We had a feeling after “Queen’s Landing” that Rhaenyra’s path forward after taking the Iron Throne would be a rocky one. The third episode of House of the Dragon’s third season proves that to be correct, as the queen of the Seven Kingdoms struggles to find her footing as a leader. It’s not all her fault; the castle is full of rats, the smallfolk are starving, and Team Green, led by the suddenly very important Ormund Hightower, is still out there trying to win this thing, despite having far fewer dragons at play in the Dance of the Dragons. There are a lot of moving parts in this episode, but it’s mostly contained to one location. The only scene outside of King’s Landing takes place before the opening credits, as a smug Daemon Targaryen—a trio of giant dragons hulking behind him, with Ulf and Hugh looking on—forces Ormund Hightower, who has a whole army but only one petite dragon, to surrender.
Daemon also claims a prize beyond the pleasure of seeing Alicent’s uncle bend the knee: Alicent’s youngest son, Daeron Targaryen, who he takes as a hostage. A doomed hostage, presumably, since he’s an heir to Aegon’s throne. Eagle-eyed House of the Dragon fans thought they spotted Daeron earlier in the season, hovering behind Ormund when he gets the message (sent by Alicent but signed “King Aemond”) to hold their position (so Alicent would have time to convince Aemond to fly out of King’s Landing). But that kid had Alicent-esque red hair. This kid has those signature Targeryen platinum locks.
