*WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6.* The latest instalment of House of the Dragon delivers yet another emotional rollercoaster for Alicent Hightower, portrayed by Olivia Cooke, as she grapples with her pivotal role in the unfolding Dance of the Dragons. In episode 6 of season 2, a troubled Alicent is left in the dark, anxiously awaiting news from her father Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), despite her numerous letters going unanswered.
Her heartache is compounded by the guilt over her parting words to her eldest son Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), who lies at death's door after his bold but reckless charge into battle. Desperate to make amends amidst the chaos, Alicent seeks solace with her daughter Helaena, promising a trip to the temple to light candles for Aegon and "all the other lost souls". READ MORE: House of the Dragon: Who is Jeyne Arryn and which dragon is roaming The Vale? READ MORE: House of the Dragon episode 6: Helaena may have just shared her most chilling prophecy yet Before they set off, Alicent shares a rare and touching moment with her brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox).
It's during this intimate exchange that Ser Gwayne offers a succinct assessment of her youngest, Daeron Targaryen, leaving viewers deeply touched by her response. Alicent faces the painful realisation that while her older sons, Aegon and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), have grown unkind men, Daeron has become something entirely different a stark contrast to his brothers, and notably, the one child she hasn't raised herself. In a revealing conversation with her brother, Alicent inquires: "My son Daeron.
.. What's he like?" "Does he not write to you? " Gwayne asks, prompting her reply: "Less and less these days.
" Gwayne offers a comforting word about Daeron, noting his growth into a commendable young man, remarking: "Ten and six now. Letters, perhaps, hold less of his interest. "He's stalwart, clever, as adept with his lute as he is with his sword.
And a feature in the fancies of many a young lady, I'll wager." He hesitates briefly, before adding: "He's kind." Alicent's face is a canvas of mixed feelings as she issues a two-word response, stating: "That's good.
" She then observes a lack of kindness in his brothers, to which Gwayne responds by commending her decision to send him away, hinting at the Red Keep's dubious influence on young men. "Was it the court or was it their mother? " Alicent questions with a tinge of sorrow, and Gwayne reassures her: "I'm sure you did your best." Game of Thrones enthusiasts took to Reddit to express their sentiments on this poignant exchange.
In a thread titled 'When you have a kind son that was raised away from you', one fan commented: "I thought this was a really good yet really sad scene." Another shared the sentiment, saying: "This scene made me feel really sad..
I know it's Alicents fault but god Olivia...
maybe it's the doe eyes power...
she's too good." (sic) A third fan penned: "I loved this scene. Made me feel for Alicent and her regrets I do believe that she is not fully to blame for her sons.
" (sic) One more wrote: "I love how Gwayne talked about Daeron in this scene. It seems that Gwayne is both proud of the young lad his nephew has become, while also being saddened by the fact that Alicent barely knows who her youngest child is." Another praised: "I really like this scene for Alicent.
She's lost everything in a way and you can see her decency in it." House of the Dragon season 2 is set to air in the UK on Mondays at 2am BST (British Summer Time) on Sky Atlantic and NOW. The same episode will also be broadcast again on Monday at 9pm.
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