WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6!
Summary
Team Green’s small council loses its only female voice now that Prince Aemond has removed his mother, Queen Alicent, making him all the more dangerous as regent inHouse of the Dragon. Alicent was already suspicious of Aemond playing a role in thenear-fatal injuries suffered by King Aegonduring the Battle at Rook’s Rest, knowing her second son’s ruthless and impetuous ways. Making matters even worse for the entire realm, the small council takes a regrettable risk bychoosing Aemond over Alicentto serve as Aegon’s regent.
InHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 6, the Greens’ small council meeting sees Aemond angrily responding to Jason Lannister ordering him to bring Vhagar to the Reach, compelling Tyland Lannister to treat with the Triarchy, sending Criston to Harrenhal, and discussing potential marriage alliances for Alicent. At the end of the meeting,Aemond speaks with Alicent alone and informs her that he’s removing her from the small council. While Alicent protests, Aemond reiterates that it’s not up for debate as there’s too much temperance on the council already, with the Prince understanding that Alicent’s presence undermines his power.
Aemond Doesn’t Want Alicent Challenging His Authority
Alicent Doesn’t Fear Aemond As Much As The Other Small Council Members
While he doesn’t explicitly state this to Alicent, Aemond removes her from the small council so that she can no longer challenge his authority during these meetings.Alicent is one of the few people on the council brave enough to stand up to Aemond, question his decisions, and flat-out disagree with him. Alicent goes about it in a way that avoids having Aemond respond with too much anger, but she doesn’t feel as restricted in voicing her opinions as his other council members. After all, Alicent previously served in Aemond’s role when Viserys was still alive.
Hand of the King/Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
Maester Orwyle
Grand Maester
Aemond is the closest thatHouse of the Dragon’s timeline has come to a tyrant ruling from King’s Landing, which is an accusation that was just made by theRiverlords about Daemon’s rule at Harrenhal. Falling in line with his tyrannical rule as regent, Aemond doesn’t want anybody on his council who will challenge his authority or call him out for what he really is: an impetuous, resentful boy who wishes to cruelly avenge grievances from his youth. With Alicent on his council, Aemond’s selfish plans and desires as regent are more likely to be interfered with.
Why Aemond Steals The Valyrian Steel Dagger & What It Means For Aegon’s Prophecy In HOTD
Aemond Targaryen takes the Valyrian steel dagger in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4, which could have big consequences for Aegon’s prophecy.
Overall, Alicent is arguably the greatest threat to asserting his power and dominance over the council. Though Alicent certainly harbors some fear of Aemond, she knows thathe’s less likely to take his wrath out on his mother than the other unrelated council members. Aemond may also believe that being advised and questioned by his mother may make him seem weaker and less suitable to preside over the realm on his own, so removing Alicent would remove a barrier that keeps him from being seen as a formidable warrior and ruler instead of a hot-headed, reckless boy.
House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 also hints that Prince Aemond will replace Criston as his personal Hand with Otto Hightower.
Alicent Is A Reminder Of Aemond’s Vulnerabilities & Weaknesses
Alicent Couldn’t Protect Aemonnd & Take Revenge For Him As A Child
Aemond felt slighted throughout his childhood, and Alicent is a big reminder of the injustices of his youth. In addition toAemond always believing himself more fit to be king, he was constantly teased, bullied, and made to feel inferior by Aegon – which didn’t even stop when they became adults. Viserys was old, sick, and negligent of his children not named Rhaenyra, soAemond looked to Alicent to protect him from Aegon, who was an even bigger bully to him than Jacaerys and Lucerys.
After all, Alicent couldn’t get revenge for Luke taking Aemond’s eye, so Aemond had to do it himself years later.
As his mother, Alicent saw all of this happening to Aemond as a child and knows that she’s one of few people who would actually recollect these instances that he may see as weakness. Alicent knows that Aemond’s need for revenge is a weakness and that he’s incredibly insecure, and constantly being reminded of this undermines his image as Prince Regent.Aemond has been intent on eliminating those who remind him of his mistreatment and vulnerabilities, which has now culminated in Luke’s death, Aegon’s near-death state, and Alicent being removed from the council.
Additionally, Aemond’s choice to remove Alicent could be tied to some resentments he holds for his mother not protecting him from Aegon orRhaenyra Targaryen’s children. After all, Alicent couldn’t get revenge for Luke taking Aemond’s eye, so Aemond had to do it himself years later. IfAlicent couldn’t execute justice or enforce some punishment onto Luke for taking his eye when they were children, then why would Aemond expect her to be powerful or effective enough to be on his war council?
Why Aemond Lied About Luke’s Death After House Of The Dragon Season 1
Aemond Targaryen hides the truth about how Lucerys Velaryon’s death happened, making him all the more dangerous in House of the Dragon season 2.
Removing Alicent From The Small Council Is A Mistake
Aemond’s Terrors Will Go Largely Unchecked Without Her Wisdom & Advice For Restraint
Aemond going unchecked as Prince Regent is a terrible reality for the realm, and sets up chaos, a lack of long-term strategic planning, and little care for conflict resolution that could lead to peace after war. Alicent was one of the few voices of reason on the small council who had experience leading from King’s Landing, offered valuable wisdom, and could more freely offer dissenting opinions. Alicent was among the only calm and secure voices on the councilwho would advise caution and restraint when it’s needed, so removing her is a dangerous mistake inHouse of the Dragon’s war.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
