Episode 9 of House of the Dragon saw the Hightowers and the Green Council plotting against Rhaenyra and the blacks. After the death of Viserys, his succession is questioned. Due to Queen Alicent’s misunderstanding of King Viserys’ dying words, she too now supports Aegon’s claim to the Iron Throne. In fact, House of the Dragon Episode 9 ends with the entire King’s Landing gathering in the red dungeon room for Aegon II Targaryen’s coronation. Ser Criston Cole places the crown on Aegon’s head as the people of the kingdom cheer. However, the big question is how Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon will react to this outrageous usurpation of the Iron Throne.
Otto Hightower’s plan for Princess Rhaenyra and her children
Otto Hightower in House of the Dragon episode 9
Ser Otto Hightower and most of the Little Council were plotting Aegon’s ascension to the Iron Throne for years. In fact, they planned every step. As soon as he concealed the death of King Viserys from dealing with Rhaenyra’s followers, the small council was not afraid to make bold decisions. In fact, they were even willing to mercilessly kill Princess Rhaenyra, Prince Daemon, and all her children. This was obviously to secure the Iron Throne for Aegon II and remove the possibility of any challenge to his rule.
The Green Council meets during Episode 9 of House of the Dragon
Otto Hightower even asks the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Harrold Westerling, to go to Dragonstone and complete the deed, quickly and cleanly. However, as we already know, Otto Hightower is not successful in his plans. Princess Rhaenyra and her line live. Furthermore, Queen Alicent objects to her father’s cruelty and does not believe in such a drastic measure.
What do Queen Alicent and Aegon have in mind?
Queen Alicent refuses to murder Princess Rhaenyra and her sons
Since Ser Otto Hightower suggested the murder of Princess Rhaenyra and her children, Queen Alicent strongly opposed this decision. From his point of view, King Viserys would never have wanted his daughter to be killed during the succession to the Iron Throne. Also, Alicent didn’t want to kill Princess Rhaenyra, who was a dear friend to her when they were younger. Unlike the rest of the Greens, Alicent still had a bit of heart and humanity in her. She was not yet capable of cold murder. She conveyed her desire to her son and future King Aegon. Their plan was to send a peace offering to Rhaenyra and Daemon at Dragonstone. One that would benefit them enough to accept it.
What will happen to them after episode 9 of House of the Dragon?
Princess Rhaenys and Ser Erryk Cargyll will alert Rhaenyra and Daemon
Currently, Rhaenyra and Daemon are unaware of King Viserys’ passing. However, Ser Erryk Cargyll and Princess Rhaenys will probably change that. Ser Erryk made his intentions to support Blacks clear and snuck out of the Red Keep. He’s most likely heading to Dragonstone to alert Rhaenyra and Daemon to the happenings in the Red Keep. Princess Rhaenys also fled King’s Landing on the back of her dragon Meleys.
Princess Rhaenyra, Prince Daemon and their family in House of the Dragon
Both Rhaenyra and Daemon will be clearly outraged that they were kept in the dark about the king’s death. They were sidelined throughout the process and their supporters in court were brutally murdered. Naturally, there is no peace offering in the world that Rhaenyra and Daemon will never accept. Instead, they will gather all of their remaining allies and declare Rhaenyra as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Together they will defy Aegon’s claim and the Dance of the Dragons will begin.
