Dark secrets come to light as a family betrayal is uncovered in House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 4.
WARNING: This article contains massive spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 4.
The fourth episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 focuses heavily on the horrific escalation of violence in Tumbleton and the dangerous web of lies threatening to destroy Team Black from within. With secret weapons revealed and family loyalties shattered, the war enters an even darker phase.
The captured Prince Daeron Targaryen is revealed to not be who Rhaenyra thought him to be. The moment his mother, Alicent, takes a look at him, she realizes he is an imposter. We then find out the real Prince is still with Ormund Hightower, and his hair is dark to hide his identity. Ormund Hightower has constructed an elaborate plot to make Prince Daeron the King, bypassing Aemond entirely.
Ormund receives a devastating revelation that Aemond will not be joining the Hightower host, prompting an extreme, furious reaction from Ormund, who realizes they are now entirely exposed to Rhaenyra’s dragonriders.
Back in the capital, Rhaenyra’s court is plagued by paranoia. Ulf the White brings troubling news from the streets, relaying the derogatory “Queen of Bastards” graffiti painted by the angry smallfolk. Rhaenyra’s reaction to this information is a mixture of profound fury and insecurity, driving her to tighten her authoritarian grip on the city.
Meanwhile, the Velaryon dynamic shifts again. Overwhelmed by grief and politics, Corlys officially relinquishes his position as Hand of the Queen, passing the mantle to his son Alyn, thrusting the young sailor into the highest echelons of power.
As if the episode was not already packed with big reveals, Daemon Targaryen uncovers a series of devastating truths: that his daughter, Rhaena, is actually the dragonrider who had a direct hand in Jacaerys’ tragic death at the Gullet, and that she is currently hiding in the Vale to escape retribution.
Protecting his own blood, Daemon chooses a dangerous path. He lies about Sheepstealer’s rider to Rhaenyra.
In a secluded sanctuary, Aegon II secretly comes in contact with his maimed dragon, Sunfyre. Despite everyone telling him otherwise, Aegon fiercely believes Sunfyre is alive, rekindling his desire to fight for his throne.
Finally, back in the capital’s quarters, Alicent discovers that her daughter, Helaena, is pregnant, meaning Team Green still has another player in the game. One that Team Black knows nothing about.
About House of the Dragon Season 3
The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to popular HBO series “Game of Thrones;” based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” “House of the Dragon” is set nearly 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys I Targaryen’s children battling for control of the Iron Throne.
Season three of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON debuts SUNDAY, JUNE 21 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. The eight-episode season will continue with one new episode weekly through August 9.
