5 great moments we're looking forward to in House of the Dragon season 2

The Ascendency of Prince Aemond Targaryen

Without going too much into the details of what transpires at Rook’s Rest, I'll reveal that Rhaenyra’s half-brother King Aegon II is badly injured in the fighting, sustaining painful burns from dragonfire. The frequently drunk Aegon begins taking milk of the poppy (the Westerosi version of morphine) to deal with his debilitating pain, which makes it hard for him to sit the Iron Throne and lead the kingdoms still loyal to him through this difficult time. You know what Westeros really needs in the middle of a family civil war involving city-burning lizards? Changes in leadership!

With King Aegon indisposed, his little brother Prince Aemond has to step up and serve as Prince Regent on his brother’s behalf, taking over the rulership of the kingdom and leadership of Aegon’s armies. He also gets to sit the Iron Throne, which you know he's going to love.

This turn of events is suggested in the teaser trailer when Aemond stands alone in the Red Keep on a stormy night staring at the Iron Throne. Aemond’s rise is telegraphed in the penultimate episode of season 1, when he repeatedly points out that he would make a better king than his older brother. Honestly, that seems like a low bar, but I can’t wait too see Aemond try! Once he's on the throne, will it be difficult to get him to leave?

Aemond was the one of the most entertaining characters from the first season, which is impressive given that he was only around for half of it. And we only met the grown-up Aemond, played by Ewan Mitchell, in the last three episodes. With a full season to show off what he can do, Aemond could go from entertaining to iconic.