'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon': Will prequel show Criston Cole and Rhaenyra's complex love story?
'House of the Dragon' Episode 1 already hinted that Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) will eventually get married and have that complicated relationship despite being uncle and niece. However, the presence of Ser Criston Cole makes it a love triangle which may also be a storyline the prequel might focus on.
Cole named her the queen of love and beauty at the grand tournament and eventually became her sworn shield as a member of the Kingsguard. Such was the impression he made on Rhaenyra and her father, King Viserys I (Paddy Considine), that the latter actually made him Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. However, the relationship between Cole and Rhaenyra wasn't rosy.
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There have been quite a few versions of their failed romance. Per Nerdist, one of the stories was about how Cole confessed his love for Rhaenyra and proposed they run away with him to Essos. To his rude shock, he was instead questioned about his vow as the sworn Kingsguard. Conversely, there was another theory where it was the Princess who told Cole that she loved him and was turned down. We don't really know which of this 'House of the Dragon' might explore, but the eventual enmity that leads to him siding with Lady Alicent (Emily Carey) and the Greens.
It also remains to be seen how the relationship between Daemon and Rhaenyra pans out. Controversy aside, their relationship came under intense scrutiny in the realm with accusations of her losing her virginity to the Prince when she was 16 and did the rounds. This also led to Viserys exiling his brother — another storyline fans will hope is covered on the show. With just one episode, there are enough storylines to explore, but only time will tell how much the prequel might pack in the first season.
'House of the Dragon' airs on Sundays at 9 pm ET on HBO. Episode 1 is available for streaming on HBO Max.