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'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5 Preview: Show to enter new phase of brutality after crucial injury

Aemond Targaryen mounted on Vhagar after brutally injuring Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre

Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 4 dropped on HBO on July 7, 2024, and the epic action-adventure served its viewers with its first big-scale battle yet as the dangerous dragons went head to head trying to tear each other apart. 

As the Battle at Rook's Rest took place, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) was the only dragon rider standing as his brother Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Sunfyre were severely injured. Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) and her dragon Meleys died at the end of the battle. 

What is even more interesting is the fact that it was Aemond who injured his brother Aegon. Why did Aemond attack Aegon? Where does that leave King's Landing then? Here's a look at 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5. 

Why did Aemond attack Aegon in the Battle at Rook's Rest?

Aemond and Aegon have a rough history as siblings, growing up Aegon has always been eager to bully Aemond and put him down. As we witnessed in Episode 3, Aegon made fun of Aemond in front of the small folk of King's Landing. 

Aegon on the other hand is insecure as Aemond and Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) discuss war strategy without informing him and he is eager to prove his worth now. He sets off to Rook's Rest on his dragon Sunfyre to become a part of the battle. 

Aemond could be given the benefit of the doubt about not anticipating Aegon in war and attacking any dragon he saw in sight. It has also been established before that he has less control over Vhagar. 

Sunfyre was already injured in the war with Meleys and after Vhagar's attack, Aegon and Sunfyre fell to the ground potentially injuring the King. In 'Fire and Blood', the King suffers major injuries and broken bones. 

Who will rule King's Landing with Aegon injured?

As Aegon is now injured, it leaves a spot open for the throne now unoccupied. In 'Fire and Blood', Aegon's spot is temporarily taken by Aemond Targaryen as the Prince Regent. 

Aemond and Criston Cole are high on confidence after their victory at Rook's Rest and will now go for Harrenhall where Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) awaits them. This will end up being a mistake as King's Landing will fall in their absence. 

Aegon will face a long recovery as he tries to get back his health. In the long run, however, Aegon will escape King's Landing when it falls and reaches Dragonstone where he will face another injury while facing Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia).

When and how to watch 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?

HBO will follow a weekly schedule for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 and as per the schedule, Episode 5 will release on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT on Max.

The episode is directed by Clare Kilner. To watch the episode, 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

Episodes 1-4 of 'House of the Dragon' are streaming on HBO.