House of the Dragon Episode 10: The Black Queen

The episode opens at Dragonstone, where a nervous **Lucerys Velaryon** tells his mother, **Rhaenyra Targaryen**, that he does not wish to inherit Driftmark as its lord. Later, he watches from the beach as his brother **Jacaerys Velaryon** feeds the young dragon Vermax.

**Princess Rhaenys Targaryen** arrives on her dragon Meleys, interrupting Rhaenyra and **Prince Daemon Targaryen** in private. She reveals that **King Viserys** is dead and that the Greens in King's Landing have crowned **Aegon II** as king, placing him on the Iron Throne with the sword Blackfyre. Daemon demands to know why Rhaenys did not burn the Greens when she had the chance during their coronation, but Rhaenys replies that it is not her place to start a war; she came out of loyalty to her house and husband, **Lord Corlys Velaryon**.

The shocking news triggers Rhaenyra's premature labor. She retreats in agony as the Black council— including Daemon, Rhaenys, **Lord Bartimos Celtigar**, **Ser Erryk Cargyll**, and others—convenes around the painted table, debating allegiances and preparations for war. They note the Blacks' advantage in dragons (13 to the Greens' 4), though many lack riders, and emphasize securing houses like the Velaryons.

Rhaenyra gives birth to a stillborn daughter, which Daemon presents to her in a grim ritual. Devastated, she mourns while cradling the child, blaming the stress of the Greens' betrayal.

**Ser Otto Hightower** arrives under a peace banner with White Worm spies and Gold Cloaks, escorted by Rhaenyra on Syrax. He delivers terms from **Queen Alicent Hightower** and Aegon II: if Rhaenyra and her family swear fealty, they will receive mercy, lands, and titles. Rhaenyra refuses, declaring she made a promise to her father to hold the realm united and that war's first blow will not come from her hand. Daemon urges immediate attack, but she holds firm for peace. Otto departs after Rhaenyra keeps his Gold Cloaks hostage.

Tensions rise as Daemon chokes Rhaenyra during an argument over prophecies and war, insisting dragons—not dreams—made the Targaryens kings. She realizes Viserys never shared **Aegon's prophecy** with him, confirming Daemon was never considered heir. Meanwhile, Corlys arrives from the Stepstones and, after Rhaenys convinces him despite lingering resentment over **Laenor Velaryon's** death, pledges his fleet, house, and dragon to Rhaenyra's cause. Rhaenys highlights Rhaenyra's desire to avoid war.

To rally support without sparking conflict, Rhaenyra sends messengers: Jacaerys to the Eyrie and Winterfell, and the reluctant Lucerys to Storm's End to secure **House Baratheon**. Daemon tests the loyalty of **Ser Lorent Marbrand** and **Ser Steffon Darklyn** on Dragonmont with Caraxes looming overhead; both swear fealty to Rhaenyra and Jace as heir. Ser Erryk presents **Viserys's crown** to Rhaenyra, and the council hails her as **Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen of the Andalos, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm**. She accepts it amid cheers.

The episode shifts to Storm's End, where Lucerys on Arrax enters a stormy great hall. **Lord Borros Baratheon**, flanked by his four large daughters, notes Aemond Targaryen arrived first with a message from Aegon. Borros demands Lucerys specify his message's sender—a king or queen—and mocks allegiance to a woman. Lucerys presents a letter from Rhaenyra and offers to deliver it orally. Borros refuses to read it himself and demands an eye as payment for past grievances against Aemond, but allows Lucerys to leave after Aemond requests to deliver a message in pursuit.

Lucerys flees on Arrax into a raging storm. Aemond pursues aggressively on the massive dragon Vhagar, taunting "Lucerys the Sea Snake's bastard!" despite Lucerys's pleas for mercy. Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands to stand down and attacks, chomping Arrax and rider. Lucerys and the torn dragon plummet into the sea as Aemond watches in shock from Vhagar's back.