Episode 2 of House of the Dragon picks up mere months after the events of the previous week, and drama is brewing within the small council. Four ships have mysteriously vanished, and Corlys Velaryon is not amused. It transpires that these disappearances are part of a series of coordinated attacks on shipping lanes near the Stepstones - a cluster of islands inhabited by mercenaries led by the infamous Crabfeeder, a man who feeds his foes to crabs, a fact we were introduced to last week.
Otto is offered compensation for the loss of one of his ships, but he spurns the offer, insisting that the King must take swift action. Rhaenyra, eavesdropping on the conversation, suggests deploying dragon riders to swiftly eliminate the threat. Instead, she is hastily ushered out of the throne room and tasked with overseeing the replacement of a member of the King's Guard.
After listening to several candidates, each lacking combat experience, Rhaenyra selects Ser Criston Cole, the young warrior who vanquished Daemon in the tournament of last episode. This princess, though destined to rule, yearns for more, and the whispers of Viserys' potential remarriage hint at the possibility of a male heir who could usurp her.
Later in the afternoon, Viserys confides in Corlys about his predicament. With the Queen deceased and a girl chosen as the successor, Corlys believes that the enemy's gaze has shifted to the Red Keep. The crown at this moment, and Corlys argues that swift action is necessary to prevent an uprising. To this end, he suggests a union between their two families. With the dragons and the Valeryon fleet at their backs, they would be a formidable force.
That night, Viserys consults Otto about Corlys' proposal, seeking his advice. The Grand Maester deems it a prudent idea, believing it would be beneficial for the realm to avert open warfare or rebellion. However, Viserys remains apprehensive about Rhaenyra's reaction.Meanwhile, Rhaenyra clings to an optimistic belief that one day, she will ascend the throne as queen, whereas Rhaenys remains deeply pessimistic. She laments about the unyielding nature of the established order, concluding with a cynical remark, "Men would rather see the realm burn to the ground than witness a woman taking her seat on the Iron Throne." The irony here is not lost on anyone familiar with the fact that women were, in fact, the architects of Westeros' downfall, as exemplified by Cersei and Daenerys.
Viserys is summoned to an urgent meeting with the Small Council as a crisis unfolds. A dragon egg, none other than Dreamfyre, destined for Prince Baelon, has been stolen. Daemon has usurped Dragonstone and holds it with his loyal Gold Cloaks. To further taunt, he leaves a mocking note, inviting Viserys to his wedding with Mysaria. Despite the danger, Viserys insists on attending personally, but Otto intervenes, arguing that it is too risky and offering to go in his stead.
Otto and the King's Guard arrive to confront Daemon, branding him an aberration. Yet, Daemon remains as composed as ever, reminding them that taking a dragon egg on the eve of a wedding is a family tradition - even if it's Dreamfyre. Both Otto and Daemon draw their swords, tension mounting, but a startling interruption occurs. A dragon appears, looming over the castle, and Otto recognizes the folly of engaging in a battle he cannot win. With a heavy heart, he sheaths his sword, realizing the futility of further confrontation.
However, the unexpected arrival of Rhaenyra, riding a majestic dragon, disrupted the calm. She approached Daemon boldly, declaring that Dragonstone was hers by rights. The situation was tense, with the only solution seemingly a bloody one - Daemon would have to slay his own niece and seize the throne. But Daemon, after a moment of intense contemplation, chose another path. He turned and walked away, leaving no bloodstains in his wake. As he retreated into the castle, he casually tossed the egg aside, as if it were of no consequence.
When Viserys discovered Rhaenyra's whereabouts, he confronted her in her chamber, his tone stern. He scolded her for her recklessness, warning that she could have easily been killed. The next morning, Viserys made a surprising announcement - he intended to wed Lady Alicent Hightower, Otto's daughter. This decision caused an uproar, especially among Corlys, who deemed it folly. He feared the consequences for the realm and saw it as a complete rupture of the small council. Rhaenyra, too, was disappointed, given her close bond with Alicent.
Furious, Corlys sought out Daemon, believing they shared a common bond and purpose. After all, if Viserys refused to act, perhaps Daemon and his ruthless Gold Cloaks would. Crabfeeder, backed by powerful forces from the Free Cities, was bent on weakening Westeros. If the shipping lanes fell, it would spell disaster for Corlys' family reign. Not only would ridding the world of Crabfeeder be a personal victory for him, it would also present Daemon with a golden opportunity to prove his worth. But the stakes were high - if Daemon succeeded, it would leave Viserys with even fewer allies, throwing the realm into further turmoil.
