On the latest episode of House of the Dragon season 1, the Game of Thrones prequel got fans reacting in a big way. Audiences took to social media Sunday night to share their thoughts on what happened between two of the main characters, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and his niece, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock).
In the series, the two have been pitted against each other after Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys (Paddy Considine), had the realm pledge to honor his request that his daughter succeed him on the Iron Throne over his younger brother, Daemon.
Since then, the uncle and niece have been embroiled in a complicated relationship, fraught with lots of tension. While speaking to ET about the dynamic between the two characters, Smith said there is a “very close bond” between them. “There is something very unique about their relationship compared to anyone else. I think he treats her with more respect than he does everyone else,” he continued.
Despite being opposing choices for the throne, “her uncle Daemon and her are extremely alike. They sort of really see each other,” said Emma D’Arcy, who takes over the role of Rhaenyra from Milly Alcock later in the season. “There’s this deep recognition.”
[Warning: Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1, episode 4.]
That said, nothing untoward has happened between the two. That is, until now, when Daemon takes Rhaenyra to a brothel, where they witness a massive, polyamorous orgy taking place. (The scene is like one not seen by HBO fans since Westworld or True Detective.) There, the two start kissing and getting more and more intimate — and once again, we have some form of incest on the Game of Thrones franchise.
However, not long after the two start hooking up, Daemon is suddenly turned off by Rhaenyra and refuses her advances. After Rhaenyra is rejected by Daemon, she returns to her room, where Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) is standing guard. She takes him inside, seduces him and the two have sex, with her formally losing her virginity.
Given the unexpected turn in their relationship, people had a lot to say about what went down between Rhaenyra and Daemon. Check out some of the best social media reactions below:
House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max.