It was a bold choice, even by modern wedding etiquette.
But Alicent is doing more than up-staging Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) she is calling for action.
The moment marks a change for Alicent’s character.
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Up to this point, she hasn’t involved herself much in the political scene.
But her dress is a statement that the Lords attending the wedding understand.
But the events in this episode show the growing fractures in therelationship between the two royal women.
Image via HBO
The once good friends are turning into adversaries before the eyes of the audience.
And Alicent’s green dress may as well have been a declaration of the war to come.
What Went Wrong Between Alicent and Rhaenyra?
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Upon their introduction, Alicent and Rhaenyra seemed interpretable.
Instead, she defended her friend by attempting to talk her father down from his schemes.
But when the time came, Rhaenyra didn’t share Alicent’s loyalty.
Image via HBO
Later in the fourth episode, Rhaenyra lies to Alicent’s face about her virtue.
Rhaenyra convinces Alicent thatshe has not “been sullied,“as Alicent phrased it.
This is blatantly a lie.
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When Rhaenyra demandsOtto be dismissed from his positionas Hand of the King for the accusation, Viserys agrees.
So Alicent is left in Kings Landing with less allies than before.
In talking toRhaenyra’s guard Ser Criston Cole(Fabien Frankel), Alicent discovers the truth.
Rhaenyra did not sleep with Daemon, but with Criston Cole.
And leads Alicent to publicly withdraw her support from her former friend.
Rhaenyra’s betrayal is not the only thing driving Alicent on this path.
Otto has been trying to supplant Rhaenyra since Aegon’s birth, but Alicent never truly understood why.
Otto realizes his daughter’s naivety and explains the reality of her situation.
That put Alicent’s children in danger.
Though his methods have been backhanded, Otto claims he has been trying to protect his grandchildren.
At the time, Alicent still defends Rhaenyra to her father, the warning plants seeds of mistrust.
Eventually, Alicent sees the harsh reality and realizes that she must choose between her friend and the children.
And that is what she does with her grand entrance.
What Does the Color Green Mean for the Hightowers?
While the motivation may be clear, the choice is still dubious.
Speaking the words would be treason.
Viserys has blocked Otto’s attempts to make Aegon heir enough times for Alicent to know that much.
This explains the choice in color.
Even the new hand Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes) has Targaryen red and black in his outfit.
Alicent’s small rebellion is a clear sign to those who know the significance of House Hightower.
What’s Next?
This may be the first, but certainly not the last, of Alicent’s green dresses.
