Who is Rhea Royce in House of the Dragon?

In the world of House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel series based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Rhea Royce is a character whose presence, though brief, leaves a lasting impact on the series. As the first wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen, her story intertwines with the complex political landscape of Westeros.

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Who was Rhea Royce?

Credit: HBO

Rhea Royce was the Lady of Runestone and the head of House Royce during the reigns of kings Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Viserys I Targaryen. Her marriage to Prince Daemon Targaryen, arranged by Queen Alysanne Targaryen, was a political alliance that aimed to strengthen ties between House Targaryen and the Vale. However, their union was marked by mutual dislike and estrangement.

Quick Facts about Rhea Royce

• Heir to Runestone in the Vale of Arryn
• Marriage to Daemon Targaryen arranged by Queen Alysanne Targaryen
• Their marriage was childless and unhappy
• Nicknamed “the Bronze Bitch” by Daemon, referencing House Royce’s famous bronze armor
• Died in 115 AC under suspicious circumstances

Rhea Royce in House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Introduction and Early Mentions

In HBO’s House of the Dragon, Rhea Royce, portrayed by Rachel Redford, is initially mentioned rather than seen. Her existence is first brought up during a Small Council meeting, where Otto Hightower criticizes Daemon for neglecting his wife. This early reference sets the stage for the troubled relationship between Rhea and Daemon.

Daemon’s Disdain

Daemon’s feelings towards Rhea are made clear through his derogatory nickname for her – “the Bronze Bitch.” This moniker, a reference to House Royce’s bronze armor, reveals Daemon’s contempt for both Rhea and her family’s traditions. His comments about preferring Vale sheep to its women further illustrate the deep-seated resentment in their marriage.

Rhea’s Brief Appearance and Tragic End

Rhea’s on-screen appearance in the show is brief but impactful. We see her out hunting alone, a scene that quickly turns tragic when she encounters Daemon. The circumstances of her death, initially reported as a hunting accident, are revealed to be far more sinister, with Daemon involved in her murder.

Impact on Daemon’s Story

Rhea’s death marks a turning point for Daemon. It frees him from his unwanted marriage and allows him to pursue other alliances, particularly with Laena Velaryon. The accusations of murder by Rhea’s cousin Gerold Royce at Rhaenyra’s wedding add to the intrigue surrounding Daemon’s character.

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Rhea Royce in Fire and Blood

Credit: Laura Avellino

Marriage and Early Years

In George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Rhea Royce’s story is more detailed. The book describes her marriage to Daemon as a political arrangement made by Queen Alysanne Targaryen in 97 AC. Despite being a wealthy and prestigious match, the union quickly soured, with both parties growing to dislike each other.

Lady of Runestone

Fire and Blood mentions that Rhea became the Lady of Runestone after the death of Lord Yorbert Royce. This position of power contrasts with her unhappy personal life, highlighting the complex dynamics of political marriages in Westeros.

Daemon’s Attempts to End the Marriage

The book details Daemon’s multiple attempts to end his marriage to Rhea. He petitioned King Viserys I to set aside the union, a request that was denied. This led to Daemon’s extended absences from the Vale, including his time in King’s Landing and his involvement in the War for the Stepstones.

Rhea’s Death and Its Aftermath

Fire and Blood describes Rhea’s death in 115 AC as a result of a fall from her horse while hawking. The book presents it as an accident, with Rhea lingering for nine days before her death. However, the nature of her demise and Daemon’s subsequent actions in claiming Runestone cast suspicion on his involvement in her death.

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Quotes

“If only the Prince would show the same devotion to his lady wife as he does to his work.” – Otto Hightower, referring to Daemon’s neglect of Rhea

“I would sooner wed the Maiden and spend my life with a sword in my hand than be mated to mine own ‘Bronze Bitch’.” – Daemon Targaryen, expressing his disdain for Rhea

Quick Answers

Why did Daemon call Rhea Royce the “Bronze Bitch”?

Daemon’s nickname for Rhea, “Bronze Bitch,” was a derogatory reference to House Royce’s famous bronze armor. It reflected his contempt for Rhea and her family’s traditions, as well as his overall dissatisfaction with their marriage.

How did Rhea Royce die in House of the Dragon?

In the show, Rhea’s death is portrayed as a suspicious accident during a hunting trip. While officially reported as a fall from her horse, the series reveals Daemon’s involvement in her demise, showing him confronting her before her fatal accident.

What was the significance of Rhea Royce’s marriage to Daemon Targaryen?

The marriage between Rhea and Daemon was a political alliance arranged by Queen Alysanne Targaryen. It was intended to strengthen ties between House Targaryen and the Vale. However, their unhappy union and its eventual dissolution had significant implications for Daemon’s future alliances and the broader political landscape of Westeros.

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