'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3: Alicent and Rhaenyra's reunion isn't a pleasant one, but will they work it out?
Contains spoilers for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3 aired on HBO on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
The episode featured a jaw-dropping reunion between two former friends turned bitter foes. While the reunion did not go as planned, it certainly depicted the uneasiness between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke).
As Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) advises Rhaenyra to seek a solution before the war escalates, she sneaks into the Red Keep and meets her old friend, Alicent Hightower.
The meeting begins with an unpleasant exchange as both the Queens try to put up a brave front rather than showing their emotions upon seeing each other.
As the tension eases, they discuss the war and whether it can be stopped. This conversation leads to a revelation for Alicent that changes her forever.
The history between Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'
In 'House of the Dragon' season 1, Alicent and Rhaenyra grew up together and were inseparable friends. They spent their time reading together and sharing dreams about their futures.
A pivotal moment that changed the dynamics of their friendship was when Alicent married King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine), who was also Rhaenyra's father.
With Rhaenyra being Viserys's declared heir, the conflict turned political when Alicent gave birth to a son, Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney).
The rivalry became personal when Rhaenyra's son Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) permanently injured Alicent's son Aemond Targaryen's (Ewan Mitchell) eye.
Tensions escalated further when Aemond, consumed by rage, killed Lucerys at the end of Season 1.
The final blow to their friendship came with the death of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, orchestrated by Rhaenyra's husband, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith).
As they met in Episode 3 of Season 2, they had little time and a lot of baggage to overcome.
Rhaenyra tells Alicent the truth about the prince that was promised in 'House of the Dragon' in Season 2
As the discussion reaches the point where Alicent and Rhaenyra are discussing Viserys's succession, Alicent reveals to Rhaenyra that Viserys referred to Aegon as the prince that was promised.
Rhaenyra tells Alicent that this encounter is a mistake, explaining that Viserys was referring to Aegon the Conqueror's prophecy of 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' which relates to the events in 'Game of Thrones.'
However, Alicent refuses to acknowledge it as a mistake. She insists that calling off the war now is impossible because too much has already happened, and the men on both sides are unlikely to hold back any longer.
This marks the end of their last chance to find peace, setting the stage for the Dance of the Dragons.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. To watch the series, you will need a Max Subscription.
The streaming platform typically offers three packages that you can choose from depending on your budget.
The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually.
Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Trailer