'House of the Dragon': How Alicent and Rhaenyra's chemistry in HBO's hit show sparked romance theories
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is set to stream on HBO on Sunday, June 16, 2024. One of the biggest talking points of the series is the relationship between Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D' Arcy).
The series is based on George RR Martin's book 'Fire & Blood' and serves as a prequel to 'Game of Thrones' where the story focuses on events unfolding in the House Targaryen, particularly during a bloody succession battle for the Iron Throne.
The succession battle pits Alicent and Rhaenyra against each other, with other houses aligning themselves with their respective factions.
'House of the Dragon' centers around the relationship between the Alicent and Rhaenyra who ultimately become bitter rivals by the end of Season 1.
For fans of the series, the rivalry between Alicent and Rhaenyra was particularly heartbreaking because they began the series as best friends. Their chemistry even led some fans to believe that Rhaenyra and Alicent harbored undisclosed romantic feelings for each other.
Let us dive deep into the possible romantic feelings between Alicent and Rhaenyra.
'House of the Dragon' writer confirms an element of queerness
Before Alicent's marriage to Rhaenyra's father, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), Alicent and Rhaenyra grew up together, studying and shaping their worldview side by side.
Once Alicent marries Viserys, tensions rise between Rhaenyra and Alicent, leading to a heated argument about the unfolding events. This interaction, interpreted by many, hints at possible romantic feelings between the two.
Writer Sara Hess, who played an integral role in shaping the characters in Season 1, hinted at the romantic nature of Alicent and Rhaenyra's relationship in an interview with Variety.
As per the source, she said, "There’s an element of queerness to it. Whether you see it that way or as just the unbelievably passionate friendships that women have with each other at that age."
She added, "I think understanding that element of it sort of informs the entire rest of their relationship… Even though they’re driven apart by all these societal, systemic elements and pressures and happenings, at the core of it, they knew each other as children, and they loved each other and that doesn’t go away."
She further went on to reveal that Olivia Cooke, the actor who played Alicent Hightower, in her preparation for the character believed that the characters even shared forbidden intimacy.
Hess added according to the source, "Olivia has told me she believes — and this is her headcanon — that they at some point kissed or made out or had some kind of physical interaction that Alicent’s mother found out about and forbade. And that was Olivia’s head story, ‘Oh, I can’t do that. That’s not right.’ And that’s the background for her in their relationship going forward. I would be 100% down with that."
Sara Hess's revelation adds another layer of complexity to the notion of Alicent and Rhaenyra being pitted against each other in a battle to destroy each other's families.
Alicent and Rhaenyra go to war in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
Season 1 ends with the death of Rhaenyra's son Prince Lucerys Targaryen (Elliot Grihault), as he falls victim to the actions of Alicent's son, Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell).
The political war between Alicent and Rhaenyra has taken a deeply personal turn, propelling both queens into a clash that will redefine the landscape of the Seven Kingdoms forever.
Alicent and Rhaenyra's intimate knowledge of each other adds an intriguing layer, turning their dynamic into a chess match as they each strive to anticipate the other's next move.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' season 2 will stream on HBO from June 16, 2024. 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 at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99.
Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Trailer
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is streaming on HBO on Sunday, June 16.
