The season 2 finale of House of the Dragon centers on Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent (Olivia Cooke) striking a deal to end the war. Alicent, humbled and willing to sacrifice, proposes a solution that would allow Rhaenyra to take the Iron Throne without further bloodshed. She reveals that Helaena (Phia Saban), her passive and obedient daughter, will support Rhaenyra’s claim, effectively making her queen in Aemond’s absence. The deal is a strategic compromise, hinging on a technicality, but it offers a chance to avoid a devastating conflict.
Aegon’s Existence Threatens Rhaenyra’s Rule, Necessitating His Death for Stability
Although Aemond is a key figure in the conflict, Alicent identifies Rhaenyra’s brother-in-law, Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), as the true obstacle to peace. While Alicent believes Aegon will accept Rhaenyra as queen, his continued existence threatens her legitimacy. Rhaenyra, determined to eliminate all competition, views Aegon’s survival as unacceptable, ensuring that the succession question is definitively resolved.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower (House of the Dragon S2/HBO Entertainment)Aegon’s death becomes essential due to the Targaryen patriarchal tradition, which favors male heirs over queens. His continued presence could be exploited by potential usurpers, undermining Rhaenyra’s rule. Alicent also understands that Rhaenyra seeks vengeance for her son Luke’s death at the hands of Aemond’s dragon. To secure the future of her remaining family and honor the “son for a son” principle, Alicent reluctantly agrees to sacrifice Aegon.
Impending War and Rhaenyra’s Sacrifice Set the Stage for Season Three
Despite the deal, Rhaenyra remains frustrated, as major military movements—Daemon’s army marching south, Tyland sailing with the Triarchy, and Aemond flying to Harrenhal—signal that conflict is unavoidable. Season 3 will depict the infamous Dance of the Dragons, showcasing the fiery and brutal battles George R.R. Martin describes in Fire & Blood. The deal between Rhaenyra and Alicent marks a significant departure from the book, hinting at further changes in the upcoming season.
Rhaenyra achieves a major victory by positioning herself to claim the throne, but at a cost: she destroys the Targaryen ideal of dragon-riding exclusivity. Her army of bastards now wields dragons, fundamentally altering Westeros’ power dynamics. The dark-haired heir will face a succession crisis similar to Rhaenyra’s, while the eventual rise of Aegon looms as a future threat. Season 3 promises a fiery start, with both political and familial conflicts set to escalate dramatically.
