The fifth episode of House of the Dragon features Rhaenyra Targareyn receiving two proposals from Criston Cole and Daemon. They both want to run away with her. The Princess made her decision. She rejects Cole’s proposal. But when Daemon attends her and Laenor’s wedding, she listens to Daemon, who tells her to end the wedding. Instead, she suggests that he run away.
Cole, who was very ashamed of his Kingsguard vows, found himself in the middle. He rejects her, claiming that it is her duty to become an heir to Iron Throne. However, to Daemon she says that time is running out, and if he wants her, he needs to cut through Viserys’ Kingsguard, take her to Dragonstone, and make her his wife. But the two were interrupted when Criston murdered Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Laenor’s partner), and their dream of being together ended because Rhaenyra and Laenor were married that night.
Ser Cristen Cole’s gonna help fuel the dance of dragons cause he’s butt hurt over some pussy 🤦🏾♂️
— Hamza (@mentalworkss) September 19, 2022
Ser cristen cole is literally the most fucked up useless character ever, that mf killed laenor’s lover and on top of that he’s gonna side w alicent who’s literally the second coming of cersie!!!! #HouseOfTheDragon
— takkar (@Takkar_Rt) September 19, 2022
But when you see the difference, it’s pretty clear that Rhaenyra is infatuated with Cole and enjoys his company. But she is emotionally invested not in Cole but in Daemon. Cole was her summer love, but Daemon gave her so much more.
Ser Cristen Cole is the epitome of men who say women don’t like nice guys. Sir, we had a romantic evening together. and because she didn’t want to give it all up after one night together, you go and beat someone’s face in. Walking red flag #HouseOfTheDragon
— Regina Ham (@regina_ham) September 19, 2022
What Happens if she Weds a Daemon?
He was familiar with Viserys and thought of disinheriting Rhaenyra after he heard rumors that Rhaenyra and Daemon were living in a pleasure home. He protected her as his heir, however. In the fourth episode Viserys considered giving Rhaenyra away to Daemon. But he soon realized this was just a power play. Even if he married Daemon to Rhaenyra, it wouldn’t be enough of an error for Rhaenyra to be disinherited, with prior Targaryen rulers having committed the same defiance before. In the past, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen married his sister Alysanne secretly, thus, defying his mother’s wishes to marry outside of House Targaryen.
Rhaenyra getting jealous: *D€∆TH STARES*
Daemon gets jealous: friendly smile and a knife in the hand🤣#HouseOfTheDragon #HOTD pic.twitter.com/a6XPM46XXa
— 🐣 (@gonlyb) September 22, 2022
Daemon, Rhaenyra and I would have never known about them. Peace is not something I’m going to ever experience again. pic.twitter.com/sTyFTk5mTq
— 🌬ursula (@ecphrasis13) September 19, 2022
Even if she marries Laenor, her relationship with Daemon has not ended. According to the books, after Laenor’s death, Rhaenyra and Daemon will flee to Dragonstone and wed in secret, just as she suggested in episode 5. It will strain Daemon’s relationship with his brother, King Viserys, but the latter doesn’t disinherit Rhaenyra. This marriage is even better, as Viserys wanted the Targaryen family to continue. Rhaenyra’s sons with Laenor take the Velaryon name, whereas her sons with Daemon are full-blooded, trueborn Targaryens.
