Recaps

After nearly a month of illness, Viserys returned to the Small Council, where Rhaenyra and the ministers received him. Beesbury praised Rhaenyra for overseeing the realm but placed the credit and risks on her, while Viserys silently surveyed the council.

• News of Viserys's recovery spread through the Red Keep, and Rhaenyra acknowledged it while reading a letter from the Riverlands.
• Viserys emerged from his bedchamber and walked to the Small Council with Alicent supporting him.
• The ministers gathered as Viserys took his seat and thanked them for their efforts during his illness.
• Beesbury credited Rhaenyra with overseeing affairs while describing the ministers as merely assisting her.
• Rhaenyra recognized Beesbury's praise as a way to leave her with both the responsibility and the risks, and Viserys looked across the council before turning his gaze to her.

At the Small Council meeting, Viserys learned that Dorne had offered to swear fealty to the Iron Throne, though he concealed his reaction and continued governing as usual. Rhaenyra recognized the performance and felt increasingly estranged from the Red Keep, while Viserys lay awake that night beneath the image of Aegon the Conqueror.

• Tyland Lannister reported that the realm had been mostly peaceful and that Dorne's prince had offered to swear fealty again.
• Viserys briefly showed signs of being affected by the news, then calmly called it good and moved on to other business.
• Rhaenyra watched Viserys and the ministers maintain their practiced roles and reflected on how the real story would begin after their performance ended.
• After the meeting, Viserys left with Alicent while Rhaenyra followed and felt alienated from the Red Keep.
• Rhaenyra went to her study to write letters, while Viserys lay awake that night staring at the ceiling mural of Aegon the Conqueror.

Viserys struggled to sleep after learning that Dorne had sworn fealty without his knowledge, forcing him to confront how isolated he had become as king. As Alicent quietly listened, he wondered whether to bring Otto back.

• Viserys realized that the Small Council and Rhaenyra had known of Dorne’s submission before he did.
• Viserys told Alicent that Rhaenyra had not informed him, and Alicent suggested that they may have been sparing him while he recovered.
• Viserys held Alicent’s hand and reflected on how others let him believe that his choices were his own.
• Viserys asked whether he should bring Otto back.

Alicent gently steered Viserys toward recalling her father, Otto, while Viserys admitted he wanted someone to counterbalance Rhaenyra. Viserys considered Otto’s usefulness but remembered his bargain with Redd and his fear of breaking it.

• Viserys told Alicent that Rhaenyra already put her own interests ahead of his and that he needed someone at his side.
• Alicent told Viserys that Aegon wanted to ride a dragon with him, and Viserys promised to teach his son once he recovered.
• Alicent casually mentioned her father and how he had taught his children to ride dragons.
• Viserys considered bringing Otto back to restrain Rhaenyra’s power and promote Aegon as heir.
• Viserys remembered his agreement with Redd that Redd’s army would not enter the Seven Kingdoms or Blackwater Bay, and he feared breaking it.

Viserys decided to summon Otto back to King's Landing because he needed someone who would stand firm against Rhaenyra. As Viserys fell asleep, Alicent quietly considered her father's plan and felt the child move inside her.

• Viserys concluded that Rhaenyra's position as heir could not be changed without risking Redd's agreement and military support.
• Viserys decided he needed Otto because the Hand would resist Rhaenyra where other ministers might give way.
• Viserys resolved to wait two days, then send Otto a formal letter summoning him to King's Landing without admitting he needed him.
• Viserys fell asleep, and Alicent opened her eyes and rested a hand on her belly as the child moved.
• Alicent remembered Otto's instructions to avoid conflict with Rhaenyra, let her appear unshakable, and wait until Viserys feared losing power.

The chapter followed Viserys's daughter as she accepted her father's careful plan to become Aegon's Queen, then shifted to Redd reviewing Mysaria's intelligence on Dragonstone. Redd focused on the situation around King's Landing as the chapter ended.

• Viserys's daughter resolved to follow her father's plan and become Aegon's Queen.
• She imagined Viserys writing to her father, who would welcome the letter in Oldtown after waiting a long time for this day.
• King Ghidorah slept in Dragonstone's courtyard while Redd watched the distant sea toward King's Landing.
• Mysaria brought Redd the morning intelligence reports and set them on the windowsill.
• Redd rapidly read and processed the reports, updating his mental map of power in the Seven Kingdoms.

Redd learned that Viserys had asked Otto Hightower to return and decided to go to King's Landing to confront the changing political situation. He planned to arrive by dragon at dusk while displaying Dragonstone's fleet as a warning, and intended to make Rhaenyra choose how to interpret his visit.

• Mysaria reported that Viserys had recovered and sent a letter asking Otto Hightower to return from Oldtown.
• Redd said his son Jaehaerys must sit on the Iron Throne and decided to visit King's Landing.
• Redd ordered Mysaria to alert Viserys and remind the Queen that her and her father's maneuvers were known, while he confirmed Rhaenyra's stance.
• Redd chose to fly to King's Landing at dusk and enter the city without announcing himself or seeking permission.
• Redd ordered Douglas to raise Dragonstone's fleet's flags in the harbor as a show of force.

Redd left Dragonstone for King's Landing on King Ghidorah, promising Mysaria he would return within three days. He landed inside the Dragonpit beneath the Red Keep, where the dragon's weight cracked and crushed the granite floor.

• Redd prepared to leave Dragonstone and told Mysaria he would be gone for at most three days.
• King Ghidorah carried Redd across the sea toward King's Landing as the city came into view.
• King Ghidorah's arrival terrified the people of King's Landing as his shadow swept over the city.
• King Ghidorah flew directly into the Dragonpit beneath the Red Keep and landed, breaking the granite floor.
• Redd dismounted amid the shattered stones.

Redd returned to the Red Keep and was greeted by Viserys, Alicent, and Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra rushed into his arms, leaving their reunion unfolding in the courtyard.

• Redd left King Ghidorah in the Dragonpit and climbed the tunnel toward the Red Keep.
• Redd emerged into the courtyard, where Viserys, Alicent, and Rhaenyra waited for him.
• Rhaenyra hurried across the courtyard and threw herself into Redd's embrace.
• Redd held Rhaenyra and gently stroked her back as she clung to him in silence.

Redd reunited with Rhaenyra at the Red Keep, and Viserys and Alicent welcomed him to dinner. The chapter ended with the four seated together in an arrangement that placed Viserys between the old and new powers.

• Rhaenyra kissed Redd passionately after their long separation, and Redd held her close.
• Viserys greeted Redd warmly, and Redd exchanged courteous greetings with Viserys and Alicent.
• Alicent invited Redd to dinner, and Rhaenyra showed her anticipation at eating with him again.
• Redd accepted the invitation and joined Viserys, Alicent, and Rhaenyra at the banquet table.
• Viserys sat between Alicent and Rhaenyra and Redd, creating a visible division between the old and new forces.

Redd attended a peaceful dinner with Viserys, Rhaenyra, Alicent, and Alicent’s children, while Alicent secretly made advances and Rhaenyra made clear she wanted him that night. The meal ended with Alicent escorting a tired Viserys back to rest, leaving Redd and Rhaenyra together.

• Redd observed Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond at dinner while Alicent carried her fourth child, Daeron.
• Viserys and Redd exchanged warm, ordinary questions, and Alicent shared stories about her children as Rhaenyra repeatedly touched Redd beneath the table.
• Alicent secretly brushed Redd’s leg with her foot, while Rhaenyra’s gestures made clear she expected to spend the night with him.
• Alicent noticed Viserys was tired and helped him leave the banquet hall, and Viserys told Redd and Rhaenyra to rest well.

Rhaenyra led Redd from the banquet hall to her chambers, and they spent the night together. The next morning, Redd woke beside her and dressed when someone gently knocked at the door.

• Rhaenyra signaled Redd with a subtle touch as she passed him in the banquet hall.
• Rhaenyra asked where Redd would stay, kissed him, and led him away from the banquet hall.
• Redd and Rhaenyra spent a passionate night together.
• Redd woke the next morning beside the sleeping Rhaenyra and got out of bed.
• Someone gently knocked on the door while Redd was dressed in a black robe.

Redd and Rhaenyra shared an intimate morning after spending the night together, but breakfast turned serious when Redd revealed that her father had sent a letter to Oldtown. Rhaenyra’s playful mood faded as she faced the political implications.

• Two maids quietly delivered breakfast to Redd and Rhaenyra.
• Rhaenyra woke and teased Redd while recovering from the previous night.
• Rhaenyra and Redd ate breakfast closely together, and Redd restrained her flirtation so they could attend to other matters.
• Redd told Rhaenyra that her father had sent someone to Oldtown with a letter the day before.
• Rhaenyra’s smile faded as Redd looked at her seriously.

Redd urged Rhaenyra to eliminate the people threatening her claim to the Iron Throne, including her brothers and potentially Viserys, warning that he would no longer support her if she lost power. Rhaenyra accepted the need to act, and the chapter ended with Redd telling her to eliminate her father if he tried to replace her as heir.

• Redd told Rhaenyra that Viserys had invited Otto Hightower back to King's Landing, which could strengthen Aegon II's supporters.
• Rhaenyra asked Redd what she should do, and he told her to eliminate the people standing in her way.
• Rhaenyra questioned whether he wanted her to kill her brothers, and Redd said he cared only about the result, not the means.
• Redd warned that if Rhaenyra failed, he would withdraw his support and leave her powerless on Dragonstone.
• Rhaenyra said she understood and asked what she should do if Viserys tried to replace her as heir.
• Redd told Rhaenyra to eliminate Viserys if he moved to change his heir.

Rhaenyra struggled with Redd’s demand that she get rid of her father, Viserys, before resolving to leave the room with her composure restored. Redd was then summoned to meet the Queen and followed her maid to a secluded Godswood, where a slender figure waited beneath the Weirwood.

• Redd told Rhaenyra to choose between protecting her father and securing the future of her son, Jaehaerys, then left her to decide.
• Rhaenyra recalled her father’s love and support, considered Jaehaerys’s future, and left the room with renewed composure.
• A maid told Redd that the Queen requested his presence, and he agreed to follow her.
• The maid led Redd through secluded corridors to the Red Keep’s Godswood, where a slender figure waited beneath the Weirwood.

Redd met Alicent in the Red Keep’s Godswood, where she welcomed him with open affection and urgency. The chapter ended with them kissing as Alicent pulled open his robe.

• A maid led Redd into the Godswood and pointed out where Alicent was waiting.
• Redd found Alicent beneath an oak, dressed in thin green gauze and visibly seven months pregnant.
• Redd embraced Alicent and caressed her, and she welcomed his touch.
• Alicent let her gauze fall and moved close to Redd, telling him he had left her waiting all night.
• Alicent kissed Redd and opened his robe, sliding her hand inside.

Redd confronted Alicent about her and her father's plan to put Aegon on the Iron Throne and warned her to abandon it. Alicent proposed a marriage alliance between Redd's son and her daughter, which Redd said he would consider while making clear he would show no mercy if war came.

• Redd told Alicent he had known about her and her father's schemes since her first letter and had copies of her father's correspondence.
• Redd urged Alicent to persuade her father to abandon the plan to place Aegon on the Iron Throne instead of Rhaenyra.
• Alicent warned that her father and Aegon's supporters would be difficult to turn away from their interests.
• Redd reminded Alicent of the destructive power behind his threats, and she recalled King Ghidorah's attacks and Daemon's death.
• Alicent proposed a marriage alliance between Redd's son and her daughter, and Redd said he would consider it but would show no mercy if the conflict came to that.

After leaving Alicent in the Godswood, Redd reflected on his lack of attachment to her and his growing dissatisfaction with Rhaenyra. He went to the docks to meet Mysaria, and they returned to the Red Keep together without discussing what had happened.

• Alicent left the Godswood after calling Redd heartless, and Redd decided her sons would not be spared if they stood in his son's way.
• Redd judged Rhaenyra increasingly unfit to be queen because she hesitated between pursuing power and preserving her family ties and reputation.
• Redd left the Red Keep and waited at the docks for Mysaria, whose ship from Dragonstone was arriving.
• Mysaria spotted Redd from the ship, disembarked, and followed him back toward the Red Keep.
• Redd told Mysaria they would talk after they returned, and she walked beside him without asking about Alicent or Rhaenyra.

Mysaria arrived in King's Landing, where Redd waited for her at the docks, and the two reunited before returning to the Red Keep. They entered together, with the household recognizing Mysaria and understanding her connection to Redd.

• Mysaria spotted Redd waiting for her on the quay as her ship docked.
• Mysaria stepped off the ship and embraced Redd, kissing him passionately.
• Redd and Mysaria walked together through King's Landing toward the Red Keep as passersby moved aside for them.
• Redd led Mysaria through the Red Keep's side gate, where attendants and maids recognized her as she followed him toward his private study.

Redd received Mysaria’s reports on Dragonstone, the Free Cities, the Stepstones, and Dorne, then learned that all six teams sent to explore Valyria had vanished. The story left him without news from the northeastern coast where the teams had landed.

• Mysaria reported that Dragonstone was stable, the Dragons were accounted for, and the Young Dragons had caused no serious trouble.
• Mysaria said the Free Cities were under control, though Dothraki raids had occurred and several Khals might be gathering to attack Pentos.
• Mysaria reported that the Stepstones were secure and that Dorne had sent two thousand men to blockade the Dornish Sea; Redd ordered her to leave them alone.
• Redd asked about the Valyrian Peninsula, and Mysaria revealed that none of the six hundred mercenaries in six exploration teams had returned.
• Mysaria said the last message from the teams reported a landing on the northeastern side of a large island before contact was lost.

Redd ordered Mysaria to continue exploring the Valyrian Peninsula despite the deadly curses, hoping to learn whether Dragons still lived among its islands. After Mysaria left to answer Princess Rhaenyra’s summons, Redd studied the incomplete map and put it away.

• Redd told Mysaria that Dragons had survived the Doom and ordered her to double the bounty for explorers and investigate the Valyrian Peninsula’s islands, volcanoes, terrain, and surviving Dragons.
• A maid arrived and told Mysaria that Princess Rhaenyra wanted her help with some matters.
• Redd told Mysaria to go, and she left the study with the maid.
• Redd reviewed the map, reflected on the areas he had not explored, and rolled it up and put it in a drawer.

Redd examined letters sent to Rhaenyra by powerful nobles and found that their courteous words offered no firm support for her claim against Aegon II. He reflected that the Targaryen Dynasty had only a weak hold over Westeros, where regional lords kept their power and Dorne repeatedly resisted the Iron Throne.

• Redd considered returning to Valyria with his dragons but decided to wait until his other plans were finished.
• Redd found a pile of letters addressed to Rhaenyra by influential nobles across the Seven Kingdoms.
• Redd read the letters and found only polite praise and concern, with no promises of support for Rhaenyra's succession.
• Redd concluded that Rhaenyra was trying to win wavering nobles with promises, an approach he considered inefficient.
• Redd reflected that the great houses remained loyal chiefly to their own lands and interests, and he recalled how Dorne had resisted royal campaigns without losing its power.

Redd reflected on the Iron Throne’s weak control over the great nobles and the centralized system he had built for his own forces. A cautious knock brought him to the door, where he found the young Helaena standing barefoot and alone.

• Redd considered how the great nobles retained power because the Targaryens feared ruling through force and still relied on dragons to keep them loyal.
• Redd contrasted the Iron Throne’s loose rule with the Valyrian Freehold’s centralized system and his own ability to reclaim powers he had granted his commanders.
• Redd heard two hesitant knocks, went to the door, and opened it.
• Redd found Helaena, barefoot and wearing a stained dress, waiting quietly in the corridor.
• Redd wondered how Helaena had reached his door without the maids and guards who should have been watching her.

Redd found Helaena hiding in the quiet study corridor and listened as she described a vision of dragons returning to a fiery place. After a maid took Helaena back, Redd was left with her cryptic prediction that he would open the door.

• Redd found Helaena standing barefoot in his doorway, hiding because the people searching for her were too loud.
• Helaena told Redd that she had seen many dragons flying toward a hot place of rocks, fire, and black smoke, with him ahead of them.
• Helaena pointed at Redd and said that he would open the door.
• A maid found Helaena, thanked Redd, and led the princess away.

After Helaena described a vision of dragons amid stone, fire, and black smoke, Redd suspected it pointed to a surviving dragon population in the Valyrian Peninsula. He feared the prophecy was a trap or a deliberate attempt to keep him away, and remained unsure whether to go.

• Redd watched Helaena leave, then stayed by the study door while considering her words.
• Redd connected Helaena's vision of dragons, stone, fire, and black smoke to the Valyrian Peninsula and wondered whether many dragons had survived the Doom there.
• Redd recognized Helaena's eyes as those of a Dragon Dreamer and reflected on his distrust of prophecies and the gods behind them.
• Redd suspected a being had sent the vision to direct him toward Valyria and resolved not to follow its plan automatically.
• Redd considered that the prophecy might be designed to provoke his defiance and delay him from reaching Valyria in time.