The Season 3 premiere of House of the Dragon shocked audiences with Aemond kissing his mother Alicent on the lips, a moment that Olivia Cooke admits left her character disturbed and conflicted. In a new interview with ScreenRant, Cooke reflected on how Alicent’s perspective on incest is complicated by her own history within Targaryen customs — including arranging the marriage between her children Aegon and Helaena. The kiss, however, forces Alicent to confront the dangers of her son’s dominance and the precarious tightrope she must walk to survive.

Quick read

  • Cooke says Alicent married Aegon and Helaena under Targaryen custom.
  • She admits the kiss left Alicent disturbed and disgusted.
  • Alicent sees the moment as a maternal failure.

Alicent’s history with Targaryen practices

Cooke acknowledged that Alicent has already been complicit in Targaryen incest traditions: “I mean, she did marry Aegon and Helaena, but I don’t know how much sway she had in that really. Viserys was still alive. Obviously, she had to sign off on that, but these are the Targaryen practices. It’s f*ing weird.” Her comment highlights the tension between Alicent’s moral discomfort and the political necessity of following Targaryen customs.

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Disturbed by Aemond’s kiss

Cooke admitted that the kiss left Alicent shaken: “I think she is really disturbed by the kiss. I think she probably sees it as a bit of a failure on her part. Again, her maternal instincts are shocking.” The moment underscores Alicent’s vulnerability, as she grapples with disgust and fear while trying to maintain control over her dangerous son.

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Walking a dangerous tightrope

Cooke emphasized the peril Alicent faces: “But it’s really scary as well, because Aemond is a very dangerous man, so any perceived rejection is going to get her killed. So it’s a very tight rope she must walk now.” This dynamic reframes Alicent’s role in Season 3, forcing her to balance survival against the humiliation of being dominated by her own child.

Read next: Alicent Hightower is “focused on survival” in House of the Dragon Season 3 says Olivia Cooke

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