Wedding House Of Dragon: Chaos And Betrayal

In the fifth episode of House of the Dragon, a pre-wedding banquet celebrating the union of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon ends in murder. The welcoming banquet is held without Queen Alicent, who arrives late, wearing her house's war colour of green, signalling her allegiance to House Hightower and her opposition to House Targaryen. The episode ends with Rhaenyra and Laenor's private wedding ceremony, following the death of Laenor's boyfriend, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, at the hands of Rhaenyra's lover, Ser Criston Cole.

Rhaenyra and Laenor's open relationship agreement

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon's marriage was a political arrangement to unite the two most powerful houses in the realm. During a walk on the shore, the betrothed couple came to an understanding that their marriage was entirely political and that they were both in love with other people. Rhaenyra was in love with Ser Criston Cole of the Kingsguard, and Laenor was in love with his boyfriend, Joffrey Lonmouth. They agreed to do their duties to their families and produce heirs, but to otherwise love as they pleased.

Laenor and Rhaenyra's agreement allowed them to act on their desires without forcing an unwanted consummation of their marriage. However, they faced a problem when it came to producing heirs, as Laenor was gay and did not want to have sex with Rhaenyra. Despite this, they ultimately found a way to produce heirs—Rhaenyra had three bastards with her new lover, Ser Harwin Strong, who Laenor claimed as his own.

Laenor and Rhaenyra stayed in their marriage due to its enormous political impact and their duties to their families and titles. Laenor also understood the importance of his family having close proximity to the Iron Throne. While they remained on good terms, they lived mostly apart, with Laenor returning to court for important events and to be at Rhaenyra's side when her children were born.

Laenor and Rhaenyra's open relationship agreement allowed them to maintain their respective relationships while fulfilling their duties as a married couple. However, it also set in motion a series of events that would lead to civil war, as the true parentage of their children was questioned and Laenor's sexuality became public knowledge.

Alicent's dramatic entrance and betrayal of Rhaenyra

In the fifth episode of House of the Dragon, Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey) makes a dramatic entrance at her stepdaughter and former best friend Rhaenyra Targaryen's wedding reception. She arrives late, wearing a rich forest green gown, the colour of House Hightower. In the world of Westeros, green equates to war, and Alicent's outfit choice serves as a bold political statement and a declaration of defiance against the crown. This is a significant change from the same scene in George R.R. Martin's original books, where the roles and setting are different.

Alicent's dramatic entrance at the wedding is a culmination of the growing rift between her and Rhaenyra. Initially, the two have a close bond, with Rhaenyra even offering Alicent a ride on her dragon. However, their relationship starts to sour when Alicent's father, Otto Hightower, manipulates her into comforting King Viserys, Rhaenyra's father, after the death of his wife and heir. Alicent ends up marrying King Viserys, which blindsides and hurts Rhaenyra, creating the first major rift in their friendship.

Alicent tries to repair their relationship, but the birth of her son, Aegon, who is presumed by Rhaenyra to be her replacement as heir, only drives them further apart. Rhaenyra's lies about her romantic relationships and her autonomy as heir to the Iron Throne cause Alicent to feel enmity towards her former friend. The tension between them escalates, and in the seventh episode, Alicent attacks Rhaenyra with a dagger after a brawl between their sons. Rhaenyra's second marriage to Daemon and Viserys' death ultimately trigger the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Ser Criston Cole's murder of Ser Joffrey Lonmouth

As the wedding celebration unfolds, Ser Criston's emotions are fraught with guilt, anger, and jealousy. He had previously asked Rhaenyra to elope with him, but she refused, intending to keep him as her paramour. This proposal, however, only served to intensify Ser Criston's feelings of being reduced to Rhaenyra's "whore."

Amidst this tense atmosphere, Ser Joffrey confronts Ser Criston, alluding to their mutual knowledge of each other's affairs. Ser Joffrey's approach is akin to blackmail, suggesting that he will keep Ser Criston's secret safe while expecting the same in return. This interaction pushes Ser Criston over the edge, and he is driven to a murderous rage, taking his anger out on Ser Joffrey.

The gruesome killing of Ser Joffrey by Ser Criston is not an isolated incident but a culmination of building tensions and complex dynamics within the royal circle. Ser Criston's actions reflect his inner turmoil and the sense of betrayal he feels towards Rhaenyra for refusing to run away with him. The murder also sets the stage for shifting allegiances and intensifies the conflict between Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent Hightower, as the latter becomes Ser Criston's savior and confidante.

The murder of Ser Joffrey by Ser Criston Coles at the wedding in *House of the Dragon* is a pivotal and shocking moment that not only impacts the narrative but also reflects the volatile nature of the relationships within the royal family.

King Viserys' declining health

The progression of Viserys' illness is shown throughout the first season. In the second episode, he is treated for an infection by dipping his hand in a bowl of maggots. By the third episode, his health has visibly declined, and he has lost two fingers. In the fifth episode, he gets seasick and faints while stepping out of his carriage. The king's health continues to deteriorate, and he eventually loses his entire left arm.

In the eighth episode, Viserys makes a memorable entrance into the throne room, revealing that he has lost half of his face, including his right eye, to the disease. He is in pain, hides his face behind a gold mask, and needs assistance climbing the stairs. He reflects on his legacy, bemoaning his uneventful reign and wondering if he would have been a different ruler had he been "tested".

Viserys' illness serves as a metaphor for the stress and strain of being king and the physical and mental toll it takes. Despite his declining health, Viserys tries to maintain peace in the realm, but his illness becomes a symbol of instability and sets the stage for the civil war to come.

Daemon's murder of his wife, Rhea Royce

Daemon Targaryen's murder of his wife, Rhea Royce, in the fifth episode of House of the Dragon, is a pivotal moment in the series. The scene begins with Daemon arriving at the Vale, where he confronts Lady Rhea, who is out hunting on horseback. Their marriage has been referred to as a mere "political arrangement," and the two are estranged, with Daemon often complaining about his wife.

During their brief encounter, Daemon approaches Rhea, causing her horse to back up. Rhea, sensing his intentions, reaches for her bow and arrow. However, the horse is startled and falls on top of her, leaving her paralysed on the ground. As Daemon starts to walk away, Rhea taunts him, saying, "I knew you couldn't finish." This prompts Daemon to pick up a rock and return to her. The scene then cuts away, but it is implied that Daemon uses the rock to kill her.

Later in the episode, it is revealed that Rhea has died from a crushed skull and neck. While her death is ruled as an accident, at least one person, her cousin Gerald Royce, believes that Daemon is responsible. Daemon denies any blame and faces no consequences for his actions.

Rhea's death serves multiple purposes for Daemon. Firstly, it removes an unwanted wife, allowing him to pursue other romantic interests, such as his niece Rhaenyra or Laena Velaryon. Secondly, it positions him to claim Runestone, the ancestral castle of the Royce family, as he is entitled to it as her husband. This claim, however, is later denied by Lady Jeyne, the ruler of the Vale of Arryn.

Daemon's murder of Rhea Royce showcases his ruthless nature and his willingness to do whatever it takes to gain power and achieve his desires. It is a significant event that sets in motion a series of power plays and political manoeuvres that shape the narrative of "House of the Dragon."

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