Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen are House of the Dragon Most famous couple (on top of his uncle and niece), and Their relationship has a fairly tumultuous timeline. The couple are played by Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy in the House of the Dragon Cast and are not only the leads of the Game of Thrones Prequel’s ensemble, but they are also the main figureheads of the Black Faction. After the death of King Viserys Targaryen, Daemon’s brother and Rhaenyra’s father, the pair branched off into their own faction as Queen and King Consort, contending for the Iron Throne.
House of the Dragon Timeline involves several notable time jumps in the first season, with Rhaenyra beginning the series as a teenage girl. This creates a complicated dynamic with Daemon beyond just the couple being related. Once Viserys leaves, Daemon quickly becomes envious of Rhaenyra and how she was chosen as heir over him After he spent such a long time he wants it. This is crucial for their relationship in House of the Dragon Season 2.
Season 1, Episode 4
Daemon & Rhaenyra share an uncomfortable kiss
Despite Rhaenyra’s willingness, Daemon shies away from having sex with her at this time.
Much of the early part of House of the Dragon In season 1, Viserys tries to find suitors for Rhaenyra, who resists the idea From being married to noblemen such as Jason Lannister. Her dissatisfaction with choosing a husband and Viserys’ lack of action in this matter means that she spends years without a marriage. In episode 4, Daemon suggests that she explore her passions in other ways and take her for a night on the town in King’s Landing.
While touring brothels and taverns, The couple notice their attraction to each other and kiss. Despite Rhaenyra’s willingness, Daemon shies away from having sex with her at this time. Rhaenyra then returns to the Red Keep and seduces Kristen Cole, who reluctantly has sex with her. This begins her first notable sexual relationship, which ends with Cole becoming one of her worst enemies.
Season 1, Episode 5
Daemon & Rhaenyra each with a Velarion sibling
In Season 1, Episode 5, Rhaenyra finally decides on a husband, Ser Laenor Velaryon, her second cousin. Laenor is a proven warrior and dragonrider from the War of the Stepstones, where he fought alongside Daemon and his father, Lord Corlys Velarion. It’s a tactical marriage that solidifies Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne with a powerful noble house ally, and while they may still be related, at least they’re a bit closer in age than she and Daemon. It doesn’t really make it better, but it’s something.
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In her marriage to Laenor, a number of important events occur regarding Rhaenyra’s romantic life. One, she has some sexual tension with Daemon at the wedding despite having chosen a new husband. Then the ever-dramatic Kristen Cole freaks out about seeing Rhaenyra married to another man and takes his anger out on Joffrey Lonmouth, beating him to death at the wedding. As for Daemon, he bonds with Laenor’s sister, Lady Laena Velarion at the weddingAnd it is implied that they also get married between episode 5 and 6.
Season 1, Episode 7
Daemon and Rhaenyra’s spouses die and they marry each other soon after
Episode 7 begins with the death of Laena Velarion due to a false pregnancyresulting in Daemon returning to his bachelor life. Unlike Daemon’s first wife, Rhea Royce, he actually showed genuine love for Laena and her Frosity, with whom they had two daughters, Baela and Rhaena. Daemon, Rhaenyra, and the rest of the cast meet in Driftmark for Laena Velarion’s funeral, and some important events occur.
First, Daemon mourns the loss of his wife by having sex with his niece, which is the first time he and Rhaenyra consummate their romance. Because of this and the general lack of interest of Ser Lanor in Westerosi politics, Daemon and Raenira built a plan to get rid of him. Laenor is sent off to Essos with his lover while Daemon and Rhaenyra fake his death. The absence of Laenor and Laena allows Daemon and Rhenira to marry each otherA thought met with anger from King Viserys.
Season 1, Episode 8
Daemon and Rhenira return to King’s Landing after living together on Dragonstone
Daemon and Rhaenyra spend the next six years living on Dragonstone, away from Viserys and his new family. Episode 8 shows the couple in full for the first time when They travel to King’s Landing, having given birth to two sons and a daughter in their absence. At King’s Landing, Daemon and Rhaenyra arrange marriages between their non-sibling children, with Jacaerys set to marry Baela and Lucerys set to marry Rhaena. Shortly after their exit from King’s Landing, King Viserys dies, and the Dance of the Dragons begins.
Season 2, Episode 2
Daemon leaves Dragonstone in disgrace after an argument with Rhenira
Daemon begins season 2 with the intention of fighting for Rhaenyra in the Dance of the Dragons, but their temperaments clash immediately as the wartime begins. After the blood and cheese incident, the two get into a heated argument where Rhaenyra hits Daemon with some deep, personal and well-deserved verbal blows. Rhaenyra points out Daemon’s jealousy over her and how much Viserys loved her, suggesting that he chose her as his heir because Daemon was unfit to be king. Daemon leaves Dragonstone in dismay, going to Harrenal Where he spends the rest of season 2.
Season 2, Episode 8
Daemon & Rhaenyra reunite at Harrenhal
Daemon and Rhenira spend the majority of House of the Dragon Season 2 apart from each other before reuniting in the finale. Daemon spends season 2 trying to assemble an army in Harrenhal and, importantly, considering his loyalty to Rhaenyra. Daemon only had to name himself king and start his own faction, even though he would have been the weakest contender for the Iron Throne. But The visions he experiences in Harrenal force him to reckon with his past, eventually realizing that he is not fit to be the ruler.. See Aegon’s Dream finalize his decision.
Rhenira flies to Harrenhal in the House of the Dragon Season 2 ending, demanding in front of the Lords of the Riverlands that Daemon declare his intentions immediately. He tells her of Aegon’s dream before bending the knee, Swear fealty to Rhaenyra as his wife and the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Rhaenyra tells him that if he leaves her again, it will be the last time he does so, setting the stage for future drama in House of the Dragon Seasons 3 and 4.