House of the Dragon episode 8 begins with the reveal that Corlys Velaryon has been gravely injured and now has blood fever. His situation has his brother, Vaemond, questioning who will take the Driftwood throne. Rhaenys, who hasn’t seen her husband in 6 years, says the intention has at all times been for the seat to go to Luke as soon as Corlys dies. “I am the Sea Snake’s own blood,” Vaemond tells Rhaenys, who factors out that his phrases may very well be taken as treason.
“I speak the truth, Rhaenys, and you know it,” he provides. Vaemond thinks that Corlys cares “only for the history books,” whereas he’s involved concerning the Velaryon line. He desires Driftmark. “The winds have shifted. The crown has good reason to take my side,” Vaemond says. Rhaenys is aware of Viserys would have Vaemond’s tongue for what he’s saying. Vaemond snaps that Viserys isn’t ruling today. It’s Alicent and Otto.
Over in Dragonstone, Daemon finds Syrax’s newest clutch of eggs. Baela writes from Driftmark warning him of what’s taking place with Vaemond. Jace has grown up a lot and is now making an attempt to be taught High Valryian.
Daemon finds Rhaenyra and reveals her the letter from Baela. Rhaenys goes to King’s Landing, which makes Rhaenyra fearful that Rhaenys will again Vaemond. Daemon is aware of that received’t occur, however Rhaenyra factors out that Rhaenys thinks that they had Laenor killed so they may marry.
She is aware of that Alicent and Otto are ruling in her father’s identify. Daemon accompanies her to King’s Landing. When they arrive, it doesn’t really feel like house. Alicent is working the small council assembly. The Driftmark scenario comes up. Alicent says they’ll hear Rhaenyra out together with the others.
Rhaenyra & Daemon Return To King’s Landing
Rhaenyra and Daemon go to see Viserys in his chambers. At first, Daemon stays exterior Viserys’ room, nearly as if he’s afraid of what he’ll see. Viserys is extraordinarily sick and appears fully unrecognizable. Rhaenyra helps her father up as Daemon comes to face by her aspect. It’s troublesome for Daemon to see his brother like this.
They clarify what’s happening with Corlys and the petition over the Driftmark throne. “You are to affirm your position for Luke,” Daemon says to Viserys. Rhaenyra introduces her father to her boys with Daemon, Aegon and Viserys. “That is a name fit for a king,” Viserys whispers concerning the grandson who has his identify.
The ache turns into an excessive amount of for Viserys to bear, and he asks for his tea. Daemon takes a sniff of it and turns into alarmed by what’s in it.
Meanwhile, Alicent learns that one thing has occurred in Aegon’s chambers. There’s a terrified younger serving lady named Dyana who claims that she was sexually assaulted by Aegon. Alicent says that she believes Dyana, however it doesn’t change what she has to do. Alicent offers Dyana cash and moon tea to purchase her silence.
Alicent storms into Aegon’s room to confront him. “You are no son of mine,” Alicent spits in her son’s face. Aegon is clearly fearful of his mom. “I did not ask for this,” Aegon tells his mom about his lot in life. “I try so hard, but it will never be enough for you or father.”
Rhaenyra and Daemon talk about Viserys’ situation and the way he’s taken a flip for the more severe. Alicent comes into Viserys’ chambers. She instantly notices Rhaenyra’s scar. They open up about their worries over Viserys’ remedy. Daemon implies that there could also be ulterior motives at play.
Rhaenyra Begs Her Father To Defend Her
Luke and Jace tour the grounds they grew up in. Luke is scared about how this Driftmark scenario goes to go down. He is aware of this wouldn’t be a difficulty if he appeared extra like Laenor than Harwin. Jace tells him that it doesn’t matter what different folks assume, solely the king.
Vaemond quickly arrives to make his declare. He meets with Otto and Alicent. Otto says that the “threat of war looms” and advocates for Vaemond over Luke. Rhaenys makes her approach to King’s Landing as nicely and reunites with Rhaena.
Rhaenyra and Rhaenys get the possibility to speak. Rhaenyra realizes that Rhaenys has come to advocate for herself. She thinks this complete scenario is a entice to say that Luke is illegitimate. Rhaenys nonetheless thinks that Rhaenyra had one thing to do with Laenor’s “death.” Rhaenyra stays quiet concerning the fact and stresses that she liked Laenor. “I did not order his death,” she says.
Rhaenyra desires to make Rhaenys a proposal. She desires to betroth Jace and Luke to Baela and Rhaena. Baela will finally be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, whereas Luke and Rhaena rule Driftmark. Rhaenys doesn’t wish to hear Rhaenyra’s bargaining. “Tomorrow the Hightowers land their first blow. They force you to your knees, and I must stand alone,” Rhaenys says.
Late within the evening, Rhaenyra goes to see Viserys. She’s close to tears speaking to her father about The Song of Ice & Fire prophecy. She admits that by him naming her inheritor he divided the realm. “I thought I wanted it, but the burden is a heavy one. It’s too heavy,” Rhaenyra cries to her father. Viserys calls Rhaenyra his “only child.” Rhaenyra pleads together with her father, “If you wish me to bear it, then defend me and my children.”
Viserys is decided to have dinner together with his complete household. He’s prepared to endure grueling ache to make it occur. The king is a shell of his former self. He’s emaciated and weak. Otto desires him to drink milk of the poppy however Viserys refuses.
Vaemond Attacks Rhaenyra & Daemon Retaliates
Otto stands earlier than the Iron Throne earlier than sitting down. He’s going to be the one to listen to the petitions over Driftmark. Vaemond is up first. “The true, unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins,” Vaemond says in entrance of Rhaenyra, Daemon, Luke, and everybody else.
Rhaenyra shortly chimes in to defend her son, saying that Vaemond is simply talking for himself and his personal ambition. Alicent snaps that Vaemond deserves to be heard, and Rhaenyra will get her flip. Vaemond turns to Rhaenyra and says that that is concerning the survival of his House, not hers.
Rhaenyra is up subsequent. As she is about to start, Viserys makes a shock look. Otto is shocked and instantly steps down from the Iron Throne. Viserys is carrying a gold-plated masks on the appropriate aspect of his face. He makes the trek by means of the corridor by himself, taking all of the power he has left. He appears over at Rhaenyra earlier than saying to Otto, “I will sit the throne today.”
Viserys begins to climb the steps to the Iron Throne by himself. His crown falls off as he stumbles. Daemon is there to choose it up and helps him the remainder of the way in which up. He locations the crown again on Viserys’ head.
Viserys doesn’t perceive all this confusion over settled succession. The solely one who can provide perception into Corlys’ situation is Rhaenys, and he or she steps ahead to talk. Rhaenys says that it’s at all times been Corlys’ intention for Driftmark to go from Leanor to his true-born son, Lucerys. “His mind never changed, nor did my support of him,” Rhaenys declares.
She brings up that Rhaenyra desires to betroth Jace and Luke to Baela and Rhaena. She “heartily” agrees with this match. Viserys reaffirms that Luke is the following Lord of the Tides, however Vaemond simply can’t let it go. He tells Viserys that he “broke centuries of tradition to name Rhaenyra as heir.” He refuses to permit anybody to inform him who will inherit the identify Velaryon. Viserys urges Vaemond to again down.
“That is no true Velaryon, and certainly no nephew of mine,” Vaemond says to Luke’s face. Viserys doesn’t sway. “Lucerys is my true-born grandson. You are no more than the second son of Driftmark,” Viserys says. Vaemond’s satisfaction will get one of the best of him. He says that refuses to see his home finish however doesn’t end his sentence. Daemon tells Vaemond to complete what he desires to say. Vaemond calls Rhaenyra’s youngsters “bastards” in entrance of everybody.
“Her children are bastards! And she is a whore,” Vaemond spits at Rhaenyra. Viserys stands as much as defend his daughter. “I will have your tongue for that,” Viserys says. Daemon decapitates Vaemond earlier than anything may be stated. “He can keep his tongue,” Daemon declares like a real KING after killing Vaemond. Aemond appears over at Daemon like a nephew happy with his uncle.
Suddenly, Viserys is overcome with nice ache. He mutters that he nonetheless desires to set issues proper. After the drama over Driftmark, Rhaenys watches the maesters handle Vaemond’s physique. She doesn’t care about trying demise straight within the face.
Viserys Unites His Family… For A Short While
Viserys nonetheless makes it to the household dinner. Rhaenyra is to his left, whereas Alicent is to his proper. Viserys toasts to the betrothals of Jace and Luke to Baela and Rhaena. Aegon begins to weirdly taunt Jace about intercourse. Rhaena sweetly tells Luke that he’ll be a “great” Lord of the Tides.
Viserys stands up in entrance of the household to make a speech. He is aware of all too nicely how his household has grown distant from each other. He takes off his gold-plated face plate and divulges the ugly proper aspect of his face.
“My own face is no longer a handsome one if indeed it ever was. Tonight, I wish you to see me as I am. Not just a king but your father, your brother, your husband, and your grandsire. Who may not it seems walk for much longer among you,” he begins. “Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. Set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the crown, but for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly.”
This is Viserys’ final stand. Alicent is trying over at Rhaenyra, however Rhaenyra doesn’t look again. Rhaenyra stands up after her father to boost her glass to Alicent. “I love my father, but I must admit that no one has stood more loyally by his side than his good wife. She has tended to him with unfailing devotion, love, and honor. And for that, she has my gratitude and my apology,” Rhaenyra says. Alicent returns the great gesture and raises her cup to Rhaenyra. “You will make a fine queen,” Alicent tells Rhaenyra.
After the toasts from the mother and father, Aegon continues to taunt Jace once more by saying one thing inappropriate to Baela. Jace slams his hand towards the desk and stands up. Aemond rises prepared for a struggle. Jace takes the excessive street and raises his glass to Aegon and Aemond. He hopes to be pals and allies within the years to return. “To you as well,” Aegon says, figuring out full nicely that Jace is the larger man.
Helaena, who’s greater than a bit tipsy, toasts to Baela and Rhaena about their betrothals. “It isn’t so bad, mostly he just ignores you. Except sometimes when he’s drunk,” Helaena says. Jace will get up from the desk and asks Helaena to bounce.
Viserys Makes A Grave Mistake In His Final Moments
Viserys’ ache begins to worsen, so he’s taken from the room. Luke begins laughing, which Aemond takes as a slight at him. He stands up and toasts to his nephews. “Each of them handsome, wise, strong,” he begins earlier than calling them “three strong boys.” A struggle breaks out among the many children. Even Alicent is offended that Aemond is stirring up hassle.
Daemon steps in earlier than issues go any additional. He offers an enormous sigh, figuring out that he’s going to have his fingers full with Aemond. Rhaenyra tells Alicent that it’s doubtless finest for her household to return to Dragonstone. She guarantees to see the kids house after which return on dragonback. “The king and I would both like that,” Alicent says.
Meanwhile, Mysaria has a brand new spy lurking within the Red Keep. You know she’s obtained eyes in all places. After the dinner, Alicent offers Viserys extra milk of the poppy. He begins murmuring about The Song of Ice & Fire prophecies and the “prince that was promised.” He’s talking in a jumbled mess, mentioning Aegon’s identify however not saying he’s speaking about Aegon the Conqueror, so the total image isn’t painted.
“It is you. You are the one. You must do this,” Viserys says to Alicent considering that she’s Rhaenyra. This modifications the whole lot. “I understand, my king,” Alicent says earlier than leaving him. Later within the evening, Viserys is whispering to himself “no more” in mattress. After a lot struggle, King Viserys dies fully alone. He dies having no thought the chaos his demise goes to trigger for his household that he desperately tried to unite in his closing days.
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