Queen's Landing (House of the Dragon)
Rhaenyra takes King's Landing amid personal and political devastation.
"Queen's Landing" is the second episode of the third season of *House of the Dragon*, the fantasy drama that serves as a prequel to *Game of Thrones*. The episode continues the story of the Targaryen dynasty's downfall during the brutal civil war called the "Dance of the Dragons." It was penned by executive producer Sara Hess, directed by Clare Kilner, and debuted on HBO and HBO Max on June 28, 2026.
In the episode, Rhaenyra deals with the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet and moves ahead with her scheme to capture King's Landing, while Alicent gets ready for her arrival. Aemond heads to Harrenhal, Rhaena is overwhelmed by guilt, and Aegon and Larys have their journey interrupted. Critics praised the episode for its direction, pacing, and Emma D'Arcy's acting.
**Plot**
At the Gullet, Addam, Hugh, and Ulf use their dragons to wipe out the last of the Triarchy fleet. Addam finds Corlys and brings him to shore. After High Tide is destroyed, Corlys offers to legitimize Alyn as a Velaryon.
In the Vale, Rhaena is upset about Sheepstealer's actions at the Gullet and asks Jeyne for asylum; Jeyne lets her stay to protect the region.
In the Crownlands, Triarchy survivors from the Gullet attack the wagon carrying the captive Aegon and Larys, letting them escape. Ignoring Larys's objections, Aegon decides to go to Rook's Rest, where he was disfigured, to look for his dragon Sunfyre.
In the Riverlands, Daemon and his forces are celebrating their victory when Simon arrives to tell him about Jace's death. Before leaving for Dragonstone, Alys approaches Daemon and says she wants Harrenhal in exchange for helping him rally the Rivermen, but Daemon refuses because of her low status and the castle's strategic value. Angered, Alys warns him to leave and never come back. Aemond flies to Harrenhal on Vhagar, searching for Daemon, and kills everyone he finds, including Simon and his sons Germund and Paxter, though Paxter wounds him. Aemond begs Alys for help and then passes out.
At Dragonstone, Baela brings Jace's body to Rhaenyra. Devastated, Rhaenyra scolds her advisors for doing nothing and then retreats to her room to grieve. She wonders if her fight for the Iron Throne is worth it, given it has cost her two sons. Daemon arrives to comfort her and shares his Song of Ice and Fire vision from Harrenhal. Rhaenyra, Daemon, Hugh, and Ulf then fly to King's Landing on the
- series
- House of the Dragon
- season
- 3
- episode_number
- 2
- air_date
- June 28, 2026
- writer
- Sara Hess
- director
- Clare Kilner
- network
- HBO and HBO Max
Lore & Background
In the episode, Rhaenyra must come to terms with the fallout from the Battle of the Gullet and puts her plan into motion to take King's Landing as Alicent prepares for her arrival. Aemond heads to Harrenhal and Rhaena is stricken with guilt, while Aegon and Larys' journey is interrupted. At the Gullet, Addam, Hugh, and Ulf destroy the last of the Triarchy fleet with their dragons. Addam later finds Corlys and brings him ashore; with High Tide destroyed, Corlys offers to have Alyn legitimized as a Velaryon. In the Vale, Rhaena is distraught by Sheepstealer's actions and requests asylum from Jeyne. In the Crownlands, Triarchy men attack the wagon escorting the captive Aegon and Larys, allowing them to escape; Aegon plans to go to Rook's Rest to search for his dragon Sunfyre.
Reader's Guide
The episode received critical acclaim, with praise for its directing, plot momentum, and Emma D'Arcy's performance. It marks Hess' fifth writing credit and Kilner's sixth directing credit for the series. The episode was originally written in 2023 as part of a planned ten-episode second season, but was moved to the third season due to the Writers Guild of America strike and budget cuts. Director Clare Kilner focused on keeping the camera on Rhaenyra during the throne room scenes, emphasizing her vulnerability and the emotional cost of claiming power. The closing scene, where Rhaenyra steps on Otto's blood to reach the Iron Throne, was logistically challenging, requiring soaked sponges on Emma D'Arcy's shoes and CGI-enhanced blood reflections. The episode's significance lies in its depiction of Rhaenyra finally seizing the throne she long sought, but at a devastating personal cost, including the death of her son Jacaerys.
Did You Know?
- Harry Collett, who played Jacaerys, described Emma D'Arcy's performance as 'unbelievable' and said playing dead while receiving their performance was challenging.
- Director Clare Kilner had only two days of filming with Rhys Ifans, who played Otto Hightower.
- The episode was originally written for season two but moved to season three due to the Writers Guild of America strike and budget cuts.
- Emma D'Arcy stated that the scene where Rhaenyra speaks to Jace's corpse was the only scene they dreaded filming in the entire season.
More in House of the Dragon episodes 1-24
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