House of the Dragon Episode 8 proved to be a quiet yet intense episode as the line of succession to Driftmark is put into question. Needless to say, The Lord of the Tides made it clear that the stakes are always high as the Dance of the Dragons draws closer.
In House of the Dragon Episode 8, it is revealed that Corlys Velaryon has suffered a severe injury and it is feared that he will die soon without officially naming an heir to Driftmark. His brother Vaemond Velaryon insists that Rhaenyra Targaryen's son Lucerys is not the rightful heir to Driftwood.
Vaemond petitions to be named the next Lord of the Tides, forcing Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen to return to King's Landing to defend her son's claim. Upon returning, they realize that King Viserys I Targaryen is also very ill and close to dying.
Rhaenyra knows that Lucerys' claim will be challenged and begs her father to help her. When it is time for the petition to be heard, Viserys makes his way to the Iron Throne and declares Luke to be the Sea Snake's heir and next Lord of the Tides. Vaemond continues to dispute this and insults Rhaenyra and her children, causing the king to demand for his tongue and Daemon decapitates Vaemond.
Later, the Targaryens have dinner together and although Aegon Targaryen tries to insult his nephews, Jacaerys keeps his cool and defends his betrothed. But when Viserys leaves the room, Aemond Targaryen decides to toast his nephews, calling them "strong" boys. This offends Jace and Luke, who are ordered to return to their chambers by Rhaenyra.
House of the Dragon Episode 8 concludes with Viserys on his death bed mistaking Alicent Hightower for Rhaenyra and telling her that "Aegon" should rule Westeros before he passes.
The latest episode of House of the Dragon is now available on HBO Max. House of the Dragon Episode 9 is titled The Green Council and is set to premiere on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 9:00 PM EST.
Related: House of the Dragon Episode 8: Who Will Die in The Lord of the Tides?
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