Rhaenyra’s Trust in Daemon Explored: Emma D’Arcy Discusses House of the Dragon Season 2

Emma D’Arcy recently shared insights regarding Rhaenyra’s trust in Daemon following the conclusion of season 2 of House of the Dragon. The dynamics between Rhaenyra and Daemon have been intricate and fraught with complications since the show’s inception. Early in season 2, Rhaenyra’s trust in Daemon diminishes significantly after the Blood and Cheese plot unfolds, leading her to dispatch him to Harrenhal in search of allies for the Blacks. Throughout the season, Daemon grapples with his allegiance to Rhaenyra, despite pledging his loyalty to her by the season’s end.

In a recent interview with Collider, Emma D’Arcy expressed doubts about Rhaenyra’s trust in Daemon. D’Arcy indicated that Rhaenyra’s skepticism remains, asserting, “there is still resistance there,”which means she will need to “keep him on a short leash”as events progress. Below are her thoughts:

My feeling is it’s the latter. It’s funny, within the course of the series, that scene, again, was a real joy to shoot where he reaffirms his commitment to her. You sort of see this moment of reunification in both of them. Something that I realized in the second series was that their relationship only functions when they are in positions of power and confidence. Their erotic energy is dangerous. It’s bloodthirsty. It’s about power. If they’re in a state of need or weakness, their relationship doesn’t work. They can’t speak to each other. They can’t reveal that stuff. I suppose what strikes me is as much as that scene was super exciting to shoot, there’s surely way more to discuss. There’s a lot more to say.

I think Rhaenyra is quite a changed character by the end of the second series. I think her relationship to her name, to her Targaryen history, to her faith even, has shifted in a massive way. I think she’s less compromising now. The truth is, I wait in anticipation to find out what they’ve written, but I can’t imagine that, given all of the events that transpired in the second series, she wouldn’t need to keep him on a short leash.

Implications of Emma D’Arcy’s Comments for Season 3

Anticipated Dynamics of Rhaenyra & Daemon’s Relationship

Throughout season 2, Daemon is primarily engaged in amassing an army in the Riverlands, while simultaneously wrestling with his loyalty toward Rhaenyra. He even entertains the notion of betraying her to assert his claim to the throne. However, after a pivotal vision involving Alys Rivers, a Weirwood tree, a White Walker, and Daenerys Targaryen, he realizes that he is merely a piece of a broader narrative, leading him to recommit to Rhaenyra. Still, the question remains: can she ever fully trust him again?

As Emma D’Arcy noted, Rhaenyra’s faith in Daemon is far from solidified after season 2. Their intricate bond is deeply tied to the concepts of power and influence; Rhaenyra’s acceptance of Daemon’s allegiance stems from her urgent need for the military support he brings. Nonetheless, Rhaenyra’s willingness to trust him is now tempered, requiring her to maintain a tighter rein on Daemon’s actions moving into the third season.

Our Perspective on Rhaenyra & Daemon’s Relationship in Season 3

Relevance to Fire & Blood

The Dance of the Dragons continues. #HouseOfTheDragon has been renewed for Season 3 on @StreamOnMax. pic.twitter.com/XnoaDEHfdH — House of the Dragon (@HouseofDragon) June 13, 2024

Rhaenyra’s cautious attitude towards Daemon mirrors the tensions depicted in the source material, Fire & Blood, where the complexities of their relationship intensify amid the unfolding Dance of the Dragons. In the forthcoming season, Rhaenyra is expected to navigate the precarious balance between recognizing Daemon’s ambition and assessing him as a potential threat. His strategic military capability is indispensable, yet his previous actions—particularly the Blood and Cheese scenario—have only deepened her mistrust. Consequently, Rhaenyra will need to closely monitor Daemon’s loyalty to protect her sovereignty in House of the Dragon season 3.

Fans can anticipate the premiere of season 3 in late 2025 or early 2026.

Source: Collider

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