#& she feels a necessity to do so because she can't fully trust that Rhaenyra and Viserys would protect her & the kids

[gameofthronedd]

People still being convinced that the Alicent-Rhaenyra feud was because Alicent was jealous/upset that Rhaenyra had sex makes my head hurt, honestly.

Alicent confronted Rhaenyra about the brothel because she was concerned about Rhaenyra and her position. One of their first scenes in Episode 1 was literally a precursor to the Episode 4 scene; Rhaenyra is rather flippant about her political position, not as visibly concerned as Alicent thinks she should be, whilst Alicent is visibly concerned and frustrated that Rhaenyra isn't as engaged or serious about it. It's literally copy-and-paste in terms of the same general mannerisms.

Alicent isn't frustrated or pissed that Rhaenyra had sex. She's aware of the way politics work and the prejudice and consequences that could come from what is rumoured about Rhaenyra. And she goes directly to Rhaenyra to find out the truth and to help her (she even says "I only want to help you").

I also think people forget how the confrontation ended. Rhaenyra and Alicent come to a resolve the problem and Alicent believes Rhaenyra's side of it. Heck, Alicent even verbally emphasises what we were meant to pick up - that it's about the politically ramifications of a princess being seen in a brothel being sexual with her uncle.

And the "green dress moment" is a consequence of several factors.

One, the obvious is that Rhaenyra did not tell Alicent the entire truth and the person she slept with was Criston, not Daemon. Keep in mind that Criston is a member of the Kingsguard, sworn to chastity. Two, the consequences of believing Rhaenyra were pretty steep for Alicent. Her father lost his job inadvertently because of Alicent, meaning that she is pretty much entirely alone at court.

Three, it's a matter of trust and vulnerability. Alicent cared about Rhaenyra enough to go to her and try to get the truth and to help her. She trusted what Rhaenyra said and expressed this to Viserys, taking Rhaenyra's side even when Viserys doubted Rhaenyra. And then it turns out that Rhaenyra was not telling the whole truth and that Viserys also went behind Alicent's back because he believed Rhaenyra did do something.

With her father gone, Alicent is well and truly isolated, especially since she now perceives that she cannot fully trust Rhaenyra or Viserys not to keep things from her or go behind her back.

I think it's also necessary to consider Criston. A member of the Kingsguard who broke his vows with the Princess, showing once again that Rhaenyra is rather unconcerned about the rules and laws of the land and court. I think also the fact that Criston told her the truth but Rhaenyra, someone she trusted and perceived to be a friend, did not.

All of this combined with Otto reminding her of the brutal realities of feudalism no doubt triggered anxieties for Alicent. She has children to think about now and those she thought she could trust are no longer completely trustworthy.

The "green dress" moment is a moment of strength and independence and defiance for Alicent, and a way for her to carve out an identity for herself. Alicent is politically-conscious and she knows she needs support, which is why she turns to the Hightowers in a symbolic and defiant display.

It's not about Alicent being jealous about Rhaenyra having sex or about Alicent being a raving misogynistic "tradwife". It's about trust and politics and Alicent building up a defence to protect herself and her children against any potential threat.