Driftmark

In the seventh episode of House of the Dragon, Laena’s funeral is held. Everyone mourns her death, with Velaryon and Targaryen alike joining in to pay their respects. Daemon breaks up proceedings with a maniacal chuckle, while Aegon looks visibly bored. ..

After Laena’s coffin is pushed into the sea via ropes, Rhaenyra speaks to her son and reminds him where he is – and how powerful House Velaryon is. Jace approaches Daemon’s two children and one holds his hand, which is a nice gesture. As for Daemon himself, he’s clearly unhinged and shares several intimate glances with Rhaenyra.

Viserys is discussing the lineage of Driftmark with his side and which side of the family will take it. He says: “Rhaenyra’s children are not of your blood,” Corlys is reminded. In reply he says: “History does not remember blood, it remembers names.”

Corlys watches as Rhaenyra and Daemon walk down the beach together. Rhaenyra admits that she and Laenor didn’t have any fun, but she found happiness with Ser Harwin. Rhaenyra complains about Daemon for abandoning her and they kiss passionately in the waves. “I want you,” Rhaenyra whispers. And with that, they have sex. ..

Aemond is a dragon-riding rogue who has been spotted by Vhagar, the orphaned dragon of Laena. Aemond is small and weak in comparison to the powerful creature, but he persists in trying to ride it. The dragon refuses to be ridden, and Aemond is almost burned when it spurns his attempt.

However, Aemond manages to tame it and takes the dragon off for a big ride around the castle. This wakes up most of the castle, including Baela and Rhaena. They approach Jace and all three head downstairs to start beating Aemond when he shows up. ..

Aemond has his eye sliced out, Luke has his nose broken… and Lord Corlys arrives just as Viserys demands everyone be silenced in the hall together. This combustible cocktail explodes into chaos when Daemon’s children are supposed to claim it. ..

Aemond is told to reveal who spurned these rumours about Rhaenyra’s bastard children… and he names Aegon after a long glance at Alicent. “Everyone knows. Just look at them.” Aegon replies. The two mothers in question, Alicent and Rhaenyra, are constantly trading barbs with one another. It’s unclear who started the rumours, but they could very well be the deciding factor in the fate of the kingdom. Aemond is tasked with finding out who spread the gossip and he eventually comes forward with the name Aegon as a possible suspect. ..

Viserys has had enough and demands everyone stop fighting and make amends. “That is insufficient.” Alicent says, and decides that a just punishment should be taking one of Rhaenyra’s children’s eyes as payment for the debt caused.

Alicent orders Criston Cole to take control and do this, undermining the King’s command. When he hesitates, she grabs a blade herself and launches herself at the kids.

Rhaenyra grabs her old friend and holds her back, eventually whispering “And now they see you for who you really are.” She slashes at Rhaenyra’s wrist, spilling blood across the floor, bitterly retorting how unfair it is that Rhaenyra does as she pleases and doesn’t confront her duty like she does. ..

After a long and tense negotiation, Aemond finally stands and claims that they’ve both gained something from the exchange. He may have lost an eye, but he now has a dragon. The matter is resolved. ..

In the wake of all this, Otto is back as Hand of the King. He approaches Alicent after the incident in the hall and admits that he’s actually proud of her. He goes on to reveal this is an ugly game and her outburst may have actually helped serve their cause. He knows that Viserys will forgive her and promises that they will prevail together. They have a dragon now too, and Viserys will undoubtedly forgive Alicent. Otto tells her daughter she needs to be patient.

Rhaenyra has been patched up by the Maester and she speaks to Laenor. He admits that he has failed them and bemoans the Gods for making him the way he is. Rhaenyra calls him an honorable man with a good heart, smiling and telling him that’s a rare thing. ..

Laenor decides to double his efforts though and stay devoted to his wife as a husband. He sees the target painted on Rhaenyra’s back and realizes this is the best thing he can do for her and the kingdom. Rhaenyra is grateful but has another idea.

Rhaenyra approaches Daemon and suggests they strengthen their bond together properly. She wants to bind their blood just as Aegon the Conqueror once did, wanting to take Daemon as her husband and Prince Consort. The only way this would be possible is if Laenor is dead.

The Daemon pays off Ser Qarl to have him killed. When the scene cuts from their fight to Lord Colys showing up in the hall, they find their remaining son burning in the fire… or do they?

After a clever reveal, it was revealed that Laenor is still alive and has been smuggled out of the building by Ser Qarl. This allows for a happy ending for him, as he has been dreaming of the Stepstones and looking for a way out. ..

As the episode ends, the final scene depicts Rhaenyra and Daemon getting married, with their children watching on.

The Episode Review

The Daemon and Rhaenyra wedding is likely to cause a lot of upset in the kingdom. Not only will Corlys want to retaliate, but it could spark a war to fill out this first season. There are a lot of moving parts here and this chain reaction is set off by Aemond taking the dragon for himself.

Alicent’s children have her same temperament, and this whole fight ends with Rhaenyra realizing she needs to strengthen her claim in order to make a real impact in the realm. ..

The ending of this story throws up a lovely twist. Laenor, the protagonist, still alive and getting what he always wanted- an escape. He now no longer needs to worry about his family lineage or making heirs, and this deal he’s seemingly struck with Rhaenyra is a defining point in this whole story.

Next week’s finale is sure to be a dramatic affair, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few more deaths along the way. ..