HOTD’s Rhaenyra Lost a Major Player Against Greens All Due to This Fatal Mistake

Summary:

• While the war between Team Green and Team Black of House of the Dragon was inevitable, the balance of power could have been very different.
• The first season ended with Rhaenyra sending her son Lucerys to the Baratheons, which ultimately led to his death.
• Many believe that if she'd sent Rhaenys instead, Team Black would have kept Lucerys alive and secured Lord Baratheon's support.

From the very beginning of House of the Dragon, it was clear that the show was going to outdo its predecessor in violence, gore, and bloodshed. The scene of Queen Aemma's birth made an impression that the entire show had to live up to in episode after episode, until the tragic finale and the death of Rhaenyra's second son, Lucerys.

He fought like a hero against his uncle Aemond, but fell victim to Vhagar's temper. His death, however, was a meaningless loss that could have been avoided if only Rhaenyra had agreed to send Rhaenys to Lord Baratheon instead.

Did House Baratheon Support Greens?

In the final episode of the first season of House of Dragons, both teams are seen preparing for the war that has become inevitable after Aegon II was crowned king in front of a small group of people. Rhaenyra knew that in order to take over another branch of her family, she would need to gain as much support as possible from other noble houses.

House Stark and House Baratheon were the two most strategically important, but in a state of emergency, Rhaenyra decided to send her sons to spread the word. The eldest, Jacaerys Velaryon, was sent to secure the North and meet Cregan Stark, who viewers will see in season 2. The second, Lucerys, went to meet Borros Baratheon.

Sending her sons wasn't exactly the only option Rhaenyra had, but knowing how dark the times were, she probably wanted to make sure they were ready for even greater tasks and battles, but at the Baratheons' Lucerys faced his old nemesis Aemond, who ended up murdering him in midair.

Rhaenyra not only lost her son, but an important ally who went to support the Greens. Many believe this could have been avoided if she had agreed to send Rhaenys instead. Not only would she not be frightened by Aemond's presence even if she were there, but she would know what strings to pull with Lord Baratheon himself.

With blood ties to the house and Joffrey to manipulate as a possible match for Boros' daughter, Rhaenys would have no trouble bringing him over to the black side whether Aemond was there or not. She was not sent, however, and Rhaenyra paid with the life of her second son.

If you want to see where House of the Dragon takes Team Black next, and whether Rhaenys' ties to the Baratheons will come in handy in the future, tune in to House of the Dragon season 2 on June 16, 2024 on HBO.