Episode 3 of House of the Dragon commences with a border skirmish between the Brackens and Blackwoods, a ripple in the pond triggered by the vast waves of Aegon and Rhaenyra's tumultuous feud. This minor conflict brilliantly ushers us into the grand stage, revealing a vast battlefield, awash in gore and a haunting stillness. A distant windmill, a smoldering remnant of its former glory, stands sentinel over the carnage. As the camera soars overhead, the sheer magnitude of destruction comes into view, with thousands upon thousands of lifeless bodies strewn across the ground. All this carnage, born from a mere quarrel over a strip of land.
Amidst these lifeless bodies, Erryk and Arryk lie buried, while Rhaenys ponders over the source of this violence, sensing "hotter blood" at play, beyond Otto Hightower's machinations. She reflects on the genesis of this war, the notion that violence begets more violence, and muses on the possibility of a different path, one that stems from Alicent Hightower.
Rhaenyra attempts to navigate her way out of this quagmire, arguing that Aegon sits upon her throne, and there's nothing more to be said... despite a raven from Alicent, its message unanswered.
Criston Cole, ascending the ladder of power as the new Hand to the King, makes his appearance at the council meeting, seated alongside Alicent. They delve into the failed mission of Arryk and the bloody clash between the Brackens and Blackwoods. However, the conversation soon degenerates into squabbling, with ideas flying in every direction. Alicent finds herself increasingly agitated.
It's Criston Cole who finally speaks up, highlighting the strategic importance of the Riverlands and the pivotal role Harrenhal plays in controlling them. He advocates a bold plan to sway those who have pledged loyalty to Rhaenyra and seize Harrenhal by force. His proposal is daring, and Alicent harbors grave doubts about its efficacy. But the debate is fleeting as Aemon readily endorses the plan.
At Dragonstone, the White Worm awaited Rhaenyra's approach, still rooted in her sanctuary. She desired recognition for her forewarning and a coveted spot within Rhaenyra's court. Surprised by Rhaenyra's grace, the White Worm acknowledged her potential usefulness, her eyes peering into the heart of the Red Keep.
Longing for vengeance against the Hightowers, she recognized Rhaenyra's mercy, a stark contrast to the Hightowers' severity. The irony of calling the Targaryens merciful, in the wake of the "Mad King's" reign, was not lost on her. With war looming, she sent her sons and Rhaena far away to Pentos, seeking safety for them. Baela, however, remained, her dragon being a strategic asset for their burgeoning army.
Meanwhile, Daemon made his claim at Harrenhal, a fortress that fell to his will. Simon Strong, the Castellan, and a kinsman of Larys Strong, pledged fealty to Daemon without hesitation, inviting him to a sumptuous meal. Daemon, wary of poison, yet unperturbed by the Strong family's intrigues, noted Simon's disdain for Larys, referring to him as "Clubfoot" and disregarding his lordly status. They struggled to address Daemon as "Your Grace," for Rhaenyra reigned as Queen. Daemon's ambition was clear; he sought to amass strength in the Riverlands, ready to march on King's Landing and seize the throne.
Elsewhere, Criston Cole sported a fresh haircut, and Alicent introduced him to her brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower. With Otto's fall from power, Gwayne was displeased with Cole's ascendancy, yet he would accompany him into battle. This, Alicent saw as a means to keep a watchful eye on Cole. With a reluctant "blessing," she sent them off to war.
As Aegon took his initial stride, Rhaenyra's council gathered, strategizing for the coming confrontation, unaware that Aegon had already made his move. Believing they would hold the initiative, Rhaenyra insisted on giving Daemon time to prepare. Amidst the council's deliberations, Rhaenys and Lord Corlys engaged in a private discussion about Rhaena and Joffrey, weighing the war and their separate paths. Much of the burden rested on Rhaena's shoulders, entrusted with reminding Lady Jeyne of her solemn vow to Rhaenyra, aided by the fledgling dragons, Stormcloud and Tyraxes.
As the shadows of war loomed, our gaze shifted to Alicent and Queen Halaena, who discussed the passing of Jaehaerys. Halaena granted Alicent her forgiveness, a gesture that left her stunned. Larys, too, was surprised by the impending conflict, with diverse rumors swirling through the streets of King's Landing. Some viewed Aegon's actions as brave, daring to confront Criston Cole in battle, while others whispered that he had been swayed by Ser Criston, his sudden ascension to the King's Hand suspect. King Otto tasked Larys with quelling these whispers, formally appointing him as his Master of Whisperers.
Desperate for acceptance, Aegon strode into a local tavern, offering drinks to all. Later, he ventured into a brothel, only to encounter Aemond, who emerged with his head held high, dismissing his mistress as a mere "whore."
That night, Rhaenyra chose to read the raven's message from Alicent. Our perspective shifted to Criston Cole, who faced a challenge from Ser Gwayne. Both parties were exposed in the open, as a dragon soared overhead—it was Baela. Spotting Cole and his men, she decided to confront them across the plains. Narrowly escaping detection, they scrambled into the safety of the trees, their escape a stroke of luck.
Baela returned to Rhaenyra, relaying her encounter with Criston Cole and his half-dozen knights. This news was corroborated by others in the council chamber. Worries arose that this could herald a larger army, and all eyes shifted toward Harrenhal. Rhaenyra hesitated, weighing all options before acting rashly, reluctant to ignite a bloodbath or destroy the surrounding woods.
Meanwhile, Daemon, despite occupying the largest castle, found Harrenhal in a state of decay. It was ironic and fitting that he should be there, for Harrenhal's grandeur failing to fulfill its role as a stronghold mirrored Daemon's own claim to the crown—he was not the rightful heir yet pretended to be, and everyone struggled to address him as "Your Grace."
That fateful night, Daemon was plagued by a terrifying nightmare. He crept stealthily towards the dancing flames, only to stumble upon a haunting vision of a youthful Rhaenyra, humming softly as she sutured Jaehaerys' severed head back to his body. It was merely a dream, yet it heralded the arrival of a chilling prophecy from a cloaked woman whose words chilled Daemon to the bone: "Your end awaits here."
Meanwhile, Rhaenyra summoned the wisdom of the White Worm that same night. After probing her about Alicent, she decided against vengeance. She longed to prevent the impending war, convinced that Alicent, too, harbored remorse. The White Worm suggested a journey similar to Daemon's, crossing the waters in fishing boats, to seek out Alicent in her solitude beyond the castle walls.
Cloaked in modest robes and her hood drawn tight, Rhaenyra sneaked into King's Landing, her destination: the Sept of Baelor. Her escort waited outside, knife concealed beneath his sleeve, ready for any eventuality. Inside the sacred chamber, Rhaenyra took her seat beside Alicent. She, too, clutched a knife, acknowledging the precariousness of their meeting. After gathering her composure, Rhaenyra ventured to inquire if they could avert bloodshed, perhaps forge an accord of peace. Alas, after Jaehaerys' demise, such an outcome seemed remote. She reminisced about Aegon's demise and his last words, reaffirming Rhaenyra's claim to the throne.
Alicent, however, was adamant that Aegon had indeed changed his mind at the eleventh hour, refusing to consider any other possibility. The acting was nothing short of brilliant, as Rhaenyra peered into Alicent's eyes, searching for deceit. She saw none. Alicent truly believed Viserys' words and interpreted them as favoring her son, Aegon. Rhaenyra's resolve faltered, and she longed to know Aegon's final utterance.
As Rhaenyra mentioned the "Prince Promised to the Realm," she was startled when Alicent invoked Aegon the Conqueror. Alicent realized her mistake but refused to backtrack. She was too far gone, Otto absent from the council, and both Aegon and Cole on the march. She deemed it too late. Nevertheless, she bade Rhaenyra farewell, urging her to depart.
