Episode 4 of House of the Dragon opens with Rhaenyra listening intently to an array of prospective husbands as they step forward, each eager to stake their claim as her betrothed. However, whether they were too inexperienced or too advanced in years, none seemed to be the perfect match for a royal union. As a scuffle suddenly erupts, Rhaenyra decides she's seen enough and promptly departs for King's Landing, abandoning the remainder of their two-month tour. With Rhaenyra flatly rejecting every prospect, the group wonders how Viserys will react to this unexpected turn of events.
Daemon strides confidently into the throne room, brushing aside the King's Guard who brandish their swords menacingly. He casually tosses one of his own blades aside, saying, "Add it to the chair." Although he wears a crown, symbolizing his newly acquired title as "King of the Narrow Sea," Daemon promptly discards it and kneels before Viserys, declaring that the latter is the true king. The tension in the air is palpable, leaving everyone wondering what game Daemon is playing, if any. Despite the tense atmosphere, the two men embrace, with Viserys acknowledging that the realm owes Daemon a great debt.
After this tense encounter, Daemon and Rhaenyra find a moment to speak privately, discussing their altered destinies in this world. Rhaenyra laments the numerous proposals she has received, none of which are motivated by love but rather by power and titles.
Meanwhile, the weight of more pressing matters falls on Viserys' shoulders. He convenes a meeting of the small council in the throne room to discuss a looming crisis. Lord Corlys has embarked on negotiations with the Sealord of Braavos, seeking to forge an alliance through the marriage of his daughter Laena to the Sealord's son. This proposed union poses a significant threat, as if the Velaryons align with the Free Cities, they will be compelled to seek their own marital alliances to shore up their borders. And the likely candidate for such a "marriage pact" is, of course, Rhaenyra.
That fateful evening, Rhaenyra stealthily eluded her confinement and embarked on a clandestine outing with Daemon. The duo wandered aimlessly through the lively, bustling streets, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones. Unexpectedly, they stumbled upon a lively stage play, which was vividly recreating the birth of her brother, Aegon. It seemed that even in this secluded moment, she could not escape the intricate webs of royal politics that constantly surrounded her.
Back within the confines of the palace, Alicent was abruptly summoned to Viserys' chambers in the dead of night. The gravity of the situation was immediately apparent as it seemed that his back injuries were far more severe than anyone had anticipated. This revelation could potentially unleash a series of unforeseeable consequences that would reverberate throughout the intricate tapestry of the story.
Echoing through the hallways were soft, sensual moans, as Daemon whispered seductively, "Fucking is a pleasure shared equally between a man and a woman." This intimate confession brought into sharp focus the true Targaryen destiny, culminating in a passionate kiss between Daemon and Rhaenyra that seemed to last an eternity. But Daemon, as unpredictable as ever, abruptly broke away, leaving Rhaenyra alone in the wake of their encounter.
Rhaenyra took Daemon's words to heart, returning to the palace later that evening with a new companion: Ser Criston Cole. It was with him that she sought solace and, ultimately, physical comfort. Meanwhile, Otto received a message revealing the intimate details of Daemon and Rhaenyra's encounter, which he relayed to Viserys with a heavy heart.
Alicent confronted Rhaenyra, demanding an explanation for the rumors that were swirling around the palace. Rhaenyra, however, was quick to deny any impropriety, insisting that the rumors were baseless and that her encounter with Daemon had been innocent, consisting solely of a kiss.
This revelation did not bode well for Daemon, who was carried into the throne room the next morning and dumped unceremoniously on the floor. Viserys, furious, kicked him and demanded the truth. Daemon, unfazed, proposed a solution: if he and Rhaenyra were allowed to marry, it would restore the House of the Dragon to its former glory.
But Viserys saw this as a cynical ploy to seize the throne and rejected Daemon's offer with contempt, ordering him to leave and never return. Later that evening, Alicent stood by Rhaenyra's side, defending her friend's honor and insisting to her husband that she believed Rhaenyra's denials. Viserys, however, was torn, knowing that he had to make a decision that would affect the future of his dynasty. He summoned Rhaenyra to his chambers to discuss the matter further, aware that their conversation would shape the course of the Targaryen dynasty.
Viserys labels her as his "political migraine," proceeding to decree that she should wed Ser Laenor Velaryon. This union would forge an unbreakable alliance between the two most influential families. Rhaenyra promptly exposes Otto as the genuine vulture and opportunist, as his ultimate goal is to usurp the throne for Aegon.
Viserys dismisses her accusation with a shrug, until Rhaenyra presents him with an ultimatum - he must dismiss Otto Hightower as his Hand, and then she will consent to the marriage.
Viserys makes a pivotal decision. He reflects on how Otto has cunningly insinuated himself into his court, scheming with Alicent and Aegon behind his back. He strips Otto of his title as Hand, declaring that he can no longer trust his judgment. Otto is left stunned and disbelieving.
As the episode draws to a close, Rhaenyra receives a cup of tea from the King, intended to "purge any unwanted consequences" from her body.
