Another week, another time jump. We open with a battlefield full of flames as the Crabfeeder appears to be winning the ongoing war. Daemon shows up and heroically has his dragon blast more fire which sends his enemies scuttling back to their caves and taunts Drahar, also known as the Crabfeeder. I’m sure this will not be the last we see of him in this time period, as Daemon does not like to lose. Rhaenyra is now around seventeen years old, with Alicent married to Viserys. She has already given birth to Rhaenyra’s half brother, Aegon – and is pregnant again with a second child. Rhaenyra seems miserable, an outsider in her own family.
Family and friends joyously celebrate Aegon’s second birthday, or name day as everyone excitedly tells King Viserys how much the toddler looks like him. A hunt is set to commemorate the day, as aides chatter about the King’s first-born son. Rhaenyra hides in the garden, and I don’t blame her. Who would want to be at a birthday party for a two year old that people want to see named heir instead of you? Alicent and Rhaenyra’s once-close friendship is now strained, with the two barely speaking. Rhaenyra begrudgingly attends the hunt with the rest of the family, much to Viserys delight. Viserys comments that Rhaenyra will have her own child soon much to Rhaenyra’s dislike. Alicent insensitively points out how easy Aegon’s birth was, seemingly forgetting for a moment that Rhaenyra’s mother died in childbirth. Nice.
Viserys informs Rhaenyra she must attend Aegon’s party and participate in the hunt. She absolutely does not want to be there and tries to stay out of the limelight. It seems Rhaenyra feels unwanted within her own family – after all, why would they need her now that Viserys has Aegon? She feels lost, and clearly lonely without Alicent’s friendship.
Lord Jason Lannister approaches Rhaenyra at the party and does his best to charm her, but she’s having none of it as it becomes apparent her wants to marry her despite not even knowing her. Rhaenyra confronts Viserys, accusing him of using her as a prize to proffer to the great houses. Viserys points out Jason would be a good match and that she must marry, no way around it. This is the last straw for Rhaenyra, who storms out of the party. Some will say she’s being childish, but don’t we all want to leave family parties early? I know I do.
While the hunting party receive word of a rare white stag, Rhaenyra takes off into the Kingswood on horseback with Ser Criston Cole on her heels. After he gets Rhaenyra to crack a smile by offering to kill Jason Lannister, the two decide to enjoy the day exploring the woods. It’s sweet that Ser Criston seems to genuinely care about Rhaenyra instead of attempting to use her like everyone else – though we’ll see if that changes in future.
Back at the party, Jason Lannister continues to pitch Viserys on what he can offer Rhaenyra as a husband. Viserys takes his gift of a spear, but warns him to watch his words when he assumes Aegon will be made heir instead of Rhaenyra. Interesting that Viserys is still dead-set on Rhaenyra being heir, when those around him are working hard behind the scenes to get him to change his mind. Otto comes up with his dumbest idea yet: Betrothing Rhaenyra and Aegon to stop the endless marriage proposals. Viserys rightfully looks at him like he’s lost his mind.
It seems to be the day for suggestions on who Rhaenyra should marry, as Lord Strong approaches Viserys to pitch his idea: Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor, who is the son of Corlys and Rhaenys. At this point, Viserys probably just wants to give up and go home. Later, he expresses his doubt over naming Rhaenyra heir to Alicent. Maybe his advisors are getting to him after all.
Ser Criston and Rhaenyra enjoy their peace by a campfire as Criston implores Rhaenyra to return to the party. As the two discuss whether the realm will accept Rhaenyra as Queen, a large wild boar charges from the bushes and attacks the pair. Criston manages to stab the boar as it tries to get Rhaenyra, who then unleashes her anger on the boar and stabs it several times. Rhaenyra is now covered in blood, looking every inch a warrior Princess.
The next morning, a stag (not the mythical white one, but close) has been captured and brought to the King to make the killing blow.. which takes a couple of attempts, poor stag. Each week Viserys feels weaker and weaker. Rhaenyra and Ser Criston are on their way back with their prey when the white stag approaches them before running off into the bushes. Its appearance to Rhaenyra indicates she is still the “chosen one” despite others best attempts. The camp is shocked to see Rhaenyra return covered in blood, but a few give her nods of respect.
Back at home, Otto does his best to convince Alicent that Aegon deserves to be named heir over Rhaenyra. Alicent seems to stand up for Rhaenyra, but I feel she’ll change her mind in time with Otto and everyone else whispering in her ear. With Aegon’s birthday over, the attention turns back to the fighting in the Stepstones.
Viserys is fed up with Daemon and Corlys war and has no intention to provide the aid requested by one of their men. But after a talk with Alicent, aid is sent to the Stepstones via ships the following day. Everyone is well aware Daemon would rather die than ask for help himself.
Rhaenyra is still unhappy whenever anyone brings up the subject of marriage, so Viserys backs down a little and informs her she may choose her own match. He also promises (on her mothers memory) that Rhaenyra will not be supplanted. This is definitely going to come back to bite Viserys.
Corlys and his men realise the Crabfeeder has no reason to leave his caves.. so they have to give him one. Daemon doesn’t appear to be happy when he learns that help he never requested is on the way. He has his own plan: offer himself up as bait to the Crabfeeder.
It’s crazy enough that it just might work. Daemon waves a white flag of surrender to bait the Crabfeeder and his men to leave the safety of their caves. His enemies are naturally wary of the trap, but approach Daemon with caution. Once they get close enough, men leave the caves and a real fight begins enough for Daemon’s men to move in. Dragonfire rains down from above as Daemon, having taken several arrows, heads into the cave after the Crabfeeder. He later emerges with the torso of the Crabfeeder as proof of his kill. Matt Smith was excellent in this scene from beginning to end.
We end the episode with Daemon covered in the blood of his enemy, much like Rhaenyra was earlier in the episode. At this point I’m wondering how they get the bloodstains out of that white Targaryen hair. What time period will we be in next week? We’ll wait and see.
