House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6, sees King Aegon II return to consciousness and surprisingly lies, suggesting he doesn’t recall Aemond trying to murder him. Following the Battle of Rook’s Rest, where the Blacks and Greens met on the field for the first dragon battle of the war, King Aegon has been in recovery. Aegon was betrayed by his younger brother at a pivotal moment during the battle when Aemond arrived and targeted him with dragonfire. Despite being lit ablaze, sent to the ground, and brutally injured, Aegon survived.
In season 2, episode 5, Aegon was still out of commission as he recovered from his wounds, secretly being brought back into King’s Landing as the Greens announced the battle as a great victory to the public. In the absence of the king, Aemond was declared Prince Regent, making the betrayal worthwhile for him on all accounts as he ascended the throne in his brother’s place. Upon Aegon’s awakening at the end of House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6, Aemond arrives at his older brother’s bedside, asking him what he remembers of the battle.
Aegon Likely Lies To Aemond Because He’s Now Scared Of Him
Aegon Does Remember The Battle, But He Fears Aemond Will Kill Him
Upon Aemond asking his brother what he remembers, Aegon states that he remembers nothing. While some short-term memory loss wouldn’t be impossible in this situation, Aegon seems to be lying to meet his younger brother’s demands. At this moment, Aemond holds all the power in King’s Landing, ruling on the Iron Throne, considered the rightful heir by many, and riding the largest dragon. Aemond killing Aegon in his sleep would be a messy situation, but he holds enough individual sway now that he could possibly get away with it.
This fact makes Aegon II terrified, and submitting to his brother’s wishes is the best way for him to survive, at least until he can regain his strength. Likewise, while Aemond might be able to get away with killing Aegon, he’s not a threat to him in his current state, and it’s safer to keep him alive. Especially since Alicent seems to be aware of Aemond’s treachery, killing Aegon at this stage would likely cause him issues he can’t afford to deal with while Rhaenyra and Daemon raise forces to contend with King’s Landing and the Greens.
The Ball Aemond Gives To Aegon Is A Reminder Of His Power Over Him
Aemond Tortures Aegon With His Own Attendance Ball
The small council attendance balls have become a valuable resource in the House of the Dragon writer’s room, as they’ve now been used in multiple interesting ways. Of course, Lyman Beesbury had his head smashed into one at the end of season 1, and Aegon II was seen spinning his ball out of impatience while listening to his council. In season 2, episode 6, Aemond brings the ball to Aegon’s bedside and presses it into his wounds as he threatens him. The important aspect to note is that this is the king’s small council attendance ball.
When Aemond is decided as Prince Regent by the council, he takes Aegon’s attendance ball and places it into the king’s slot, signifying his ascendance. He then takes the ball to Aegon’s quarters and uses it to demonstrate who holds the power. The ball may be a symbol of Aegon’s seat on the council as king, but it’s Aemond who holds it and uses it now. Aemond hates his older brother for his role in his childhood trauma, and it isn’t good enough to just see him suffering. Aemond needs to personally toy with his brother and gloat over his victory.
What Happens To Aegon Now?
Aegon Will Eventually Recover
Aegon may be out of commission for the time being, but his narrative in House of the Dragon is far from over. Sunfyre didn’t die either, as per the show’s source material, and they’ll both recover over time, at least to an extent. The Battle of Rook’s Rest was ultimately costly for the Greens, as, even though they took out an enemy dragonrider, their stability suffered because of Aegon’s downfall. For the rest of season 2, however, Aegon will likely be bedridden as he recovers more of his consciousness.
Until Aegon II recovers, House of the Dragon will likely shift away from his character and spend more time on the new figures introduced in season 2, like the dragonseeds. Aegon should continue to be a major player throughout each season, though, as he still holds the title of king throughout the Dance of the Dragons. As armies move and positions change, Aegon will appear in varying degrees, but the fact that he’s the namesake of the Greens will continue to matter.