In the book,Fire & Blood, Alicent is quite a deal older than Rhaenyra.
This is the core of the series, and why it works so well.
This would make the eventual war all the more sad.
Image via HBO
It’s a youthful dream, but romantic nonetheless.
Rhaenyra rips a page from the book, giving it to Alicent, so she would remember.
At that point, their previous connection seems unredeemable.
Image via HBO
We all know what happens when you play the game of thrones.
There is one moment of possible reconciliation in Episode 8 of the show.
Rhaenyra promises to see the children home, and then return to King’s Landing.
Image via HBO
He offers her and her children peace if she acknowledges Aegon as king.
Then, in a move that catches Rhaenyra off guard,Otto offers her a folded-up page.
This gesture brings Rhaenyra to tears, and it looks as if she almost does consider it.
Image via HBO
This is just the setup of the conflict to come in future seasons ofHouse of the Dragon.
The inevitable conflict is going to get much, much worse.
Adding this romantic element, beyond just its insinuation in the show, would have strengthened the show.
There may be no happy ending for them, but not every queer story needs to be happy.
