House of the Dragon Episode 2 is finally here and the Game of Thrones prequel is already going at a comfortable pace. Interestingly, the second episode didn't waste time in confirming that there are tensions within the Red Keep and beyond. However, the biggest threat to House Targaryen is something that was only teased in The Rogue Prince.
In House of the Dragon Episode 2, it is revealed that the Triarchy has taken over the Stepstones, affecting Corlys Velaryon's ships. However, King Viserys is reluctant to start a war with the Free Cities. After all, the king has other things to worry about, like appeasing the small council by getting a new wife who could provide him with a male heir.
For now, the king already has an heir but Rhaenyra is a girl and as implied by Rhaenys Velaryon, Westeros would never see a woman ascend to the Iron Throne. That's why Corlys and Rhaenys suggested that Viserys take their daughter Laena as his new wife. The move would effectively give Viserys a young queen who can provide him with many children and unite the two Valyrian Houses.
Viserys is understandably uncomfortable about the idea, mostly because Laena is only 12 years old but also because he has already decided on a new bride. But when the king announces that he will marry 15-year-old Alicent Hightower, Corlys takes it as another insult to House Velaryon and retaliates by heading to Dragonstone to form an alliance with Daemon Targaryen.
The episode is named after Daemon Targaryen who had set off for Dragonstone with Mysaria and his loyal Gold Cloak guards. At first, the king chose to ignore the rogue prince taking over the House Targaryen ancestral home. But when Daemon steals the dragon egg meant for Viserys' child and announces he is marrying the pregnant Mysaria, the king sends Otto Hightower to reclaim the egg.
Luckily, Rhaenyra was able to peacefully take the egg back but House of the Dragon Episode 2 still ends in conflict as Daemon and Corlys decide to work together to take down Craghas Drahar and the Triarchy.
House of the Dragon Episode 3 is titled Second of His Name and will premiere on Sunday, September 4, 2022, at 9:00 PM EST.