It seems only a month or two has passed this time, as Rhaenyra finds herself on an ill-fated husband hunting voyage. Every man in every town lines up for a chance at her hand in marriage. After hearing pitches from men young and old and finding no suitable prospects, she quits the voyage early and heads home. As she well knows, none of the men are interested in her. They want the status, power and access to the Iron Throne.
Daemon arrives around the same time and with a fresh haircut. He is welcomed home after his victory at the Stepstones and arrives wearing a crown, which makes Viserys wary. But Daemon bends the knee and offers the crown to Viserys. A great moment between the two brothers, but I’m sure Daemon will have an ulterior motive. We do not see Lord Corlys or his family in this episode, but no doubt they will return.
Viserys and Rhaenyra do not seem to be on good terms, most likely because she cut her tour short and came home with no chosen husband. Alicent and Rhaenyra have missed each other, and it’s great to see their friendship back on track despite the whole “Sorry I married your Dad and gave birth to your half-brother” thing.
Rhaenyra suspects Daemon has another reason for coming home and questions him. The two each acknowledge the other has grown up quite a bit and I have a feeling I know where this is going. Daemon seems to notice Rhaenyra is feeling a bit down and leaves a street outfit in her room with a note. Trouble is afoot.
Viserys, his advisors and Rhaenyra have a meeting. They learn Lord Corlys is trying to marry his daughter Laena to the son of the The Sea Lord of Braavos, which would give Corlys more power. I can see what the advisors will suggest next: That Rhaenyra should marry Corlys’ son, Laenor, to keep Corlys on side. The alliance makes sense, but I’m sure Rhaenyra will have something to say about it.
Later, Rhaenyra and Daemon sneak out beyond the gates and Daemon shows Rhaenyra (dressed as a street boy) what the city is like at night. The pair witness flames, witches, tightrope walkers and naked bodies everywhere – a world Rhaenyra has never seen. Rhaenyra learns the general public don’t have as much love for her as she thought, when she witnesses a crude street play about her life and gets booed.
Rhaenyra and Daemon somehow end up in a pleasure house and after removing their disguises, are seen kissing by multiple witnesses and one of Otto Hightower’s spies. “What is this place?” Rhaenyra asks. “It’s where people come to take what they want,” says Daemon. After making out for a while, Daemon seems to come to his senses and pulls away despite Rhaenyra wanting more. Knowing this would get Rhaenyra in immense trouble with Viserys – did Daemon and Otto plan it? Rhaenyra and her guard, Ser Criston Cole spend the night together after she arrives home frustrated from her night on the town.
Otto uses the gossip about Rhaenyra and Daemon to turn Viserys against Rhaenyra – and make Otto’s grandson heir to the Iron Throne. He tells Viserys that his source saw Rhaenyra and Daemon “coupling” in the pleasure house, but Viserys sees right through him and does not believe the story, assuming Otto is trying to get him to disinherit Rhaenyra. Alicent overhears this and runs off to confront Rhaenyra, telling her what Otto has said. Rhaenyra denies the allegation and says nothing happened with Daemon, but I don’t think Alicent believes her.
Meanwhile, Daemon is found and dragged off to see King Viserys to answer for his wild night out. Viserys kicks a still-drunk Daemon, who doesn’t deny the allegations. Daemon then asks to marry Rhaenyra, which I did not see coming. But of course he would, because it would finally get him the Throne. Viserys points out Daemon already has a wife, but he doesn’t care. He just enjoys creating chaos, and he certainly keeps things entertaining.
Alicent tries to help Rhaenyra by backing up her story with Viserys before he heads off to confront Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra rightfully points out that had she been born a man, she could bed whoever she liked and father a dozen bastards and no one would blink an eye. He threatens to strip Rhaenyra of her titles and deem baby Aegon his successor, but doesn’t. Instead Rhaenyra’s punishment will be being forced to wed Ser Laenor Velaryon, son of Corlys and Rhaenys.
Otto Hightower is just like Lord Varys with his little spies, but it comes back to bite him when gossiping about Rhaenyra costs him the job he loves. Viserys points out Otto has been looking out for himself, his daughter and his grandson, not Viserys and Rhaenyra. Viserys then removes him as Hand of The King as he can no longer trust Otto’s judgement.
Rhaenyra seems to think she has won, but Viserys sends her a tea to prevent pregnancy – an acknowledgement that he knows what she has done.
