Jaehaerys' oldest son, Aemon, died, leaving his second son, Baelon, as his heir.
But when Baelon died as well, Jaehaerys had to pick a new heir.
But the Great Council gave her another chance to ascend the Iron Throne.
Image via HBO
Rhaenys gave up hope of ever holding the Iron Throne before the events of the show.
Related:What Is Going on With Larys and Alicent in ‘House of the Dragon’?
Rhaenys Has to Choose a Side
But nothing stops the talk about Rhaenys and her overlooked claims.
Image via HBO
Rhaenys is in Kings Landing.
The Hightowers have her locked in her room to prevent her from warning Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy).
But Alicent comes to see her and desperately tries to persuade her to back Aegon.
Image via HBO
Despite her treatment, Rhaenys doesn’t get angry at Alicent, merely stern.
Alicent points out how supporting Rhaenyra has broken her family.
It’s true that Corlys has been reaching for the throne despite Rhaenys' wishes.
Image via HBO
And while Corlys is obsessed with legacy and names, Rhaenys is not.
But when Alicent offers her all she wants, Rhaenys does not answer.
Instead, she questions Alicent, asking if Alicent has ever seen herself on the throne.
Image via HBO
Rhaenys seizes the opportunity to escape when Erryk, a knight of the Kingsguard, offers to help.
Rhaenys finds herself alone, but not without a course of action.
She sneaks further into the dragon pit and finds her mount, Meleys.
Thenshe crashes into the ceremonyin an act of defiance toward the Hightowers and the newly crowned Aegon.
Rhaenys declares her continued loyalty to Rhaenyra, the heir that Lord Corlys swore to twenty years prior.
Or it could be driven by a desire to finally see a woman on the throne.
Whatever the case, Rhaenys chooses to defy the coronation,tying her loyalty to the Blacks.
But doesn’t shed blood.
She had every conspirator in range of her dragon fire, butRhaenys held back.
Her defiance is merely a declaration of war.
It is a courtesy towards the Greens and a statement to the realm that the coronation is contested.
It is, however, the most violent.
Her previous actions show her as a shrewd and intelligent contender in the game of thrones.
Rhaenys talks about her past while keeping a cool head, not showing the anger of being passed over.
She remains regal and in control of the situation.
She never expects Rhaenyra to be queen.
Corlys believes in the oaths sworn to Rhaenyra, but Rhaenys expects war.
Rhaenys suggests declaring Baela Corlys' heir to honorLaena’s memory at her funeral.
This would allow Driftmark to stay in their bloodline without committing the treason of calling Rhaenyra’s sons bastards.
Though many lords may not accept it, Viserys may.
After all, he chose his daughter as heir, so why couldn’t Corlys choose the same?
InEpisode 8, “The Lord of the Tides,“the succession of Driftmark is called into question.
Until Rhaenys opens her mouth at the proceedings, it isn’t clear what side she will support.
Once again, Rhaenys does not accept or refuse, keeping her cards close to her chest.
Rhaenys' quick and calculated decision-making would serve her well if she inherited the crown.
Alicent says to Rhaenys' face, that she had the claim and temperament to rule.
