Episode 8 of House of the Dragon had seen the death of King Viserys in his final moments. Previously, Queen Alicent had misunderstood King Viserys’ last words. While Viserys thought he was talking to his daughter and heiress Princess Rhaenyra, he was actually talking to his wife, the Queen. She thinks Viserys is talking about their son Aegon II as he tells Rhaenyra that she is the promised prince mentioned in Aegon the Conqueror’s prophecy. Naturally, Episode 9 of House of the Dragon sees the Green Council coming together to conspire and plot. They put Aegon on the throne and imprison or kill all of Rhaenyra’s followers. In fact, they also deal Princess Rhaenys in the same way. They even go so far as to keep his dragon Meleys captive. This led to the fulfillment of Helaena’s prophecy from the previous episode.
Helaena’s Prophecy
Helaena Targaryen, the dragon dreamer makes another prophecy
Princess Helaena Targaryen made a prophecy during the feast in Episode 8 of House of the Dragon. She said cryptically, “Beware of the beast under the boards.” In fact, even in Episode 9 of House of the Dragon, Helaena repeats the prophecy more forcefully this time. When Queen Alicent goes to Helaena to deliver the news of the king’s death, Helaena seems despondent. She simply repeats the prophecy and pushes her mother away. This clearly means that Helaena is aware of her prophecies. Although she may not realize what they mean, she surely senses the threat that some of his dragon dreams laid. As a result, Princess Helaena wants her to be taken seriously.
End of episode 9 of House of the Dragon
Coronation of Aegon II Targaryen in the Red Keep
The final minutes of House of the Dragon Episode 9 saw Prince Aegon II Targaryen crowned as King. The entirety of King’s Landing has been assembled at the Red Keep to witness Aegon’s ascension to the throne. Meanwhile, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen was also present amidst the crowd. She had been separated from Ser Erryk Cargyll who was helping her escape Dragonstone. However, dressed in ordinary clothes and stealthy outfits, Princess Rhaenys decided to take her escape into her own hands.
Princess Rhaenys and Meleys Fulfill Helaena’s Prophecy in House of the Dragon Episode 9
In the final moments of House of the Dragon Episode 9, Rhaenys is seen on board his dragon Meleys, emerge from under the red dungeon room. She had previously snuck up to the Dragonpit to rescue Meleys. Consequently, she disrupts the coronation proceedings and comes face to face with the Hightowers and their Green Council. This is clearly Helaena’s prophecy coming true. The beast referred to Rhaenys’ dragon, Meleys, which would emerge from beneath the hall. Although Princess Rhaenys had the opportunity and reason enough to burn the Hightowers, she refrained. Instead, she and Meleys let out a final warning cry before flying away.
Princess Rhaenys disrupts Aegon’s coronation and warns the Green Council in House of the Dragon Episode 9
In hindsight, it probably would have been better if Princess Rhaenys had finished the job right away. Killing them would not only have stopped the Targaryen Civil War that decimated the kingdom. But it would also have prevented his own death. After all, in Fire and Blood, Princess Rhaenys and her Dragon Meleys die at the hands of the brothers, Aegon and Aemond.
