With the parentage of Jace and Luke in question, Rhaenyra joined hands with Daemon to instigate a plan that will help them secure their claim to the Iron Throne.
The altercation between Alicent’s son, Aemond, and Rhaenyra’s sons, Jake and Luke, was brought up in front for discussion during the seventh episode of House of the Dragon.
Aemond lost an eye, and the parentage of Rhaenyra’s kids was questioned.
Though King Viserys has made it clear that no one will ever talk about it, Rhaenyra knew that people will not be pleased to see a king who doesn’t carry the blood of Targaryen.
With Alicent fighting hard for the throne, Rhaenyra needed to secure her reputation and her name on the Iron Throne.
Reuniting and rekindling her romance with Daemon made Rhaenyra realize that she needs him in order to ascend the throne. But, Daemon pointed out that this is only possible if Laenor is dead.
Daemon’s plan for Ser Laenor
Daemon orchestrated a plan that involved Ser Laenor’s lover, Qarl. He told him about places across the narrow sea where the names don’t matter. What does matter is the amount of gold one possesses.
Daemon handed Qarl some of that gold and asked for a quick death of Ser Laenor, with witnesses around. Following the instructions of Daemon, Qarl invited his lover to his own father’s hall.
The couple made it look like they were fighting. The attendant around them wasted no time and left to alert the guards.
By the time Ser Corlys and Rhaenys arrived, they found a dead corpse, beyond recognizable, burning in the chimney.
The illusion was created for Laenor, who shaved his head and escaped the castle with Qarl. They took a boat and sailed towards the place Daemon directed them to.
Despite the fact Laenor was not able to perform his duties as a husband, Rhaenyra respected him as an honorable man, and as per Daemon’s suggestion, she freed him.
Daemon and Rhaenyra seal their union
The notion of Laenor’s death allowed Rhaenyra to marry Daemon. They both knew the consequences they will face for this.
There will be whispers that will suggest they are responsible for Laenor’s death. Daemon, on the other hand, wasn’t worried about the whispers.
He and Rhaenyra know the truth behind Laenor’s death. Their enemies, on the other hand, would never find out what really happened. All they would know are the whispers.
With that, their enemies will fear what else they are capable of and would think twice before making a move against them. Thus, leaving a clear path for them as they embark on the road to the Iron Throne.
Also Read: The Rhaenyra-Daemon scandal explained