Check out tense new photos from House of the Dragon Episode 9

King Viserys (Paddy Considine) is dead on House of the Dragon, and while it’s surprising he made it this far considering the awful condition he was in, his death is going to spell bad news for the realm. Viserys kept the peace between the rival factions in his family, and now that someone else has to sit the Iron Throne, knives will come out.

Episode 8, “The Lord of the Tides,” was an opportunity to take a breath and enjoy the characters before the Dance of the Dragons officially begins. I’m ready for more drama and bloodshed!

HBO has released new photos from House of the Dragon Episode 9, “The Green Council,” which marks the second-to-last episode of the season. Check them out below as we wait for the show to continue this Sunday night.

Alicent mourns Viserys in House of the Dragon Episode 9

Alicent (Olivia Cooke) is kind of hated by the fandom at this point, but I can’t help but feel for her. In Sunday night’s episode, she’ll learn that her husband has passed away, and now she’s left with an impossibly hard decision. Does she tell her father what she thinks she heard Viserys say to her on his deathbed? Or will she choose to ignore it and allow Viserys’ true heir, Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), to be the queen?

Well, the Episode 9 trailer reveals that Alicent does spill the beans about Viserys’ apparent dying wish, which she believes was to make their son Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) the king. I doubt Alicent believes Aegon would make a good king, but now that she’s shared that bombshell, there’s no turning back.

Alicent looks distraught while she sits between Otto (Rhys Ifans) and Criston (Fabien Frankel). There’s no doubt they’re on the Aegon train and will do anything they can to usurp the throne, but what about everyone else on the council?

Lyman Beesbury remains loyal to Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon

Those who have read Fire & Blood (and anyone who’s seen the Episode 9 trailer) know that Lyman Beesbury (Bill Paterson) will defend Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne. As an honorable man not willing to forget that Viserys very publicly named Rhaenyra his heir, it doesn’t look like he’s going down without a fight. But unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll get very far.

I’m curious to hear what the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Harrold Westerling (Graham McTavish) thinks of the whole thing. He’s also been extremely loyal to Viserys and I could see him defending Rhaenyra as well. In the photo below, he looks a bit concerned.

Alicent bonds with Aemond in House of the Dragon

What’s interesting to me about this batch of photos is that Aegon, who may very well be the next king, is nowhere to be found. As you can see below, Alicent spends time with her younger son Aemond (Ewan Mitchell). Perhaps they’re mourning Viserys, or perhaps she’s looking for Aegon.

Hate Alicent all you want, but Olivia Cooke is absolutely killing this role. She’s bringing such complexity to the character that I can’t help but love her, even when I hate her. She looks stunning in this dress and hairstyle:

Arryk and Erryk Cargyll take center stage in House of the Dragon

Kingsguard knights Arryk (Luke Tittensor) and Erryk Cargyll (Elliot Tittensor), twins who basically have the same exact name, will seemingly play an important role in Episode 9. They’re out in the city wearing plain clothes, so it’s likely they’re on a mission. Are they going out to find Aegon? It’ll be fun trying to tell them apart.

In the photo below, Aemond is out in disguise as well, but I’m not sure if he’s working with the Cargyll twins or not. It’s possible his mother might’ve sent him on a mission of his own. He’s been a little hard to get a read on so far and I am still intrigued by him.

Rhaenys is up to something in House of the Dragon Episode 9

After the petition to decide the heir to the Driftmark Throne last episode, Rhaenys (Eve Best) is still in King’s Landing. She might be the biggest wildcard going into Episode 9, especially after she took Rhaenyra’s side last week. In the trailer, she’s been locked in her room, which could be because the greens are planning to take the throne and they know Rhaenys supports Rhaenyra. In the photo above, she looks serious and determined.

Just like with the Episode 9 trailer, Daemon and Rhaenyra are nowhere to be found in the new photos. I’m hoping they show up in the episode, especially considering we’ve only got one more after this. The stakes are high and the pressure is on leading into Sunday night’s episode, and I can’t wait to check it out!

Don’t miss House of the Dragon Episode 9, “The Green Council,” premiering on HBO and HBO Max this Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. ET.

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