Olivia Cooke says Helaena’s protection is “at the forefront” of Alicent’s mind

The stage is set for an epic confrontation. The almighty battle is likely to be a culmination of House of the Dragon‘s 2nd season’s storylines, resolving conflicts, and determining the fate of the characters. The tension between Rhaenyra and Aemond is palpable and can be seen as Rhaenyra standing firm with her dragons and new Dragonriders, for confrontation and power display. Also, Alicent’s brief appearance in the penultimate episode is a masterclass in strategic subtlety.

Alicent’s maternal instincts on shielding Helaena

Adding a deeper layer to Alicent’s motivations, she’s not just advocating for temperance for the sake of peace, but also to protect her daughter Helaena. As a mother, Alicent wants to ensure her child’s safety and well-being, and she believes that a full-out war would put Helaena in harm’s way. A desire to shield her daughter from the dangers was seen earlier in the wrath of common folk. Olivia Cooke in her recent interview with Times mentioned,

“Temperance is something she still wants, but she knows it’s a lost cause at this point. I think her daughter Helaena—and trying to protect her—is at the forefront of her mind. Helaena’s a dragonrider. Who’s to say they won’t try to utilize that? Helaena is a seer—which Alicent doesn’t really know—but she knows her daughter is both vulnerable and remarkable in different ways.”

Insights into the trailer of the final episode of season 2

In the trailer, it is shown that Aemond is trying to persuade Halaena to join him in the upcoming war, likely on the side of the Blacks. Halaena is hesitant but perhaps intrigued by the idea, suggesting a possible internal conflict between her duty and her desire for excitement and glory. Aemond’s fiery passion ignites a spark in Halaena, but if she will succumb to his warlike ways is yet to be seen.

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