Episode 4 of House of the Dragon's second season commences with Daemon's solitude at Harrenhal. The echoing of High Valyrian resonates through the desolate halls as the Prince's vision is consumed by a youthful Rhaenyra seated on the throne before him. Tempted by her mockery, Daemon's rage surges, and he decapitates her in a fit of anger, haunted by his past transgressions and the remorse he harbors for Rhaenyra.
Startled from his slumber, Daemon learns that a raven has arrived, bearing news of Aegon's army's departure from Kings Landing two weeks prior, and the subsequent capitulation of two castles. Both houses have now sworn allegiance to Ser Criston, whose forces are rapidly swelling. Ser Simon's concern grows, fearing that Cole's gaze will soon turn to Harrenhal, and they lack the numbers to repel such a threat.
Daemon listens intently, then turns his gaze to Oscar Tully, the heir of Riverrun. He suggests that the young lad dispatch his grandfather, expediting the process of crown succession and allowing the men to rally under his — and ultimately, Daemon's — banner. However, Oscar refuses, leaving Daemon unimpressed, comparing him to a headless fish for his lack of resolve. Instead, he disregards Oscar and decides to summon the Blackwoods, men of action that he desperately needs.
Meanwhile, in Dragonstone, Baela reports on the movements of Criston Cole and his allies. With no word from Daemon and a growing army at their doorstep, tensions within the council mount. In Rhaenyra's absence, who is currently at King's Landing, they feel adrift and begin to squabble amongst themselves, even taking aim at Rhaenys.
Fortunately, Lord Corlys arrives to reprimand them, urging them to trust that Rhaenyra has faith in the council to do what is right. And that faith stems from ending this conflict, one way or another.
As the Targaryen dynasty crumbles, Criston Cole and his allies grow in might, day by day. Discontent murmurs persist within their ranks, but Cole diligently roots out any dissent. A raven's arrival prompts a momentous decision. Instead of riding towards Harrenhal, he veers northeast, heeding a message from Aemond. Aemond is advancing on Rook's Rest, a feeble fortress, but its capture will sever Dragonstone's land access completely. This is a masterstroke, envisioned by Aemond's keen mind yet overlooked by Aegon the Magnanimous.
The council is uneasy, knowing that Aemond and Criston Cole have conspired in secrecy. However, as Aemond speaks in the noble tongue of High Valyrian, it transpires that there is a deeper agenda at play. He undermines the King's credibility, a veiled revenge for Aegon's mockery at the brothel. Aemond is a man not to be trifled with, his gaze piercing through his brother's faltering attempts to respond in Valyrian. The balance of power shifts subtly.
Larys, the new Master of Whisperers, appears to visit Alicent. He surveys her chamber, noting the empty bottle and testing her resolve against Criston Cole, as well as her newfound fascination with the realm's history. It's evident that Alicent is delving into the legacy of Aegon the Conqueror and the legitimacy of Viserys' claims. Intriguingly, Larys maneuvers, baiting Alicent into a verbal trap as she traverses this treacherous terrain.
The climax of their exchange comes when Alicent declares that "The weight of Viserys' intentions perished with him," heralding a battle for the throne. Meanwhile, Daemon remains haunted by the past, engaging in a curious conversation with Alys Rivers. She seems to have a plan in mind, claiming that Harrenhal is haunted. After a fleeting exchange, she concocts a beverage for Daemon... and he awakens abruptly, finding himself in the council chamber with the Blackwoods' representative. This fleeting lapse in time hints that Alys' drink was tampered with, but the truth remains veiled. The Blackwoods offer their loyalty, but only if Daemon decimates the Brackens first.
Alicent's quest continues as she seeks Viserys' old books. She discovers that Aegon had them removed, a mockery of wisdom and knowledge in a chamber guarded by a Kingsguard devoid of either. A humorous scene unfolds as the Kingsguard exits the chamber, marching in the wrong direction and colliding with each other. The silent comedy highlights the absurdity of Aegon's reign.
Alicent, at her wits' uttermost, was at her wits' end with her son. When Aegon stormed into the chamber, resembling a petulant adolescent, she let out a scathing reprimand. Aegon whined incessantly, lamenting that his voice was being ignored, yet he was rudely jolted out of his narcissistic stupor when Alicent called him out on his pettiness. Her fury boiled over, raging over the immense sacrifices she had made to secure his throne. She implored him to do the one thing that was profoundly challenging for the young king—nothing. From King's Landing, there was little he could do, as the wheels of fate had already been set in motion.
Meanwhile, Cole prepared himself to ride out and capture Rook's Rest by daybreak. As Rhaenyra returned to her council chambers, Jacaerys confronted her, inquiring about her absence. After updating him on her meeting with Alicent, he realized the dire situation they faced. Half the council was aware that this gambit at Rook's Rest was a ploy to draw out the dragons from hiding and spur those on Dragonstone into action. Jacaerys, eager to unleash his dragon, was desperate to join the fray. However, Rhaenyra smirked, knowing she wouldn't risk another son in this war.
Rhaenys, swift to action, decided to confront Cole directly. Left alone, Rhaenyra confided in Jacaerys, revealing a secret that had been passed down from king to heir since the time of Aegon the Conqueror. She wasn't entirely convinced of its veracity, but the legend spoke of a Targaryen destined to sit on the Iron Throne, ordained to unite the Seven Kingdoms against a common enemy. Viserys had chosen Rhaenyra to be this Protector, yet she refused to embark on a war without a just cause and a burning passion to back her. As the war loomed, threatening to engulf everything, Rhaenyra recounted Aegon the Conqueror's dream to Jacaerys.
Rhaenys is not alone in her airborne assault, as Aegon, impatient with waiting on the sidelines, mounts his dragon Sunfyre and enters the fray. As Rhaenys soars into battle, Criston Cole remains unperturbed, signaling the heavens with twin flaming arrows. Amidst the dense forest, Aemond and his colossal dragon Vhagar have been biding their time, eagerly anticipating this moment to strike.
Aegon's unexpected arrival ignites a surge of morale amongst the warriors, and Criston Cole's impassioned speech echoes through the air, declaring that this conflict is divinely ordained and that the King has joined their ranks. In the heat of the battle, Rhaenys emerges victorious, wounding Aegon's dragon and leaving it bleeding. But the moment Vhagar emerges, the tide of battle shifts.
Aemond bellows "Dracarys" and Aegon, along with Rhaenys and her dragon, is engulfed in a ball of fire. Miraculously, Rhaenys emerges alive, her gaze fixed upon her dragon as if sensing this could be her final ride. As Vhagar is brought low, Criston Cole, who was riding in Aegon's defense, is also knocked to the ground.
Despite Vhagar's mammoth size, it sneaks up on Rhaenys, and both dragon and rider plummet to the earth, lifeless. Criston Cole, staggering through the woods, stumbles upon Aemond standing amidst the smoldering wreckage of Aegon and his dragon. He discards the knife Aegon was wielding and walks away, leaving Aegon's fate unknown as Criston Cole collapses to his knees.
