Dragon House episode 8 sees the rise of Vaemond Velaryon as an opponent of Rhaenyra and Daemon. He opposes the blacks as he aligns himself with Otto and Alicent Hightower. He disputes Lucerys Velaryon’s claim. However, Princess Rhaenys was present and refused to hand over Driftmark to Vaemond. While she wanted to pose as the next heiress, she supported Lucerys’ claim after making a deal with Rhaenyra. Although not of Velaryon blood, Princess Rhaenys proves to be Driftmark’s only worthy heir. Here are all the reasons why she should sit on the throne at High Tide.
King Viserys trusts his judgment
King Viserys asks Princess Rhaenys to choose Driftmark’s heir
During the trials of succession to the throne of Driftmark, King Viserys sat one last time on the throne and took matters into his own hands. While the others presented their roles, King Viserys reminded them all that there was one person present in the room who could put all this confusion to bed. It was Rhaenys Targaryen. Viserys correctly identified that no one could know Lord Corlys’ estate better than his wife, Princess Rhaenys. After all, she had a conversation with Lord Corlys in House of the Dragon episode 7 where they settled the heir case.
Princess Rhaenys is a born leader
She is a natural leader in House of the Dragon
Princess Rhaenys was always meant to sit on a throne. Although she was overlooked during King Jaehaerys’ grand council for King Viserys, Princess Rhaenys never lost her edge. She is a strong, calculating and diplomatic woman who was born to be a leader. People gave her the title of the queen that never was. In fact, Princess Rhaenys still has a lot of goodwill and influence among the people of the kingdom. His diplomatic leanings have also earned him alliances with other houses. She’s a grown woman who would definitely know where to take Driftmark next. At least that’s until Lucerys is old enough to take the reins. In fact, Princess Rhaenys could take him under her wing just like she did with Baela.
She cares about the Velaryon bloodline more than the others
Princess Rhaenys strikes a deal with Rhaenyra to advance the Velaryon line
There was a moment in Episode 8 that showed how much Princess Rhaenys cared about the Velaryon line. She wanted to preserve the legacy of his daughter Laena and her granddaughters Baela and Rhaena. While Vaemond was driven by my sheer ambition and lust for power, Rhaenys had no such ulterior motive. All she wanted was the best for Driftmark. While she wanted to pose as the heiress of Driftmark, she supported Lucerys’ claim when things went down.
It was because of the deal Rhaenys had made with Princess Rhaenyra. In return for Lucerys becoming Driftmark’s heir, Rhaenyra proposed Baela and Rhaena’s marriage to her sons Jacaerys and Lucerys respectively. Princess Rhaenys knew there was no better way to cement the line of Velaryon and Lady Laena than to accept the proposal. Instead of being consumed by pride and ambition, she chose a mutually beneficial alliance.
She’s been by Lord Corlys’ side all along
Princess Rhaenys opposes Vaemond Velaryon’s claim in House of the Dragon
Although she may not have been on the front lines of a battle, she was always at Lord Corlys’ side. She is fully capable of sitting on the throne and has clearly done so for the six years her husband has been at sea. Rhaenys has taken Baela under her wing and created a powerful hold at High Tide despite the absence of Lord Corlys.
