The stakes are raised this week as Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton) takes control of Tumbleton. His army has infiltrated the streets, raided homes, and occupied the small market town. As frightened townspeople attempt to reason with Ormund, one man gets a little too close, prompting Ormund to recoil at his unpleasant scent. When Ormund demands to know why they continue to pledge fealty to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), their answer is simple: because she is the queen. Ormund dismisses the notion, insisting she is merely “a woman with a dragon.
Meanwhile, viewers finally receive confirmation that the mysterious red-haired boy (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) is Prince Daeron Targaryen. Ormund reassures the young prince that his brother, Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), will soon join them.
Back at King’s Landing, Rhaenyra struggles to understand why Ormund has chosen Tumbleton as his target. Grand Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) explains the town’s strategic importance, impressing the queen enough that she restores him to his position and welcomes him back to her Small Council.
Rhaenyra later meets privately with Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), asking what she knows about her cousin, Ormund. Alicent describes him as a man who sees himself as a scholar but is capable of great cruelty. She also reveals that Daeron was the one son she wished to raise as a true Hightower, sending him to Ormund as what she considers her final genuine act of motherhood. Rhaenyra insists she would have spared Daeron, prompting Alicent to reveal an unusual weakness: Ormund possesses an extreme sensitivity to odors.
Elsewhere, Ser Allyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) informs his father, Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), that Queen Rhaenyra has requested his presence. Corlys bitterly remarks that she no longer needs a man of the sea and suggests Allyn attend in his place. Allyn protests that he lacks the experience, but Corlys reminds him that while he cannot grant him legitimacy, he can give him an opportunity to prove himself.
Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) continue their journey through the wilderness. In a forest clearing, Aegon discovers what appears to be Sunfyre’s lifeless body. Heartbroken, he refuses to believe the dragon is truly dead and begins speaking to him in High Valyrian. Their moment is interrupted when armed strangers confront Larys. Although he attempts to buy them off with coin, it quickly becomes apparent that money alone may not satisfy them.
Meanwhile, Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) arrive at Harrenhal, where they encounter Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin). She informs them that Lord Strong and his heirs are dead before revealing that Rhaenyra has seized King’s Landing. The two men quickly conclude that Prince Aemond has likely fled the capital.
Criston and Gwayne immediately clash over strategy. Gwayne wants to send word to Tumbleton to warn Ormund, while Criston proposes holding the Riverlords at bay before they can reach King’s Landing—a plan that feels dangerously close to a suicide mission given the size of their forces.
Back at court, Ser Allyn tells Rhaenyra that Corlys has chosen to pursue the Triarchy raiders threatening their fleet instead of serving as her Hand. The decision frustrates the queen, but Allyn defends his father, suggesting that battle may be exactly what Corlys needs.
Larys continues trying to keep Aegon hidden, but Aegon’s pride repeatedly jeopardizes their safety.
Conditions in occupied Tumbleton worsen. Hightower soldiers have taken over local homes, and one soldier attempts to sexually assault a woman living there. Another woman intervenes and is brutally attacked, while a male family member who tries to defend them is viciously beaten.
Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) requests permission to oversee Tumbleton, arguing that because his wife remains there, he has every reason to protect its people. Though Rhaenyra initially questions his personal involvement, she reluctantly grants his request.
Elsewhere, Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) notices graffiti reading “Queen of Bastards.” Rather than being disturbed by the insult, he seems oddly impressed by its boldness.
The abused townspeople bring their grievances directly to Ormund. To his credit, he believes their accusations and has the offending soldier punished, while privately acknowledging to Daeron that tensions within the occupation are beginning to rise.
Rhaenyra later discusses the possibility of removing the High Septon with Orwyle. While she only considers removing him from office, Orwyle subtly suggests a far more permanent solution. Rhaenyra immediately rejects the idea.
In the Vale, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) asks Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) for financial support. Knowing she requires Daemon’s protection, she agrees. However, as Daemon departs on Caraxes, the dragon unexpectedly ignores his commands and flies elsewhere. Landing in a remote part of the Vale, Daemon follows Caraxes’ lead and discovers Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell). Shocked to find her there, he urges her to return to King’s Landing, but Rhaena refuses, insisting she must remain in exile before walking away.
Back in Tumbleton, Ormund receives Gwayne’s message regarding Aemond, leaving him visibly furious.
Ulf later speaks with Rhaenyra about his habit of frequenting taverns, much to her dismay. Concerned that his behavior makes him vulnerable, she orders him to remain within the safety of the Red Keep. Ulf also mentions the anti-Rhaenyra graffiti spreading throughout Tumbleton, suggesting that many commoners have come to view her as cruel. Rhaenyra immediately orders every insulting message removed and commands her guards to identify and punish those responsible.
Larys reveals to Aegon that Rhaenyra unknowingly did him a favor by publicly declaring him dead, even claiming that Aemond murdered him. Furious at hearing this, Aegon vows revenge. Larys encourages his king, insisting that his eventual return will become the stuff of legend.
Their own circumstances quickly deteriorate when the camp where they’re hiding runs out of food. Forgetting his vulnerable position, Aegon angrily lashes out at the men sheltering them. One responds by pulling a knife, and the once-powerful king is humiliated, forced to kiss a foot caked in filth.
Daemon eventually returns to King’s Landing carrying the severed head of an innocent Vale shepherd, falsely claiming he was the mysterious rider of Sheepstealer. Present at the Small Council are newly appointed members Ser Torrhen Manderly (Dan Fogler) and Ser Allyn of Hull.
After dismissing the council, Rhaenyra privately questions Daemon about the dead man. She admits she had hoped to personally confront whoever was responsible for Jace’s death. Daemon gently reminds her that revenge would never erase her grief. Though still conflicted, Rhaenyra quietly concedes that perhaps she should thank him.
Meanwhile, Rhaenyra’s Gold Cloaks march into Tumbleton alongside Hugh Hammer riding Vermithor, signaling that the conflict is about to escalate.
The episode closes with one of its darkest moments. Ormund finds Daeron affectionately bonding with Tessarion and immediately rebukes him. He then subjects the young prince to a chilling loyalty test, first asking whether he would be willing to usurp his own brothers and claim the Iron Throne. His second demand is even more horrifying: execute the innocent man whose wife had been assaulted by one of Ormund’s own soldiers. Daeron reluctantly carries out the execution. Watching with satisfaction, Ormund coldly declares, “And now we begin.”
House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
