“The King must take a new bride” is the advice the Small Council can not stop offering King Viserys I. Episode 2 takes place roughly six months after episode 1, and two Houses have already put forward their daughters to the King for consideration; House Hightower and House Velaryon.
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Read more: Top five moments from House of the Dragon episode 2
The Hand of the King, Otto Hightower, didn’t waste a minute making sure his daughter (and Rhaenyra’s closest friend), Alicent, was at the right place at the right time. In episode 2, we see Viserys has become more comfortable around Alicent, sharing his feelings while Alicent offers words of comfort. All the while keeping Rhaenyra in the dark; “You do not mention our talks to Rhaenyra, do you?”, Viserys asks Alicent on one of her visits.
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and her husband, Corlys Velaryon, approach the King in the first half of the episode. “Unite the two great Valerian surviving houses,” Corlys says to convince Viserys to wed his daughter, Laena Velaryon, who is only 12 years old. The King is visibly uncomfortable, but later on, he does consider the offer since House Velaryon is the wealthiest House in the realm. The King once more turns to Alicent to talk of this issue and she offers him a small but thoughtful gift. Rhaenyra also talks to her father and shows her support in this matter, saying she understands the King’s duty to the realm.
The final decision…
After taking a deep breath, The King declares that his new bride will be Alicent Hightower. This news frustrates Corlys and he storms out of the room while Rhaenyra is taken aback in shock. She knows the decision is not going to be an easy one but she certainly did not expect her father to choose her childhood friend as his new bride. This will certainly change their relationship dynamic, and not most likely for the better, as we see from the trailer.
Do you think the King made the right choice?
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