In episode four of House of the Dragon, the Greens and the Blacks finally clashed in a proper conflict at the Battle of Rook’s Rest. While Rhaenyra and the Blacks suffered a powerful loss, the death of Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys, the Greens did not come out of the conflict unharmed. However, a great deal of the damage dealt to the Greens came not from Rhaenyra’s side, but from the choices that Aemond Targaryen made in battle, especially where it concerned his brother King Aegon. Aemond sent out a blast of dragonfire that grievously wounded both his brother Aegon and Aegon’s dragon, Sunfyre. But does that make Aemond Targaryen the King of the Seven Kingdoms on House of the Dragon? Not exactly, but Aegmond has taken on a great deal of power.
Aemond Is Not King on House of the Dragon Season 2, But He Is Prince Regent
No, despite (what we consider) to be Aemond’s attempts to kill his brother on House of the Dragon season two, episode four, Aemond has not yet become King. For the moment, Aegon remains alive in episode five, although badly injured. To get the full title of King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Aemond probably should have moved quicker and actually stabbed his brother in the prior episode of House of the Dragon.
However, Aemond has now gained considerable power on House of the Dragon. Aemond is named Prince Regent by Aegon’s small council. As Queen Alicent notes, “A king cannot rule in his sleep, the realm will have noticed his absence… we must name a Regent to take his place until he recovers… or does not.” To keep the crown appearing stable, someone must rule.
Queen Alicent Lobbies to be Named Regent, But Aemond Is Placed in Charge Instead
Queen Alicent aims to become Regent and rule in Aegon’s stead on House of the Dragon. She wishes to keep justice and order, and not merely strength as an important part of the ruling strategy. However, in a reminder of the intense misogyny that exists in House of the Dragon‘s world, Alicent gets overruled by all the men around her. And Aemond becomes Prince Reagent instead (although, again, not King).
Alicent notes that she served as Queen Reagent for her husband and is well-prepared to do it again. But her years of actual experience are dismissed because she has only ruled during peacetime. And, of course, there’s the matter of her being a woman. (“What would it say if, in response to Rhaenyra’s crowning, we raised up a woman of our own.”)
Not even Alicent’s allies, whom she has intimate relationships with in different ways, Ser Larys Strong (responsible for the last quote) and Ser Criston Cole, rally to her defense. Instead, they abandon her, citing that Aemond is next-in-line to be King, and thus, the better choice for Reagant on House of the Dragon. Only Grand Maester Orwyle speaks in support of Alicent.
Ultimately, Alicent is ignored as Aemond is named Prince Reagent and takes one step closer to being King.
Is Aegon Dead on House of the Dragon?
As mentioned, for now, King Aegon II is not dead and remains alive. Unless he meets his death, Aemond cannot take over as king on House of the Dragon. However, although Aegon lives, he remains incredibly injured. It will likely take him a long time to fully recover. And with Aemond now in a far more powerful position, should he be able to successfully prove himself in the position of Regent, it could strengthen his cause to volley for the position. There’s also the fact that Aegon wasn’t really a very good ruler to begin with.
Will Aemond Become King on House of the Dragon? And Will He Be a Good King?
Will becoming Prince Regent be the first step Aemond takes toward becoming King on House of the Dragon? Obviously, those who want an informed, immediate answer can pull out their copy of George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. Of course, the series continues to change things from the source material, so it’s possible Aemond and Aegon’s fates could shift as well, and the ultimate position of King could end up somewhere unexpected.
Prince Regent Aemond obviously desires Kingship and believes he is a more suitable candidate than his brother for the crown. If he had his way, Aemond would become king, and he’ll likely continue to push for the role. But would Aemond make for a good king on House of the Dragon? As Prince Regent, and beforehand, he has made some, at least strategically sound decisions. For instance, Aemond instigated the battle of Rook’s Rest and demanded the Ratcatchers’ bodies removed from sight. However, as his mother points out, he is young and lacks restraint. (Although no more than Aegon.) He also bars exit from King’s Landing in episode five of season two, which does not seem to sit well with the people. So it’s a mixed start for Aemond’s go at ruling.
Aegon’s actor Tom Glynn-Carney chimed in on what kind of a King Aemond would make, noting, “He’d be a steel fist, wouldn’t he? I think he’d be quite cutthroat and a cold king, probably. At least from the outset, he’d want people to fear him. He often talks about being bullied as a child, so he probably wants to reinstate himself as a secure, powerful man who won’t be messed with, which could be dangerous in a kingly position.”
We’ll have to wait and see who ultimately rules the Seven Kingdoms. But our two cents is better Aemond as King than Aegon on House of the Dragon.