Aemond Targaryen’s Regency, Kingship And End Game, Explained

Aemond Targaryen's Regency, Kingship And End Game, Explained

As a seasoned Dragonrider and member of House Targaryen, I have witnessed the tumultuous reigns of my ancestors and experienced the weight of power firsthand. Aemond Targaryen, with his fiery dragon Vhagar by his side, is no exception to the family legacy of rule and conquest.


In “The Red Dragon and the Gold,” the second episode of House of the Dragon’s second season, Aemond summons Vhagar, his dragon, against Princess Rhaenys. However, before attacking his aunt, he deals with his brother Aegon. Aemond believes that Aegon is not fit to rule due to his lack of military knowledge and skills. Instead, Aegon prefers to spend his time with sycophants and win favor among the commoners through free drinks and empty promises.

In “House of the Dragon” – Episode 4, Aegon is driven to take action following a heated dispute with his mother, the Dowager Queen Alicent, and after discovering that Ser Criston Cole, his Lord Commander and Hand, shares military updates with Aemond instead of him. Eagered to make a name for himself, Aegon mounts Sunfyre and heads to Rook’s Rest without any prior experience or training in flying combat. Unfortunately, this rash decision leads Aemond straight into an ambush, allowing him to easily target the unprepared Aegon.

Aegon II Is Carted To King’s Landing

Aemond Targaryen's Regency, Kingship And End Game, Explained

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: At Rook’s Rest, I gave the command to my dragon Vhagar to unleash flames towards Rhaenys and Aegon. But only Rhaenys managed to dodge skillfully, leaving Aegon right in the path of the fire. The question “Was it worth the price?” from Helaena hung heavy in the air, leaving no doubt that I had burned my brother for the throne. Amidst the chaos, Criston Cole proudly showcased Meleys’ head through King’s Landing streets, while his men carried my severely injured and burnt body into the Red Keep. The fire from Vhagar had melted my Valyrian steel armor into my flesh, leaving me with facial burns and a crash that left me with broken bones and unidentified injuries. In the midst of all this, all I could think about was who would rule the Kingdoms in my place. It wasn’t evasive of me to point out that “Someone will have to rule in my stead,” but Alicent, concerned for my life, was taken aback that the Small Council would overlook her and choose someone else instead.

Aemond Targaryen Is Chosen As Regent To Take Aegon’s Place

Aemond Targaryen's Regency, Kingship And End Game, Explained

A king cannot govern while he’s asleep, his subjects would have sensed his absence, thus we need to appoint a regent temporarily until he recovers or passes the throne. Alicent makes her case for this role. However, the councilmen, who previously backed Aegon over Rhaenyra, opt for another man as their leader instead. Lord Larys Strong proposes, “Would it not be a throwback to the past (patriarchal ways), if in response to Rhaenyra’s coronation we elevated a woman?” despite her potential lack of experience and competence.

Alicent argues that although Aemond follows in the line of succession, his youth makes him lack self-control.

Aemond excels as a dragon rider with formidable abilities. However, I believe my expertise is more crucial in this present situation, which takes place around this table.

The lords, excluding Grand Maester Orwyle, agreed on Aemond as their choice in unity. Upon being elected, Aemond focused on assessing the loyalty of the Riverlands’ nobles. He further instructed the guard to secure the city gates, preventing the locals from coming and going. This measure aimed to contain any rumors of instability, fear, or unrest within the realm.

After that, we will ensure that the gates are secured and no one is allowed in or out unless given permission by us. Exceptions include merchants and so on.

Aemond’s rough demeanor, cruel actions, and poor judgment surprised Alicent greatly. However, it’s important to acknowledge that she unintentionally supported her son’s behavior and facilitated its development.

Aemond Targaryen Is The Prince Regent And Protector Of The Realm

Aemond Targaryen's Regency, Kingship And End Game, Explained

Aemond currently holds the throne in place of Aegon, but he has held power before. He instigated conflict by pursuing his half-nephew, Lucerys, over Shipbreaker Bay, resulting in Vhagar devouring both Lucerys and Arrax. This reckless behavior led to the Greens suffering significant losses, ultimately prompting Rhaenyra to launch a major assault against King’s Landing.

In the second season of “House of the Dragon,” Aemond and Cole took charge of military decisions at Rook’s Rest. As Cole drove the vanguard and Aemond flew above with his dragon, events unfolded exactly as Aemond had envisioned. Aemond didn’t feel the need to seek approval from Aegon or update him on recent happenings. While conversing with Aemond, Aegon came to understand that his input wasn’t necessary, leading him to take his dragon to Rook’s Rest by the seaside.

Aemond Targaryen Will Press His Advantage

Aemond Targaryen's Regency, Kingship And End Game, Explained

In the original text, “House of the Dragon” altered the plan at Rook’s Rest between Aemond and Aegon’s surprise attack on Rhaenys. Instead, Aemond utilized Vhagar to eliminate his brother and aunt from the scene. According to the source material, Aemond served as Prince Regent for a year in place of Aegon and marched towards Harrenhal to mend the Riverlands. He ordered the executions of Ser Simon, the castellan of Harrenhal, and other Strongs. However, he spared Alys Rivers, who eventually became his lover during the Dance of the Dragons. Aemond initiated a campaign of terror against the Blacks’ supporters in the Riverlands, eventually clashing with Daemon above the Gods Eye lake.

Aemond, filled with overconfidence due to his dragon Vhagar and the stolen Valyrian steel dagger from Aegon, intends to assert his power in King’s Landing. His ultimate goal is to dominate Rhaenyra and make every subject bow before him, disregarding morality and decency. Alicent will face significant challenges dealing with him as a council member. He won’t hesitate to exploit Rhaenyra’s vulnerable position to his advantage.

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2024-07-20 21:05