There is little doubt that King Viserys I Targaryen made a huge mistake in calling Alicent Hightower by a different name in House of the Dragon Episode 7. However, calling the new queen by his dead wife's name was more than just a hilarious moment that confirmed the king's mental capacity is going downhill. Unfortunately, being called Aemma might be yet another catalyst that made Alicent more determined to push through with the Dance of the Dragons!
In House of the Dragon Episode 7, the Targaryens headed for Driftmark to attend the funeral of Laena Velaryon, leading to an awkward reunion. Viserys, weary from the travel, tells his wife that he is going to bed. However, instead of calling her "Alicent", he mistakenly calls her "Aemma".
It's embarrassing enough that the king called the new queen by his dead wife's name. Although it might have something to do with his age, it was an insult to Alicent because it pretty much confirms that Viserys is still in love with Aemma. Moreover, it suggests that Viserys has pretty much forgotten Alicent's devotion to him, sacrificing her own youth and desires to serve the king.
That's not the only thing that the slip suggests in House of the Dragon. It was clear that Viserys is still devoted to Aemma and to their only daughter Rhaenyra, who has been named his heir. Naturally, this means that the king will not change his decision despite having a son with Alicent. With that in mind, Alicent is possibly more determined to fight for Aegon II Targaryen being named as the next king and that only means the Dance of the Dragons is happening soon.
House of the Dragon Episode 7 is now available on HBO Max. House of the Dragon Episode 8 is titled The Lord of the Tides and will premiere on HBO on Sunday, October 9, 2022.
Related: House of the Dragon: Aemond Claiming Vhagar was a Huge Blow to Rhaenyra Targaryen
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