The storm has finally broken, and it’s time for the dragons to dance. Season one House of the Dragon, One of the most popular shows streaming on HBO MaxThe eagerly awaited finale of, delivered all the thrills fans were expecting. This season was the foundation for the Dance of the Dragons. It was the civil war of succession that split the Targaryens. The pieces are now in place and the dance can officially start after nine episodes filled with drama, drama, scheming and political intrigue.
The episode, titled “The Black Queen,” centered entirely on the blacks; the previous episode, “The Green Council,” revolved around the greens and their successful efforts to crown Aegon II as king of the Seven Kingdoms. Episode 10 begins with Rhaenyra receiving the news of her father’s death from Rhaenys, who escaped King’s Landing at the end of episode nine and flew straight to Dragonstone to warn her niece about the greens’ plot. Rhaenyra is in early labor and Daemon must plan their next steps. The Rogue Prince quickly moves, despite Rhaenyra’s orders that no decision should be made without her approval.
Rhaenyra is tragically killed by her baby. During the babe’s funeral, Ser Erryk Cargyll, who helped Rhaenys escape King’s Landing in “The Green Council,” arrives at Dragonstone with King Viserys’ crown; Daemon places it on Rhaenyra’s head and declares her Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. The visit of Otto Hightower to the blacks is followed by Alicent’s terms for peaceful resolution. The now Dowager Queen offers to bestow Dragonstone onto Rhaenyra and for the lands to pass to Jacaerys (Jace for short) after her death, to declare Lucerys (Luke) heir to Driftmark and Lord of the Tides, and to name her sons with Daemon — Aemon the Younger and Viserys — as Aegon II’s squire and cupbearer, respectively. Rhaenyra says she will reconsider the offer, although Daemon rejects it immediately.
Daemon and Rhaenyra then have a tense confrontation in which he physically assaults her after she states her desire to avoid war and honor her father’s wishes regarding the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy. An enraged Daemon claims Viserys’ fantasies are of no consequence, leading Rhaenyra to understand her late father never told Daemon about Aegon the Conqueror’s dream and the threat from the North.
Corlys Velaryon, who has just recovered from his injuries, meets with Rhaenys to reaffirm his support and pledges the Velaryon Fleet to Rhaenyra’s cause. Rhaenyra decides she must send envoys to three major houses — Arryn, Stark, and Baratheon — and Jacaerys volunteers himself and Lucerys for the task. Rhaenyra tells Rhaenyra’s children to stop fighting, because they are messengers. Then she sends them on their journey.
Luke arrives at Storm’s End atop his dragon, Arrax, to deliver his mother’s message to Lord Borros Baratheon. However, he discovers Aemond is already there and offering his hand in marriage to one of Borros’ daughters should the Stormlord back Aegon II’s claim. Lord Borros sends Luke back to Rhaenyra after he shuts down Luke because he hasn’t received any offers.
However, Aemond confronts Luke and demands he takes his own eye out as payment for Aemond’s earlier loss, recalling the confrontation between Alicent and Rhaenyra in episode seven, “Driftmark.” Luke logically says no, but before Aemond can attack, Lord Borros stops them and orders his men to escort Luke back to his dragon.
A nervous Luke leaps onto the unstable Arrax and into the storm only to find that the vengeful Aemond is following him atop Vhagar. Aemond teases Luke, but the young Velaryon Prince escapes his uncle. Not before his still inexperienced dragon shoots Dragonfire towards the ever-angrier Vhagar. This is a significant departure from the norm. Fire & BloodVhagar kills Arrax, Luke and Luke by her own will, shocking Aemond. The episode ends with Rhaenyra receiving the news of her son’s death and staring into the camera with a storm of emotions raging across her face.
Season two will be about two years away for fans. House of the DragonIt is possible that production will begin in the near future. April 2023 or May 2023. Although the 2-year wait to see the next chapter in this epic and more-than-life story might seem like torture it is just the current landscape, where shows take their sweet time between seasons. Based on House of the Dragon‘s wild success, though, HBO might not want to let too much time pass between seasons. Fans will be able to take comfort from the first season and look forward to a bright future. The Dance of the Dragons is now on.
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