#but however much she may feel for rhaenyra helaena is with aegon and aemond first and foremost

[dreamedfyre-a]

thinking about aemond killing luke on purpose and alicent and otto being livid and aegon throwing him a feast and siding with his brother publicly even though it is effectively ending the tense cold war sort of stage to outright open military conflict

and thinking about how helaena fits in this. she's not ignorant of what this means, and she definitely doesn't see it as something to be celebrated. maybe death couldn't be avoided, but celebrating it with a feast is distasteful in her opinion, and it'd certainly be seen as offensive, as well as deliberate provocation. if aemond's actions started it, aegon's ensure there's no way back.

at the same time i think she understands both why aemond would do it and why aegon would make a grand gesture to support him, and she wouldn't fault either. her loyalty to her family is unbreakable (one of her greatest flaws; she's more than willing to overlook any wrongdoing by their hands), and when her family is split on their stance, she leans towards her brothers more so than her mother. and if otto is on one side more often than not she'd rather be on the opposite side ngl

all of this to say that whether aemond regrets it or not doesn't make a difference, because she'll stand with him even if there's blood on his hands. and that even if aegon's celebration is distasteful, it is a display of loyalty too, and uncomfortable as she personally may be, none of it would be voiced or manifested, and she would stand with him too.

the idea they can only rely on each other might be a little too ingrained in all of them (especially after the night aemond lost his eye), and i think it certainly plays a part to some extent. there is no one else. they stand for each other no matter what or no one will. but i think there's a willing joining of hands too. she accepts and wants them as they are, even when that means flawed and violent and uncaring.

she may not raise her voice to condone what they do, but she won't shun them either - and any grievances that need be spoken (because i don't mean she isn't critical; only that ultimately she stands with them even when she disagrees) would be discussed in private. helaena might be snappy or passive-aggressive at times, but when it comes to serious matters like this, there would only be unity in the public eye. i'm sure aegon heard criticism for his feast, but she nevertheless attended and did her best to present herself as she ought to.

[randomdragonfires]

Fabulous chapter 3 of Time Can't Stop Me Quite Like You Did btw.

So I'm guessing he's legit sleeping with both? but damn I hope she tells him she's figured out who the other woman is..

Hello lovely anon! Thank you ::)

With regards to Aemond's little mess and Alys being labelled 'the other woman,' I have some thoughts. Long character dissection below.

Aemond has always been more mature and well-read than his peers, but this trait truly began to show after his accident. The loss of his eye compounded his insecurities, making him feel as though he needed to work harder to compensate for what he had lost. His desire to gain his father Viserys’s approval became a driving force, as he saw how effortlessly Rhaenyra's children seemed to win their father’s favor, a favor he never received. While Aemond is undoubtedly angry at his father’s lack of reaction to his injury, much of his motivation stems from deeper insecurities and a yearning for his father to be better, particularly toward his mother and siblings.

This desire to impress Viserys shaped Aemond into someone highly focused and driven. He dedicated himself to performing exceptionally in everything he did, but at the cost of becoming emotionally distant. While he maintained surface-level friendships with those in his orbit - the children of wealthy families who would eventually become business collaborators or competition - he never truly allowed anyone to get too close unless they're his mother, his siblings or Cole. In this regard, his connections were strategic, rather than personal.

Wylde however, is a different case.

Given her mother's friendship with Alicent and her eventual passing, Wylde is brought into the fold as much as Alicent deems appropriate. She's not the best mother by any means - she's not even that open with her own children, as is the case with most society mothers - but she sees that the kids take care of each other, so she simply enables Wylde's presence by welcoming her and lets them grow together. There is a certain comfort in it for her, given how her negligent Viserys was to the point of driving a perfect woman like her to an affair with Cole the bodyguard - the man who eventually becomes the calm in her storm, the love of her life.

Wylde basically grows up as part of the unit. Aegon takes on a big brother mantle even if he's not interacting with them on a regular basis - remember that scene where he's dancing with a kid!Wylde in the first chapter?

She is a fairly important presence in Helaena's life - it isn't much, but given how inclined she is to not go out there and stick to her own family, it's a lot. Daeron and Wylde of course grow up thick as thieves - same age, same classes, all of it. They're the definition of the young friendship trope and they've been in it all.

Aemond, however, was not initially part of this close-knit orbit. From a young age, he kept mostly to himself. Though he was aware of his popularity as a teenager - after all, he was the brooding, motorcycle-riding billionaire heir with perfect grades - he was careful to avoid emotional entanglements outside of what he's already got. The other kids may have admired him, but Aemond’s introverted nature allowed him to maintain a sharp, disciplined focus. Still, for all his emotional distance, Aemond held a soft spot for those who had been in his life for a long time, including Wylde, even if he didn’t initially interact with her much.

Aemond grew up in a conservative, old-money family where Alicent’s strict parenting set certain expectations, yet his worldview shifted significantly after meeting Alys at university. Alys was a woman who had lived - someone who had experienced life, pain, and pleasure in a way Aemond never had. She introduced him to a new way of being: one where a person could be at the pinnacle of success, the most well-read in the room, and still indulge in life’s pleasures without compromising their guard.

For Aemond, this was a revelation. His entire persona had been built around the idea of staying emotionally detached to avoid being hurt. Alys, however, showed him that he could live both worlds - he could enjoy life while staying sharp and focused. Their intellectual and emotional compatibility intrigued him, and their chemistry kept him hooked. He was drawn to her not just because of her knowledge, but because of the way she navigated the world with such control. Aemond’s relationship with Alys is more than just attraction - it’s about learning a new way to protect himself while still being able to not just live, but thrive. Imagine a worldly, mysterious and intriguing professor with society connects and crazy stories, all with a sad past to match - that's Alys. How can he possibly say no to that?

So no, she's not the other woman. Not in Aemond's eyes. She's someone that's widened his horizons. BUT Wylde won't see it that way - her reaction to it is natural. Concern, worry - and because she's grown feelings for him, hurt.

Despite his want to maintain the casual nature of it all, there are things that he doesn't account for - that Alys is an unattached to her partners as they come, and his feelings for Wylde (and hers for him) are too serious to involve someone else.

Aemond’s growing attachment to both Alys and Wylde sets the stage for a messy chapter 3. He believes that if Alys can balance her emotional detachment with the pleasures of life, he can too. What he doesn’t realize, though, is that Alys is emotionally removed from her partners by choice, while his feelings for Wylde - and hers for him - are far too serious to involve someone else. He’s playing a dangerous game, caught between two women and two very different sets of emotions.

The final chapter of their story will be a mess of unresolved feelings and emotional tension, leading to where Aemond will have to confront the reality of his relationships with both Alys and Wylde and figuring out what he wants, ultimately. I’ve taken a fair amount of inspiration from Sally Rooney in terms of tone, trying to keep the dynamics as realistic and emotionally grounded as possible. The hope is that I don't make it a wild ride, but simply as a part of their lives that is beyond their control and overwhelming, if you get what I mean.

Anyway, sorry about the rambling lmao. I just needed to discuss the POVs and motivations, really. I've been talking about this with @humanpurposes @chattylurker and @aemondstark a lot, and it's quite nice to have someone ask me about the mess that is this triangle hehe.

[marlequinncos]

Now that HOTD Season 2 is over, I have a lot of thoughts about what has transpired. Full disclosure: I basically wrote an essay, so long post ahoy! I have read the book, meaning there are a couple book spoilers in here along with show spoilers. Also: there are all my personal opinions, so you may agree or disagree.

The Good

The show is beautifully shot and the cinematography is excellent. We've gotten some really gorgeous shots this season.

The dragons look great, they're animated well, and I like how we can really see their different personalities and their relationships with their riders.

The acting is solid pretty much across the board. Folks like Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, and Olivia Cooke are excellent as usual. The standout for me this season, though, is Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon. He's thoroughly fleshed out his character and given him some really interesting shading and depth and I really enjoy watching him on-screen.

Some excellent new additions to the cast! Ser Simon Strong is a national treasure, Gwayne Hightower is a mood, Alys Rivers is who I aspire to be in life, and the Hull brothers are both interesting (especially their dichotomy) and they better show more with them as per the book.

Rook's Rest gave us our first real dragon battle of the show, and I thought it was really well done. I was concerned that it would be the kind of fight that's hard to follow visually, but it was clean and worked nicely. I also love that they made Aemond torching Aegon a conscious choice.

The costumes are, once again, beautiful.

The embroidery title sequence kicks a lot of ass, and I like how they're adding to it with major events.

I do really like how they've made Helaena a dreamer (which they started in season 1) and how she's a tragic Cassandra figure. However, I do have some issues with her that I'll talk about later.

The Red Sowing was done well. I was hoping we were going to see some people get incinerated to really underscore how dangerous claiming a dragon can be, and that did not disappoint.

Little Oscar Tully verbally suplexing Daemon through an announcer's table was everything I've ever wanted.

I really like the relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent. That said, I think there are some real issues with the writing that I'll discuss below.

Big fan of them putting Tyland Lannister in Situations.

Aemond committing war crimes and serving cunt as ye olde Sephiroth. 10/10 no notes.

While I do think the tripping balls in Harrenhall arc went on for far too long, I like how the show is leaning into the magic of the world with the weirwoods and insane visions of the past, present, and future.

Women kissing

The Bad

The pacing. Listen, I like a slowburn (one of my favorite horror movies is The Witch which many people find boring), but the slow pacing has to build to something, and this entire season felt like it was just build-up with no payoff. Last season ended with a consequential event (death of Luke), and this season began with another (Blood and Cheese), yet I don't feel like those events have managed to push the plot forward. Even Rook's Rest, which seemed like we were finally getting the ramp up to all-out war that's been teased for one and a half seasons due to Aegon being burned and Rhaenys dying, didn't really ramp up the stakes. We're still waiting for the war, and it feels like Season 2 was just a giant teaser for Season 3 rather than a stepping stone of the whole story. Think of it this way: season 1 ended with a build-up to the war and yet somehow this season also ended as a build-up to the war. It doesn't feel like progress was made; we're essentially in the same spot. The season should have ended with either the taking of King's Landing or the Battle of the Gullet.

Blood and Cheese. There is a reason this event lives in infamy for book readers. It's essentially the Red Wedding of the Dance of Dragons, because of how truly heinous and horrifying of an event it is. But the show toned it down a lot, and I think that was a mistake. Not to mention the fact that the death of Aegon's heir, who was a literal child, only seemed to be an issue for about an episode, and then everyone kind of forgot about it. Frankly, I don't like how the deaths of Luke, Jaehaerys, and Rhaenys were somewhat glossed over other than an episode of some characters being sad. Those deaths should have reverberated with long-ranging consequences and I don't feel like that's the case.

The writing. It's just not as good this season. Yes, I know the writer's strike probably affected it, but still. The conversations are nowhere near as engaging or interesting as they were in season 1, and I'm someone who loves dialogue scenes of political intrigue. I also think some of the character decisions they've made don't work. The biggest issue I have in that regard is with Rhaenyra. I don't actually hate the scene in the Sept (even though I think it is kind of silly how Rhaenyra managed to sneak into KL without being detected), because I like how they establish that Alicent knows that was wrong in her assumption about Aegon and yet she doubles down and they both realize that war is now inevitable even if it all began because of a misunderstanding. But book Rhaenyra is both far more active and ruthless than her show counterpart. There's a reason they call her "Maegor with teats". I thought we were getting some of that "warrior queen Visenya" Rhaenyra during the Red Sowing episode, but the fact is that she's spent most of the season trying to decide on a course of action and trying to do everything peacefully. She should have thrown that out the window after her conversation with Alicent in the Sept. It's especially weird considering she ended season 1 out for blood for the death of Luke. I feel like the writers are afraid that having her sometimes make nasty decisions will make her unlikeable to the general audience. But by doing that, they've also reduced this fascinating woman into a shell of who she should be. Look at Dany and Cersei from GOT; both of them were women in positions of power who did not hesitate to make (sometimes bad) decisions and/or commit horrible acts to further their goals and guess what: for the most part, the audience liked them! Give me "blood and fire" Rhaenyra! Support women's wrongs! Make characters morally grey! LET WOMEN BE AWFUL!!

I also think that the writing is doing Alicent a disservice. They really don't know what to do with her, and its a shame because Olivia Cooke is great. She just feels rudderless to me.

It really looks like the show is cutting Nettles entirely and giving her plot to Rhaena and I don't like this choice. Nettles is an amazing character in her own right, and her relationship with Daemon is key for him to start changing his Targaryen supremacist worldview and for his arc as a whole. Plus, this takes away the significance of Rhaena and Morning at the conclusion of the Dance.

While I like Helaena being a dreamer, they need to give her more screen time and dialogue. Girl had almost nothing to do this season.

I wish we had seen more of Jace and Cregan in the North and the Pact of Ice and Fire. Not saying we need 20 minutes of that, but 5 would have been nice.

I like the idea of that big vision of the future in the finale, but knowing how GOT ended does soften the impact quite a bit. And I don't love that Daemon and Aemond kind of already know their fates?? That's definitely going to hurt their arcs going forward.

The season should have been 10 episodes. Having it be only 8 really messes with the pacing of the story. Not loving the 2 year breaks between seasons either.

The "Let's Wait and See"

Aegon said that Sunfyre is dead. I really hope he's wrong about that because boy howdy that will have major plot implications if Sunfyre really is dead.

DAERON REAL. It would have been nice if he had been mentioned in season 1 and actually seen in season 2, but at least we know he exists and isn't a cryptid. Hopefully we finally get to see him in action in season 3 because poor dude has just been implied for two whole seasons.

I hope we see more of the book's excellent side characters like Black Alys, Benjicot Blackwood, and Sabitha Frey (who we did technically see briefly, but if you're a book reader, you know what I'm talking about). I'd also like to see more Cregan.

Overall, I think the season was a mixed bag. I hope season 3 fixes some of the issues with pacing and writing, because they have a great cast and a show that looks beautiful.

[anxiousnerdwritings]

I thought about it after you said it. The battle between really yan!dad Criston and yan!mom Rhaenyra will be epic.For some reason I dream that the precious child of Criston and Rhaenyra will be a Princess. It would be nice to imagine Criston being a good father to bby. Think about it, Criston would have gone mad if the precious Princess had suffered a minor injury the night Aemond was injured. Criston will be furious when Harwin, Laenor and Daemon try to father the precious Princess. The reader is only his daughter of values. I dream that the green and black teams will be yandere for the precious Princess. The war will begin for the Princess, not the throne.

I’d like to think that Criston would be a good father to his child either way, but if he had a daughter then he would be completely and utterly wrapped around her finger. I definitely see him not taking too well to any of Rhaenyra’s ‘manwhores’ trying to fulfill his role as a father to his own child. He would certainly watch their every move with his child and would vocalize his criticism towards them for whatever they were doing or for however they were going about interacting with his child. It would be made extremely obvious that Criston has a massive soft spot for his child with Rhaenyra out of all of her children. He’d still very much act the same towards the Velaryon boys, but he may even be worse because they get to be around and call his child their “sister” when he can’t even do much but be in the same proximity as her. They can hold her, they can speak to her informally, they get to be a family with her while he’s forced to stand by and watch. Also, I could see Criston getting confronted by his child for his treatment of their brothers and telling him how horrible she thinks he is because of it, resulting in Criston acting better towards the boys only when the Reader is around. He’d also get the Green boys to behave better when in the Reader’s presence too.

I could surely see Alicent especially becoming yandere for the child but more so out of ill intentions to bring down Rhaenyra. Not only that but also maybe taking an even deeper interest in the child because Criston is in a way unable to be a true father to the child himself so she also takes his frustration and want for that onto herself, so basically harboring Criston’s own feelings about the situation and wanting of being involved in his child’s life. I could even see her at first feigning wanting to interact/spend time with the child privately so that Criston could have his own time with his child while she stood by and allows it behind Rhaenyra’s back. I have no doubt though that to not only give Criston more access to his own child but also to take the child from Rhaenyra, Alicent would betroth the Reader to one of her children. Maybe when Rhaenyra proposes marrying Jace and Helaena, Alicent instead offers up Aegon and the Reader or even Aemond or Daeron.

I like to think that the Reader would be close to Helaena and that the two would be extremely bonded to one another before Baela and Rhaena come into the picture. So I don’t doubt that Helaena at the very least would be yandere for the Reader. She may even try to convince or persuade the Reader into getting a betrothal with one of her brothers, or even a joined marriage with her and Aegon that way she can also have the Reader to herself too.

[crazycoke-addict]

In Defense of Criston Cole

Ser Christon Cole is an important character in the house of the dragon. He has history with the two main characters, Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent. The choices that he makes are mostly bad. There is reasoning than more than just him being a hotheaded man who isn't over the rejection from the princess.

Through the fan's eyes, Criston Cole is an incel who hates Rhaenyra because she chooses to become Queen rather than wanting to be with him. While that may be true, when looking at the context. It's more than just rejection but rather the fact that he broke his oath as a kingsgaurd. What's more messed that it was requested by Rhaenyra that he became a Kingsguard in the first place. While yes, in the scene where Criston and Rhaenyra slept together. Criston could've just rejected her. Through their power dynamic, he can't. Rhaenyra, who is a high noble princess and also the heir to the iron throne. She pretty much abused her power.

Alicent is the only person who knows about this and could use this secret to her advantage in the long run, but because of her bond with Criston and she was holding out for a friendship with Rhaenyra. She chose to keep it a secret. Criston Cole broke his oath by sleeping with Rhaenyra, and instead of Rhaenyra feeling any remorse and regret. She instead disposed of him because she was trying to prove something.

I also would like to mention that Rhaenyra was complaining about having to do her duty and that she wished for freedom. So, Criston probably thought she slept with him to escape, so that only logical was marriage. Criston not only felt used but also betrayed to the one person with whom he had built a relationship.

The only person who knows about this is Alicent Hightower. Alicent has the power to tell Viserys about this. This would cause Criston to be tortured and possibly for Rhaenyra to be step down as the heir. It's a strategic plan that Otto would've done in order to make Aegon heir. But she chooses to keep it a plan because her forming a bond with Criston and her holding out hope for a friendship with Rhaenyra.

Many people see the relationship between Criston and Alicent as them only bonded because they both hate Rhaenyra, but it's more than that. They were both sexually exploited by people who had power over them. Alicent was married to Viserys when she was just a teenager while Criston is a low rank kingsgaurd who wasn't in a position to say no to Rhaenyra.

As the show goes on, Criston Cole is shown to be acting as the surrogate father for Alicent's children, Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond. During the fight between him and Harwin Strong. It is likely that he provoke Harwin by insulting Rhaenyra's children because in the house of the dragon, Harwin is the father of Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. To prove the strong boys' legitimacy. However, I do believe that he genuinely cares for Alicent's kids.

The scene where Harwin punches Criston and the scene where Jace punches Aemond. Both Criston and Aemond laugh it off. It's a parallel that the show put in as in a way that Criston pretty much became their dad after Viserys neglected them. This trust that he built with them plays a role involving Criston becoming the hand of the King for Aegon, and Aemond is more comfortable talking to Criston than he does with anyone else.

When it comes to his relationship with Helaena, she is shown to trust him. When Rhaenys storms in the dragonpit on Meleys, Criston is shown protecting Helaena. Heleana is also touching Criston's arm as a seek for comfort. Through the show, Helaena is shown to hate physical touch, including her mother. She would either flinch or flat out reject it. Him and Helaena don't have scenes together, but this little interaction shows Helaena is comfortable about Criston.

Aegon, Aemond, and to the extent Helaena is shown to listen and follow Criton's orders without question. When Aegon told Aemond that he could have the throne, Aemond was considering it until Criston told them that Alicent is waiting for them.

To say that Criston's only characteristic is hating Rhaenyra because of what happened is absurd even though he had many chances to make Alicent's kids hate Rhaenyra but it was Rhaenyra that broke the trust when she said Aemond should be sharply question because he called Luke and Jace bastards. This is after her son Luke slashed Aemond's eye, and because of Viserys favouritism, Luke got no repercussions for it.

After the death of Viserys. Alicent tells the council that Viserys has changed his mind about his heir. At that time, Alicent genuinely believes that the aegon Viserys is talking about is her aegon. During the small council, Alicent realises that the men in the council were already planning to put Aegon on the iron without her knowledge, and even if she chose to keep what Viserys said a secret. It will play out the same.

Lord Beesbury stands up for Rhaenyra and accuses the council of poisoning Viserys. I've been arguing with people on tik tok about this, and their response is "well, he was accusing everyone," but the thing is, Alicent is everyone, so he is also accusing her more than anyone. She was the one who told the same council about Viserys' dying wish so she is partially responsible even though she didn't know the plan.

Criston had to witness Alicent and her children neglected by that man. Then, in later years of Viserys life, he called her aemma, the woman that he killed because he wanted a son even during the times Alicent was taking care of him. So, for Lord Beesbury to accuse her of poisoning Viserys and to get her son on the iron throne. It triggers Criston because nobody was ever devoted to Viserys and took care of him more than Alicent did.

Ser Criston killing Lord Beesbury was a bad move on his part, but to say that he did it because he's a sensitive person just shows the lack of understanding that people have on this character. Ser Criston wasn't even part of the conversation, and he didn't kill Lord Beesbury until he started accusing Alicent of murder.

During Laenor and Rhaenyra's wedding, Joffrey Lonmouth hints that he knows Criston's secret about him breaking his vow. While joffrey could've heard it from somewhere else. Ser Criston believes that Rhaenyra has been spreading gossip about their relationship, which soils Criston's name and him as a knight more.

After beating Joffrey to death, Criston heads over to the goodswood in an attempt to take his own life. In this scene alone, Ser Criston Cole should've been seen as a person with induced trauma that him wanting to take his own life really affect his mental health. But fans choose to ignore this scene because they just don't like Criston.

Ser Criston Cole just wants to be seen as an honourable knight, and the only person who sees this is Alicent Hightower. Alicent sees Criston as who he really is, and that is more than just him hating Rhaenyra because she rejected him.

[lullaebies]

Do you have any Aerea (Fem Aegonii) headcanons?

omg tumblr is such a doozy I didn't get a notif for this ask!! yes yes I love Aerea so so much - she's one of my favorites to write and sharing more about always makes me happy! let's go. For those of you who might find this ask randomly, Aerea is F!Aegon II in my fic The Protector of The Realm.

F!Aegon II (Aerea) Headcanons

❀ Aerea, as Alicent and Viserys's firstborn, was a very anticipated birth. From the very moment it was known Alicent is pregnant it was expected to be a boy by others at court. She was supposed to be named Aegon, but since she turned out to be a girl, they ended up naming her Aerea after the late Aerea Targaryen (daughter of Aegon the Uncrowned) who was also a rider of Balerion, just like Viserys. "That she may live in happiness her namesake couldn't have." Alicent was very grateful to her first baby be a daughter - it meant less people felt threatened by it, and the status quo didn't shift quite yet.

❀ Granted, peacefulness is not a thing for Alicent. Aside from the fact a boy soon followed, Aerea also proved to be a very demanding child. She loved attention and compliments and was as clingy as she was extroverted. She drove all her servants out of their wits, as well as followed her mother, father and half-sister everywhere.

❀ Much of her interactions with others depend on how they treat her. Aemma (F!Aemond) is contentious with her so they butt heads (Aerea's the only one who is allowed to insult her though) and Daella (F!Daeron) is very sweet to her so Daella gets Aerea's more sisterly caring side. Rhaegal (M!Helaena) needs his own section of headcanons for their development so I won't get to it here lol

❀ Aerea grew up hearing about Rhaenyra being the Realm's delight and the first female heir to booth and took Rhaenyra as a childhood role model. She wanted to be just like her, just as pretty and just as loved. Even when Rhaenyra had rumors around her about what she was doing, Aerea being young and impresonable, simply wanted to follow her steps, party in the city and have whoever she wanted - after all, if her sister can, why can't she?

❀ But the reactions to Aerea's transgressions had been much different than for Rhaenyra. While their father turned a blind eye to Rhaenyra, Aerea immediately got engaged to her baby brother when rumors started about her. Many scoldings from Otto (harsher) and Alicent (gentler) came about, and she started realizing most of her friends that were around her are the ones who spread the rumors further. Feeling betrayed and not understanding why she's the exception, she turned very bitter at that. (later on she'd realize it wasn't that she was the exception - it was Rhaenyra who was. That made her feel even worse. Drinking became worse from there. By the time Driftmark happens, Aerea can't stand Rhaenyra and the favoritism at all.)

❀ She grew cynical about the court then. She has many ladies in waiting but only one true friend among them; she has good social skills (she's all snide remarks and jests) but she feels the vast majority of her friendships are superficial and really only there because of what others stand to gain from her.

❀ Aerea places much of her worth around her sexuality. She at first feels lost as the middle child between the perfect Rhaenyra and Rhaegal who is the only son, and realized she isn't going to get much attention or affection from people around her because she's considered a wayward daughter (Viserys compared her to Saera, Jaehaerys I's daughter before). Getting attention and affection for her sexuality has been easier however,so she basks in that. It is very difficult for her to think people would love her for more than that, and that also made things difficult in her marriage to Rhaegal at first as he is more about emotion than physicality, and he was very young when they married (she was 15 and he was 13 and generally still uninterested in more than his bugs), still just her little brother in her mind. It was equal parts "you are literally a baby" and "why don't you want me?" because she desperately needs that validation, and she feels like she can't get it anywhere else. ❀ She couldn't be more different than Aegon II in regards to her children, though. When the twins are born, unlike Aegon who is pretty distant from his family unit, Aerea is very aggressive and defensive about her children. Nobody will be allowed to talk about them the way people spoke about her. If she hears one unfavorable word from a servant they're OUT. She had a difficult birth with them being surprise twins and being 'less than perfect' but god damn they will never hear they are not perfect from anyone if it's up to her.

❀ Finally, you will most often find Aerea in gold and pink dresses; she took to Sunfyre's colors very much (gold for the scales and pink for the membranes). She and Sunfyre have an very close bond. They are a wonder to look at in the air. Could I have written more? Yes, I can go on for hours. Will I stop here? also yes. Aerea my beloved.

[thephantomcasebook]

What do u think of the theory going around that alicent will poison aegon for killing rhaenyra?

I think these writers may actually do it and i hate it so much. They should have kept the book ages of alicent and rhaenyra coz rhaenicent is a terrible disservice to alicents character. Even if she hates her son for turning out as he did she was the one who put him on the throne and he is pretty justified in killing rhaenyra to avenge his sons and his family and if alicent does love rhaenyra more than her own children i must say i will hate her so much.

I actually liked how it was going till she said you'll be a good queen part to rhaenyra. I mean after aemond was brutalized and rhaenyra wanted her son to be tortured and her tongue to be lost?? No love no matter how deep will survive such a betrayal. Alicent should have cut rhaenyras entire arm with glee instead of feeling all guilty about it.

While olivia is a great actress...she doesn't understand her characters values which would be mainstream for that time period.

I think if book!alicent meets show!alicent she would be embarrassed by show! alicent being so cavalier and forgiving about all the wrongs rhaenyra and viserys did to her. I wish they show women to be ruthless like cersei more.

I think Cooke is probably moist at the thought of it.

But I doubt 100% that GRRM would ever sign off on that. Like I said and put up the proof of all night, the Rhaenicent shit was made up by Sopchnik's wife and Olivia Cooke, it is not something the writers wrote - Emily Carey confirmed that months ago.

GRRM has also said many times, from all the way back in 2018, that Alicent nor any of her children are gay. Rhaenyra is the only one that had - rumored - casual flings with possibly Laena in the book - but that was when she was young and before she was married to Daemon.

Once more, GRRM's policy with characters is that there isn't secret gays. If they're gay he'll be right on front street about it.

However ...

If by some grievous insult to GRRM's dearly departed memory, they do that shit, it'll be like Season 8 of "Game of Thrones" X 8000.

I'd legitimately lose my shit and fucking swear off "A Song of Ice and Fire" forever. Not even "A Dream of Spring" would save me from my apathy if they do that. I'd look at the entire franchise the way I do Star Wars right now ... the thing that I literally grew up with. No, scratch that, it'll be worse than Star Wars. Cause, at least with Star Wars my love for the George Lucas movies and shows remains untainted. With ASoIaF I'd be totally done with the entire franchise.

If Alicent isn't full "I'm gonna put Rhaenyra's head on a fucking spike" after "Blood & Cheese" and what happens to Helaena and Jahaerys (a grandson that she is incredibly close too in the book) I'm gonna be extra pissed and really start to dislike Alicent. It would be an assassination of her character if she's still carrying water for Rhaenyra after the murder of her grandchild.

I mean, in the book, after Criston is killed trying to rescue Alicent, she goes full Old Testament on Rhaenyra when she threatens Daeron. That's how much she loves her children - especially Daeron! My guy is kicking the shit outta the Blacks, Rhaenyra is losing the war, Daeron is the fucking "Oncoming Storm" from the goddamn constelation of Kasterborous that is making her Dragonseed riders piss themselves, and still Alicent goes full mamma bear when Rhaenyra threatens her baby. It doesn't matter that she's her prisoner and completely at her mercy. She is not gonna tolerate even a slighted look at the mention of her boys.

Its what triggers the Brothel Queens incident in the first place.

God, Nonny, now you can almost make me see this nonsense!

A goddamn Olivia Cooke and Sara Hess Dog Water, Tom Foolery, special! Where Rhaenyra is sitting the Iron Throne and Alicent is standing beside her on the platform like her queen - so regal and perfect. And they're just so fucking fierce and strong filled with Virtue and Goodness that is sparked by their matching chromosomes! And the realm would be in a utopia of peace and fruitfulness under this Girl Boss reign of Matriarchy ...

But, no, the evil Daeron Targaryen and his blood thirsty she bitch dragon Tessarion is coming to claim his poor and wilting flower of a beautiful mother *Gasp* *Pearl Clutch* Poor Alicent who only wants to be with her gay lover so they can take rides on Rhaenyra's dragon and touch rainbows! But no, the evil patriarchal system that this monster Daeron "The Daring" represents is coming for them and their forbidden but true Lesbian love! *Swoon* *Faint*

Ugh, shoot me!

Just fucking shoot me!

Everyone knows that Larys kills Aegon II in order to create chaos so that they he can hedge his odds in the power vacuum to come in the Regency of Aegon III and Jahaera.

[callahanisms]

I’ve been LOVING your HOTD work! ⚔️ May I request something specifically in the LGBT category? How would Rhaenyra & Alicent’s older children (Jace, Aemond, Aegon, and Helaena) tell their mothers they’ve fallen in love with someone of the same sex? I feel like Rhaenyra & Alicent both really love their kids so I would be curious how each mother would handle such a situation in Westeros. 🏳️‍🌈

ahh! thank you so much anon! i would be happy to provide queer headcanons. as a queer person myself, so many of these characters just ring to me as being part of the lgbtqia+ community (especially when thinking about the people that play them like emily carey and emma d’arcy).

i’ve kept it relatively gender neutral, since sex =/= gender. sex isn’t binary and neither is gender. but we are definitely keeping in mind that the person the children is talking about presents the way the children present. (the rest of the blanks readers may fill in as they please)

funny enough i was talking to a mutual about sapphic helaena. idk i just love the idea of sapphic helaena and her riding off with her lover on dreamfyre.

jacaerys velaryon

jace takes his mother aside for the news. he spent months practicing in private, rehearsing what he wanted to tell her. he was aware of the taboo of queer relationships in westeros. the faith of the seven reigned as the dominant faith in the south. so he talks to his mother in the safe confines of her bedroom to tell her the news. however, when he tries to tell her this confession that he has spent all this time working on, the words don’t come out. and instead, it’s quick.

“mother...i have news. this may surprise you. but i have fallen in love with someone. and they are not what most people would expect. the faith of the seven would say it is a sin. but i do not think it is a sin to love them.”

rhaenyra's response

the crown princess is not all surprised when her son tells her the news. instead, she smiles and hugs him tightly. it isn’t until later does the dread and worry set in. rhaenyra loves her son and she just wants him to be safe. so she advises him to be careful so strict members of the faith do not catch him. there are already so many whispers that surround her son. she believes he doesn’t need anymore. jace is kind of surprised to see how little of a reaction his mother gives him. but she is quick to reveal that she is similar to him.

“happiness is what matters the most jace. i love you and i will always love you no matter who you love. but you must be careful for the faith is not kind to people like us.”

aegon targaryen

aegon is rather casual about it. he has been with many people. but fallen in love with someone? now that is a first for him. he loves his partner, so much that it hurts to be apart from them. it comes randomly and suddenly when he sees his mother. he has a little wine in his system but it is casual. there is no need for a big speech for him.

“do you want me to say it again mother? i am in love with someone. perhaps you may think of me even more as a screw up, as someone who cannot live up to the duties bestowed upon me. but one thing is certain: i am in love.”

aemond targaryen

prince aemond has spoken about fulfilling his duty, much of which requires entering a heterosexual partnership. but what he didn’t expect was to realize that heterosexuality is not what he wants. nor is it what he feels. when he is with his masculine lover, he feels love. he knows this is what love is supposed to feel like. but to tell his mother was hard because alicent worries for her son constantly. and he didn’t want to burden her. but aemond loves his mother and he cannot hide his true self from her. so he tells her in the night by the fireplace with a shaky voice and fiddling fingers.

“mother, i must tell you something. i have prided myself on fulfilling my duty when necessary. i cannot fulfill my duty. i am in love. and this love clashes with my duty. but i do not want to fulfill this duty if it means i must lose this person.”

helaena targaryen

helaena has known since she was a girl that she was not like the other girls. and not in the way many would expect. she’s always liked feminine people and girls. duty binds her to heteropatriarchy. but with her lover, she finally felt free. like a butterfly, helaena emerged from her cacoon as her true self when she is with her lover. that missing piece she has felt for her entire life was finally found with her lover. she decides to tell her mother for she cannot hide her true self.

“there is this...person. i am in love with them greatly mother. i don’t think i could live without them, if i am to be honest. i do not wish to marry a man. i wish to be free with them. and i have always known mother. it is not a recent change.”

alicent's response

the queen herself is surprised when she hears the news. but she is a mother first and foremost to her children. and despite the fact that it goes against the lifestyle of her faith and the faith of the majority of the realm, alicent takes the precautions to protect them. she will always protect her children for she loves them. she gathers them together to tell them that she will always love them and support them from her position. after all, alicent can remember fondly her own feelings for a certain girl.

“i need all three of you to know that i love you. i am your mother and i will always be your mother. i will always love you, no matter who you love. i will always protect you. you all must swear to also protect each other when i cannot.”

[thesilverlady]

I really loved your headcanons about helaena so may I ask of you headcanons about Aegon ii if you don't mind ofc!!! You know his upbringing, his relationships with siblings+dragon..etc anything that comes in your mind!

agh, I'm so sorry for the late reply anon 🙏 I thought I had published my response but it was camping in the drafts all along 💀 I'm so happy to hear you liked my headcanons. I'm always so nervous with sharing them 'cause I never know how ppl will react. so really, thank you for being so nice.

Aegon II Targaryen headcanons (I tried to keep them a bit generic similar to how I did with Helaena)

1) Aegon was a very lively, active child. Adventurous, curious, stubborn and loud, he loved being the center of attention as his mother showed him off and bragged about her firstborn living son.

2) After Helaena was born Rhaenyra quit any attempts at bonding with him. Not even their father's gentle encouragement could keep her long. So Aegon figured annoying her and picking up fights with her were the best way to notice him.

3) Aemond is definitely his favorite sibling. Their shared temper and ache for recognition and attention serves quite the bonding experience. They got along much smoother when they were younger however, because back then he was the main male figure Aemond had to look up to and his brother always followed him around without trouble. Aegon used to pretend it annoyed him but now that it no longer happens, he can admit to himself he misses it quite a lot.

4) Sunfyre is his pride and joy and he never misses an oppurtunity to praise and show her off. Oftentimes he enjoys talking privately to his dragon, speaking up everything that's going on in his mind.

5) He absolutely loathes his uncle Daemon, and it's possibly the only thing he shares common with his grandfather. Aegon doesn't consider him a threat but he thinks it's ridiculous how everyone always bends over for him. He may have had a reputation once upon a time, but his uncle is now old and completely cunt struck with Rhaneyra. It's embarrassing he doesn't even bother to hide it.

6) Like Aemond, he also dispises the green colored clothing his mother's nags them to wear. His younger brother claims it's ridiculous that his bratty nephews can dress as targaryens while they (Aegon & Aemond) who are the sons of the king, cannot. His mother and grandfather claim its important to honor their hightower side but neither gives a fuck. Aemond is more vocal about this issue but Aegon always agrees and backs him up. needlepoint

7) When he was a child he tried to mimic Sunfyre's roar because he thought it'd be more effective way of communication than learning the Valyrian language

8) His first time with a woman was actually with a lady who served his mother. She wanted to gain power and influence with having a young boy prince favoring her but she was in for a rude awakening. Aegon never cared for promises or honor. And he found he quite enjoyed this side of power he could have over lesser people.

9) He used to wish for Aemond to find a dragon to claim soon so he could have someone to race with up in the skies. Helaena never flew and Daeron was too young, but when eventually Aemond claimed Vhagar he became quite insufferable about it. Still, their races was something he was fond of

10) Among the whores he visits, his favourite one happens to be one that bears a strong resemblance to his older half sister. It's hard not to imagine what ifs- scenarios every now and then. Aegon knows how much his mother and grandfather tried to push for a betrothal between him and Rhaneyra. And as relieved as he now feels for not having to deal with Rhaneyra's bold, bitch attitude, he still finds it quite offensive and telling that his father picked a velaryon to give his sister to instead of him.

11) Few nights before he married Helaena, Aegon sneaked a whore into his chambers and ordered her to show him how he could be gentle for the first wedding night

12) During Helaena's first pregnancy, her fingers and legs begin to swell. And after some careful nagging Aegon was convinced to try to complete her needlepoint for her. Surprisingly he's very good at it

13) Before his son's death, the war was about winning everything he should have had. While he never longed for the throne, he had to live his entire life with being a firstborn son of a king and being passed over for his elder half sister. In his eyes the war was about protecting his family from his uncle who would surely kill them and to give himself and his brothers everything they were owned. After his son's death, it's about revenge. He doesn't waste time to find someone to blame, and he won't fall into the madness his wife has. Anger & hate are easier to embrace than grief & guilt.

14) After Blood is tortured to death and announcing to Helaena he ordered every ratcatcher in the city to be hanged, the two sleep on sperate chambers and it's the last time he sees his sister.

15) Prior to everything, he had never felt any ties to his youngest brother, Daeron. The boy didn't grow up with him and Aegon never got to know him. It is only for his wife's memory - who used to talk about Daeron and yearn for his return - that now Aegon orders better guards to fight alongside him.

16) Rook's Rest is the turning point when he's left with his half body burnt and his body so broken to the point it'd remain bent and twisted for the rest of his life. For the moons he remains in bed and the rare hours he happens to be awake, bitterness and hopelessness find their way to his head and he's never been more envious of his brother Aemond who glows and stands strong like he's the personification of the Valyrian God of death himself.

17) Post the fall of Dragonstone, when Aegon had shuttered both of his legs, the reason he'd go on refusing the milk of the poppy until the day he died isn't only due to his experience with it from his recovery from Rook's Rest, but also because he had noticed how mistrustful the maesters were when they were treating his father. And his recovery from Rook's Rest showed they'd treat him the exact same way. That ignites lots of paranoia from his part

[ai-megurine]

House of the Dragon tag game!

Rules: answer the following questions, then tag any and all people you think might enjoy participating. If you haven’t been tagged yet and you’d like to join, consider this your invitation!

Thanks @jotterjots for creating the game, and @goldensunandgoldenstallion for tagging me! Us team Green truthers need to band together and enjoy our faction together!!! I’m tagging @alicent-apologist , @helaenaism and @ceoofhelaegon 💚✨

Who’s your favourite character? What draws to them?

Honestly? All the greens lol. Even Otto, who’s a genuine dick to his daughter, is a great character. Like, my man could not care any less when Rhaenyra threw her “I’m the queen!” tantrum, he was so real for that. Also, Criston “perhaps my prince remembers when I knocked him off his horse?” Cole is iconic for that alone. However, I definitely love Alicent, Helaena, Aegon and Daeron much more than the others.

Alicent is the reason I started to side with the greens. Seeing this fifteen years old girl put through hell and back, having to deal with four children basically on her own… her strength is amazing. The green dress scene is definitely in the top ten best entrances ever. And the moment she snaps in Driftmark? Iconic, legendary. She reminds me so much of Sansa, my all-time favourite character. The way she is used and abused but is never given the opportunity to be free… She’s Sansa if Sansa hadn’t been able to escape her abusers.

Aegon, of course, the first son who isn’t good enough. The boy who probably saw his mother spiral into paranoia, who feels like he is worthless since he is the only first-born son being denied his father’s throne. It’s heartbreaking. TGC gives layers upon layers of complexity, the way he seems constantly on the verge of breaking down. And, of course, his bond with Sunfyre, the strongest bond in the history of house Targaryen between the unbroken king and the most beautiful and ferocious dragon in History.

Helaena, obviously. My beautiful, tragically kind Helaena. Helaena, who loves insects more than people but still claimed Dreamfyre the Mother of Dragons. Helaena, who advocated for peace and lost her sons because of it. Helaena, who isn’t a doormat like the show wants us to think, but a strong woman who had no fear of her husband and had a good relationship with him. Helaena, who was crowned next with Aegon. I just love everything about her. Helaena was loved by everyone, and I hate that they stole my beloved princess from us.

I’m also in love with Daeron and his famous “you will receive the same terms you gave my nephew Maelor”. Also, the way he saved everyone in the Reach and became the biggest threat to Rhaenyra’s rule. Rhaenyra’s advisors were literally begging her to make peace with Daeron because of how unstoppable he was. He’s the moment, the legend, the best younger brother in history, I would kill for him.

What is your favourite episode of the season?

Driftmark. It really shows how irreversible Viserys’ stupidity is, and it has among my favourite lines and moments (Aemond claiming Vhagar, for example). I liked The Lord of the Tides too, because it had TGC and I love him more than my life, lmao.

What is your favourite line from the season?

I have three!!!

“The beacon on the Hightower, do you know what colour it glows when Oldtown calls its banners to war?” / “Green.”

“Do keep trying, Ser Laenor. Sooner or later, you may get one who looks like you.”

“I? What have I done but what was expected of me? Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law? Where is your duty? Where is sacrifice? It’s trampled under your pretty foot! And now you take my son’s eye and even to that you feel entitled!”

Which actor’s portrayal is your favourite?

Oof. Honestly, everyone. I find Matt Smith a bit weaker than others (especially Paddy Constantine or Olivia Cooke), but they’re all amazing. I think that my favourites are Olivia Cooke, Emily Carey (both as adult and young Alicent) and Tom Glynn-Carney (as adult Aegon), but I think Phia Saban will amaze me next season. Paddy Constantine also did an amazing job, but my heart goes with the three mentioned before.

Which character would you most want to be stuck on a deserted island with?

Helaena because she knows what insect and plant we can eat, or Corlys cuz he probably can make a raft with anything. If the dragon riders have their dragons/can call them, then Helaena! I’d love to ride on Dreamfyre.

Whose character arc are you most interested to see continued, for better or worse?

AEGON, without a doubt. He’s the best character of the Dance, and TGC has already shown he’s one of the best actors of this show. Honestly, the writers should just let him decide what Aegon will do because he clearly understands his character better than them (RIGHT SARA HESS?)

Name a minor character you want to know more about!

Rhea Royce my beloved. She died too young, I wanted to know everything about her. How she felt about being married to Daemon, if she used to be hopeful as a young girl when she was told she would marry a dragon riding prince and how quickly it turned into a nightmare.

Who’s your most anticipated new character of season 2?

DAERON without a doubt! I can’t wait to see him.

Bonus Round: Link one or more of your favourite fics!

Of Cut Stems, Of Blossoms Ablaze by lullaeby. It’s a genderswap AU of the green kids featuring Helaegon and currently pre-Dance of the Dragons. It’s amazing, and I couldn’t sing enough praises!!

The Targaryen Doe by Alicent_Apologist. Camyla Baratheon marries Aemond Targaryen before the dance begins, and it changes a lot of things. It’s amazing, Camyla is a great OC who fits perfectly into the universe and her relationship with Aemond is perfect.

The Reds and the Blues by Bobert_Hightower. Not exactly team green per-say, but definitely one of my favourite fics. Laena Velaryon marries Viserys instead of Alicent, Rhaenyra marries Jason Lannister and Alicent marries Laenor. All in all, it’s a completely different story but the Dance is going to happen no matter what. I heavily recommend it; it explores the different political factions of ASOIAF perfectly. I mean, it features a Hightower-Velaryon alliance! Also, the children are adorable and deserve the world.

[missglaskin]

Hello 👋 so like random observation, but I noticed that since the reader has been almost everyone's shoulder to cry on, I feel like they were in for a huge shock when they saw us break down for the first time. Like we've just been the one to comfort them, but now when it's their turn, how do you think they would handle it? Personally, I feel like the adults (corlys, rhaenys, viserys, otto) pretty much know how to comfort us. The kids when they get older for the most part seem to handle it fine as well. My heart warms to the fact that jace, luke, and helaena probably gives the best hugs. Aemond and aegon on the otherhand... probably offer some less comforting/morbid solutions but mean well regardless. 😅 (i just thought we needed some comfort amongst all this angst... and I like the idea of tall ass aemond being soft and hugging us from behind)

The adults, as you mentioned, would be able to comfort the reader pretty well. Additionally, they are generally affectionate and will embrace you right away. They won't care about the snot and tears you leave behind on their clothes as you sob into their arms.

And if anyone else is present, they will demand they leave. Rhaenys is especially good at calming you down and reminding you to breathe. When they are sure that you have calmed down, they will dry your tears and offer to bring you supper or suggest taking a bath to help you feel better.

Everyone is aware of Daemon's soft spot for the reader. Immediately reaching to wipe away their tears and take them in his arms. He tries to get the reader into sharing what bothers them so he can help.

Alicent and Rhaenyra are similar in that they are both quick to check on you, making sure you are not hurt in any way, before giving you a warm embrace. They will try to soothe your cries and will gladly stay by your side for hours until you are truly at ease. They will even put off any other duties to spend time with you.

The best hugs come from Laena and Laenor. They will listen to you rant about whatever is upsetting you. For any tears or snot you may have, they have a handkerchief ready. To lighten the mood, Laenor will crack a joke or two.

When Jace and Luke first notice your state, they assume you must have been hurt. However, when they realize you are simply upset, they will rush to your side and give you a bear hug. They will make an effort to make you laugh because they hate seeing you cry.

Helaena would initially reach for your hand, almost as if she were asking for permission. Once you've given her the go-ahead to do so, she will embrace you. Helaena will remain by your side even after your tears stop flowing and you begin to feel better.

Although Aegon and Aemond are another matter entirely, I believe they will be able to comfort the reader just as she always has for them, mimicking her actions. They assume that someone must have done this and inquire whether killing the person would make you feel better.