House of the Dragon Episode 23: Unbowed and Unbent

Criston Cole leads his men through a brutal, rain-soaked march and decides to launch a reckless attack on the Blacks’ forces even as his ally Ser Gwayne Hightower worries they are walking into disaster. The attack turns into a night raid on the enemy camp, where Criston and Gwayne’s men kill Petyr Piper and burn the camp before continuing their retreat toward Stony Sept.

At Harrenhal, a group of armed men arrive looking for Aemond and instead confront Alys Rivers. She taunts them and scares them off, and when they later return and threaten her again, Aemond suddenly appears and kills them before they can harm her.

In King’s Landing, Alicent tries to protect herself and Queen Helaena after learning that Helaena’s pregnancy has made them vulnerable if Rhaenyra discovers it. Maester Orwyle brings a tea intended to end the pregnancy, but Helaena refuses to drink it, so Alicent takes it herself to avoid suspicion from Mysaria. Alicent and Helaena then attempt to flee the Red Keep disguised as maids, but Mysaria intercepts them and seems to allow their secret to remain hidden after Alicent warns her that Rhaenyra will always choose Daemon over her. Later, the women find a hidden passage behind a wall in the room, but it leads nowhere useful and they are left trapped in darkness.

Elsewhere, Daemon and the city watch uncover signs that the recent murders in King’s Landing are part of a wider plot. Daemon also receives a coin bearing Daeron’s likeness, which points to Ormund Hightower’s efforts to back Daeron and stir unrest.

Aegon continues traveling with Larys Strong, still consumed by hatred for Aemond. The journey shows him growing more bitter and determined as he presses on despite his condition.