House of the Dragon Episode 8 saw Rhaenyra and Alicent’s children grow up. However, there was a significant difference between the sons of Rhaenyra and the sons of Alicent, Aegon and Aemond. The sons of Rhaenyra share a special bond with each other and seek to overcome the adversities they have faced so far in House of the Dragon. On the other hand, it seems that all of Alicent’s children are failing her and Otto Hightower, with the possible exception of Helaena Targaryen. Alicent and Otto do their best to get Aegon II to wear the crown and sit on the throne. However, Aegon is far from being a king. Alicent, though a kind and devoted wife, surely failed as a parent. And here’s why.
Prince Aegon II is an irresponsible monster
Prince Aegon II Targaryen is slowly becoming a monster in House of the Dragon Episode 8
We already knew that Aegon wanted nothing of the throne or the responsibilities that came with it. He did not ask for it, nor wanted it, nor even disputed it. However, with Alicent and Otto hovering above him, he has become a despicable monster. In House of the Dragon episode 8, we learn that Aegon sexually assaulted a maid in the Red Keep. He acts mean and distant and proves that the comparison between him and Joffrey Baratheon is true. Furthermore, Alicent sweeps the incident under the rug and even threatens the maid who was just a child. In fact, ever since Aegon was a child, Alicent refused to raise him as such and simply treated him as a vessel for the crown.
Prince Aemond has no control over his tongue
Prince Aemond Targaryen giving his Strong Boys speech in House of the Dragon episode 8
While Aemond is clearly more political and understands the responsibilities that come with their position as son of the king, he has absolutely no diplomacy. Aemond’s skill as a warrior surely makes him an asset during the Dance of the Dragons. But in House of the Dragon episode 8, during supper, Aemond lost control and let his rage get the better of him. The game of stealth and strategy played by Queen Alicent and Otto Hightower seems to be lost on him. He can be a brilliant fighter, but is no more worthy to be king than his brother Aegon.
Helaena is the only child who is not a disappointment
Helaena Targaryen, the dragon dreamer makes another prophecy
Queen Alicent seems to have a weak for his only daughter Helaena Targaryen. While his powers as dream dragon still unnoticed, it is far from being a disappointment. Helaena is a sweet girl with her innocence still intact. The only huge advantage Helaena Targaryen brings to the Greens is her friendly relationship with the other side. She seems to share a bond with her nephews, the children of Rhaenyra. Helaena also seems to be on good terms with Princess Rhaenyra herself, her half-sister. Her diplomacy, her cordial relations and her prophecies make her an asset for the greens, who often go unnoticed. In House of the Dragon episode 8 too, she gives a riddle, “Beware of the beast under the boards.”
