Eve Best explains how Rhaenys accepted Alyn as part of her family

The relationships in House of the Dragon are like a complex web. Rhaenys Targaryen’s acceptance of Alyn Oakenfist, Corlys Velaryon’s illegitimate son, is a pivotal moment that showcases her remarkable strength and character. Despite the personal pain and grief that Alyn’s presence brings, Rhaenys chooses to put the needs of her family first and accept him as one of their own.

A secret that hampers a strong relation

Eve Best, who plays Rhaenys, says that Corlys’ secret son, Alyn, has caused enormous problems in Rhaenys and Corlys’ relationship. Rhaenys is very hurt because Corlys never told her about Alyn, and now Corlys won’t discuss it. This has created a lot of tension and stress in their relationship, and they don’t seem to be on the same page anymore. Eve Best, in an interview with Variety, says,

“It’s absolute agony, and it’s been this secret between them. We talked, Steven and I, and we really felt that they had never, it had never been spoken about. And yet, absolutely, it’s the biggest sword in her heart, obviously. Up until now, he’d been really her rock, the ground beneath our feet. And feeling that suddenly was unstable, feeling this relationship through the presence of Alyn and Addam suddenly rearing its head again, having been so deeply buried by her, never spoken of by him. He’s in complete denial about it, and it’s absolute agony for her. I really felt like her heart was breaking.”

Rhaenys’ acceptance of Alyn

Rhaenys is struggling to cope with the fact that her husband, Corlys, has illegitimate children. She’s heartbroken and feels betrayed, but she’s putting aside her feelings to do what’s right. She wants Corlys to accept Alyn as his son, even though it’s hard for her. Rhaenys is not showing her emotions, even to Corlys, which makes it even more sad. She’s strong, but it’s clear she’s hurting deeply inside.

 “I wanted to yell at her. “Just talk to him! Have the conversation! Please tell him how you feel!” Because yet again, in spite of the fact that it’s absolutely breaking her apart, to be reminded and to see this — as she imagines — presence of another woman via the illegitimate children, she’s yet again putting that aside and saying to Corlys, “You have to acknowledge and you have to accept that he could be your heir — and you need to do right by him.”

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