House of the Dragon: What’s going on between Queen Alicent and Criston Cole?

In the West House of the Dragon, many things are happening at the same time. From the death of Prince Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grieho) at the hands of Aemon Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) to the murder of the heir Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney). The truth is that the map of circumstances of the Seven Kingdoms is changing extremely quickly due to all the events that war brings with it. But few circumstances seem more heinous and unpredictable. than the sexual relationship between Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Ser Christon Cole (Fabien Frankel).

This twist not only surprised the public, but could also have a variety of consequences in the future. In particular, for complicating the situation among the Greens. With the commotion in King’s Landing, Aegon II trying to assert himself in power, and Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) away from court, things are becoming increasingly tense. Thus, the explosive situation between the Queen Mother and her sworn sword complicates matters. Particularly now that Criston is also Hand of the King.

Of course, the combination of sex and power is not unusual in the saga of George R.R. Martin. However, this time the theme is combined with everything that happens in a weak court. Aegon is a king who challenges (or so his clumsiness seems to suggest) his father’s legacy. This causes tension inside and outside the Red Keep. Worst. This becomes an element of rift between the Personal Council, which supports his claims, and Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) weight on Dragonstone. So you need all the solid support and points you can get. One of them, of course, is his mother. Which secret romance is being questioned.

Confused queen in a chaotic situation

Until now, Alicent has been outwardly a moral beacon for her family. From confronting Rhaenyra and condemning her behavior to demanding ethical order in the Royal Keep. The Green Queen is considered one of the people important to understanding Aegon’s claim to the Iron Throne. Especially when the supposed change of opinion Viserys (Paddy Considine) about his successor on his deathbed.

So the first episode of the new season will feature two sex scenes between the queen and her sworn sword, which is quite a change of heart for the character. Moreover, the relationship – apparently limited to sex and secret meetings between them – explores the characters’ personalities. On the one hand, Criston, who took a vow of chastity as the White Cloak, quickly breaks his promise. Which leads him to dark places. As you may recall, part of the conflict that led him to confront Rhaenyra was It was born from her rejection and the shame that the gentleman felt after spending the night with her.

On the other hand, Alicent spent most of her time accusing Rhaenyra of immorality and criticizing her home life. So she turned herself into the exact opposite of what her stepdaughter symbolized. So, the sexual relationship between the Queen Mother and Christon. This undermines all the supposed principles that fuel the Greens’ claim to the Iron Throne.

A difficult decision at the most inopportune moment

But the truth is that the relationships – purely carnal or beyond – between important figures on the Green side make it clear that House of the Dragon, plays with ambiguities. That is: through the Queen’s decision about sexual autonomy and experimentation, the fact that the reason for the Red Fortress is an unfortunate origin is explored. There is no moral basis to support this claim, nor is there any greater moral high ground. Just the ability to maneuver about the power plays that ultimately put Aegon in his father’s place.

In the case of Christon Cole, things are even more complicated. Having lost his knighthood at the hands of Rhaenyra – as he himself insisted in the first season – illicit relationships lead only to a lack of boundaries. Difficult moment in the script in that he is King Aegon’s advisor, as well as the visible head of the Gold Cloaks.

Meanwhile, it is obvious that this couple is driven by desire, a certain violence and a sense of guilt, this symbolizes that the Greens are following the same path of ambition as the Blacks. What does the argument allow? House of the DragonDelve into the characters’ darkest places and the unjustifiable cruelty they can display. Something that is made clear by the disgusting sex scene between the Queen and Christon, in which she hits him in a rage.