We’ve gone from messy to deadly on House of the Dragon, with the newly-released fifth episode of the Game of Thrones spin-off not pulling any punches. Coming off the events of Episode 4, “King of the Narrow Sea,” this week’s “We Light The Way” takes us to Driftmark as King Viserys (Paddy Considine) proposes a marriage. Of course, he wants his daughter Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) to wed Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) and Rhaenys Targaryen’s (Eve Best) son Laenor (Theo Nate), and quickly, too.
But before the Targaryens even head to the island, there’s a major scene that happens when the episode opens.
Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon Episode 5!
We finally get to meet Daemon Targaryen’s (Matt Smith) wife in Episode 5, but unfortunately, her appearance on House of the Dragon doesn’t last long. We’ve heard references to Lady Rhea Royce (Rachel Redford) in previous episodes, mostly with Daemon complaining about her. Though the two are married, we’d almost consider them estranged, with Rhea living in the Vale and Daemon… doing whatever Daemon wants to do.
Remember, Daemon tells Rhaenyra that marriage is nothing but a “political arrangement,” and clearly, he lives by that statement.
“We Light The Way” begins with Daemon arriving at the Vale, wearing that black, hooded cloak again. He confronts Lady Rhea, who’s out hunting on horseback. She’s unmistakably shocked to see him there and even asks if he’s arrived to finally consummate their marriage. But of course, that’s not why he’s there.
What happens to Rhea Royce (Daemon’s wife) in House of the Dragon?
The opening scene of Episode 5 is really important, but it’s also pretty short and a little ambiguous as to what actually happens to Rhea. During their brief conversation, Daemon begins coming closer to Rhea, whose horse backs up. In a quick moment, Rhea starts to realize why he might be there, and she reaches for her bow and arrow. But as Daemon comes closer, the quick movement scares the horse and it falls over on top of his wife.
Rhea lays on the ground, partially paralyzed, and when Daemon starts to walk away, she taunts him with one final line: “I knew you couldn’t finish.” This is obviously a challenge to Daemon, who then picks up a rock and walks back over to her. But before we get to see what happens, the scene cuts to the Targaryens out at sea.
Later on in the episode, Corlys and Rhaenys deliver the news to Viserys that Rhea is dead, explaining that her neck and skull were crushed after she fell off of her horse. So yes, unfortunately, Rhea dies in this episode. And though we don’t see it on screen, we can assume that Daemon did kill her. The stone he used to do the deed is a cheeky nod to Fire & Blood, where Rhea falls off her horse and cracks her head on a stone under slightly suspicious circumstances before passing away several days later.
During Rhaenyra and Laenor’s pre-wedding festivities, Rhea’s cousin confronts Daemon, telling him that he knows her death was not an accident. But there’s really not much he can do, at least at this time. Of course, Daemon denies any blame.
“We Light The Way” is packed with so many surprising, tense, and even devastating moments, it’s hard to process it all! We’ll be curious to see if Rhea’s cause of death is investigated further, but we have a feeling Daemon’s going to get away with this one.
You can stream House of the Dragon Episode 5, “We Light The Way,” right now on HBO Max.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter. Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels