When the credits rolled on House of the Dragon episode 4, audiences were left wondering exactly what Rhaenyra Targaryen’s future would hold. Having an extremely passionate moment with her uncle Prince Daemon, before losing her maidenhood to Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole, a lot of lines were crossed. But will Rhaenyra ever revisit her lust for her family member? Here’s what happened in episode 4, and what author George R. R. Martin’s works tell us…
What happened between Rhaenyra and Daemon in House of the Dragon episode 4?
Upon his return to King’s Landing, Daemon Targaryen was welcomed back with open arms after declaring his loyalty to King Viserys and announcing his victory against the Triarchy at the Stepstones. Though he seemed to be a changed man, he quickly noticed his niece Rhaenyra’s willingness to escape the pressures of the monarchy, if only for one night. He left her a bag of common clothes in her chambers, as well as a note explaining how she could sneak out of her room. She met her uncle on the castle ramparts, before an evening of chaos and lust would take place.
Though their mischief at first seemed to be playful and mostly harmless, it was when they traveled to a pleasure house that everything took a turn. At first, they simply watched as others engaged in sexual acts. Then, as they moved through into a room where Daemon told Rhaenyra it was “where people come to take what they want,” they began to kiss. Rhaenyra appeared excited by the act, and though she tried to go all the way with her uncle, it was Daemon who eventually pulled away from her, before leaving Rhaenyra all alone.
Will Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen get married in House of the Dragon?
The events of House of the Dragon episode 4 have many wondering if Rhaenyra and Daemon will revisit their lust for one another down the line. King Viserys appeared to send Daemon into exile, to live out his days with his wife away from the capital, but we know now just how rebellious the Prince can be. Having already asked to be wedded to his niece, it’s clear that Daemon has a future with Rhaenyra by his side in his sights. Unfortunately for him, the episode also showed us Rhaenyra agreeing to wed Ser Laenor Velaryon, if her father removed Otto Hightower as Hand of the King.
To find out exactly what will happen in House of the Dragon, we can look to Volume 1 of the Targaryen history book, Fire and Blood. Rhaenyra does indeed marry Ser Laenor, with the two sharing three sons, although there were rumors that they may have instead been fathered by a lover she supposedly took called Harwin Strong, aka Breakbones. However, Ser Laenor would not be Rhaenyra’s only husband. Following his death a few years after their marriage, Rhaenyra would get married again, this time in secret, to her uncle Daemon. Whilst news of their partnership eventually reached King’s Landing, leaving King Viserys furious, it remained strong. The pair shared two sons at Dragonstone.
Exactly how all of this will play out in the series remains to be seen, but the foundations have been laid for this narrative to be followed. With a second season already confirmed and the opportunity for many more to come thereafter, there’s a lot for showrunners to consider before the infamous Dance of the Dragons.
House of the Dragon continues Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.
