Daemon takes his biggest step yet in House Of The Dragon

House of the Dragon Episode 4 had everything Game of Thrones had. From twists and turns to family drama and incest, this was a drama-filled episode. However, the most interesting part of the episode was that Demon Prince Targaryen has made its biggest move yet and it involves Princess Rhaenyra. From now on, he showed his rebellious nature quite blatantly, such as stealing the Dragon Egg or waging war on the Stepstones. However, in Episode 4, he plays his hand subtly and causes unimaginable repercussions for everyone involved.

Daemon returns to King’s Landing

In the first few minutes of the episode, we see Daemon Targaryen riding his dragon Carax at King’s Landing. He enters the throne room where a large audience has gathered to witness his return. The brothers, Daemon and Viserys put aside their bad blood and embrace. Viserys also congratulates Daemon on his victory over the Triarchy and the Crabfeeder. However, the only one who seems wise to Daemon’s ways is Princess Rhaenyra herself. Although she is overwhelmed by her desires later in the episode, she first understands that Daemon has returned for a reason. She confronts him and asks him the reason for his return as nothing is as easy as it seems with Daemon. He claims he only came back to experience the comforts of home. However, in reality, something far more sinister is at play.

Rhaenyra and Daemon venture out at night

Prince Daemon finally reunites with his favorite niece who is just as thrilled to see him. They converse in High Valyrian and have seemingly harmless flirtatious moments. Eventually, when Princess Rhaenyra returns to her chambers at night, she comes across a package. The bag included ordinary clothes that would disguise her as a boy and a letter showing her a secret passage outside the castle to meet Daemon. Both of them go out into town to discover the hectic life of the city. The streets are filled with entertainers, tightrope walkers and even a satirical parody of the heir dilemma in House Targaryen.

Eventually, Daemon takes Rhaenyra to the Silken Streets. He shows Rhaneyra the pleasures of brothel and they become intimate. He takes off his disguise and most of his clothes and they then kiss. However, Daemon hesitates midway and changes his mind. Instead, he leaves her there as she stands confused, more or less undressed and recognizable as ever.

Their brief banter has consequences

Predictably, Rhaenyra was recognized in the Silk Streets brothel by a young boy. The boy then reported his findings to none other than the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower. Naturally, Otto goes to the king to tell him this unfortunate news. She is confronted by both Queen Alicent first and then her father, King Viserys who is frustrated and fed up with her irresponsibility. He gives her an ultimatum to marry Prince Laenor, son of the Sea Serpent as she had already caused him enough trouble.

Daemon plays his card

The king naturally requests an audience with his brother, Daemon. He confronts him about defiling his daughter. Daemon does not deny the charges. Viserys then raises the pertinent question of Rhaenyra’s marriage now that she has been defiled by Daemon and her prospects ruined as a result. Daemon Targaryen finally asks for his “gift” in exchange for winning the Stepstones. He asks for Princess Rhaenyra’s hand in marriage. He boldly proclaims that he will marry her in Targaryen custom and they will then return the House of the Dragon to its former glory.

We finally understand why Daemon has returned after all this time. The king naturally refuses her proposal and tells her to go away. But rest assured, Daemon still has a lot more up his sleeve and he’s only just started playing the game. Dragon.