House of the Dragon season 1 question answered as [SPOILER] is spotted in new episode

The first season of House of the Dragon left us with many questions about how things would play out after the Greens usurped the throne: who'd be the next one to die, and most importantly, did Alicent poison that one handmaiden or no?

Ah, Dyana, the ill-fated handmaiden. Her story is a rollercoaster ride of palace intrigue, scandal, and survival, and fans have been eager to know what happened to her since her last appearance. Well, buckle up because the third episode of season 2, "The Burning Mill," finally gives us some answers. Beware SPOILERS ahead!

A quick recap: Dyana's season 2 ordeal

Let's rewind a bit to season 1, shall we? Dyana was a sweet, young handmaiden working in the Red Keep, minding her own business, and doing her job diligently. But, as often happens in the twisted world of Westeros, her life took a dark turn. In Episode 8, "The Lord of the Tides," Dyana was summoned by Prince Aegon Targaryen to bring him some wine. Unfortunately, this seemingly innocent task ended in horror when Aegon assaulted her.

When Dyana, tearful and shaken, reported the incident to Queen Alicent, viewers saw a mix of sympathy and political calculation in Alicent’s response. She comforted Dyana, gave her moon tea to prevent pregnancy, and paid her off to keep her quiet. But despite Alicent's efforts to maintain her reputation and that of her family, fans were left wondering about Dyana’s fate. Did she survive? Was she cast aside like so many other victims in the treacherous game of thrones?

Dyana's appearance in House of the Dragon Episode 3, "The Burning Mill"

Fast forward to season 2, episode 3, titled "The Burning Mill." About 40 minutes into the episode, there's a bustling scene in a tavern. The camera pans across a crowded room filled with rowdy patrons, laughter, and clinking mugs. And there she is: Dyana, alive and well, tending to tables and serving drinks. And still getting harassed. As Dyana weaves her way through the throng of customers, one particularly boisterous patron gives her a not-so-friendly smack on the butt. Instead of recoiling in fear or anger, Dyana simply lets the moment pass and continues with her work. It's a small moment, but it speaks volumes about her resilience and adaptability and the fact that the poor girl just can't catch a break.

Dyana’s reappearance in "The Burning Mill" is a subtle yet fun little nod to fans. It answers the question of what happened to her after her traumatic experience and highlights her resilience and determination. In a world where the fates of the highborn characters is often the focus, Dyana’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and endurance of the overlooked and underestimated.

And what does this say about Alicent?

Well, for starters, she's not the monster we might have assumed she was. She indeed only sent Dyana away with money and moon tea to keep her silent; I, along with many other fans, had been under the impression Alicent had poisoned the girl instead of giving her moon tea, but seeing Dyana alive takes care of that notion for me.

That said, after the hushed, surprise conversation between Alicent and Rhaenyra in the same episode, we do in fact learn that Alicent had misinterpreted what Viserys whispered in his deathbed; he was speaking of Aegon the Conqueror and the prophecy of the Prince Who Was Promised, not his son Aegon. The awkward silence once that revelation is made is painful, but Alicent refuses to fix things. People, children, have died for this cause already, she doesn't see how ending things now could turn everything around. You didn't even try, Alicent!! You didn't even try!

Here's to Dyana: a survivor, a fighter, and a symbol of resilience in the brutal world of Westeros. We may not know what the future holds for her, but one thing is certain: Dyana has carved out a place for herself far from the shadows of the Red Keep and the machinations of the powerful, and all thanks to Alicent.

Now, if only Alicent could have continued to do the right thing and attempted to make amends... But hey nobody's perfect.

Don't forget to tune in to HBO or Max next Sunday, July 7, for the fourth episode of this behemoth of a show.

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