Biggest moments from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5: Regent

With the last episode of House of the Dragon ending with such a dramatic twist, Episode 5, “Regent,” explores the aftermath of what occurred. The death of Meleys and Rhaenys caused a massive imbalance in the ongoing war. Adding to the situation is the injury of King Aegon II. This episode gave us some soulful moments and some shocking incidents. Read on to know more.

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Meleys’ head paraded through King’s Landing

Credits: Theo Whiteman/HBO

After the intense battle at Rook’s Rest, Criston Cole and Gwayne Hightower dramatically return to King’s Landing. They parade the severed head of Meleys, causing a stir among the smallfolk. Along with the head, they bring the injured King Aegon, claiming that he was the one who killed Meleys, despite it being Aemond who did the deed. The smallfolk are left in awe, interpreting it as a dark omen. Some even call it an abomination, predicting a fierce response from Rhaenyra.

Amidst the crowd, Hugh Hammer and a young boy witness the spectacle. The boy is in disbelief, seeing dragons as divine beings, while Hugh dismisses this, stating they are merely meat. Criston Cole is puzzled by the smallfolk’s reaction and questions Gwayne on why they don’t see it as a victory. Gwayne himself seems unsure if it indeed was a victory.

Read More: Everything we know about Meleys “The Red Queen” from House of the Dragon

Daemon’s bizarre lovemaking scene

Credits: Max

In the eerie halls of Harrenhal, Daemon Targaryen experiences another haunting hallucination. He finds himself in a lovemaking scene with a silver-haired Targaryen woman who initially appears to be Aemma Arryn, his brother’s wife. However, the woman reveals herself as Alyssa Targaryen, the mother of Daemon and Viserys.

Alyssa, known for being the previous rider of Meleys before Rhaenys, often took her sons on dragon rides during their childhood. Historical accounts highlight that Viserys resembled his father Baelon the Brave, whereas Daemon took after Alyssa. In this hallucination, Alyssa tells Daemon he has always been her favorite son. This scene parallels a moment from season one where Viserys claims to Daemon that their mother always loved him more.

Read More: Biggest moments from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4: The Red Dragon and the Gold

Aemond becomes Regent

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

With King Aegon gravely injured from the battle at Rook’s Rest, Aemond Targaryen is next in line to rule. Showing no remorse, Aemond stands by his brother’s sickbed and discusses the need for a regent. He now possesses Aegon’s Catspaw Dagger, which he took in the previous episode.

During a council meeting, all members agree that Aemond should rule in Aegon’s stead, despite Queen Alicent’s objections. Alicent confronts Criston Cole, questioning his betrayal. Shaken by the horrors witnessed at Rook’s Rest, Cole believes a dragonrider should lead in a war involving dragons. In a dreamlike sequence, Aemond stands before the Iron Throne as Helaena asks if it is worth the price, echoing his sentiment about losing an eye to claim Vhagar.

Read More: Fans horrified as Aegon II’s injuries are revealed in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5

Jace takes the Twins

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Jacaerys Velaryon boldly flies to the Twins without Rhaenyra’s permission after discussing the situation with Baela. He realizes that controlling the Crossing will allow Cregan Stark’s Winter Wolves army to pass directly into the Riverlands. The Twins played a crucial role in Robb Stark’s war strategy during Game of Thrones and was the site of the infamous Red Wedding.

At the Twins, Lord Forrest Frey and Lady Sabitha agree to support the Blacks in exchange for Harrenhal, following a tradition of awarding Harrenhal for loyalty, as seen with Littlefinger in Game of Thrones.

Read More: Lady Jeyne Arryn makes an imposing debut in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5

The Taking of Stone Hedge

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

The taking of Stone Hedge occurs off-screen. In the book Fire and Blood, Daemon takes Stone Hedge, the seat of House Bracken, with the help of House Blackwood. In the show, Daemon is forced to take it after the Brackens refuse to bend the knee and choose to die by Caraxes’ flames instead.

Daemon decides not to kill them, valuing their loyalty. This contrasts with Daenerys in Game of Thrones, who burned Lord Randyll Tarly for refusing to bend the knee. Later, the Blackwoods raid Bracken lands, fueled by their ancient rivalry, despoiling septs and pillaging lands in the name of the Targaryens. Daemon is distressed by this news, contrasting with his book counterpart’s ruthlessness.

Read More: Emma D’Arcy says it’s a “propaganda war” now in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5

Corlys is named Hand of the Queen

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

With Daemon missing, her council in disarray, and Rhaenys dead, Rhaenyra tasks Baela with contacting Lord Corlys Velaryon and naming him the Hand of the Queen. She consoles Baela about Rhaenys’ death, reminding her of Rhaenys’ fiery spirit and her daring feat of claiming Meleys.

When Baela meets Corlys, he is in deep despair. She mentions his Nine Voyages and the riches he brought back, questioning whether anyone knew he did it all for Rhaenys. Corlys is reluctant to join Rhaenyra’s cause, blaming her for his losses. Baela reminds him that Rhaenys died a dragonrider’s death by her own choice. Corlys then expresses a desire to name Baela his heir to Driftmark, a decision he has pondered since his last discussion with Rhaenys. Baela refuses, saying Driftmark should pass to salt and sea while she is blood and fire, marking her legacy as a Targaryen.

Read More: Helaena might’ve foreseen Aemond betraying Aegon II at the Battle of Rook’s Rest

Rhaenyra and Jace discuss the Sowing

Credits: Theo Whiteman/HBO

Jace returns from the Twins to find Rhaenyra looking at a picture of Visenya. They discuss their war strategies and the need for a solution to combat Vhagar after losing Meleys, with Daemon not at hand. Jace suggests they have two more dragons on Dragonstone, Vermithor, and Silverwing, and proposes to find people with Valyrian blood who might tame them. Initially reluctant, Rhaenyra agrees, seeing it as a better idea than losing the war. They plan to search historical records for potential dragonriders with Valyrian blood, beginning the Sowing of the Dragonseeds.

Read More: The Freys debut in House of the Dragon, marking arrival of crucial Fire & Blood character

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