In episode eight of House of the Dragon, we learn that Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon, has not seen her husband for six years. The last time we saw him was during the battle with the pirates, where he was seriously injured. He had also caught a very high fever.
So what’s up with Lord Corlys anyway? Where is he? Will he come back… or is he dead? We know he’s a family man, as in his own words, “History remembers the name, not the blood.” In this case, if he is alive, he will most likely return to Driftwood, as that is where his family is. Also, how long will his wife Rhaenys rule in his name anyway?
Lord Corlys fighting at the Stepstones
Who inherits the driftwood?
Lord Corlys had made it clear to his grandson Lucerys Velaryon that it was he who would obtain the throne in Driftwood, the ancestral home of the Velaryon. However, we now have people claiming the illegitimacy of the child, as he is black-haired, unlike the Targaryens or the silver-haired Velaryons (in fact, all three; Jace, Luke and Joffrey are bastards of Ser Harwin Strong and Rhaenyra).
Lord Corlys Velaryon makes Lucerys heir to Driftmark.
It would be fun to see who inherits the throne, as it could very well be Lucerys when he marries Baela Velaryon, daughter of Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon. This way he would have a better claim to the throne with a true Velaryon wife.
What happens to Corlys in the books?
We know Lord Corlys is in poor health, but he hasn’t been shown dead yet. The Velaryon rule the seas, as the Targaryens rule the skies; it was said in the eighth episode released last night.
Now that King Viserys is dead, Alicent Hightower, his widowed wife and father, Otto Hightower, would now have the most power and influence. This is all the more true since Otto was also the Hand of the King. If Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne is challenged by the Hightowers and Alicent’s son Aegon is enthroned instead, Rhaenyra would have to find another way to get the Iron Throne, and that’s where that Lord Corlys Velaryon might come into play.
Targaryen fleet crossing the strait
Lord Corlys will no doubt be on Rhaenyra’s side, as she is the mother of his grandsons. Rhaenyra could use her ships and her expertise in sea warfare to take the Iron Throne by force.
It is also mentioned in the books that Rhaenyra escapes with Daemon after Viserys’ death. As the king dies, she will escape very soon, probably in next week’s episode.
Lord Corlys may play a bigger role than we think
If Lord Corlys helps Rhaenyra win the throne, he will be appointed to a high rank in the queen’s court. Its soldiers and ships will be deployed in future wars. Lord Corlys was an adventurer; he may have wandered for six years. We can’t be sure if he’s dead or alive, because it’s the game of thrones he’s playing where he can win or die.
