In House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5, Daemon Targaryen faces one of his most personal losses yet: the discovery of murdered Ser Luthor and several Gold Cloaks.
Matt Smith, who plays the Rogue Prince, provided deep insight into the emotional and tactical weight of this moment in a recent Gold Derby interview.
Quick read:
- The murder of Gold Cloaks shakes Daemon
- He still considers himself as their commander
- This makes him realise Ormund’s threat is nearer than ever
According to Smith, the Gold Cloaks are deeply important to Daemon:
“They’re his team of people, he’s always had an affinity with the Gold Cloaks. Obviously, he’s been away, but he’s come back. He’s still their sort of commander-in-chief.”
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This line captures Daemon’s enduring sense of ownership and loyalty toward the City Watch. Even after years away from King’s Landing, he continues to view them as his men.
Why did Ormund’s assassins target measly gold cloaks and not Daemon himself?
Wouldn’t that be a better win? pic.twitter.com/w4YtKwAlla
— GODFATHER (@Godfather0fX) July 20, 2026
What happens in the scene?
At the end of Episode 5, Daemon enters the Gold Cloaks outpost with a flambeau, only to find all of them dead in their seats at the meal table. On the wall behind them, are the words “A Feast for Traitors.” This signals to Daemon that the threat to the Blacks is nearer than it seems.
A personal blow and tactical frustration
The slaughter of these loyal soldiers is not just another casualty of war; it is a direct attack on Daemon’s past influence and support network. The Gold Cloaks represent one of the few groups where he commanded genuine respect and loyalty. Their deaths hit him on a personal level, reminding him that the conflict has now reached deep into his former domain.
Showrunner Ryan Condal as well elaborated on the strategic implications, noting that Daemon cannot immediately exact revenge because the responsible party (Ormund Hightower) is currently out of reach:
“Daemon can’t yet exact revenge on Ormund because he’s ‘60 leagues away’ and out of reach.”
This distance forces Daemon into a state of frustration and calculated patience; emotions that rarely come easily to the impulsive Rogue Prince. The scene beautifully balances raw grief with the harsh realities of war strategy.
Matt Smith’s comments highlight how this loss serves as a turning point. The Gold Cloaks were a symbol of Daemon’s power in King’s Landing. Their elimination strips away part of his old support system and pushes him toward new, more decisive actions as the war escalates.
By emphasizing Daemon’s ongoing bond with the Gold Cloaks, the show reminds viewers of his complicated history and the loyalty he can still inspire. At the same time, the inability to strike back immediately builds tension.
