack of combat experience.
She finally chose Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), who both charmed her and bested Daemon during last week's tournament, due to his actual experience fighting against Dornish incursions. However, Hand of the King Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) thought that it'd be better if she chose a soldier whose family are stronger allies to the crown.
Rhaenyra knew that she wasn't being taken seriously among the elders. She was also aware that the council was trying to get Viserys remarried so that he would be granted another shot at bearing a male heir. Corlys and his wife, Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best), were among those who pressed Viserys to marry their pre-teen daughter Laena (Savannah Steyn) to unify the Targaryen and Valyrian houses as they share centuries of history.
Viserys did try to date Laena but it only made him uncomfortable. Despite that, most of the small council approved of the courtship though Hightower expressed his reluctance. It should be noted that he sent his daughter Alicent to visit Viserys' chamber in the previous episode and his efforts seemingly did work. The King was clearly developing feelings for Alicent.
Later, Viserys was forced to deal with Daemon stealing a dragon's egg from King's Landing. Through a note, Daemon invited Viserys to his wedding to Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) after he allegedly impregnated her. It's tradition for Targaryen children to share their cradle with a dragon's egg. However, the egg that Daemon stole was initially chosen for Viserys' late son, Prince Baelon, and that got Viserys mad. He asked Hightower to bring a battalion of soldiers to Dragonstone to relinquish it from Daemon's rule and get the egg back.
Unfortunately, Daemon fought back as he showed off his power with the help of Caraxes' mighty roar. Amid the bloodshed, Rhaenyra and her dragon Syrax appeared through the fog. She managed to soften Daemon's countenance. It also appeared that Daemon couldn't lie to Rhaenyra as he insinuated that Mysaria wasn't actually pregnant.
After bringing back the egg to King's Landing, Rhaenyra and Viserys reconnected as they shared their shared grief of Aemma's death. They also discussed the idea of him marrying another woman. While Rhaenyra said that she understood, she was blindsided, just like others, when Viserys revealed that he chose Alicent to be his bride instead of Laena.
Corlys was furious and he went to Daemon. He urged Daemon to do something about Stepstone pirates and the sadistic Crabfeeders as Viserys stayed silent about them. He told Daemon that he should "prove worth to any who might doubt it."
