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'House of the Dragon': Inside Vhagar's instinctive fury that killed Prince Lucerys 'Luke' Velaryon

Prince Aemond Targaryen and Prince Lucerys 'Luke' Velaryon try to secure Baratheons as allies in 'House of the Dragon' Season 1

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 will stream on HBO on June 16, 2024, and before the next season could take us back to the Westeros world, there's a major talking point from the end of Season 1 that is still lingering on. 

Season 1 ends with the death of Prince Lucerys 'Luke' Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), who is the son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D' Arcy) at the hands of Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), who is the son of Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke). 

The incident has major implications for where the plot is headed. It deepens the conflict between Alicent and Rhaenyra in the imminent Targaryen civil war as houses pick sides between Alicent and Rhaenyra's teams. 

It does appear, however, that the decision to kill Luke was not entirely Aemond's call and Vhagar acted out of his own will to attack Luke and his dragon Arrax. Let us try to understand the reasons behind what transpired. 

Aemond and Luke's history

Aemond and Luke share a history as Luke was the one to accidentally injure Aemond's eye in an innocuous conflict between the cousins. This happened after Aemond rode over Vhagar for the first time. 

Vhagar is the largest dragon in Westeros and is the only remaining dragon from Aegon's conquests. Aemond is a Targaryen and dragons have been serving the Targaryens for ages, therefore the huge dragon lets Aemond ride on her despite being reluctant initially. 

Aemond is continuously on the lookout for revenge against Luke and he finally gets his opportunity when Luke and Aemond meet on Storm's end where both of them have arrived seeking the Baratheon's allegiance in the Targaryen civil war. 

Arrax's action invites Vhagar's fury

Aemond demands Luke's eye as he tries to escape from Storm's end only to be chased by Aemond and the imposing Vhagar. Aemond seemingly just wants to get hold of Luke and get revenge for his eye. 

Luke and Arrax are helped by the storm as they leave Vhagar and Aemond behind. Arrax though in an unnecessary show of aggression blasts Vhagar with a fireball angering the monster. 

Just as things seem to be fine for Luke and Arrax, Vhagar appears with raging fury and eats Arrax and Luke ripping them apart. Aemond tries to stop Vhagar but the old beast is not going to listen.

Aemond's inability to control his beast could have dire consequences for the future of the Targaryen house. 

How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 will stream on HBO Max on 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. 

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is streaming on HBO on June 16, 2024.