When Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith) visit Viserys, he is utterly delirious.
Viserys has a sudden fit of pain and asks for tea, pointing to it on the bedside table.
It seems likely that it is the milk of the poppy.
Image via HBO
The next day he refuses his milk of the poppy, despite Otto’s insistence.
Viserys presides over the court with a sound mind, remembering conversations he had years ago.
During the proceedings, Viserys proves that he can hold a conversation, unlike the day before.
Image via HBO
He struggles to walk but is mentally present and capable of ruling for himself.
Despite this, the Hightowers are handling the court without consulting the king.
This would strengthen Aegon’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) claim to the throne, which is their ultimate goal.
Image via HBO
Vaemond tells them, “The next Lord of the tides will be deeply in your debt.”
Essentially, Vaemond offers the Velaryon fleet tothe Hightowers in the upcoming conflictif they support him.
But this plan doesn’t work for them.
At the end of the episode, Alicent brings Viserys more milk of the poppy (assumedly).
At first, it seems like he may push it away, but he drinks it.
And once again,he is delusional, thinking he is speaking to Rhaenyra rather than his wife.
Alicent leaves, and moments later, Viserys finally dies.
Of course, he is sick, but the timing is a little suspicious, to say the least.
The Hightowers could easily have poisoned Viserys, but not alone.
Accomplices to the Crime
The Hightowers are powerful, but poisoning the king is a difficult task.
They would need help, and who better to assist them than the maesters that look after the sick?
Viserys indeed needs medical attention constantly.
The maesters have the authority to give him medication, specifically the milk of the poppy.
It should be noted that the maesters and the Hightowers are common allies.
The maester’s citadel is located in Oldtown, where the Hightowers' seat is.
Because of this, the maesters could easily choose to assist Otto and Alicent.
The Hightowers certainly have the resources to pay him off.
But another explanation is the long-held theory ofthe maester conspiracy.
Plus, they discuss with Otto in whispers rather than speaking directly to Viserys.
Grand Maester Mellos (David Horovitch) even refuses his assistant’s idea of additional treatments that might help.
Both the maester and the Hightowers are up to something.
So why not work together, or at least use the other as a means to their own end?
Unfortunately, poor Viserys doesn’t suspect a thing.
