House of the Dragon Episode 6 certainly changed things for the worst in King's Landing but it also revealed that there was an attempt to prevent a bloody civil war. In The Princess and The Queen, Rhaenyra Targaryen actually made a surprising move to end the animosity between her and Alicent Hightower that could have stopped the Dance of the Dragons from happening.
In House of the Dragon Episode 6, it becomes increasingly clear that Rhaenyra's children are not her husband Laenor Velaryon's. This fact isn't overlooked by Alicent and in an effort to ease tensions within House Targaryen, Rhaenyra proposes that her son Prince Jacaerys marry Alicent's daughter Helaena. In addition to that, the princess offers other gifts including giving a dragon egg to Alicent's son Aemond (when Syrax produces another clutch, of course).
It's a great proposal considering that it would unite House Targaryen and ensure the lineage will be secure in future generations. Not surprisingly, King Viserys I Targaryen is in favor of the idea. However, Alicent changes the subject, making it clear that she does not agree.
This is an interesting thing to watch in House of the Dragon considering that the marriage between Jacaerys and Helaena would ensure that Alicent's children will be taken care of once Rhaenyra takes over the Iron Throne. However, Alicent still doesn't see it that way and continues to be bent on putting her own son Aegon II on the throne.
At this point, it doesn't look like Rhaenyra will continue to try to fix the problems of House Targaryen. Still, fans look back at that moment as the time when the Dance of the Dragons could have been prevented by one carefully-planned marriage.
The latest episode of House of the Dragon is now available on HBO Max. House of the Dragon Episode 7 is titled Driftmark and is set to premiere on HBO on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 9:00 PM EST.
Related: House of the Dragon Episode 6 Teased Mysterious Character's Gift of Foresight
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