What happens in episode five, We Light The Way?
WARNING: Spoilers for We Light The Way ahead.
As Otto prepares to leave King’s Landing after losing his position as Hand Of The King, he gives a dire warning to his daughter Alicent about the safety of her sons should Rhaenyra become Queen.
Elsewhere, Daemon gets rid of his own loose end by murdering his wife, Rhea Royce, before announcing his intentions to claim her land after her funeral.
As Rhaenyra’s marriage looms, the Princess and her husband-to-be Laenor Velaryon spend time together, with Laenor and Rhaenyra discussing his hidden homosexuality.
Knowing their marriage is one of convenience, the pair come to a secret agreement to bear heirs, and then have lovers, which will suit them both.
But at their engagement dinner, Alicent makes a bold statement by arriving in a green dress, signifying she’s ready for war should it come to it.
Meanwhile, an ashamed Ser Criston is left with his own personal battle when his proposal to flee Westeros with Rhaenyra is rejected by the would-be Queen.
At the wedding, a mistaken slip-of-the-tongue results in tragedy.
Feeling the pressure that his secret dalliance with Rhaenyra could leave him disgraced in the kingdom, he resorts to a drastic measure to prevent the dishonour.
However, before taking his own life, he is stopped by Alicent, and the pair bond.
As Rhaenyra and Laenor say their vows, Viserys collapses from illness.
Who was Rhea Royce?
Rhea Royce had been mentioned several times in House of the Dragon before we actually met her - but her appearance is not what husband Daemon made her out to be.
A member of House Royce and heir to Runestone, Rhea is a well-revered horseback rider, who entered an arranged marriage to Daemon for the sake of strengthening family alliances.
Daemon does not take to his wife kindly, speaking about her in a derogatory manner by referring to her in Small Council as his ‘bronze b***h’.
It later emerges that the couples’ marriage hasn’t even been consummated.
Showrunner Ryan Condal explained: “There is this line in the book that always fascinated me. Daemon's wife, the Lady Rhea Royce of Runestone fell off her horse and her skull was crushed in the fall.
“I read that and I was like, that's such a weird detail to include with no context around it. So I stared at it and I was like, well Daemon obviously went home and murdered his wife. And we made a whole little short film story about it.
“We liked this idea that she was actually a tough woman, no nonsense who wasn't as Daemon described her but probably just somebody that just didn't really like Daemon.”
Who was Larys Strong?
Larys Strong quickly becomes a new alliance for Alicent Hightower this episode. Defined by his shaggy brown hair, he walks with a limp and cane after being born with clubfoot.
He is often overlooked at public events in favour of his father, Lord Lyonel Strong, and his brother, Ser Harwin Strong.
However it gives him the perfect vantage point to listen in on other peoples’ conversations. He’s also not afraid to go to great lengths to prove his loyalty, as Alicent will soon discover.
Larys’ observations prove useful to Alicent, especially when it comes to the discussion that a special tea to prevent pregnancy was brought to Rhaenyra’s room, despite Rhaenyra insisting nothing had happened that night with Daemon.
His recount effectively severs Alicent’s last remaining ties with Rhaenyra.
What does Alicent’s green dress signify?
At Rhaenyra and Laenor’s rehearsal dinner, Alicent turns head in a green dress. In the realm, the use of green - which glowed from the tower the Hightowers are named after - is the family’s call to arms.
The name of the episode, We Light The Way, is also the Hightower house motto.
Emily Carey, who plays young Alicent, says it’s a subtle but direct attack towards Rhaenyra after her father was banished from the kingdom for what transpired in episode four.
She said: “She doesn't need to come in and shout and scream at Rhaenyra, because of the dress that she's wearing. That says enough. She is a Hightower through and through. She's representing her father.
“This is her saying screw all of you. I know the truth and I know where I stand.”
Homosexuality in Westeros Explained
While there has been frequent depictions of homosexuality, bisexuality and asexuality in both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, there is no definitive rule in place regarding the legalities of it in Westeros.
In Game of Thrones, the religious movement and Faith Militant known as the Sparrows were seen forcing those who committed homosexual acts to repent in front of God, acting as the Lannister’s form of law enforcement in King’s Landing.
However, Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand, who are from Dorne, were seen happily engaged in bisexual experiences without shame and openly discussed it.
However, in nearly all cases homosexuality is shown with “medieval rules” – meaning it is often kept behind closed doors, with homosexual marriages never seen on screen.
In the case of Laenor, reasons for him hiding his homosexuality may be largely down to the societal expectations of his noble standing - which would include marriage.
Laenor’s father Lord Corlys also seems dismissive of the widespread rumours regarding his son’s sexuality, brushing it off when it’s discussed.
Who died at the Wedding?
At Laenor and Rhaenyra’s wedding, Ser Criston Cole cracks under the pressure and shame of being Rhaenyra’s lover, as it goes against his oath.
Spurned by Rhaenyra, who rejected his offer to flee to Essos for a new, anonymous life together, Ser Criston seethes at the wedding.
Unfortunately, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth - Laenor’s lover and the known ‘Knight Of Kisses’ - gets the brunt of his rage.
Subtly telling Ser Criston he is in a similar situation to him when it comes to the Royal couple, Ser Joffrey’s face is beaten into oblivion in front of the horrified congregation.
However, for a Westeros wedding, a singular death isn’t actually doing too badly, as they’ve become known for tense moments that often involve murder.