House of the Dragon continues to outdo itself with each passing episode. Though last week’s episode “We Light the Way” left viewers in shock, they weren’t given much time to process as they are thrown into an entirely new dynamic. Episode 6 "The Princess and the Queen" is filled with excitement and intrigue as fans are invited to become reacquainted with the characters they thought they knew.

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Episode 5 brilliantly set up contending factions, leaving fans to wonder how they will enact their pursuit of the Iron Throne. Now, not only are there distinct political sides, but the opposing parties are prepared to take action to further their bureaucratic agendas. Still, Episode 6 proves that while many things have changed, others are still very much the same.

10 Several Characters Have Grown Up

Laena after the time skip in House of the Dragon

The announcement of Rhaenyra and Alicent's character change caused fans to eagerly await Emma D'arcy and Emily Cook's arrival in the series. As these are two central characters, fans were focused on this switch. However, Episode 6 introduced grown-up versions of other characters as well, such as Leana and Laenor.

"The Princess and the Queen" gives fans an interesting experience as they are reintroduced to characters they already know. Though they are played by different actors, the characters' essence remains. Rhaenyra is still stubborn and strong-willed, Laenor is still playful and kind, and Alicent is still uptight and anxious.

9 Dragons, Dragons, And More Dragons

Caraxes and Syrax in House of the Dragon

Dragons are a significant part of Targaryen history, and the family's control over these magnificent creatures made them the fearsome force nations recognized. Previously, Daenerys' interactions with her three dragons in Game of Thrones were the only scenes where fans witnessed the interplay between the family and their lethal pets.

Episode 6 showcases thrilling dragon races, new dragon eggs, and dragon training. Each character has a special relationship with their dragon and, in turn, each dragon appears to have their own personality. Seeing the special relationships between Targaryen and Velaryon characters and their dragons is nothing short of thrilling.

8 Viserys Is Still Alive

An old Viserys Targaryen smiling in House of the Dragon

After Viserys collapsed, the kingdom's future was left hanging in the balance and fans were left wondering if the Dance of the Dragons would start sooner than anticipated. Thankfully, this hasn't happened yet. While Viserys clearly hasn't gotten better, he is still alive and doing well for the most part.

Viserys may not look the same but he is still able to move on his own and is in control of most of his faculties. Though he may require more rest these days, he still carries a strong presence. Viserys' death will eventually kickstart a gruesome war, but his lingering presence builds more and more tension with each passing day.

7 The Next Generation Is Growing Into Their Own

Aemond Targaryen training with Triston in House of the Dragon

The new princes and princesses have made their debut, and they've displayed their distinct personalities and characteristics. When fans meet Alicent's children they learn that Aegon is a careless jokester, Helena is a peculiar loner, and Aemond is a late bloomer. As for Daemon and Laena's children, his young daughters seem sharp and observant. One's main concern is her unhatched dragon egg and the other smirks at the prospect of marriage.

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Rheanyra and Laenor's children were also introduced, Jacaerys might be as immature as Aegon as he also takes pleasure in teasing his uncle Aemond, and Lucerys seems to be the quiet type. As these are fans' introductions to these new characters, it is certain that they eagerly await their growth and the roles they will play in the impending war.

6 Alicent Raised Suspicions About Rhaenyra's Children

Alicent Hightower with wide eyes after the time skip in House of the Dragon

After Rhaenyra gave birth, Alicent sent word that she wanted to see the baby immediately. It was curious that Alicent would make such a request, but after her conversation with Viserys and Ser Criston it became clear why. Alicent wanted to see if Rhaenyra's baby resembled Laenor. After discovering that he did not, she took her concerns to Viserys. The King replied that Alicent had raised this suspicion before and demanded that she never raise the subject again.

Alicent's frustrations towards Rhaenyra, Viserys, and her son Aegon were expressed without restraint. She wanted to discredit Rhaenyra and name her son as Viserys' heir. However, it seems that no one wants to call out Rhaenyra's infidelity and the king isn't concerned with preparing Aegon for the throne, leaving Alicent irked and at a standstill.

5 Daemon Started A New Family Of His Own

Rhaena, Baela, and Daemon in House of the Dragon

The dance Daemon shared with Laena at Rhaenyra and Leanor's Wedding Celebration proved to be more than just a meaningless flirtation. Daemon and Leana are now married with two children and another on the way. While Daemon was so miserable in his last marriage that it drove him to commit murder, he seems to genuinely care for Laena.

Though Daemon has proven himself as the series' villain in previous episodes and has committed several heinous acts, Episode 6 paints him in a new light. Daemon has distanced himself from politics and is trying to embrace a simple, quiet life. This goes against his nature, a fact his wife recognizes. Still, it's endearing to see him step into the role of a loving husband and father.

4 Ser Criston Provoked Ser Harwin

Criston teaching Alicent's and Rhaenyra's Children how to fight in House of the Dragon

It's clear that Ser Criston is a man scorned, and he barely tries to hide his contempt for his former paramour. While training the young princes, Ser Harwin criticized his teaching skills. This provided Ser Criston with the opportunity to test his theory that Ser Harwin is the father of Rhaenyra's children.

He intentionally staged an uneven match between Aegon and Jacaerys and encouraged Aegon to overpower his young nephew. Once Jacaerys was down, Ser Harwin angrily stopped the fight. Ser Criston used this moment to accuse Ser Harwin of being overly protective of Jacaerys much like a father and Harwin responded by attacking Ser Criston. As a result, Ser Harwin was exiled from court.

3 Larys Is Alicent's Informant

Larys Strong in House of the Dragon

After the council meeting, Alicent met with Larys. Their initial exchange revealed that their meeting was habitual, and he has taken the role of Alicent's informant. Now that Alicent has taken Rhaenyra's lie about her virtue personally, she has added Larys to her secret army as she tries to prepare Aegon for the Iron Throne.

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Though Larys' motives for guiding Alicent to Rhaenyra's secret aren't clear, viewers met a frightening sinister side of Larys when he goes to meet prisoners in the castle dungeon. Alicent and Larys' partnership has already proven to be cold and malicious in nature.

2 Rhaenyra Suggested That They Betroth Jacaerys To Helaena

Adult Rhaenyra at a council meeting in House of the Dragon.

In an attempt to quell the strife between their houses and distract the court from their growing suspicions, Rhaenyra suggested that she and Alicent betroth their children and allow them to rule together. None of Rhaenyra's three children resemble her husband Laenor, and she is aware that questions about her children's parentage will soon threaten her claim to the throne.

While her father is thrilled by this proposal, Alicent sees it for what it truly is – damage control. She quickly ends the meeting and later tells her husband she has no interest in betrothing her only daughter to an illegitimate child.

1 Laena Chose Her Own Fate

Laena Tells Vhagar To Kill Her House of the Dragon

During her labor, Laena's baby was stuck inside of her. Her doctor approached Daemon and stated he reached "the limit of [his] art." He proposed opening her womb but informed Daemon that Laena would not survive the procedure. Upon hearing this, Laena decided to take matters into her own hands and approached her dragon Vhagar.

She gave him the infamous Dracarys command. Her dragon was very hesitant but he eventually complied and gave her the dragonrider's death she longed for. While this scene is tragic, there is power in her decision as she refused to succumb to the same death that claimed Queen Aemma's life in Episode 1.

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