Daemon and Rhaenyra are in a world of their own.
They share a wild appetite for freedom and power.
It's what fosters the flame of desire between them,
and helps them challenge the duties thrust upon them.
In their fantastical, fictional world, marrying along your bloodline is a Targaryen custom.
Thus, I'll be unpacking their bond in spite of their shared blood.
To better understand their relationship, we first have to take a look at the society around them.
The House of the Dragon is as much a game of politics and power,
as it is of pleasure and female desire.
The focus is on ruling the Seven Kingdoms.
King Viserys sits on the throne, but it's the women around him that are fighting for its future.
No wonder, when we understand: A Woman's Worth.
Rhaenyra and Alicent are raised in a culture that fortifies men,
and leaves women largely confined to the bedpost.
Produce a male heir or perish.
It's this very quest that kills Aemma, Rhaenyra's mother,
and it's a man, once again, that pulls the trigger.
When both wife and son go to the grave, he has a change of heart:
perhaps his daughter can rule, after all.
One would imagine this grief would strengthen Rhaenyra and
Alicent's friendship: they both know the pain of losing a mother.
Yet, things can't be that simple in King's Landing.
Alicent's father, Otto, is Hand of the king - and his head is never far from a scheme!
He encourages Alicent to comfort the king.
I thought you might go to him, offer him comfort.
In his chambers?
She obliges in secret and succeeds, to become his new wife.
Queen Alicent performs her duty and produces a male heir.
Her son Aegon is an increasing threat to Rhaenyra,
who already felt utterly betrayed by her best friend.
Alicent still fosters some hope their friendship can recover.
She enjoys Rhaenyra's search for a husband.
Once married, they can both enjoy the dutiful life of a woman.
How romantic it must be to get imprisoned in a castle, and made to squeeze out heirs!
But Rhaenyra has other ideas.
And it's Daemon that helps her release her desires.
Daemon and Rhaenyra's fondness is immediately apparent:
he gifts her a necklace that she proceeds to wear everywhere.
Turn around.
Their mutual admiration streams out in the way they look at each other.
Daemon lives the life of her dreams: wild and untamed.
Rhaenyra wants freedom above all else.
Daemon sees that in her and treats her differently.
He respects her courage to challenge him.
The space between them is open and vulnerable where they can reveal
truths to one another they wouldn't otherwise
He reminds her to live freely:
By speaking in high Valyrian, they can flirt and share their fears without prying ears.
It's the secret language of their seduction.
As Rhaenyra comes of age, so do expectations of marriage.
Since you came of age, I've been slowly drowning in a lake of parchment,
flown from every corner of the realm, marriage proposals all.
And I have tried often to discuss it with you, but you've refused me at every turn!
That is because I do not wish to get married!
Even I do not exist above tradition and duty Rhaenyra!
Even if suitors line up, her interest falters.
This was never the life she imagined for herself.
It takes Daemon to awaken the fire burning beneath.
He sees her for who she is.
And shows her how to honor her female desire.
What is this place?
It's where people come to take what they want.
F*cking is a pleasure, you see, for the woman as is the man.
Her sexual awakening inspires her to seduce her Kingsguard, Ser Criston, when Daemon can't finish.
As gossip spreads, Daemon pretends he did it.
Better her first experience be with me than with some whore.
He points out the hypocrisy in how she's treated, and asks to marry her.
Wed her to me.
When I offered up my crown, you said I could have anything.
I want Rhaenyra.
I'll take her as she is, and wed her in the tradition of our house.
Instead, Rhaenyra marries another man.
But not before Daemon fights for her.
She recites back what he taught her.
And challenges him to take what he wants.
Their relationship is one of risk and understanding.
Power games arouse them.
They're in their own little bubble,
but they can't get exactly what they want, just yet.