The WORST Part About Watching House Of The Dragon Is Recognizing Every Single Point Where The Coming

The WORST part about watching House of the Dragon is recognizing every single point where the coming war COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.

Take our slightly sympathetic, but ever more unhinged Queen Alicent for example: IF SHE REALLY WANTED TO SAVE HER CHILDREN'S LIVES, THE BEST SOLUTION WAS RHAENYRA'S. Marry Alicent's daughter Halaena to Rhaenyra's son and future king, Jacerys. Bind their families together as one, indisputably.

This is literally the PERFECT SOLUTION and completely avoids the need for assassinations and war.

But Alicent rejecting the offer just proves she is lying to herself; it's not about ensuring her safety or the safety of her children. It's personal now. It's a hatred towards Rhaenyra that's so deep, she's willing to sacrifice her children's safety and bring war to the smallfolk.

And why is her hate so huge and tangible? Is it really just because Rhaenyra lied to her? I think the answer was shown in her sex scene with Viserys, where she was obviously disassociating as an old, pustulous man heaved himself in and out of her. She hates her life, resents her husband, but more importantly: she tells herself that she's doing the right thing because she's so dutiful.

In contrast, Rhaenyra is Blood of the Dragon and constantly living above and beyond her sense of duty. She took Daemon's lesson in the brothel to heart. Being dragon riders gives them both a perspective that's a far cry from Alicent's. They have a power and agency that Alicent does not possess. They live life according to their own rules.

Unfortunately, that triggers Alicent's resentment, jealousy, and hate. She literally HAS TO HATE RHAENYRA in order for her life to make sense, so that her own sacrifice in the name of Duty is worthwhile. If she admits to herself that Rhaenyra has the right to seek out pleasure and happiness, then what does that say about her own life and everything she's forced herself to endure?

ALICENT IS LYING TO HERSELF, BUT SHE ALSO CAN'T AFFORD HONESTY. It would probably make her go insane. The cognitive dissonance would be too great.

back with more "jon & robb fight in the war of the five kings together" fanart for mari because it's her birthdayyyy!! happy bday @northduty !! [ x ]

I want my child to be born where I was born, at Driftmark, in my lord father’s castle. I want my daughters to be raised in their homeland with their family according to their birthright. And at my end, I want to die a dragonrider’s death.

This is how I imagine Sofie, from The Dragonborn’s Song of Ice and Fire, to look. Blonde hair and blue eyes.

he stikes again

FIRE & BLOOD