The sixth episode of House of the Dragon has finally arrived. It sets up major conflicts across Westeros, including the fall of Ser Criston Cole and the capture of Corlys Velaryon. However, one of the episode’s most intriguing moments is the growing bond between Aemond Targaryen and Alys Rivers.
The series portrays Alys Rivers as a healer, a witch, and a mysterious woman deeply connected to Harrenhal. After guiding Daemon Targaryen through haunting visions in Season 2, she now appears to have formed a unique connection with Aemond.
Aemond’s growing bond with Alys Rivers
Aemond Targaryen arrived at Harrenhal in Episode 2 of Season 3. Confident of taking the castle, he killed Simon Strong and his two sons. During this, however, he suffered injuries and turned to Alys Rivers for help.
Still disappointed that Daemon never rewarded her with Harrenhal, Alys chose to help Aemond.
Over the following episodes, Aemond began experiencing the same strange voices and disturbing visions that haunted Daemon in Season 2. As Alys cared for him, their relationship gradually deepened. Aemond also protected her from a group of sellswords, further strengthening their bond.
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Episode 6 confirms that their relationship has become even closer. While Aemond struggles after seemingly losing Vhagar, Alys comforts him. She also reveals several dragon eggs to him, laid by Dreamfyre, the dragon once ridden by Queen Rhaena Targaryen.
The books confirm that dragon eggs existed at Harrenhal. However, the series uses this moment to highlight the growing emotional connection between Alys and Aemond. The scene even hints at a growing romantic bond.
How Alys sees the man behind the warrior
Throughout House of the Dragon, Aemond has undergone one of the show’s biggest transformations. Once mocked for lacking a dragon, he claimed Vhagar, the largest dragon alive. That victory gave him power, but it also left him isolated.
Aemond constantly seeks strength, yet he believes no one sees the good within him. Alys Rivers may be the first person to look beyond his reputation.
In the Inside the Episode featurette, showrunner Ryan Condal explained:
“I think he finds in Alys somebody that sees humanity in him, which nobody sees in Aemond. He’s feeling very vulnerable in this place.”
Actress Gayle Rankin, who plays Alys Rivers, also reflected on their growing relationship and the meaning behind the dragon eggs:
“There’s something about Aemond’s desire for a family, to potentially be a father, to be a good guy, change his ways. And the eggs kind of both symbolize crazy power within the universe, but also power within a relationship.”
Season 2 showed how Harrenhal changed Daemon Targaryen through Alys’ guidance. Season 3 now appears to be taking Aemond down a similar path. Whether that journey leads to redemption or something far darker remains to be seen.
What do you think about Aemond and Alys Rivers’ growing bond? Let us know in the comments.
