Season 3 of House of the Dragon is set to expand the Hightower family’s presence in Westeros, introducing Alicent’s cousin Ormund and her youngest son, Daeron Targaryen. While book readers know Daeron’s dragon will play a crucial role in the Dance of the Dragons, Olivia Cooke revealed that Alicent herself is unaware of his impending involvement. In a new interview with Screen Rant, Cooke explained that Alicent sent Daeron away to Oldtown when he was very young, believing him to be safe and removed from the chaos of King’s Landing.
Quick read
- Alicent sent Daeron to Oldtown at a young age.
- She believes he is safe and estranged but loved.
- In reality, Ormund is preparing him for war.
Maternal love and estrangement
Cooke described Alicent’s complicated feelings toward Daeron, noting that despite their distance, there remains a strong maternal bond. “Sent him away to Oldtown at a very young age,” she explained, adding that there is still “a maternal love there,” even though they are estranged. This highlights Alicent’s attempt to protect her son from the political storm engulfing King’s Landing, while also showing the emotional cost of separation.
The shocking truth about Daeron’s fate
Unbeknownst to Alicent, Daeron has been taken under Ormund’s wing and is about to be thrust into the war with his dragon. Cooke admitted that Alicent believes “he’s safe in Oldtown,” not realizing that he is being prepared for battle. She teased that if Alicent were to discover the truth, “she would be rightly devastated and angry” with her cousin.
However, Cooke also acknowledged that with so much turmoil surrounding her, “I don’t know how much that can really penetrate her at this point.” This suggests that Alicent’s grief may be dulled by the overwhelming chaos of the civil war, even as her son’s fate looms large.
