What happens in episode four, King of the Narrow Sea?
WARNING: Spoilers for King of the Narrow Sea ahead.
Despite pleas from the King, Rhaenyra is still not wed after months touring King’s Landing in order to find a noble husband that could strengthen his position in the realm.
At the same time, Daemon returns with a new moniker - King Of The Narrow Sea - having defeated the Crabfeeder and the Triarchy.
Surprisingly, he officially relinquishes his claim to the throne to pledges allegiance to his brother, Viserys, who continues to get frail.
Later that evening, Daemon takes a young Rhaenyra out of the Red Keep into the town, but when his plans for her fall short, she seeks solace in the arms of Ser Criston.
The next morning, Otto gets word back to Viserys about the night out to separate the brothers once more, prompting Alicent to confront Rhaenyra about his claims.
However, Otto’s plan backfires when an enraged Viserys removes him from his position as Hand Of The King, knowing he had spies keep eyes on Rhaenyra.
Tired of waiting and wanting to prevent gossip, Viserys informs Rhaenyra she is to be married to Laenor Velaryon whether she wants to or not.
Targaryen Incest: A History
The Targaryen family bloodline is known to be one of the most ‘pure’ – and part of the reason is the long-standing tradition of having incestuous relationships.
This dates back to their Valyrian roots, before the family moved to Westeros. The Valyrian freehold often married brother to sister, believing it would help them control dragons.
In later years, beyond House of The Dragon, it would be blamed for certain family members becoming mentally unstable.
Most notable of this is Aerys II, aka The Mad King, who was eventually usurped and brought an end to the 300 years the Targaryens held the throne by Robert Baratheon. So Daemon’s sudden sexual interest in a young Rhaenyra in this episode is considered somewhat normal.
Fuelled by his desire not just for Rhaenyra but also to get back at Viserys, Daemon’s attempt at seducing Rhaenyra proves unsuccessful when he backs out of the plan.
The series’ show-runner Miguel Sapochnik said: “Ultimately, his impotence in this scene is a reflection of the fact that he knows deep down what he's doing isn't right.”
What is Daemon’s real motive?
Daemon proves to have a personal war going on between his heart and his head this episode.
It is clear to everyone – especially Viserys – that Daemon has eyes on the Iron Throne, despite relinquishing his title.
His proposal that he marry his niece to keep the family bloodline pure and to prevent scandal appears premeditated, with Viserys seething that he may have defiled Rhaenyra for his own political gain.
However, his inability to “perform” when seducing Rhaenyra suggests there may be genuine feelings and care towards his niece that he wasn’t entirely prepared for.
Alicent’s Isolation
Throughout the course of the episode, it becomes clear that Alicent, now Queen of the Realm, misses her former best friend Rhaenyra.
Now with the responsibility of being a mother to heirs to the throne, the former friends’ lives have gone in completely different directions.
Young Alicent actress Emily Carey explained: “It's not Rhaenyra's fault that she feels the need to rebel, it's not Alicent's fault that she married her dad and has ruined this friendship unintentionally. Alicent is feeling completely stuck and she doesn't have any friends, she feels isolated and alone.”
In this episode, we see her leaning on alcohol more for the first time.
Who is Laenor Velaryon?
At the end of the episode, Rhaenyra was betrothed to Laenor Velaryon.
This is largely a political decision made to fix years of growing hostility and awkwardness between the two houses, who have long been bonded by their Valyrian roots.
Laenor is Rhaenyra’s biological cousin, the son of ‘Queen Who Never Was’ Rhaenys, and Corlys Velaryon, former Master of Ships in the Small Council and highly praised as one of the greatest seafarers Westeros has ever known.
He is heir of Driftmark, a dragon rider and a celebrated warrior, fighting alongside Daemon Targaryen and Corlys at the Battle of the Stepstones.