The season finale of House of the Dragon season 1 delivered on the title of the present greater than some other episodes within the present’s run, with a dragon-centric hour of drama and intrigue. There was dragon stock, dragon recruitment (by way of music!), and eventually, our first dragon-vs.-dragon battle within the Thrones tv universe.

And it was simply as intense as the prophecies foretold. Would or not it’s a Game of Thrones prequel if nobody died?

[Ed. note: Major spoilers for the House of the Dragon finale]

In “The Black Queen,” Rhaenyra sends her oldest sons out to recruit potential allies within the upcoming Targaryen Civil War. Jacaerys is distributed to go to the Arryns and the Starks, whereas Lucerys is distributed to Storm’s End to fulfill with Lord Baratheon. Lucerys, who earlier within the episode expressed issues to his mother about his future obligations as inheritor, will get a pep speak from her and a stern reminder to not begin any issues.

Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO

Lucerys rides his dragon Arrax over to Storm’s End, and as he lands, we will see the hulking presence of Vhagar, Aemond’s gigantic dragon, lurking within the background. When Lucerys enters the fort, Aemond is there, smirking, having already made a cope with Lord Baratheon — allegiance to Aegon in alternate for Aemond marrying certainly one of Lord Baratheon’s daughters.

A quick battle breaks out. Aemond calls Lucerys “Lord Strong” and calls for the younger prince take out his personal eye. But Lucerys refuses (naturally), and books it, getting on Arrax and making an attempt to fly away in stormy climate. Aemond and Vhagar comply with, their presence revealed in a jaw dropping picture, with Vhagar lurking among the many clouds beneath Arrax like a large sea monster prepared to interrupt by way of the waves.

As Vhagar and Arrax draw nearer, the 2 inexperienced younger riders lose management of their respective winged steeds. Against Lucerys’ instructions, Arrax breathes fireplace on the a lot bigger Vhagar, which does little greater than annoy the big dragon. And then, within the episode’s most climactic second, Vhagar devours each Arrax and Lucerys in a single chew, as Aemond helplessly makes an attempt to cease his dragon from retaliating.

It’s an excellent second for the present’s first dragon battle, actually laying out the hazard of utilizing these creatures in battle — one thing talked about by Rhaenyra earlier within the episode, out of concern for ruling over an empire of ash if she makes use of the dragons to take again King’s Landing. It’s a full circle second for Aemond and Lucerys’ arc this season, Aemond initially misplaced his eye after stealing Vhagar a few years (and episodes) in the past. Now their battle has develop into much more consultant of the present: Though battle appeared inevitable with final week’s coup, it’s now been inescapably escalated thanks to 2 Targaryens who couldn’t hope to manage the beasts they’ve ostensibly tamed.

It’s additionally appropriately brutal, with little bits of Arrax falling out of the sky as Vhagar tears into the a lot smaller dragon, coupled with Aemond’s shock on the scenario and his lack of ability to manage Vhagar. He now has a choice to make when he will get again to King’s Landing — does he strut in proudly, having taken out certainly one of his brother’s key rivals for the way forward for the throne, or will he stroll in meekly, ashamed for by accident inflicting a significant escalation on this battle?

Either approach, it’s a giant RIP to Lucerys, the newest casualty of House of the Dragon’s bigger battle. Maybe you’re along with your (possible) dad now.