The Targaryen civil war begins as Rhaenyra receives word of her father's death.
The first season of House of the Dragon has ended, and the Dance of the Dragons has begun. The finale followed Rhaenyra and her family as they learned of Viserys' death and made their first moves to challenge the Hightowers for the Iron Throne.
As Rhaenyra enters early labor in her chambers, Daemon gathers their allies for a war council . Before he cam jump into action, Daemon is stopped by Jaecerys , who Rhaenyra ordered to halt any war plans . Though he cannot make any big moves, Daemon continues his power games by commanding the knights of the Kingsguard at Dragonstone to swear fealty to their new queen, under threat of death by his dragon, Caraxes.
In another war council, Rhaenyra argues that her true duty to Westeros is to reign over it peacefully, rather than ruling over a kingdom of "ash and bone." Daemon counters, saying that the Hightowers have already started the war, and Rhaenyra clears the room. Once they're alone, she reminds Daemon of her ultimate oath, the Song of Ice and Fire.
When Luke arrives at the Baratheon castle, his uncle Aemond is already there. An arrogant Borros Baratheon tells Luke that Aemond has already promised to marry one of his daughters, which Luke can't do because he's betrothed to Rhaena. Baratheon refuses to join Rhaenyra's side and sends Luke away, but before he can leave, Aemond steps up and demands Luke cut out his eye as payment for the long-ago accident. Luke keeps his oath not to fight, but Aemond rushes at him.