HOTD | The Rogue Prince

Six months after Rhaenyra is named heir, Daemon occupies Dragonstone supported by thousands of loyal Gold Cloak guards. Meanwhile, Prince-Admiral Craghas Drahar, known as the Crab Feeder, menaces the Stepstones at the Triarchy's behest. The Small Council presses King Viserys to remarry and propagate his royal line, which risks Rhaenyra's succession status. Rhaenyra's suggestion to show force against Daemon is dismissed, and she is relegated to selecting a new knight for the King's Guard. She chooses the unpopular Ser Criston Cole. As Alicent Hightower continues comforting King Viserys at her father's urging, Lord Corlys Velaryon, husband to Princess Rhaenys, proposes his twelve-year-old daughter, Laena, marry the King. Daemon steals a dragon egg to goad Viserys into a confrontation at Dragonstone, but Otto Hightower goes instead. As bloodshed looms, Rhaenyra flies to Dragonstone on her dragon, Syrax, and retrieves the egg. Her disobedience angers the king, prompting a heartfelt discussion about Queen Aemma and his remarrying. Ultimately, Viserys announces he will wed Alicent, angering both Rhaenyra and Corlys; Corlys then approaches Daemon to form an alliance.