But of course, even the best-laid plans can go awry on House of the Dragon.
But Ottos brain is already miles down the track.
Everyone knows Team Black is behind this, but perhaps they had help from someone inside the Red Keep?
Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) keeps an eye out.Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO
From the shadows, a seething Aegon steps into the cell to work out his anger.
The smallfolk are aghastand so is Rhaenyra herself, back on Dragonstone, when she learns whats happened.
And they are accusing me of having a hand in this?
King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) in a mood.Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO
she wonders, while working out in her head what must have happened.
She then comes out with what shes really thinking.
She doesnt trust him.
King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) in a mood.Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO
Hes always been selfish.
And now, youve used me as a tool with which to grasp at your own stolen inheritance.
In the doorway to her bedroom, Alicent asks Cole Have you told anyone?
Rheanyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith) have it out.Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO
You have brought disgrace upon our ranks.
And now you must restore it, Cole snaps, speaking to himself as much as to Arryck.
I do regret that business with Luke.
Rhaenys (Eve Best) takes a seat during Rhaenyra’s Small Council meeting.Image: Theo Whitman/HBO
Hugh and his wife have a sick child and growing worries about finding enough food to eat.
Hes still hopeful the king will make good, but shes rightfully afraid for the future.
Suddenly he looks up as a dragon swoops overhead.
Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) skulks in the shadows.Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO
She has no ulterior motives.
Shes only interested in her own survival.
For too long I made it my aim to be of consequence.
He is an idiot.Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO
But now I see that was the wish of a child.
Daemon, Otto Hightowermakes no difference.
They will never accept me.
I might as well have remained a whore, Misarya says.
A mother looks up and wails: My son!
A son for a son… for a son.
And so it goes in Westeros.
In fact, he screams IDIOT!
With your mothers tears we made a bitter sacrifice against the deprivations to come.
And youve thrown it away.
Aegon, bitchy as ever, says I wish to spill blood!
He wants to take action!
Its here that Otto learns Cole decided to send Ser Arryck to murder Rhaenyra.
Its time the bitch queen paid a price, Cole adds unhelpfully.
slip from his lips.
This, Otto promises, speaking slowly so even an idiot like his grandson can understand.
And we believe him!
Rhaenyra doesnt want her hanging around stirring up any more trouble in Westeros.
Mysaria is grateful, but as shes heading to the boat, she does a double take.
She tells her escort to hold up a moment.
Even with Mysaria spotting the invader, the ruse almost works.
Arryck bluffs way through the castle and right into Rhaenyras chambers.
Both twins are dead.
Back in Kings Landing, Otto is blowing off steam to Alicent.
Aegon must be kept in check, Otto warns.
Only, Grandpas not the one to do it anymore.
Alicent asks him to go to Highgarden instead and convince the Tyrells to join their cause.
She also thinks Aegon will soon change his mind, and will eventually want Otto back as Hand.
Alicent is itching to offload her big secret, and whispers I have sinned.
His response: I do not wish to hear of it.
Therell be no easy absolution here; no fatherly comfort beyond matters pertaining to the realm.
Because his son is dead?
Because he fired his grandfather?
Because he knows what Otto said to him is true?
Because he realizes he sucks as king?
Instead, she goes to her bedroom… where Ser Criston Cole is waiting.
She slaps him, she shoves him, and then… the sinning recommences.
New episodes of House of the Dragon arrive Sundays on HBO and Max.
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