'House of the Dragon' Recap: Rhaenyra Finally Sees Daemon for What He Is

This is a recap of the most recent episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon. It contains spoilers. That’s what a recap is.

House of the Dragon is finally back, and things are getting messy in Westeros. After the death of Prince Jaehaerys, tensions between the Greens and the Blacks reach a fever pitch. King Aegon blames Rhaenyra for her son's death and uses the tragedy to garner support for his claim to the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra suspects Daemon's involvement in the murder and finally confronts him about his true intentions. Plus, a new Hand of the King is named, and a deadly mission is undertaken. Here's a breakdown of the key moments from the episode:

1. King Aegon's Fury: Following the discovery of Prince Jaehaerys's body, King Aegon is consumed by rage and takes it out on a miniature replica of Old Valyria in the Red Keep. He accuses Rhaenyra of murdering his son and vows to make her pay.

2. Aemond Discovers the Secret Passage: While plotting with Criston Cole in Alicent's chambers, Aemond notices a concealed door that leads to a secret passage. He realizes that Blood and Cheese must have used this passage to infiltrate the Red Keep and carry out the assassination.

3. Alicent's Guilt and Otto's Perspective: Alicent is devastated by the news of her son's death and feels immense guilt. She confides in her father, Otto Hightower, who maintains his characteristic冷静, suggesting that some good may yet come of this tragedy.

4. Blood's Confession and Execution: At the Small Council meeting, Lord Larys presents Blood, who confesses to killing Prince Jaehaerys on the orders of Daemon and a ratcatcher. Despite his confession, Blood is executed by Aegon on the spot.

5. Otto's Plan for Aegon: To rally support for Aegon and turn the people against Rhaenyra, Otto proposes a grand funeral procession through the streets of King's Landing, showcasing Jaehaerys's body. This move is intended to sway the smallfolk and pressure the unaligned Great Houses.

6. Alicent and Helaena's Hesitations: Both Alicent and Helaena express reservations about Otto's plan, fearing its potential to escalate tensions further. However, they ultimately acquiesce to the king's decision.

7. Rhaenyra Hears of Jaehaerys's Death: On Dragonstone, Rhaenyra receives news of Prince Jaehaerys's murder from her advisors. She's genuinely shocked and horrified by the news.

8. Rhaenys Accuses Daemon: At the Painted Table, Rhaenys accuses Daemon of orchestrating Jaehaerys's assassination, having observed his interactions with Blood and Cheese earlier.

9. Rhaenyra Confronts Daemon: In private, Rhaenyra confronts Daemon about his involvement in the murder. He attempts to shift the blame and refuses to fully disclose his instructions to Blood and Cheese.

10. Rhaenyra Finally Sees Daemon for Who He Is: As Daemon grows defensive and threatening, Rhaenyra finally sees him for what he truly is. She calls out his selfishness, distrust, and lack of loyalty, ultimately rejecting his advances and leaving him alone in her chambers.

11. Rhaenyra Summons Baela: Following her confrontation with Daemon, Rhaenyra summons Baela to her chambers and entrusts her with a crucial mission.

12. Criston Cole's Frustrations: Feeling guilty and pent-up after the events of the night, Criston lashes out at Ser Arryk, accusing him of dereliction of duty.

13. Cole's Mission for Arryk: Despite Arryk's attempts to defend himself, Criston remains unrelenting and assigns him a dangerous mission to infiltrate Dragonstone and kill Rhaenyra, using his twin brother's identity as a cover.

14. Jacaerys and Baela Bond: On Dragonstone, Jacaerys and Baela share a moment, discussing their fathers and the複雑な family dynamics that have led to the present conflict.

15. Aemond's Confession to His Sex Worker: In a surprising scene, Aemond visits his favorite sex worker and confesses that he regrets killing Lucerys. He reveals that Lucerys used to tease him for being different, which adds a new layer to their fatal encounter.

16. Hugh the Blacksmith's Plight: We briefly return to King's Landing, where Hugh the Blacksmith, who confronted King Aegon about his unpaid debt last episode, encounters more difficulties.

17. Alyn and Addam on Driftmark: On the island of Driftmark, Alyn greets his brother Addam, a skilled shipwright, and they discuss the war and the Velaryon family's role in it.

18. Rhaenyra Questions Mysaria: Rhaenyra summons Mysaria from the dungeons and confronts her about her