Rhaenyra may slowly become independent of Daemon Targaryen, teases Emma D’Arcy

One of the more intricate parts of House of the Dragon season 2 has been the rupturing relationship of Daemon and Rhaenyra. After a great build-up in season 1, the duo finally came together and broke all norms. However, sustaining the love and affection in their relationship has been a challenge, unlike anything they have seen on the battlefield.

Daemon is distant since Rhaenyra does not trust him fully. She still believes he is hellbent on destroying her claim to the Iron Throne. The visions Daemon has been having to date show a young Rhaenyra, someone who looked up to him and respected him. What remains now is just an empty shell of their relationship devoid of love or understanding.

Also Read: Which TV shows and movies has Emma D’Arcy been a part of?

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03/28/2025 07:27 am GMT

Emma D’Arcy talks about Daemon and Rhaenyra’s heartbreaking relationship

Photograph by Theo Whiteman/HBO

Actor Emma D’Arcy plays Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon season 2. They bring a charming quality to the character with nuanced expressions and a face that says it all without uttering even a single word. Talking about Rhaenyra’s relationship with Daemon which is on the verge of falling apart, they told GQ,

“Their chemistry, their eroticism, is I think completely predicated on power. Actually, their relationship exclusively works when they are powerful, when the blood is up, when the campaign is succeeding… There’s so much grandstanding that takes place within their relationship. So there’s a total communication breakdown.”

Photograph by Theo Whiteman/HBO

When in power, Rhaenyra and Daemon revel in each other’s company. Their pride and arrogance come in the way of their communication and eventual resolution. D’Arcy agrees that they are still very much in love and remain loyal to each other. However, as they grow older, so does their distance. D’Arcy added,

“I think there’s something that sometimes happens in relationships where there is such an extreme age difference… I think there’s a part of her that outgrew him and could no longer countenance being patronized by this man, whose behavior she recognizes increasingly to be erratic, immature, and unpredictable. The older she gets, I suppose, and the more experienced she becomes, the less willing I think she is to indulge him. And that’s a problem.”

The upcoming finale episode and the next season will shed light on how Rhaenyra tackles this relationship with Daemon. Getting rid of their love and admiration will be tough, but living together and making the marriage work will perhaps be tougher.

Also Read: Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy discuss Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen’s complex relationship in House of the Dragon

A Song of Ice and Fire 2025 Calendar

$18.00 $11.13

Artist Eddie Mendoza brings us the landscapes and castles of Westeros as never seen before, with thirteen stunning illustrations, including a bonus fold-out poster.

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

03/28/2025 07:27 am GMT