The premiere of House of the Dragon's second season opens with a glimpse into the lives of the First Men. As the first whispers of Winter loom, the Night's Watch remains vigilant. Unexpectedly, Jace appears, seeking to broker a deal with the Starks, warning them that the realm stands on the precipice of chaos. The Starks, though honoring their traditions, Lord Cregan Stark reminds Jace that their loyalty is torn between the North and the South.
The Hightowers, with their insidious grasp on the throne, have Jace urging Stark to join their ranks and bolster their claim. However, Stark refuses, adamant in not withdrawing men from the Wall. We all know the dangers lurking beyond, and the threat of an endless Winter is too formidable to compromise those defenses. Suddenly, a raven swoops in from Dragonstone, bringing news of the shocking conclusion of season one's finale — Lucerys has fallen.
Rhaenys attempts to dissuade Daemon from his vengeful quest to hunt down and slay Vhagar. She argues that with their dragons united, they can avenge their son's death against Alicent's heir. War looms, yet Daemon is impatient for Rhaenyra's grief to pass. Rhaenys cautions him, reminding him that Rhaenyra must be ready before any impulsive act of revenge. However, Daemon brings up their encounter in King's Landing, accusing Rhaenys of not killing Alicent when she had the chance, implying it was her fault Lucerys perished.
Rhaenyra's grief is profound, especially when she arrives and beholds the charred remains of her child, washed ashore. She cannot contain her heartfelt tears. Meanwhile, down by the docks, Lord Corlys yearns to return to the sea and lead the charge. The Smithy has a gift for Corlys, a sword, which cuts deeper for him as it was originally destined for Prince Lucerys.
As for the Hightower family, they remain focused on the present task, tightening their defenses, with Scorpions poised for any rogue Dragon. Except for Vhagar, of course.
Ser Criston Cole persists in secret liaisons with Alicent, yet her heart heavy with remorse, she resolves that they must refrain from such sordid encounters. "Yes, Your Grace," he replies, a hint that her pleas have fallen on deaf ears time and again, yet she succumbs to her desires once more.
The Council chamber awaits their presence, Otto's imposing figure looming over the proceedings. He briefs them on the current situation: letters to the North remain unanswered, yet the marriage alliance between Aemond and the Stormlands, along with the Baratheon clan, seems imminent. Alicent's missives to Rhaenyra have met with silence, and with a blockade imposed at the Gullet, whispers of impending war echo throughout the chamber. Yet King Aegon II remains oddly upbeat, his demeanor resembling a young Joffrey's mischievous glee. He even toys with the idea of making Tyland, the Master of Coin, his "amusement," only to be dissuaded by Alicent's stern intervention.
King's Landing is under immense strain, and the conflict shows no signs of abating. The Lannister and Hightower navies must be strengthened, and it is proposed that the young Lord Dalton Greyjoy should assume the role of Master of Ships. Aemond's unexpected presence in the Council further agitates Alicent's already tense nerves.
The Council is split between those advocating caution and playing their current hand wisely, and the aggressive front advocated by both Aemond and Aegon. The situation is a powder keg ready to explode, and the fate of the realm hangs in the balance.
Following the war council, Aegon is besieged by a stream of petitioners, each with their own requests. He is inexperienced in such "trivial" matters, and Otto strives to offer him guidance, warning him that even the smallest action can become a significant catalyst for momentous changes in the realm. This scene is particularly profound, foreshadowing the chain of events that ultimately lead to Lucerys' tragic demise.
Alicent is unmistakably bearing the burden of these responsibilities on her shoulders, yet ironically, in the next scene, we find her in the bath, her shoulders being rubbed by attendants handpicked by Larys. As for Larys, he whispers to Aegon about crafting his own identity, a secretive undertone in his voice. Otto enters to consult with his daughter, and they delve into the misunderstandings surrounding Viserys's final wishes. Otto is agitated by the current situation, while Alicent fears losing her influence over the young princes. She worries that if Otto undermines her voice in the council, the boys will eventually tune her out, a prospect undesirable for all. Alicent believes Aegon will tire of playing the role of a leader soon, and her strategy is to bide her time, waiting for that moment to swoop in alongside Otto and steer them towards "victory." Nevertheless, they are paving a path of violence, a fact she is aware of but does not truly desire.
Rhaenyra and Daemon finally reunite at the War Council. Rhaenyra's words are concise and to the point: "I want Aemond Targaryen." Daemon watches her depart, a silent observer. Upon Jace's return to Dragonstone, he is a grieving soul, struggling to contain his emotions as he speaks to his mother. He confirms that Lady Arryn has pledged her support, asking only for a Dragon to safeguard the Vale. Lord Stark has also promised 2000 men, but soon, it becomes too much. Jace and Rhaenyra are overwhelmed with grief, embracing each other as they break down in tears. Before the war breaks out, a beautifully crafted funeral scene unfolds, with both Alicent and the Targaryens paying their respects to the fallen Lucerys.
After sneaking The White Worm onto the ship earlier in the episode, Daemon proposes a bargain — her knowledge in exchange for her freedom. The information Daemon gains stems from a mole within the walls of the Hightower, a Ratcatcher, specifically. With the castle besieged by rats, he is the perfect candidate to pose as an assassin. His mission is straightforward — to eliminate Aemond Targaryen. In exchange for a hefty stack of coins, he is tasked with completing the job that very night. Otto arrives to visit Aemond, who is deep in conversation with Criston Cole. Their discussion revolves around loyalty and tactics, but both agree that a war of dragons is imminent. Cole steps away at Otto's command, and Otto speaks candidly to the dragon rider, reminding him that there are many unseen factors at play. He promises Aemond the vengeance he desires but cautions him to rein in his impulses.
Aegon indulges himself in the council's circle, surrounded by a flock of sycophants who flatter him and play the tunes he desires. Deep in his drunken stupor, he deludes himself into thinking he holds Aemond firmly in his grasp. As they indulge in false smiles and mockery, the ratcatchers breach the walls, embarking on their hunt for Aemond. Tragically, they stumble upon a young boy, not the prince they seek, and mistake him for Aemond. The innocent child is mercilessly slain in his bed, while the Queen, initially threatened with a knife, flees with her remaining offspring, her escape swift and silent. Halaena rushes straight to Alicent's chambers, only to find her indulging in a bed with Criston Cole, and she is immediately informed of the devastating news.
