Unexpected Bond: Rhaenyra and Mysaria's Vulnerable Moment in House of the Dragon

Mysaria opens up about her past traumas, revealing a side of herself that Rhaenyra has not seen before.
Rhaenyra Targaryen and Mysaria share an unexpected moment of vulnerability in House of the Dragon.
Rhaenyra turns to Mysaria for support following isolation and trauma at Rook's Rest.
The scene includes a kiss between the two women, which was not in the original source material.
Unexpected Bond: Rhaenyra and Mysaria's Vulnerable Moment in House of the Dragon

In the latest episode of House of the Dragon, titled 'Smallfolk,' Rhaenyra Targaryen and Mysaria share an unexpected moment of vulnerability that deepens their bond. The scene, which includes a kiss between the two women, was not in the original source material from Fire & Blood.

Rhaenyra has been feeling isolated and alone following the brutal events at Rook's Rest. She turns to Mysaria for support and finds solace in her trusted advisor's words of encouragement. In a moment of emotional honesty, Mysaria opens up about her past traumas, revealing a side of herself that Rhaenyra has not seen before.

The intimate moment between the two women is unscripted and feels organic according to Sonoya Mizuno, who plays the role of Mysaria. The actress shares that it was an improvised scene that came naturally during filming.

Despite her opportunistic nature, Mysaria sees herself as a valuable asset to Rhaenyra's cause. Their bond grows stronger through their shared experiences and mutual understanding.

Meanwhile, Prince Aemond Targaryen makes a power play by attempting to ally with the Triarchy in an attempt to break the blockade of the gullet. He dismisses Queen Alicent from the Small Council and orders Ser Criston to head off to Harrenhal despite warnings about lack of manpower and danger.

The episode also explores other storylines, including Jason Lannister's arrival at King's Landing with his forces, Rhaenyra's growing trust in Mysaria, and the aftermath of the Battle of Rook's Rest. The unpredictable nature of House of the Dragon continues to keep viewers on their toes as we approach the final episodes of season two.



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Was the scene with the kiss between Rhaenyra and Mysaria truly improvised during filming, or was it scripted?
  • What specific traumas did Mysaria reveal to Rhaenyra?

Sources

64%

  • Unique Points
    • Rhaenyra kissed Mysaria, her uncle/husband’s ex-girlfriend.
    • The kiss between Rhaenyra and Mysaria confirms that Rhaenyra likes women as well as men.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The article makes several statements that are not deceptive on their own, but when taken together they create an impression that is misleading. The author states that Rhaenyra has cheated on her husband with his ex-girlfriend, implying infidelity and scandal. However, the article also mentions that Mysaria is Daemon's ex and Rhaenyra's advisor, making it clear that this is a power dynamic rather than a romantic one. The author then goes on to discuss fan theories about Rhaenyra and Alicent having a romantic relationship, which are not supported by the text of the article. This creates an impression that the article is discussing more salacious content than it actually is, and could be seen as sensationalizing or manipulating emotions. Additionally, there is selective reporting in that the author only mentions Rhaenyra's kiss with Mysaria and not her relationship with Alicent, which has been a major topic of fan discussion.
    • Many fans have thought Alicent and Rhaenyra had a lesbian relationship.
    • Sealed with a kiss... Rhaenyra made out with her uncle/husband’s ex-girlfriend.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by referencing the book 'Fire & Blood' by George R.R. Martin and implying that the events in the article are significant because they were hinted at in the book. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing Rhaenyra's actions as 'cheating on her husband, Daemon, who is also her uncle,' and 'making out with her uncle/husband’s ex-girlfriend.' However, the author does not explicitly state that Rhaenyra's relationship with Alicent was romantic or that she had a 'failed homoerotic lesbian friendship' with Alicent as some fans have speculated. Therefore, I cannot definitively say that there are any formal fallacies present in the article.
    • The author references the book 'Fire & Blood' by George R.R. Martin and implies that the events in the article are significant because they were hinted at in the book.
    • The author uses inflammatory rhetoric to describe Rhaenyra's actions.
  • Bias (10%)
    The author makes multiple references to Rhaenyra's romantic involvement with Mysaria, implying approval and excitement. The author also mentions the 'big deal' of Rhaenyra cheating on her husband with his ex-girlfriend and how it is a 'curveball'. These statements demonstrate a pro-LGBTQ+ bias.
    • Many fans of the show read queer undertones into Rhaenyra’s fraught relationship with her former best friend turned stepmother, Alicent. But, Rhaenyra’s steamy kiss with another woman wasn’t with Laena or Alicent. It’s with Mysaria.
      • Mysaria and Rhaenyra share a steamy moment that’s a surprise even to book readers.
        • Sealed with a kiss.
          • This is a big deal because Rhaenyra is still married, so she's cheating on her husband, Daemon, who is also her uncle.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          99%

          • Unique Points
            • House of the Dragon’s Mysaria/Rhaenyra kiss was not in the original Fire & Blood source material.
            • Mysaria shares her story of sexual abuse and infertility with Rhaenyra, revealing her past in a moment of vulnerability.
          • Accuracy
            • Mysaria and Rhaenyra’s relationship grows from a place of mutual trust and respect, leading to a deep emotional connection.
            • Rhaenyra reveals her doubts about winning the war, leading Mysaria to provide counsel and encouragement.
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          86%

          • Unique Points
            • Queen Rhaenyra leaned on Lady Mysaria as a trusted confidant after the brutal events of Rook's Rest.
            • Mysaria opened up to Rhaenyra about her traumatic past in Episode 6.
            • The intimate moment between Queen Rhaenyra and Lady Mysaria that included a kiss was unscripted.
            • Mysaria sees herself as an opportunist trying to pull Rhaenyra back to their cause.
            • Mysaria gained Rhaenyra’s trust through their frankness and empathy towards each other.
          • Accuracy
            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
          • Deception (30%)
            The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. The author, Loree Seitz, uses emotional manipulation by describing the moment between Mysaria and Rhaenyra as 'heated and emotional' and 'passionate'. She also uses selective reporting by focusing on the unscripted kiss without mentioning that it was suggested by Emma D'Arcy. The article does not disclose any sources.
            • From that, it felt so organic to go into the kiss.
            • It wasn’t scripted as a kiss. I think it was scripted as … there’s just breath between them or something, and then whatever happens is interrupted.
            • The pair embraced and, in a heated and emotional moment, the hug turned into a passionate kiss.
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          89%

          • Unique Points
            • House of the Dragon episode 'Smallfolk' focuses on Rhaenyra and Alicent feeling isolated and alone.
            • Alys Rivers, played by Gayle Rankin, is otherworldly and able to enter Daemon’s mind.
          • Accuracy
            • Rhaenyra tries to will Seasmoke to accept a new rider in a dangerous scene.
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (95%)
            There are a few instances of informal fallacies in the article. The author makes use of an appeal to authority when stating that the show's massive scale was 'an honor and pleasure' due to the work of production designer Jim Clay. Additionally, there is a slight example of false cause when discussing Rhaenyra and Alicent's situations, implying that their low points in life are directly responsible for the tension between them. However, these fallacies do not significantly detract from the overall content or understanding of the article.
            • An appeal to authority: The massive scale was an honor and pleasure due to production designer Jim Clay's work.
            • False cause: Rhaenyra and Alicent's low points in life causing tension between them.
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          89%

          • Unique Points
            • Prince Aemond believes he can break the blockade of the gullet by allying with the Triarchy.
            • Aemond permanently dismisses Queen Alicent from the Small Council.
            • Aemond orders Ser Criston to head off to Harrenhal despite warnings about lack of manpower and danger.
          • Accuracy
            • ]Prince Aemond believes he can break the blockade of the gullet by allying with the Triarchy.[
            • Prince Aemond has lost sight of his people’s suffering as they are starving and bread is scarce, while there are grand banquets at the Red Keep.
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (85%)
            The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy in the section where it mentions Aemond's Small Council warning him against trusting the Triarchy and his dismissal of Alicent's wisdom. The author presents this as evidence of Aemond's poor decision-making, rather than justifying it based on its merits or drawbacks.
            • Aemond refuses to move his forces any further without the protection of Aemond and Vhagar.
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication