The Black faction finally holds the Iron Throne. House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 2 premiered June 28 with Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen officially taking King’s Landing. Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith’s characters seized the capital with covert assistance from Olivia Cooke’s Alicent Hightower and the Goldcloaks. The occupation scatters the Green loyalists across Westeros and forces a direct shift in the Targaryen civil war following the devastating losses at the Battle of the Gullet.
Aegon the usurper managed to flee the besieged city alongside Larys Strong before the gates completely fell. The escape immediately forces Daemon to adjust his strategy, turning his attention toward tracking down Otto Hightower instead. The 68-minute installment officially runs longer than the original Game of Thrones benchmark “Battle of the Bastards.” The actors recently discussed these narrative shifts, according to verified cast commentary breaking down their characters’ calculated moves during the takeover.
Away from the main invasion force, the episode resolved lingering emotional threads from the season premiere. Corlys Velaryon shared a rare vulnerable exchange, finally offering his unwed son Alyn the official Velaryon name.