Episode 7 of House of the Dragon opens with the somber funeral rites for Laena, a poignant ceremony attended by mourners from both the Velaryon and Targaryen clans. As the air is filled with the sounds of weeping and wailing, Daemon interrupts the proceedings with a manic chuckle, while Aegon appears indifferent, his expression bored.
As Laena's coffin is slowly lowered into the sea, its final resting place, Rhaenyra turns to her son, reminding him of their whereabouts and the immense power of House Velaryon. Nearby, Jace approaches Daemon's children, and one of them reaches out to hold his hand, a heartwarming gesture of comfort in the midst of such sadness.
Daemon, however, appears unsettled, his gaze wandering frequently to Rhaenyra. Their glances are charged with unspoken desires and memories. As the night deepens, Viserys retires to his bed alone, without Alicent, while Corlys scolds his son for wandering off and grieving in the middle of the ocean.
Later, Corlys discusses the lineage of Driftmark with his advisors, weighing the options of which side of the family will inherit it. When reminded that Rhaenyra's children are not of his blood, he responds firmly, "History does not remember blood, it remembers names."
Outside, Rhaenyra's confession to Daemon confirms Corlys' suspicions. Walking along the beach, she admits that her marriage to Laenor was void of joy but that she found happiness with Ser Harwin. She reproaches Daemon for abandoning her and, as the gentle waves lap at their feet, the pair share a tender kiss. "I want you," Rhaenyra whispers, and soon after, their passion overflows into a passionate encounter.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the beach, Aemond causes a commotion. He spots Vhagar, the orphaned dragon of Laena, alone and unattended. Curiosity gets the better of him, and he sneaks up to attempt riding the majestic beast. But Vhagar dwarfs him, and when the dragon spits fire from its belly, Aemond narrowly escapes being burned alive.
However, Aemond managed to tame the dragon and embarked on a thrilling ride around the castle. The commotion was deafening, shaking the castle to its core and waking most of its inhabitants, including Baela and Rhaena. They, in turn, confronted Jace, and all three descended the stairs, ready to confront Aemond when he appeared.
Given that the dragon was destined to be claimed by one of Daemon's offspring, this volatile situation erupted into a chaotic frenzy. Aemond's eye was savagely slashed out, Luke's nose was brutally broken, and Lord Corlys arrived just as Viserys demanded silence in the hall.
At the heart of this conflict stood Alicent and Rhaenyra, their arguments echoing through the castle like two mothers squabbling in a school playground. But the stakes were much higher here; the fate of the Kingdom hung precariously in the balance. Aemond was commanded to reveal the source of the rumors about Rhaenyra's illegitimate children, and after a lingering gaze at Alicent, he accused Aegon. "Everyone knows," Aegon retorted, gesturing to the crowd.
Viserys had reached his limit and demanded that everyone stop fighting and reconcile. "That is insufficient," Alicent retorted, insisting that a fitting punishment was to take one of Rhaenyra's children's eyes as repayment for the debt incurred. When Viserys refused, Alicent ordered Criston Cole to take matters into his own hands, effectively usurping the King's command. When he hesitated, she snatched a blade and lunged at the children.
Rhaenyra grasped her old friend and held her back, whispering, "And now they see you as you are." As she slashed at Rhaenyra's wrist, spilling blood across the floor, she bitterly lamented how unfair it was that Rhaenyra could do as she pleased without adhering to duty like she did.
Aemond finally rises to his feet, simmering the intense atmosphere with his words. He boldly declares that they have struck a fair bargain, conceding the loss of an eye but gaining a powerful dragon in return. The dispute is now settled, leaving no room for further contention.
Amidst this turn of events, Otto returns as the Hand of the King, reinstated in his position of power. He approaches Alicent shortly after the commotion in the hall, admitting to her that he is actually filled with pride. He reveals to her that this is a grueling game they are playing, and her outburst may have unexpectedly aided their cause. Otto knows that Viserys, despite his anger, will ultimately forgive her, and he assures her that together they will emerge victorious. They now possess a dragon as well, and Viserys' forgiveness for Alicent is all but certain. Otto gently admonishes her daughter to exercise patience during this trying time.
As for Rhaenyra, she is tended to by the Maester, her wounds being carefully patched up. She finds herself in conversation with Laenor, who confesses his failings and laments the gods for making him the way he is. Rhaenyra, however, sees him differently, calling him an honorable man with a kind heart. She smiles warmly at him, reassuring him that such qualities are indeed rare and valuable.
Laenor resolves to redouble his efforts and remain steadfastly committed to her as her husband. He perceives the danger looming over Rhaenyra's shoulders like a bulls-eye target and realizes that this is the utmost sacrifice he can make for her and the kingdom's welfare. Rhaenyra, deeply appreciative, yet harbors another idea in her mind.
Rhaenyra approaches Daemon with a proposition, suggesting that they forge a deeper bond between them, one that is truly unbreakable. She desires to intertwine their bloodlines， longing to make Daemon her husband and Prince Consort. However, this aspiration can only be fulfilled if Laenor is no longer alive.
Thus, Daemon bribes Ser Qarl with a hefty sum to eliminate Laenor. As the scene shifts from their intense confrontation to Lord Colys arriving in the hall, they are confronted with a harrowing sight - their remaining son engulfed in flames. Or is it really him? A clever revelation unfolds, revealing a bald Laenor, miraculously alive and covertly escorted out of the building by Ser Qarl. Given that Laenor has been dreaming of escaping to the Stepstones and seeking a fresh start, this arrangement serves as a stroke of luck, killing two birds with one stone and affording him a sort of happy ending.
As the episode draws to a close, the final scene portrays Rhaenyra and Daemon exchanging wedding vows, surrounded by their children who bear witness to this momentous union.
