Aemond Targaryen has gotten away with doing some high-profile murders—being the dragon rider that killed Lucerys Valeryon and didn’t face any consequences.
In the latest episode of House of the Dragon, The Red Dragon and The Gold, Aemond's seemingly unprovoked attack on King Aegon during the battle of Rook’s Rest has left fans in shock. Aegon ends up being severely injured, raising questions about Aemond's actions and the lack of consequences.
House of the Dragon: Why Did Aemond Attack Aegon at Rook’s Rest?
While it was expected that Aemond wouldn’t face reprimand for the murder of Lucerys Velaryon, the recent episode has fans worried about the lack of consequences for his actions—particularly his attack on King Aegon. The potential fallout from this could be significant.
Before the fight at Rook’s Rest, there was also a scene in which it was revealed that Aemond was conspiring with Criston Cole without Aegon's permission. This led to the brothers—or at least Aemond—arguing in Valyrian in front of the small council.
If you've watched previous episodes, you’ll know that Aegon also tends to terrorise his brother, Aemond. Although Aemond may be a skilled fighter, his big brother can still embarrass him in a brothel.
By the time the dragons clashed at Rook’s Rest, it definitely looked like Aemond purposefully set fire to Aegon while they were tangled with Rhaenys. What’s more, in the end when Cole walks up to the beaten Sunfyre, he could see that Aemond was wielding his sword. Was he there to finish the job, or did he come there ready to fight enemies nearby?
Aemond’s Attacks are Ambiguous
When it comes to Aemond’s actions in the series, fans have argued that they could be read as ambiguous by everyone else in within the story. Audience members can tell that there was definitely bad blood between the brothers, but from an observer’s point of view, it just looked like Aemond was fighting Rhaenys and Aegon just got caught in literal friendly fire.
There’s also the fact that the tussle was happening hundreds of feet above the ground. In the books, it was said that those close enough to see what was happening didn’t survive as they were caught in the crossfire. Probably anyone who survived the encounter was also busy running for their lives when they saw what was happening.
Aegon Lives... Sort of
As revealed by the teaser for the next episode, Aegon II actually survived the battle at Rook’s Rest, but he will spend a good part of the year in pain and under medication. It’s unclear if he’ll be confronting Aemond for what he did during the battle, but as of now, the road is clear for Aemond to becoming the ruling king after the incapacitation of his older brother.
Catch new episodes of House of the Dragon every Sunday night on Max.