The passing of King Viserys brought the topic of succession to the table, with the Hightowers already in the process of plotting a plan Alicent never knew about. The ninth episode of House of the Dragon is now streaming on HBO Max.
There was an unusual silence at King’s Landing on the night King Viserys took his last breath. Queen Alicent was certainly heartbroken, but she remembered her husband’s last few words.
King Viserys had whispered to her that Aegon would be the one to bring the realms together. What he didn’t know is the fact that he was talking to Alicent, not his daughter, Rhaenyra.
Alicent mistook the message and believed that the king wanted Aegon to ascend the throne after he is gone. Keeping that in mind, she summoned a council of lords and told them about the king’s last wishes.
The council delightfully agreed, and Alicent discovered that they have been planning all along to find a way to make sure Aegon is the one who succeeds the king.
Furthermore, they have unlikely plans for the ones who were against him.
Alicent disagrees with Otto’s plans
Otto and the council began discussing what their next moves will be for Aegon’s ascension. As the discussions began, Alicent started questioning why they would move to these plans without consulting her.
The master of laws, Jasper Wylde, explained to Alicent that there was no need to sully her with their schemes.
Among them, Lord Beesbury was the one to stand up against this plotting, only for him to die at the hands of Ser Criston Cole, who believed he was speaking against the queen.
Since the council already has plans, Alicent wondered what they would do to Rhaenyra, as King Viserys had declared her as the rightful heir to his throne.
Otto disclosed that they were planning to imprison her and her family if she won’t swear obeisance to the new king. If she stays adamant, then they will opt to kill her and her family.
A furious Alicent clarified that the king wished for Aegon’s ascension, not the murder of his beloved daughter. Tyland Lannister further asked for her suggestion.
When she had no answers, Otto ordered Lord Commander Westerling to take his knights to Dragonstone in order to finish Rhaenyra and her family.
Westerling was disgusted by this decision and decided to leave until a rightful king comes in position to order him.
Alicent’s plans for Rhaenyra
Alicent and Otto got to talk over this once again after Aegon, who was missing, was found. Ser Criston Cole and Aemond from Alicent’s side had intervened when the Cargyll brothers from Otto’s side were bringing Aegon.
They managed to take Aegon to the Queen so that she can ensure that Otto doesn’t manipulate him to put his sword against Rhaenyra.
Otto liked believing that their hearts are still in the same place and wondered why would Alicent go against him after all these years.
Alicent agrees that she followed the things he impressed upon her, and now it’s like she is paying the debt.
Otto Hightower says this is a sacrifice for the greater good of the others in the realm. He sees his daughter as weak and someone who is trying to protect her old companion.
Alicent clarified that she isn’t weak. She claimed that they will proceed the way she likes. Aegon will definitely be the king, but they won’t kill Rhaenyra.
They will send Rhaenyra some terms that she will accept. Otto stated that Rhaenyra’s supporters will rally behind her and wait for her return.
If that’s the case, Alicent suggests she must not return, and probably these terms will make sure of that.
On their way to the coronation, Alicent tried to convince Aegon that he should not accept Otto’s counsel to put his sword against Rhaenyra.
Alicent succeeded in her goal, as Aegon ascended the throne, but the ceremony was interrupted by Rhaenys, who was riding her dragon, Meleys.
Rhaenys stared down the Hightowers before flying away, likely to warn Rhaenyra.
Also Read: House of the Dragon season 1 episode 9 recap & review: The Green Council