She and her paramour spent the night together, and she was warm towards Ser Criston afterward.
Only, apparently, he didn’t realize what was really happening and continued to harbored feelings for her.
The aftermath of the rejection and guilt resulted in the death of Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod).
Image via HBO
Before dealing with that, however, it’s important to state that ser Criston’s feelings are valid.
What we are never ready to deal with, though, is the frustration of rejection.
Ser Criston’s reaction to Rhaenyra’s denial was to immediately start victimizing himself.
Image via HBO
She earned her title and owned up to her duties as the future queen.
So Ser Criston definitely misread some signs, and that is ultimately on him.
He failed to see that she is the future of the realm and is a mature person.
Image via HBO Max
His ideal of Rhaenyra was not at all compatible with her actual self.
This often has catastrophic consequences, as it did in the show.
Still, as a knight of the Kingsguard, it was his duty to rise above this act accordingly.
Image via HBO Max
He couldn’t rise above his bitterness.
It’s a classic reflex of toxic masculinity.
He leaves others to deal with the damage and the fallout.
Westeros is a highly patriarchal society.
Something that Ser Criston, unfortunately, didn’t have.
