Aemond

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Aemond Targaryen 1 37
Family	House Targaryen 1 6 11 41
Parents	King Viserys I Targaryen (father) 1 3 6 15, Queen Alicent Hightower (mother) 1 3 4 34 78
Siblings	Aegon Targaryen (elder brother) 4 15 42, Helaena Targaryen (sister and wife) 4 15 37 59, Daeron Targaryen (younger brother) 15 59, Jaehaerys Targaryen (younger brother) 78 81, Isera Targaryen (younger sister) 78
Appearance	High cheekbones, straight nose, slightly thin lips, long silver-gold hair tied back at the nape, sharp facial angles, deep purple eyes 15
Dragons	Vhagar (bonded) 1 6 8 11 12 22, Lothron (black dragon) 42 56 59, Grey Ghost (bonded after the Battle of Dragonstone) 124
Distinguishing Marks	Scratch marks on left cheek (from fight with Velaryon children) 1
Personality Traits	Calm, collected, protective (of mother and Helaena), enraged when provoked, defiant, cunning, eloquent, ambitious, ruthless, strategic, self-aware, intelligent, arrogant, vengeful, extreme 1 4 6 34 37 56
Skills	Sword training, swordsmanship, jousting, dragonriding, military command 51 84 92 106
Possessions	Valyrian steel ring (gift from Alicent, originally Maegor the Cruel's) 34 37, dagger (gift from Viserys) 37, Blackfyre (Valyrian steel greatsword) 81, suit of Qohor Orichalcum Steel armor 81
Affiliations	Greens, Royal Army, Royal Guard 3 14 43 92
Titles	Prince 3 6 53, Regent 147 190

Physical Description

Aemond Targaryen is described as embodying the handsome features of the Targaryen family, with high cheekbones, a straight nose, and slightly thin lips 15. He has silver-gold hair, which he sometimes wears neatly tied back, revealing a defined jawline 26 45. His eyes are purple, described as deep as starlight or like stars 4 15 45 53 56. He has grown taller, and his body is described as growing stronger every day 17.

By the grand tournament, Aemond is nearly sixteen and has shed the slender build of childhood. He has broad shoulders and a lean waist, and wears custom-made Valyrian steel plate armor in the lists 84.

• Hair: Silver-gold 15 26 45.
• Eyes: Purple 4 15 26 45 53 56.
• Facial Features: High cheekbones, straight nose, slightly thin lips, and a strong, defined jawline 15 26 45.
• Build: Has grown taller, with his body becoming stronger and shoulders slightly tight in his doublet 17. By the tournament, he is broad-shouldered and lean-waisted 84.
• Attire: Wears a simple black shirt with a well-tailored black vest 26. He later wears Valyrian steel plate armor in tournaments and receives a suit of Qohor Orichalcum Steel armor from Viserys 81 84.

Character Background

Aemond Targaryen, the second son of King Viserys I and Queen Alicent Hightower, was initially a reclusive and gloomy child, often mocked by his brother Aegon and his nephews Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon 1 15. This bullying, particularly the taunts about not being worthy of riding a dragon, accumulated into deep-seated resentment 1 4. His life took an unexpected turn on Driftmark when he claimed Vhagar, the oldest living dragon, an act that led to a violent confrontation with the Velaryon children 1. During this fight, Lucerys Velaryon insulted Aemond's mother, Alicent, igniting a dangerous rage within Aemond 1. Aemond dodged Lucerys's dagger, causing it to lodge in Jacaerys's eye, severely injuring him 2. Despite Aemond's claims that Lucerys drew the dagger first, he was framed by Daemon and Rhaenyra, leading to his house arrest in Maegor's Holdfast 2 13.

During his confinement, Aemond demonstrated a strong will and strategic thinking, showing interest in his father's secret illness and the political landscape 13. He also began to develop a protective side, particularly towards his sister Helaena, who supported his account of the Driftmark incident, revealing her ability as a Dreamer 4. Aemond's house arrest was eventually lifted, and he began to assert his independence and ambition, even confronting his mother Alicent and Ser Criston Cole over attempts to manipulate him 16 25. He displayed political acumen, rejecting a marriage alliance with House Velaryon and instead securing a stronger alliance by promising to lead Vhagar against Valyria 31. He also revealed his intention to annul Helaena's betrothal to Jacaerys, aiming to provoke the "Blacks" 31.

Aemond's relationship with his father, Viserys, was complex. Viserys, burdened by guilt over his neglect, began to see Aemond in a new light, appreciating his concern during his illness 15. However, Aemond remained silent when asked to express regret to Rhaenyra for the Tidepool Island incident 15. Viserys later visited Aemond in prison to discuss the incident, where Aemond defended his actions by arguing for the purity of Targaryen blood and the threat of Rhaenyra's children to the family's legacy 51 52. Viserys released Aemond on the condition that he swear not to covet the Iron Throne 52.

Over time, Aemond matured, displaying ruthlessness and strategic foresight. He secretly established an iron mine and workshops to produce weapons and armor, demonstrating his resourcefulness and military ambition 54 56. He also began to assert his dominance within the "Greens," confronting Otto Hightower and ordering him to prepare an army for war, signaling his intent to control the throne 69. Aemond's actions and growing power, including his execution of Vaemond Velaryon in the throne room, made him a formidable figure 59. He also showed a complex bond with his brother Aegon, offering support despite their past rivalry and Aegon's perceived weaknesses 42.

Aemond's influence expanded into overt military and political power. He took command of the forces in King's Landing, attended Aegon's investiture as Crown Prince with officers of the Royal Army and Royal Guard, and publicly raised the unresolved question of Dragonstone and its dragons 92. Although he ultimately bowed to Aegon, his delayed salute and the disciplined loyalty of his officers emphasized his independent power base 92.

Viserys's gift of Blackfyre further heightened concerns that Aemond might rival his elder brother. The king first offered the Valyrian steel sword to Aegon, but Aegon yielded it to Aemond, who accepted the blade and vowed not to dishonor it 81. Aemond subsequently demonstrated popular appeal as well as martial prowess by winning a joust at the grand tournament, earning acclaim from commoners and nobles 84.

The conflict with the Blacks eventually developed into open war. After Jacaerys Strong attempted to seize Targaryen dragons and burn the Dragonpit, Aemond defeated and executed him for treason 106. He then attributed dragon theft, arson, and murder to the Velaryons and Rhaenyra's sons, ordered the Royal Navy to prepare for war, and led the coming assault on Tidepool Island and Dragonstone 107. During the Battle of Dragonstone, he remained composed amid a dragon ambush, taking responsibility for confronting Vermithor while Aegon stalled the other enemy dragons 116.

Following the conquest of Dragonstone, Aemond demonstrated further ruthlessness by employing surrendered Velaryon troops as expendable assault forces during the three-day siege of Dragonfort 124. He also fed his blood to the wounded Vhagar, Lothron, Sunfyre, and Grey Ghost to accelerate their recovery. Grey Ghost, formerly Milax's dragon, thereafter bonded with Aemond and showed deference to him 124.

Following King Viserys's death and Aegon II's coronation, Aemond formally assumed the role of Regent after Aegon was severely wounded in battle 147 190. He orchestrated the military campaigns against the Blacks, personally confronting Rhaenys Targaryen at Rook's Rest and slaying her and Meleys 184, though Rhaenyra escaped his grasp during his assault on Dragonfort 182 185.

Power Progression

Chapter	Event	Skill/Ability Developed
1	Aemond claims Vhagar as his dragon	Bonds with Vhagar, the oldest and largest dragon 1 4 11
11	Vhagar chooses Aemond as her rider	Establishes a partnership with Vhagar, demonstrating courage and determination 11
11	Vhagar asks Aemond to take a dragon egg	Develops a unique understanding and partnership with Vhagar 11
19	Aemond spars with retainers	Demonstrates exceptional swordsmanship and strategic thinking 19
22	Vhagar burns a dead dragon egg, Aemond's blood activates it	Discovers his blood can activate seemingly dead dragon eggs 22
27	Aemond bonds with Lothron, a newly hatched black dragon	Bonds with a second dragon, Lothron, defying the traditional one-rider-one-dragon rule 27
29	Aemond requests funds for a castle and recruits personnel	Begins building his own power base and forces 29
39	Daemon learns Aemond can ride Vhagar and Lothron simultaneously	Confirmed ability to ride two dragons at once 39
42	Aemond controls Vhagar to subdue Aegon	Demonstrates control over Vhagar and influence over other dragons 42
53	Aemond establishes Dragon's Roost and organizes forces	Consolidates power, establishes a functioning administration, and builds an army 53
56	Aemond ambushes spies and increases iron production	Demonstrates combat skills, strategic thinking, and ruthlessness 56
69	Aemond confronts Otto Hightower and orders war preparations	Asserts dominance, dismisses Captain Royce, and prepares for war without the king's consent 69
70	Aemond uses his blood to activate dragon eggs for his siblings	Confirms his blood can activate petrified dragon eggs and imprint a mark on young dragons 70 78
71	Aemond asserts control over the City Watch	Uses power and intimidation to gain control over the City Watch 71
78	Young dragons respond to Aemond's bloodline influence	Dragons awakened by his blood show closeness and obedience towards him 78
81	Aemond receives Blackfyre after Aegon yields the sword	Gains the Valyrian steel sword traditionally associated with Targaryen kingship 81
84	Aemond wins a joust in the grand tournament	Demonstrates mounted martial skill and gains substantial public support 84
92	Aemond arrives at Aegon's investiture with Royal Army and Royal Guard officers	Demonstrates command over King's Landing's military forces and an independent political power base 92
106	Aemond defeats and executes Jacaerys Strong in a duel	Demonstrates decisive superiority in armed combat and the authority to punish treason 106
116	Aemond directs the response to the Dragonstone ambush	Demonstrates calm battlefield leadership and dragon-combat strategy while outnumbered 116
124	Grey Ghost bonds with Aemond after the Battle of Dragonstone	Extends his unprecedented dragon influence to a third dragon 124
124	Aemond feeds blood to wounded dragons	Uses his bloodline power to hasten the recovery of Vhagar, Lothron, Sunfyre, and Grey Ghost 124
127	Aemond proves immune to dragonfire from Vermithor	Demonstrates that his dragonlord blood and physical resilience have reached a peak, making him resistant to dragonfire 127 183
184	Aemond slays Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys	Demonstrates supreme combat prowess in high-stakes aerial combat against veteran dragonriders 184

Abilities

Dragon Bonding and Control

Aemond possesses a unique and unprecedented ability to bond with and control multiple dragons simultaneously, defying the traditional "one man, one dragon" rule of Valyrian dragonriders 27 39 42. This capability is attributed to a potential mutation in his bloodline or a form of blood magic 27.

• Applications:
  • Dual Dragon Riding: Aemond can ride both Vhagar and Lothron at the same time 39 42 68.
  • Dragon Activation: His blood can activate seemingly dead or petrified dragon eggs, causing them to hatch 22 78.
  • Enhanced Influence over Dragons: Dragons awakened by his blood develop a deep closeness and obedience to him, akin to a fledgling bird to its mother 78. He can issue simple commands to Lothron, and Vhagar does not reject his simultaneous approach to both dragons 39. He demonstrates a strong bond with young dragons, who recognize his bloodline's influence 78.
  • Dragon Healing: Aemond can feed his blood to wounded dragons to hasten their healing. He uses this ability on Vhagar, Lothron, Sunfyre, and Grey Ghost after the Battle of Dragonstone 124.
  • Additional Dragon Bond: Grey Ghost, previously Milax's dragon, bonds with Aemond following the Battle of Dragonstone and becomes deferential toward him 124.
  • Intimidation and Power Projection: The presence of his dragons, particularly Vhagar and Lothron, instills fear and allows Aemond to assert his authority over others, such as the City Watch 71 72.
• Limitations:
  • Vhagar's Temperament: While Vhagar chose Aemond as her rider, their relationship is a partnership, and Aemond cannot fully control her, needing to accommodate her temperament 11. Vhagar is described as volatile and her temper unpredictable 12.
  • Vhagar's Age: Vhagar is ancient and somewhat slow, though her experience, size, and strength remain unmatched. She needs to avoid being surrounded by multiple younger dragons in combat 16.

Swordsmanship and Combat Prowess

Aemond is a formidable combatant, demonstrating exceptional swordsmanship and strategic thinking 19 56.

• Applications:
  • Sparring and Training: He can swiftly defeat multiple opponents in sparring matches, humbling those who initially underestimate him 19. He maintains daily sword training even while imprisoned 51.
  • Blackfyre: Aemond wields Blackfyre, the Valyrian steel greatsword associated with Targaryen conquest and kingship, after Aegon yields the weapon to him 81.
  • Jousting: He wins a prominent joust in the grand tournament, receiving widespread cheers from commoners and nobles 84.
  • Ruthlessness in Combat: He shows ruthlessness in dealing with enemies, as seen when he ambushes and kills spies 56. He later defeats and executes Jacaerys Strong for treason in a one-sided duel 106.
  • Physical Strength: He can physically overpower others, such as when he easily pushes Aegon to the ground 42.

Strategic Thinking and Political Acumen

Aemond displays sharp strategic thinking and political acumen, allowing him to navigate complex power dynamics and consolidate influence 13 56 67 69 72.

• Applications:
  • Military Strategy: He can analyze dragon combat power effectively 16. He orders increased iron production to meet quotas for his army 56. He can prepare an army for war 69. During the Battle of Dragonstone, he chooses to confront Vermithor directly while directing Aegon to delay the remaining enemy dragons 116.
  • Political Maneuvering: He can assert his power and authority, using rewards as a ruse to control forces like the City Watch 71. He can dismantle and reform military structures to secure his power base 72. He can calmly and calculatedly use perceived royal commands to achieve his objectives, such as demanding dragons be left behind 67. At Aegon's investiture, he challenges Viserys on Dragonstone's status and the ownership of the dragons stationed there 92.
  • Observational Skills: He observes and reflects on city layouts and fortifications 13.
  • Leadership: He can command loyalty and respect, even from those initially resentful 19. He can inspire joy and gratitude in soldiers through rewards 72. Officers of the Royal Army and Royal Guard follow him at major court ceremonies, reflecting his command over King's Landing's military institutions 92.
  • Ruthless Siegecraft: He uses surrendered Velaryon soldiers as expendable forces to seize Dragonfort rapidly, prioritizing strategic speed before Daemon can return 124.

Resilience and Determination

Despite facing adversity, Aemond remains strong-willed, defiant, and focused on his objectives 13 51.

• Applications:
  • Maintaining Composure: He remains composed and defiant even during imprisonment 51.
  • Unwavering Focus: He maintains focus on his goals, such as his father's illness and the Greens' chances in war, despite his own injuries 13.
  • Protective Nature: He exhibits a fierce protective nature towards his mother, Alicent Hightower, reacting with rage when she is insulted 1.
  • Composure Under Pressure: When the Greens are ambushed by four dragons at Dragonstone, Aemond remains calm enough to assess the battlefield and issue a plan despite being outnumbered 116.

Character Relationships

• Aemond and Helaena: Helaena, Aemond's sister, is described as naturally stunning, innocent, and pure 4. Aemond is protective of Helaena, especially when Aegon mocks her 4. Helaena supports Aemond's claim that Lucerys drew his dagger first, stating she saw it in a dream 4. Aemond is noted to have secretly loved Helaena in his original body 4. Their interactions show a natural closeness, with Aemond whispering to her and Helaena listening intently 26. Aemond expresses concern for Helaena's fears about the future and reassures her 59. He also plans to annul Helaena's betrothal to Jacaerys to provoke the Blacks 31. Helaena sends Aemond a handkerchief with a message expressing that she misses him and advises him not to defy their father 51. Alicent fears Aemond might harm Helaena due to the Targaryen bloodline's "madness" 26. By the Storm's End events, Helaena is identified as Aemond's wife 59. She later worries over the tension created by Aemond's acceptance of Blackfyre and fears for both Aemond and Aegon 81.
• Aemond and Otto Hightower: Otto, Aemond's grandfather and the Hand of the King, initially reprimands Aemond for blinding Jacaerys, fearing it will ruin his plans for Aegon's succession 4. However, Otto later begins to see Aemond's potential, noting his calm and calculating nature 10 17. He offers Aemond substantial support, including resources and a family steward, expecting Aemond to be a "strongest shield and sword" for Aegon's future reign 16. Aemond shows strategic insight and political acumen, which impresses Otto 16 31. Otto supports Aemond's request for funds and territory, indicating their political alliance 29. Aemond confronts Otto, asserting his authority and ordering him to prepare an army for war 69.
• Aemond and King Viserys I: Viserys, Aemond's father, initially keeps Aemond confined but later lifts his house arrest and grants him a royal manor, moved by Aemond's concern 15. Viserys shows favoritism towards Aemond, granting him a significant territory and funds 29. Viserys visits Aemond in his cell to discuss the Tidepool Island incident, and Aemond defends his actions, arguing for Targaryen blood purity 51 52. Viserys releases Aemond on the condition that he swear not to covet the Iron Throne 52. Aemond believes Viserys is weak and values family above all else, which he plans to exploit 31. Viserys gives Aemond Qohor Orichalcum Steel armor and allows him to take Blackfyre after Aegon yields the sword 81. At Aegon's investiture, Aemond publicly presses Viserys over Dragonstone and the dragons' ownership, leaving the issue unresolved 92.
• Aemond and Rhaenyra: Their relationship is strained and hostile. Rhaenyra blames Aemond for Jacaerys's injury and refuses to believe his explanation, even when Lucerys initially tries to take responsibility 2 4. She sees Aemond as a threat and works with Daemon and Corlys to use the incident to secure Jacaerys's right to the throne 4. Aemond views Rhaenyra as stubborn, arrogant, and spoiled 16. He believes their relationship is irreconcilable 2. As war approaches, Aemond denounces her transfer of her sons and their dragons to House Velaryon as a betrayal of House Targaryen 70.
• Aemond and Daemon: Daemon, Aemond's uncle, manipulates the situation to frame Aemond for Jacaerys's injury 2. Aemond recognizes Daemon's manipulative nature 2. Despite their animosity, Daemon acknowledges a similarity between them, stating, "We are of the same kind" 60. Daemon privately asks Aemond to eliminate Rhaenyra's three elder sons if necessary, and Aemond agrees 60. They later oppose one another in the Dragonstone conflict, with Daemon riding Vermithor during the Black ambush 116.
• Aemond and Lucerys: Lucerys, Aemond's nephew, initially tries to take responsibility for drawing the dagger but is persuaded by Daemon to blame Aemond for Jacaerys's injury 2. Lucerys also insults Aemond and his mother, calling them "disgraceful thieves" 1. Aemond later includes Lucerys among the nephews he kills amid the outbreak of war 107.
• Aemond and Alicent Hightower: Alicent, Aemond's mother, shows concern and tenderness towards Aemond, wiping his wound and asking if it hurts 4. She reprimands Aegon for not protecting Aemond 4. Alicent gives Aemond Queen Visenya's ring and warns him about the dangers of dragonflame 37. She is concerned about Aemond's "madness" and fears he might harm Helaena 26. Alicent also attempts to monitor Aemond, sending her to his bed, which Aemond rejects, asserting his independence 25. Aemond's later violence against Rhaenyra's sons traumatizes Alicent, though he remains cold and commanding during the ensuing Small Council meeting 107.
• Aemond and Aegon: Aegon, Aemond's elder brother, has a history of mocking and ridiculing Aemond, often colluding with Jacaerys 4 1. Aemond physically assaults Aegon for mocking Helaena 4. Aemond views Aegon as cowardly and irresponsible 4 42. Aemond also believes Aegon was comfortable and happy during his "hostage" situation on Tidepool Island 42. Despite this contempt, Aemond promises to pull Aegon back from the edge of a cliff, while making clear that he would be the one wielding the sword 42 44. Their relationship becomes increasingly uneasy after Aegon yields Blackfyre to Aemond and watches Aemond acquire the symbolic king's sword 81. Aegon later becomes afraid of Aemond's military power during his investiture as Crown Prince 92.
• Aemond and Corlys Velaryon: Aemond initially angers Corlys by rejecting a marriage alliance with House Velaryon 31. However, Aemond impresses Corlys by promising to lead Vhagar to aid the Triarchy against Valyria, securing a stronger alliance 31.
• Aemond and Ser Criston Cole: Ser Cole shows loyalty to the Greens and warns Aemond not to cause trouble at a feast 59. Aemond confronts Cole for his complicity in Alicent's attempt to monitor him, threatening him and asserting his independence 25. They share a mutual hatred for Rhaenyra 16.
• Aemond and Vaemond Velaryon: Aemond views Vaemond as ruthless for attempting to use his death to stain Rhaenyra's name and expose the issue of her children's legitimacy 41.
• Aemond and Jacaerys Strong: Aemond's enmity with Jacaerys begins with the Driftmark incident, in which Jacaerys loses an eye after Lucerys's dagger attack 2. Their rivalry culminates when Jacaerys attempts to seize Targaryen dragons and burn the Dragonpit. Aemond defeats him and executes him for treason 106.
• Aemond and Lothron: Lothron is Aemond's black dragon, showing loyalty and affection towards him 56. Lothron is possessive of Aemond's blood-bond and reacts with jealousy when Aemond feeds blood to wounded dragons other than him 124.
• Aemond and Grey Ghost: Grey Ghost was originally Milax's dragon. After the Battle of Dragonstone, Aemond feeds the wounded dragon his blood, and Grey Ghost bonds with him, displaying deference and loyalty 124.
• Aemond and Mushroom: Mushroom, the court dwarf, brings Aemond dinner and shares news from the outside world during Aemond's imprisonment 51. They develop a rapport, with Mushroom showing empathy and trying to lighten Aemond's mood 51.
• Aemond and Cassandra Baratheon: Cassandra, granddaughter of Duke Borros Baratheon, expresses admiration for Aemond and invites him for a walk, but Aemond politely declines 59.

Significant Themes

Aemond's narrative explores several significant themes, including power and manipulation, family conflict and loyalty, and ambition and ruthlessness 15 25 70. His character often navigates complex power dynamics, demonstrating strategic thinking and a desire to consolidate influence.

• Power and Manipulation: Aemond frequently manipulates situations and individuals to his advantage.
  • He uses his father's illness to gain favor and rewards, showcasing his political acumen 15.
  • He asserts his independence and control over his affairs, even threatening Ser Criston Cole for attempting to interfere 25.
  • Aemond skillfully dismantles and reforms the City Watch, replacing it with a loyal Royal Army by offering increased pay, thereby securing his power base in King's Landing 72.
  • He manipulates Viserys into appointing Alicent as Regent and acknowledging Rhaenyra's actions as treasonous, demonstrating his ambition to protect his family's interests 70.
  • He uses his command of the Royal Army and Royal Guard to project power at Aegon's investiture, making the extent of his independent military influence visible to the realm 92.
• Family Conflict and Loyalty: Aemond's relationships are often strained by conflict and questions of loyalty, particularly within the Targaryen family.
  • He is framed by Daemon and Rhaenyra for Jacaerys's injury, escalating tensions between the factions 2.
  • Aemond's defiance challenges Viserys's authority during his imprisonment, highlighting the power struggle between them 51.
  • He expresses a deep-seated hatred for Rhaenyra, which he shares with Ser Criston Cole, aligning them in their shared goals 16.
  • Aemond is committed to the Greens' cause and disdains the Blacks, particularly their use of "bastard dragonriders" 13.
  • He defends his actions regarding the Tidepool Island incident by arguing for the purity of Targaryen blood and the threat Rhaenyra's children pose to the family's legacy 52.
  • The transfer of Blackfyre from Aegon to Aemond becomes a potent symbol of the dangerous imbalance between the brothers, despite Aemond's assurances that he will not harm Aegon 81.
• Ambition and Ruthlessness: Aemond consistently displays ambition and a ruthless willingness to achieve his objectives.
  • He shows strategic thinking and a desire to become stronger, even inviting Ser Cole to practice sword fighting 16.
  • Aemond demonstrates exceptional swordsmanship and strategic thinking during training, proving himself a formidable opponent to his retainers 19.
  • He plans to integrate local refugees into his territory to build his power base, indicating his long-term vision 38.
  • Aemond's ruthlessness is evident when he ambushes and kills spies from King's Landing, then orders increased iron production to meet his quotas 56.
  • He reveals a calculating side by planning to give "Blood" and "Cheese" hope only to later give them despair, indicating a willingness to use others for his purposes 25.
  • He executes Jacaerys for treason and uses the resulting crisis to initiate war against the Velaryons and Dragonstone 106 107.
  • He sacrifices surrendered Velaryon troops to seize Dragonfort swiftly, accepting heavy casualties in pursuit of strategic necessity 124.
• Legitimacy and Symbols of Kingship: Aemond's acquisition of Blackfyre, popularity in the tournament, and command of troops create a competing image of Targaryen authority despite Aegon's status as Crown Prince 81 84 92.
  • Blackfyre represents conquest, kingship, and the Targaryen bloodline, making Aegon's casual surrender of it to Aemond politically alarming 81.
  • Aemond's tournament victory earns him admiration from commoners and young nobles, strengthening his personal reputation 84.
  • His public inquiry over Dragonstone suggests that he sees control of dragons and the traditional seat of the Crown Prince as unresolved sources of power 92.

Notable Quotes

"You and your slut mother are both disgraceful thieves! Trying to steal the throne, steal dragons, steal everything that rightfully belonged to my mother!" 1

"Aemond did it," Lucerys said, trembling as he looked at his mother's gaze. 2

"My affairs... Only I can make my own decisions. No one... absolutely no one can make decisions for me." 25

"First give them hope," he asked softly, "then give them despair. What do you think will happen?" 25

"Then I will let you know, Master," Aemond looked into his eyes, "that I have the power to make you die." 25

"Why be so hypocritical, Grandfather." 31

"Some words, like arrows shot from a bow, can never be taken back once they've left the string." 41

"Some things, like a castle on the verge of collapse, once the first stone moves, the rest will crumble like dirt." 41

"This old man is ruthless." 41

"My rank is irrelevant. What matters is, Aegon Targaryen, do you still remember the name you bear? The responsibilities you should shoulder?" 42

"Even if you truly are useless scum... You are still my elder brother." 42

"If you ever reach the edge of a cliff, I will pull you back." 42

"But I will be the one wielding the sword." 44

"How it is used... Ultimately, I will decide." 44

"I'll do as I please." 47

"What a coincidence." A cold glint flashed in Aemond's violet eyes, "I think the same." 47

"You accuse me of a baseless murder? But, Sister, your condescending, pitying demeanor truly makes me sick..." 7

"This trade is quite profitable." 7

"And you! Lucerys Velaryon! You spineless little thief! It was your hand that held the dagger, and it was you who plunged that thing into your own brother's eye socket! Now, you don't even dare to stand tall and admit what you've done?!" 7

"A coward who dares to act but not to own up?" 7

"So, This is the price you want?" 7

"As a son, could you remain calm hearing someone slander your mother like that?" 6

"I miss you very much. Remember, do not defy Father..." 51

"If you dare let this place collapse, I'll make sure none of you fly out." 67

"Vhagar is guarding here, at this distance, this terrain... Uncle, you know very well who has the advantage." 67

"Love is love, hate is hate, desire is desire." 60

"I want those three children dead." 60

"I can." 60

"I love Rhaenyra, so I will tell you, if war breaks out, I will fight with all my might for the Blacks." 60

"If we fail... I also hope it is the Greens who sit the Iron Throne." 60

"But never a Targaryen usurped by a bastard and outsiders." 60

"Thank you, Father. I will not dishonor this blade." 81

"What about the unclaimed dragons on Dragonstone?" 92