Top 13 couples on House of the Dragon, from most screwed up to least

5. Laenor Velaryon and Joffrey Lonmouth

We only spent one episode getting to know Joffrey Lonmouth, but he seemed to have a functional, mutually respectful relationship with Laenor Velaryon.

Granted, the two had to make due under less than ideal circumstances. As the first born son of a noble house, Laenor was expected to marry a highborn woman in order to improve his family’s position, and it was clear that his father Corlys was uncomfortable with his son’s homosexuality.

Still, Laenor and Joffrey were devoted to each other despite the restrictions under which they had to work. Joffrey especially was realistic about how he and Laenor could continue their romance even as Laenor married Rhaenyra Targaryen, who herself was very understanding of the situation. Unfortunately, Joffrey tried to make an ally of Ser Criston Cole, who is a blithering psychopath. But until he intervened, Laenor and Joffrey were doing pretty well, all things considered.

4. Laenor Velaryon and Qarl Correy

After Joffrey’s death at the hands of Ser Criston Cole, Laenor took up with Qarl Correy, a knight in service to House Velaryon. We don’t get to see much of what their relationship was like, but it was strong enough that Qarl helped Laenor fake his own death so he could escape the pressures of noble life. Hopefully they’re enjoying each other’s company somewhere far away from this nonsense.

3. Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Harwin Strong

By this point in the article, all of the relationships we’re talking about are more-or-less functional, if complicated. For instance, in Episode 6, Rhaenerya Targaryen and Ser Harwin Strong are in a loving, devoted partnership. He’s the Commander of the City Watch, she’s the crown prince of the realm. They have three sons together, they have a familiar rapport, and Rhaenrya’s husband is fine with them dating.

Remember what I said about things being complicated? Rhaenyra and Harwin may have a good thing going, but they have to hide it from almost everyone. As the heir to the Iron Throne, Rhaenrya had to marry for political reasons; her husband, Laenor Velaryon, is the first-born son of another powerful house, and a decent guy to boot. Only issue is that he’s gay. Politically, their marriage is great and they get on well with each other, but they have to find intimate affection elsewhere.

Things are also complicated because Rhaenrya’s children are very clearly not Laenor’s, which could spell trouble for their eventual claim to the Iron Throne. In another life, under different circumstances, Rhaenyra and Harwin could have been happy together. But on House of the Dragon, their relationship was always doomed.