Warning: this article contains spoilers for episode three of House Of The Dragon.

Much of the time spent watching House Of The Dragon episode three was occupied with doing double-takes (hi there, Prince Aegon) and being surprised at the years-long time jump (Daemon, where have you disappeared to?). But undoubtedly, there’s a shift in Princess Rhaenyra’s (Milly Alcock) attitude and demeanour that makes for awkward moment after awkward moment in this episode.

Entitled Second Of His Name, this third episode takes place years after the second and deals with the underlying possibility that the King’s (Paddy Considine) new son, Prince Aegon, may usurp Rhaenyra as the rightful Targaryen heir. It’s the typical family dispute we know will run throughout the series, but perhaps because Rhaenyra was on top form in the previous episodes, the fact she’s being sidelined by her new family is difficult to watch.

Not only does she now have to wrap her head around the fact that her former best friend is now her new Queen and stepmother, but she also has to deal with a father that is clearly bowled over by the arrival of a son. Alicent (Emily Carey) has gone from “your grace” to “my love” with King Viserys in the space of one episode (chilling stuff, if you ask us). And while we may be watching on with side-glances and confused faces, Rhaenyra is left to live in the façade of this new family – and a heavily pregnant Alicent. That also means that lurking evil force Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) is always close by, whispering plans and nudging his daughter to carry out his dirty work.  

But while the King and Rhaenyra’s relationship seems more fragmented than ever throughout this episode, one of the final scenes provides the confrontation we were longing for: after enduring animal bloodshed, impending wars, the Crab Feeder and constant conversations about heirs, the two finally sit down and speak.

“Must everything be a battle?” King Viserys asks his daughter. The moment is almost laughable because of how relatable it will be to any daughter recounting similar conversations with her father as a teenager. It may be a fantasy series but the family dynamics in House Of The Dragon are more understandable than you may think.

Rightfully, Rhaenyra complains about the King’s insistence on marrying her to Jason Lannister (Jefferson Hall). Why does he continue to push his young daughter to marry when she should be his heir? Of course, Rhaenyra is worried that this means Aegon will be named Viserys’ heir after all and says: “Because you mean to replace me with Alicent Hightower’s son – the boy you always wanted. You have him in hands now, you have no further use for me. You might as well peddle me for what you can – a mountain stronghold or a fleet of ships.”

But the King comments on Rhaenyra’s behaviour more generally, saying: “I do not seek to replace you, child. You’ve been much alone these last few years. Alone and angry. I will not live forever. I wish to see you contented, happy even.” 

The two grow increasingly impassioned talking about the “advantages” of marriage, something the King claims Rhaenyra has known about from a young age. You can tell – because of the emotions demonstrated – it’s also part of the handful of times when Queen Aemma is spoken about. The two are still grieving her devastating loss, but it’s clear that aside from episode two’s brief mention of it, they’ve continued their lives ignoring the gaping hole in their family.

Even so, Rhaenyra acknowledges that if her father had remarried out of advantage alone, he would have wed his 12-year-old niece, Laena. “That is right,” he nods.

The fact remains – rather annoyingly, given how monumental this conversation is – that Rhaenyra is to find a husband, but the King says that her match will be left to her. “Find one that pleases you… as I did,” he admits. It’s the first time that the King has confronted the elephant in the room with his daughter: he wanted to wed Alicent because of his genuine emotions, not for political or royal gain. The confrontation of the fact is enough to leave Rhaenyra unable to look at her father and grow teary-eyed instead. 

For two similarly stoic people, the conversation veers from family to grief to new love and the future of the Iron Throne. It’s enough to leave us as viewers exhausted, so when Rhaenyra gets up to leave, it’s understandable. On her way out, though, her father delivers the line that will likely prove to be the most powerful and unforgettable of the series.

He says: “I did waver at one time, but I swear to you now, on your mother’s memory, you will not be supplanted.”

While we believe the King’s intentions may be true and he may not wish for Rhaenyra to be supplanted as heir, sexism and double standards in the world of House Of The Dragon are rife. Besides, if Otto has anything to do with it, the two-year-old Aegon would take the Iron Throne now instead of the perfectly capable Rhaenyra.

The third episode may have paved the way for more explosive confrontations to come in the series but one thing’s for certain, this exchange between the King and Rhaenyra will likely be referenced and reflected on later on – and that’s what makes this father-daughter scene so powerful.

Episodes of House Of The Dragon will be released weekly every Monday at 2am and 9pm on Sky Atlantic, and they will also be available to stream on Now with an entertainment membership.   

Images: Sky/HBO