In the world of Westeros, power and betrayal go hand in hand. The latest instalment of House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones, has once again proven this point with its brutal season 2 premiere. The episode began with a shocking revelation: Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, the young son of King Aegon II and Queen Helaena, was brutally murdered in his bed.
The assassins responsible for the heinous act were Blood and Cheese, two men hired by Daemon Targaryen to eliminate Prince Aemond. However, when they couldn't find their target, they resorted to killing the innocent prince instead. Helaena had predicted danger due to her gift of prophecy and was unable to decide which child to save when confronted with the assassins' demand.
The assassination marked the beginning of a war between the Greens (Aegon, Alicent, Otto) and the Blacks (Rhaenyra, Daemon, Rhaenys, Corlys). The Targaryen dynasty was once again plunged into chaos and bloodshed.
Elsewhere in King's Landing, Alicent continued her affair with Ser Criston Cole while Mysaria was discovered as a stowaway on a ship to Dragonstone and accused of colluding with the Hightowers. The episode ended with Lord Cregan Stark, a young Stark in charge of the entire North, being introduced at the top.
The brutal murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen was just one event in a long line of power struggles and betrayals that have defined Westeros throughout history. The episode served as a grim reminder that no one is safe from the reach of those seeking power, and that even the most innocent can become casualties in the game of thrones.