MAX
House of the Dragon: How Princess Rhaenyra stood up to her uncle Daemon when he challenged the king’s authority
Enraged at being rejected as heir to the crown, the king’s brother steals a dragon’s egg and barricades himself in Dragonstone.
In the first season of ‘House of the Dragon,’ the nobles stir in their chairs when King Viserys’ wife dies in childbirth. His son Baelon, heir to the Iron Throne, lives only minutes longer. With the succession hanging in the balance, the ruler decides to name his daughter Rhaenyra Targaryen, Princess of Dragonstone, heir to the throne. The decision surprises the nobility and angers Daemon Targaryen, the king’s brother, who believed himself worthy of such an honor. Irascible and impulsive, he secludes himself in Dragonstone, steals a dragon’s egg, and threatens to marry a commoner he claims is already pregnant (a lie).
King Viserys is furious at the disturbing news and asks an entourage led by Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, to travel to Dragonstone and rectify the situation. There they encounter Daemon, who is protected by the Gold Cloaks, members of the guard he commands. Gradually, the atmosphere begins to heat up, the words sound harsher, and the diplomatic way out seems increasingly difficult. To make matters worse, Caraxes’ roar chills the blood of those present. The dragon demon flies over the area as a warning, and Otto orders his troops to sheathe their swords.
The Sudden Appearance of Rhaenyra Targaryen
The diplomatic mission seems doomed, but suddenly the silhouette of a giant reptile appears in the overcast sky amid the thick, leaden clouds of Dragonstone. Riding on Syrax’s back is Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, who lands next to the retinue. Without wasting a second, the heiress approaches her uncle with a determined stride and begs him to return the dragon’s egg. The conversation flows without any harshness or outbursts, and Rhaenyra manages to calm Daemon, who retreats and hands her the egg.
Rhaenyra manages to recover the precious treasure and avoid bloodshed, though her father Viserys is furious that the princess disobeyed his direct orders. The Heir was not allowed to mediate in the conflict, let alone appear in person.
The second season of “House of the Dragon” will premiere next June 16 on Max.