History Heartwarming / HouseOfTheDragon

-->'''Aegon:''' You do not drink enough!
-->'''Aemond:''' You drink more than a Braavosi seahorse--
-->'''Aegon:''' I drink ''just'' the right amount.

* Viserys's ravaged face (the half that we can see anyway) actually lights up when Rhaenyra introduces her sons by Daemon to her father and especially her youngest son to his namesake, with Viserys joyously and jokingly declaring his grandson's name fit for a king.

* When discussing Viserys' possible remarriage, Otto notes that he loved his own late wife dearly and that he does not envy Viserys for having to make such a hard decision. Even if he is a scheming ManipulativeBastard most of the time, Otto still has some empathy in him.

* Rhaenyra and Daemon's proper reunion. Even though much time has passed since he's seen her face to face, their bond is as strong as ever and Daemon is chuffed to see she still wears the necklace he gave her. He's also the only one that tries to ameliorate her concerns of marriage.

* While a disguised Rhaenyra is collared by a gold cloak after creating a public disturbance, said captain of the watch turns out to be Ser Harwin Strong, who recognizes her, doesn't raise the alarm, and lets her go, with a warning to be more careful.

*** Adding to that, it's more than likely this was not merely Rhaenyra's first experience with anything sexual, but also her FirstKiss. While it comes with serious consequences even in-universe, who better for the experience than the one man she has admired, loved, and respected her whole life? Daemon has always been the one person she could truly be herself with and never had to hide anything from. It's clear (even from the first episode) how close they are, so it's quite possible they've yearned for each other for longer than either would care to admit. In a very unique way, she is ''Daemon's'' first real experience with love as he is Rhaenyra's.

** Her uncle's successful "courtship" compared to all of Rhaenyra's other suits is not only because of sheer magnetism between the pair but also because in contrast to the bubble a princess of the blood is kept in all her life; Daemon shows her that a dragonlord or lady should be as free as any lowborn.

* Rhaenys and Corlys continue to be the most stable romance in the show. It's made clear in their private conversations that getting a Velaryon on the Iron Throne isn't just plain ambition for Corlys, it's his way of making up for the wrongs that was done to his wife. Rhaenys, for her part, is way more mature about the whole thing, [[AngerBornOfWorry worrying that]] [[LoveMakesYouCrazy Corlys is probably going overboard all for her]].

* [[OhCrap Aemond's desperate attempts to calm Vhagar after Arrax breathes fire at her face against Luke's will]]. It's clear he knows that Luke's dragon is panicking and starts to panic himself when Vhagar goes after Arrax against his orders. It's clear in this moment that Aemond ''did not want it to go this far'', and is genuinely worried for the life of his nephew. [[WhatYouAreInTheDark His horrified reaction to Luke's death implies that he really didn't hate his nephew as much as he thought and maybe even still felt some minor affection for him from their childhood together]]. Also, he technically only demanded Luke's eye earlier (and specifically said he was only claiming one eye and did not want to blind him) rather than his life.

* The bond between Rhaenyra and Alicent. The former even admits that having her company brings her greater joy than being her father's sole child. And that for his sake she hopes he gets the son he's long awaited, also mentioning that her worrying is only for her mother and not for her position.

* Daemon proving more of his HiddenDepths at the funeral for his cousin, Aemma, and his short-lived nephew, as well as showing his empathy for the king. Aside from showing genuine anguish himself when no one is looking, he manages to refocus Rhaenyra away from misplaced blame and anger at her father by pointing out that Viserys needs her to finish the funeral ceremony due to his own all-consuming grief. It shows that regardless of his draconic flaws of avarice, pride, and wrath, Daemon is capable of being a loving family member willing to share the burden of mourning at a public funeral in a sincere, devoted, and caring way. While Aemma's and Baelon's funeral is certainly a TearJerker, the true compassion Daemon shows for his niece and brother comes through, as he offers comforting words to the former.

* Lady Laena and Viserys' walk in the garden in King's Landing proves she's a sweet young girl that understands her position, even if it's clear she doesn't actually like it. Viserys himself treats her with kindness and acknowledges she is far too young and innocent to take as wife, even asking if what she's saying is her own doing or that of her parents.
** The conversation starts off pretty pleasant on it's own, with Laena asking about how Viserys was Balerion's last rider, to which the King responds with an air of fond nostalgia at the memory of his brief time as the Black Dread's rider.

* In the immediate aftermath of Rhaenyra's success in making Daemon stand down, she willingly reports to her father and expected a dressing down. Viserys, quite understandably, scolds her for insubordination--but more importantly insists that his main fear was she could have been killed should a skirmish have broken out.
** This leads to SincerityMode for both of them--with Viserys finally admitting he has been very emotionally-stilted in dealing with Rhaenyra's own feelings about everything happening. Rhaenyra, for her part, shows appreciation for her father's honesty, and practically gives him free rein to look for a new queen. [[TearJerker It's a shame she had to know who this new queen]] [[WeUsedToBeFriends (and stepmother) would be later on]]... [[PoorCommunicationKills all because Viserys didn't disclose it in this very moment]].

* Despite not so subtle hints from other lords about the prospect of putting Aegon ahead of Rhaenyra, Viserys will hear none of it, and firmly puts down anyone who suggests such a thing. If nothing else, the man is loyal to his daughter, and will defend her right fiercely.
** And Rhaenyra, in turn, rips a snooty lady a new one for criticising Viserys' policies. Even when those two are pissed off at each other, they still have each other's backs.
* Despite becoming queen and a strained relationship with her former best friend, Alicent remains dutifully loyal to Rhaenyra, backing her claim and refusing to raise her son with the expectation of stealing Rhaenyra's birthright, defying even her father, Otto. Underneath her TheHighQueen exterior, is a loyal and kind woman who just wants to do what's right by her loved ones.

* Rhaenyra wearing and toying with the Valyrian steel jeweled pendent Daemon gifted her, while enduring countless suitors. Coupled with the reaction to his return.

* While a disguised Rhaenyra is collared by a gold cloak after creating a public disturbance, said captain of the watch turns out to be Ser Harwin Strong, who recognizes her, doesn't raise the alarm and lets her go, with a warning to be more careful.

** Just how tender Daemon is with Rhaenyra during their altercation, caressing her lips and hair as if she's the most precious person in the world to him. In his own inimitable way trying to alleviate her fears of sex and childbirth. And when he realizes that she is having just as much a powerful affect on him as he is on her despite all his experience; he's left spiraling and remorseful. Abruptly breaking off the dalliance with her in shame, for trying to use a niece who trusts and adores him, along with how weak she makes him feel when she turns around to look up at him, outright smitten.
*** Adding to that, it's more than likely this was not merely Rhaenyra's first experience with anything sexual, but also her FirstKiss. While it comes with serious consequences even in-universe, who better for the experience than the one man she has admired, loved and respected her whole life? Daemon has always been the one person she could truly be herself with and never had to hide anything from. It's clear (even from the first episode) how close they are, so it's quite possible they've yearned for each other for longer than either would care to admit. In a very unique way, she is ''Daemon's'' first real experience with love as he is Rhaenyra's.

** It's important to note that Daemon only asks for Rhaenyra's hand when Viserys spits that he should ''disinherit her''. That goes against all the interpretations that he plotted to cause this scandal in order to get closer to power. Rather, that his sole interest is in Rhaenyra for her own person.
* Viserys, although he has his political reasons for what he did top - is still a devastated father who insists she's "just a girl." Furious at Daemon's seeming power-play over his daughter and potential ruining of her prospects in the eyes of Westeros from a place of fatherly protectiveness as well.
* Alicent defends Rhaenyra to Viserys, saying that she trusts Rhaenyra's denials about "coupling" with Daemon. Despite the distance that has grown between the friends, the political pressure from her father and the obvious benefit to her son Aegon, Alicent still wants what's best for Rhaenyra.

* Laenor and Joffrey's relationship is shown to be very loving, with Joffrey fully understanding that Laenor's upcoming marriage to Rhaenyra is purely political. It makes it all the more heartbreaking that the episode ends with Joffrey's tragic death.
* Alicent decides to spare Criston Cole despite breaking his vows and sleeping with Rhaenyra. It's clear she only intended to ask him about her escapades with Daemon, and is rightly shocked to find out that Rhaenyra seduced him. Then, Criston asks that he be granted mercy... a quick death. Alicent, realizing that Criston is a victim in this situation, [[PetTheDog tells him he can go.]]

** It's also notable that Daemon, despite his evident displeasure at Rhaenyra's marriage to Laenor, does not hold Laenor responsible for it, merely saying his is a good knight and warrior whose only flaw is that he is boring. Considering this is the same guy who ''killed his own wife'', it's nice to see him not take his anger out on someone who took away the woman he wanted to wed.

* There's a great little visual Easter-egg of Luke almost touching Joff's prospective dragon egg in its bed of coals and Jace quickly saving his younger sibling from burning himself by pulling his hand back.

* Even though it's to mock Aemond for not having a dragon yet which is a dick move, there's something oddly heartwarming about seeing Aegon, Jacaerys and Lucerys working together like brothers to razz Aemond. Despite the hostility between their parents, they still manage to be brotherly assholes to each other.

* Although Daemon has regrets simmering beneath the surface, his marriage to Laena has been far happier than his niece's into the Velaryon family. To leave the dangers of court intrigue behind and stay in Pentos with his wife, his daughters and his books is a life he seriously considers.

* It's said the Strongs are a lost cadet branch of the Starks and it shows in the honour (some) of the family strive to uphold. "You have your honour. And I have mine." Harwin reminds his father, that he could ''never'' endure Cole's cruelty to his sons and not intervene. No matter how ruinous the implications.
* Laena more or less giving Daemon her blessing to reconnect with his family in Westeros, playing rather effective armchair-therapist to her husband and urging to him to rediscover his inner fire.

* Laena's death scene gives one heartwarming moment to Vhagar. She hears the command but she does not obey at the beginning. The great dragon is not a mindless animal and it shows that she loves her rider, Only when Laena gets desperate does she finally obey, putting her rider out of her misery.

* When Harwin is forced to leave King's Landing, he says goodbye to Jacaerys and Lucerys. As he leaves, Jace asks his mother if Harwin is his true father and whether he's a bastard or not. Rhaenyra reminds him that, whoever his sire is, he's ''her'' flesh and blood; and as true a Targaryen as any other - and that's what truly matters.
* For that matter, the very fact that Harwin and Rhaenyra were together for ten years and still clearly feel very strongly about each other with every look they give. Rhaenyra even saying to Jace (with all the risks of rumours running high) how wouldn’t it be fun that they could send ravens to Harwin as she tries hold in her emotions. Sadly it was not to be.

* The first act Daemon commits in the episode is a great bookend, with him diverting the funeral party's attention from Vaemond's barbs at the Strong Boys by mocking his speech, protecting them and their mother. They are the blood of the dragon and for a seahorse to claim some kind of superiority of lineage over even dragonling bastards is ''priceless'' to the rogue prince. And of course he does this immediately after his first HeldGaze with Rhaenyra after ten years of absence.

* Daemon and Rhaenyra's decade-long reunion. They both admit that despite all the time that's passed, the partners that they took, they've never stopped loving each other. Now, instead of Daemon being the instigator and dangerous object of desire leading her into temptation; Rhaneyra makes the first move and claims him as her mate, tentatively, as if he might bolt again but with strength and surety. And the way he whispers her name reverently at her touch...

** Daemon and Rhaenyra's traditional Valyrian wedding, with their children watching from nearby. [[HappilyMarried Both are clearly delighted and triumphant to finally be bound for life.]]

* When Aemond threatens to feed Baela and Rhaena to Vhagar if they attack him again, Jace and Luke become true knights and step up to defend the ladies' honour, a favor Daemon's girls quickly return when the boys start getting their asses whipped by their uncle.

** Rhaenys can be seen in the background hugging her grandaughters close, and Corlys doing much of the same with the boys.

* Daemon checking Criston from interfering between Rhaenyra and Alicent, who is making to help his aggressor queen, while the rogue prince has faith that she can contend with her stepmother alone.
** He's also the first to staunch the bleeding from his niece's cut forearm if you look carefully in the overhead crane shot, then he stares down to Alicent and Aemond as only a true PapaWolf can.

** Last but not least, Lucerys rushes to his Rhaenyra's side once the fighting is subdued to see to his mother's wound, uncaring of his own bleeding.
** While Rhaenys knows Jace and Luke are not her grandkids, she is shown pulling them close to her when Alicent tries to attack Luke with a knife, showing that she wants for them to be safe even if they aren't her sons children.

* As twisted as it is, Otto's pride for Alicent's maternal outburst and Aemond's claiming of Vhagar is quite notable, as it is possibly the first time he's shown any open positive reinforcement for his daughter and grandson. For [[EvilVirtues someone as "sick with ambition" as Otto]], this is as close he can make a SoProudOfYou (especially as Alicent was beating herself up for behaving in a manner ''"unbefitting [her] station"''). For all of Tywin Lannister's charisma and excellence as seen in ''Series/GameOfThrones'', Otto has him beat in actually trying to mold his scions as capable parts of his House, not children to browbeat into submission.

* Laenor clearly affirms his love for the boys to Rhaenyra and when he curses the gods for making him as they have, Rhaenyra comforts him saying that for all his faults, he's an honourable and decent man. A rarity in their world.

-->''"Ser Qarl will return soon, to the fighting in the Stepstones. But I recommit myself to you. And to strengthining our house as we prepare for your ascension. I will raise our sons to be princes of the realm. / You deserve better than what I have been. You deserve a husband."''
** Mitigated somewhat, as Nyra ''really'' wants another man to be that husband pillar of support and she's through with waiting for him to get his act together.

* Rhaenyra and Daemon share many tender moments throughout the episode that exemplify they are truly a happily married couple (probably the healthiest in the setting if we don't count Robb and Talisa) that's in-sync and supportive of each other through and through:

* Daemon examining his brother's "tea" by smell and finding out to his disgust that he's being heavily medicated. Alicent and Otto have clearly kept any correspondence that might have told them about the king's sorry state out of their hands as he declined. Thinking the Hightowers have basically kept him hostage and his condition secret (albeit incorrectly so with Rhaenyra later recanting the accusation after seeing more) Rhaenyra insists that the Dragonstone maester, Gerardys should see the king; a man they clearly trust.
* For all the advantage he's taken of Viserys' illness, the look on Otto's face when Viserys refuses to take his painkillers today makes it clear that, all ambition aside, Otto genuinely hates to see him suffer and it breaks his heart to see him in this condition.
* How Viserys's walk of grandeur is framed is that he's enduring the pure torture of his march, all for his firstborn child and when he stops to give her a paternal: "Papa's got this" grimace of support, Emma just endows Rhaenyra with an overflowing sense of gratitude, love and pride in her father by way of a single look.

** Rhaenyra sincerely praises Alicent for taking care of her ailing father. A thankless, heartbreaking, emotionally and physically exhausting task with unfailing fidelity. Even offering the olive branch of a blanket apology for the life her old friend has lead, recognising that the marriage to Viserys was never something she wanted.
** Alicent is touched to see Rhaenyra acknowledge her sacrifice and tells Rhaenyra she'll be a great Queen, showing a willingness to bury the hatchet she didn't have when Rhaenyra offered to betroth Jace and Helaena. Furthermore, Olivia Cooke claimed that Alicent is ''also'' bitterly envious of how much better a mother Rhaenyra is than she; and yet it's ''that'' shared experience which she hopes to make common ground with her again.
** Sweet Helaena's toast to Rhaena and Baela actually makes Daemon and from the sounds of it, Otto, laugh together. The girl is a miracle-worker.

** It's a small moment, and overshadowed by Aegon being a total ass about it and the pass he made at Baela a minute or two later, but he asks Jace if he knows "how to do it" in a manner that sounds as if he's open to giving his nephew some tips on how to please his future wife. Perhaps it's Aegon trying to be nice and avuncular in his own way.
** Even ''Aemond'' of all people, cold like a serpent, shows a kernel of warmth for Helaena as he turns his seat at the dinner table to watch her dance with Jace (almost a mirror of when Daemon did the same for Rhaenyra and Laenor) .

* Alicent ''begging'' Aemond with her eyes to be the bigger man and not go for the low-hanging fruit of naming his nephews bastards as he raises his cup. Olivia really unites Emily's Alicent's disposition of compromise and good-will in this family meal.

* Alicent is genuinely upset to hear about Viserys' death. He may not have been the husband she may have wished for, and her marriage may not have been the happiest one - even aside from her being painfully aware that she was a distant third in Viserys' heart behind Aemma and Rhaenyra - but she did love him and is distraught by his passing.
* [[CoolOldGuy Lord Lyman Beesbury]] steadfastly standing by Rhaenyra and by extension Viserys's memory, refusing to have any part of treason and he pays for it with his life.
* [[KnightInShiningArmor Ser Harrold Westerling]] showing where his true allegiance lies when he tears his white cloak asunder and denounces the small council for ordering the assassination of Rhaenyra and her family. The man has been by the princess' side since she was a girl and he ''will not'' betray her to a den of vipers. Hopefully the first place he'll go upon his forced retirement will be Dragonstone.
* [[UndyingLoyalty Lord Allun Caswell]], notable in his two other appearances for being one of Rhaenyra's closest supporters at court, lies to Otto's face and makes obeisance to the Greens... Then immediately tries to leave the Red Keep and warn his princess of the usurpation; he's apprehended before he can though and when Otto demands his reason for leaving aside from warning the Blacks - [[DefiantToTheEnd he gives no excuse]]. And dies for it.
* All the other Lords and Ladies who refuse to bend the knee and break the oaths they swore two decades ago. Especially Lord Merryweather and Lady Fell, who are both imprisoned for their fidelity even when warned they will be made hostage.

** Aegon in turn, wretched and unfit as he is to be king, recognises the fact and was willing to have Mysaria's network smuggle him out of King's Landing and live without his privileges for the rest of his days as long as he could live his own life; begging Aemond to take from him the power and duty he so craves for.

* When Alicent tries to win Rhaenys over to her faction, she unwisely lists all the misfortune that the Lady of Driftmark has endured and the princess's eyes widen in absolute draconic fury at the low-blow to her family and that could very well include her second cousin, Rhaenyra and first cousin, Daemon.

** Biggest among them though, is that Alicent [[TogetherInDeath is ready to die with him ]](when Rhaenys arrives on Meleys). Facing the angry Targaryen princess and her dragon, [[MamaBear she stands in front of her firstborn, trying to protect him with her own body.]] While Alicent doesn't like the person Aegon became, no matter what she said to him in the previous episode, he is still her son, and she loves all of her children.

* When helpless in the face of Rhaenys' sudden appearance with her dragon, Otto's first order to the guards? Open the gates and allow the smallfolk to flee. Throughout the whole season, there has always been the question of how sincere Otto's [[TheNeedsOfTheMany "good of the realm"]] rhetoric actually is, so it's very telling that [[WhatYouAreInTheDark when he's taken totally by surprise and facing certain death]], his instinct is to minimise collateral damage. It would appear that when the chips are down, he does practise what he preaches.

** Lucerys absolutely ''idolizes'' his mother, if his calling her "perfect" is anything to go by. The look on Rhaenyra's face when he says this basically screams "I would die for this boy".
** Rhaenyra's more positive outlook on how her father was trying to prepare her for the throne, and telling Lucerys that she will help him in the same way. She clearly regrets her RebelliousPrincess attitude and impulsiveness in her youth, [[ParentsAsPeople and now sees that Viserys really was just trying to do right by Rhaenyra, even though he made mistakes with her]].
* The devotion of Rhaenyra’s midwifes and lady attendants to her, who have helped time and again before and have expressions of anguish for her - pleading to be allowed to help.
* The jossing of speculation that Daemon would wish to bypass his stepsons to make his birth sons heir, with his specifically having the kingsguard on Dragonstone swear to Jacaerys as heir (when he could have only had them swear to Rhaenyra and omitted anything about her heir).

* The man to crown her and the first to kneel before Rhaenyra as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms is of course her husband, Prince Daemon.
* When Rhaenyra enters the council room for her first meeting as queen, her cupbearer (and stepdaughter) Rhaena offers her a cup of wine, [[NiceToTheWaiter which she gratefully accepts]]. She then invites her and her sister Baela to attend the council. Having served as her own father's cupbearer serving wine to ungrateful lords who had no use for her opinions, Rhaenyra values the service and opinions of the ladies in her household as well as the lords and princes.

* While AlternativeCharacterInterpretation is definitely at play (especially with the bout of DomesticAbuse in the middle of the episode), it is clear Daemon's at his wit's end trying to make sure the whole of the Black court is safe at Dragonstone. The death of his beloved brother, his stillborn daughter Visenya, the fact that Rhaenyra could well have died in the birthing bed the same as Laena did. The man throws himself into what he ''can'' change and does everything in his power to reinforce their cause and push for his wife's (and even Jace's) claim to the throne.
* Daemon smirking proudly when Rhaenyra makes her entrance, crowned atop Syrax. He also never disobeys her orders to remain cordial and not draw first blood despite chomping-at-the-bit to put Otto down.

* Rhaenys, after spending an entire season having a complicated relationship with Rhaenyra, stands by her cousin and convinces Corlys to support her claim, pointing out that Rhaenyra is the only person keeping the realm with whatever stability it has left. She also at last accepts Jace, Luke and Joff as her grandchildren and is determined to protect them from Aegon.
* Corlys' near-death experience has humbled him and he apologizes to Rhaenys for blindly following his own ambition without any concern for her or their grandchildren. He also agrees to ally with Rhaenyra on account that her sons—whom he knows are not biologically related to him but still genuinely considers as amongst his grandchildren—will suffer if she loses the impending war.

* [[OhCrap Aemond's desperate attempts to calm Vhagar after Arrax breathes fire at her face against Luke's will]]. It's clear he knows that Luke's dragon is panicking, and starts to panic himself when Vhagar goes after Arrax against his orders. It's clear in this moment that Aemond ''did not want it to go this far'', and is genuinely worried for the life of his nephew. [[WhatYouAreInTheDark His horrified reaction to Luke's death implies that he really didn't hate his nephew as much as he thought, and maybe even still felt some minor affection for him from their childhood together]]. Also, he technically only demanded Luke's eye earlier, (and specifically said he was only claiming one eye, and did not want to blind him,) rather than his life.
* Daemon gently taking Rhaenyra aside and breaking the news of Lucerys's death to her. The PapaWolf is still there, even if his grief, rage, BloodKnight and ByronicHero tendencies temporarily get the better of him.

* Daemon brooking no further calumnies from Vaemond after he calls his stepsons bastards and his wife a whore by immediately [[JustForPun cutting him off]], clearly demonstrating how he will defend their honour to a deadly degree with no hesitation.

* As twisted as it is, Otto's pride for Alicent's maternal outburst and Aemond's claiming of Vhagar is quite notable, as it is possibly the first time he's shown any open positive reinforcement for his daughter and grandson. For [[EvilVirtues someone as "sick with ambition" as Otto]], this is as close he can make a SoProudOfYou (especially as Alicent was beating herself up for behaving in a manner ''"unbefitting [her] station"'').

* As twisted as it is, Otto's pride for Alicent's maternal outburst and Aemond's claiming of Vhagar is quite notable, as it is possibly the first time he's shown any open positive reinforcement for his daughter and grandson. For [[EvilVirtues someone as "sick with ambition" as Otto]], this is as close he can make a SoProudOfYou (especially as Alicent was beating herself up for behaving in a manner "unbefitting [her] station".