House of the Dragon writer Sara Hess reveals why Rhaenys didn’t kill Alicent, Aegon II, and the other Greens

House of the Dragon Episode 9 was the penultimate episode of the first season of the series and with that, the Game of Thrones prequel series finally reached the true conflict in its plot: The Dance of the Dragons. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen and his widow Queen Alicent Hightower‘s decision to place her son Prince Aegon Targaryen on the Iron Throne, the civil war erupts.

Towards the end of episode nine, Rhaenys makes a surprising decision concerning Alicent and her children.

In the ninth episode of House of the Dragon, The Green Council, King Aegon II Targaryen‘s coronation was interrupted when Princess Rhaenys Targaryen arrived on the back of her dragon Meleys. Following the roar, Rhaenys fled on Meleys’ back out of the open Dragonpit doors. Ser Otto Hightower had ordered these not to be closed, so Rhaenys could escape. Why did she not take this opportunity to kill Alicent and other Greens?

In this regard, while having a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, writer Sara Hess said:

“I think she just can’t do it. It’s not her war. The fight is between these two sides and she’s kind of not in it. She doesn’t feel like she’s the one to come in and do that. But you’re right. If she had just incinerated everybody, it’s game over, Rhaenyra wins and we’re done here. But the cost is huge.”

She also added:

“I also feel like that moment, she looks Alicent in the eye and Alicent walks in front of her kid to shield him. It’s one mother to another. Rhaenys is angry, but in her previous scene with Alicent, she respected her, even if she doesn’t agree with her. So she’s not going to kill another woman like that.”

What do you think, will Rhaenys come to regret her decision to spare Alicent and her children? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more: Top 5 Moments from House of the Dragon Episode 9