As fans anticipated, there is finally some dragon action in Episode 4 of House of the Dragon. With King Aegon II Targaryen seemingly dead and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen defending Rook’s Rest till her demise, the latest chapter definitely sent the audience to the edge of their seats.
However, there were notable changes in this episode that many fans might complain about, although these modifications, especially in the final act, will bring even worse consequences than that which happened in the books.
What Happened During The Battle At Rook’s Rest?
The Dance of the Dragons finally happened in Episode 4 after two years of waiting, and viewers saw one of the most epic dragon fight scenes in House of the Dragon. Episode 4 saw Aemond Targaryen and Ser Criston Cole plotting a plan that King Aegon II Targaryen remained unaware of.
As the battle ensues in Rook’s Rest, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen arrives riding on Meleys and Aegon on Sunfyre. The latter’s entrance was not part of the plan and the show made it look like a rash decision from the king after he felt insulted.
Aemond, who had been hiding and waiting among the trees with Vhagar, takes his opportunity to launch at the fight scene. The audience was shocked to see the prince command his dragon to fire at Aegon, thus bringing him and Sunfyre to the ground.
Towards the end of the act, Aemond is seen approaching what’s left of Sunfyre and seemingly planning to finish Aegon until Criston finds him. This act of betrayal is the major change they made from the book.
In George R.R. Martin’s novel, Fire & Blood, Aegon and Aemond conspired to ambush Rhaenys and her dragon. She still died in the story, but the manner and circumstances were changed in the show. Aegon did not perish, but he suffered great burns that he already wished to die. In his absence, Criston told Aemond that he should rule the kingdom while Aegon was incapacitated.
He did not assume the position of a king and remained a Protector of the Realm and Prince Regent. But, in the show, it has been suggested that he thinks he’s a better ruler than his brother. This alteration in the motives of the characters will prove to have the worst consequences by the end of the season.
What Happens To Aemond After He Betrayed Aegon?
Aegon’s haphazard decision to fly to Rook’s Rest became the cause of his grave injuries. As he was still seemingly alive at the end of the episode, there is a huge chance that Aemond will be reprimanded for his action once Queen Dowager Alicent Hightower learns the truth.
The act is also considered a form of treason, which will cause a deeper rift between him and his brother when they should be teaming up to fight the war against the Blacks. The next chapter will be even more exciting as it will answer all the questions the viewers have for today’s episode.
House of the Dragon Season 2 is now streaming on HBO.
