Episode 5 of House of the Dragon commences with House Black receiving the tragic news of Rhaenys' demise. Her loss resonates deeply across Dragonstone, leaving a gaping hole in their ranks. Concurrently, Meleys' severed head is displayed in the streets of Kings Landing, a macabre sight that divides the crowd. Some view it as a foreboding omen, while others are astonished that the guards had the prowess to slay a dragon. Amidst this display, there are no triumphant cheers or jubilant celebrations, leaving Criston Cole perplexed as he rides ahead.
The sight of Aegon's coffin behind the dragon's head is masterfully crafted, with the skeletal remains of ratcatchers adjacent to his corpse. High above on the rafters, Alicent observes this scene, her gaze shifting to Aemond standing beside her. His smirk is as familiar as the dagger he holds in his belt, Aegon's dagger.
It transpires that Aegon is still alive, having been ushered into his chambers where Maesters scramble to remove his armor and mend his wounds. Alicent watches intently, her heart heavy as she stands aside. Aemond speaks coldly, suggesting that someone must rule in Aegon's stead, his gaze fixated on Alicent.
Driven by curiosity and concern, Alicent seeks out Cole, eager to unravel the truth. When Aemond's name is mentioned, he remains silent, though Cole pauses momentarily, his blade glinting in the light as he sharpens it. Whether Alicent is piecing together the puzzle remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the council convenes, with Ser Alfred lambasting Rhaenyra, challenging her gender and questioning her war mettle. Rhaenyra feels trapped, desperately seeking a way forward as she realizes this war is slipping from her grasp. To her dismay, the men continue to speak around her, ignoring her presence.
After the meeting, Rhaenyra confides in Mysaria, voicing her concerns. She acknowledges her lack of leadership training but finds solace in Mysaria's wisdom. Mysaria points out Cole's misguided decision to parade the dragon's head through the town, highlighting that the people are starving, fearful, and yearning for the peace Viserys once brought. She believes that with Rhaenyra's guidance, promising a return to better days, the discontented masses may rally to her side. "There's more than one way to win a war," she finally declares, leaving for Kings Landing with determination in her stride.
Jace hurries to visit Baela, who attempts to dissuade him from venturing towards Harrenhal. Her words seem to resonate, as he shifts his focus to a more strategic crossing - the Freys. Jace firmly believes that seizing control of The Twins would grant them a direct path into the Riverlands, enabling a counterattack against Cole's campaign. However, they opt to keep this plan under wraps as Jace soars away on his dragon.
Meanwhile, Daemon is fuming and impatient in his dealings with Lord Bracken. Despite his ominous threats of death, the men ride off, leaving Daemon in a quandary. Paradoxically, these are precisely the soldiers he needs for this war, prompting him to devise a more "diplomatic" solution.
Daemon's mental state continues to deteriorate, as he is besieged by visions and plagued by the lingering headaches of Harrenhal. His financial woes add to his distress, as he must shell out money to maintain Harrenhal's upkeep. Amidst this chaos, Simon Strong mocks Daemon with a witty remark, referring to him as the "King Consort."
Aegon's injuries are grievous, and the Maesters believe his fate now rests in the hands of the Gods. With the King effectively beyond recovery, the Council is compelled to nominate a successor. All present, except for Alicent, concur that Aemond should ascend to the throne. Cole, however, finds himself in a precarious position. Torn between his mistress and her son, whom he has sworn to protect, he knows that Aemond was partially responsible for Aegon's condition. He squirms uncomfortably, unable to look anyone in the eye as he reluctantly agrees to Aemond's coronation. Just like Rhaenyra, Alicent is marginalized, with the men conversing around and through her, the sound design accentuating her isolation.
Alicent whispers confidences to Cole in the open air, unaware that Aemond has already ordered the ratcatchers to cut down their targets. Cole recounts the horrors of war, concluding that since the door has been flung open to a dragon's duel, it is only logical for a dragonrider to assume command. In his own silent way, he seeks to shield her, knowing the horrors that loom ahead.
Meanwhile, the gates of Kings Landing are slammed shut, sparking outrage among the starving crowds. Aemond's edict forces them to retreat to their homes, yet hunger gnaws at their bellies and desperation stirs the streets.
As Jace attempts to broker a deal with the Freys, Daemon is mocked by Alys, who questions his strategy and loyalty. Daemon retorts swiftly, declaring his intention to seize Kings Landing and inviting Rhaenyra to join his side. Her mention of his brother stuns him momentarily, until Simon rushes in with momentous news: the Blackwoods have overpowered the Brackens, and Amos has sworn allegiance to Daemon.
In private, Rhaenyra confides in Ser Alfred, acknowledging his family's long service. She tasks him with assessing Daemon's true intentions and promises reinforcements. She implores him to convey that she desires to "finalize their unfinished dialogue."
Daemon is roused from slumber by the Lords of the Riverlands, demanding an audience. He strides into the council chamber, flexing his authority. Yet, the news of the Blackwoods' victory over the Brackens, the burning of sacred septs, the theft of livestock, and the slaughter of peasants strikes him hard. They march under the Targaryen banner, a shocking revelation.
Daemon struggles to sway the will of the people, who turn their backs on him, refusing to rally under a tyrant's banner. He remains silent, his mind reeling as he grapples with his mental state.
Mysaria's red mistress strides into Kings Landing, while Halaena confronts Aemond in the throne room, inquiring if the carnage was "worth the price." She knows his deeds, and Alicent sits beside her son as he weakly struggles in bed. Death is not unfamiliar to her, and the scene eerily mirrors Viserys' final moments. As Alicent departs, Aegon whispers weakly, "Mummy," but she fails to hear.
After his journey to the Freys, Jace hastened back to Rhaenyra's side. Their only hope of securing the Freys' loyalty to Rhaenyra lay in the promise of Harrenhal as a reward at the end of the conflict. Though Rhaenyra was proud of her son's initiative, she seethed with frustration, relegated to the sidelines while the war raged on without her participation.
Jace suggested that Daemon might be a valuable ally, but Rhaenyra knew that Aemond wouldn't hesitate to strike when the opportunity arose. She was confident that Syrax's speed could outmatch Vhagar's strength, potentially tipping the scales of battle in their favor. However, for this dragon war, she desperately needed more dragons, and two were waiting just below them in the dragon pit: Vermithor and Silverwing.
Jace proposed a daring idea: they could rally the support of those from other families who carried traces of Targaryen blood. There were likely many within their extensive lineage who would be willing to lend a hand, especially if offered the chance to ride a dragon. "It's a daring thought indeed," Rhaenyra conceded, yet she saw the potential in this unconventional strategy.
