Rhaenyra Seizes the Crown Amid Blood and Betrayals

Slate’s post-episode chat on House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 2 tracks a brutal day of power plays: Jacaerys dies, Rhaenyra grieves then seizes the throne by beheading Otto Hightower, Daemon maneuvers and clashes with Mysaria, Alicent survives a predatory assault by Jasper Wylde, and Aemond’s violence deepens the realm’s blood-soaked crisis. Jasper Wylde is crowned this week’s Worst Person in Westeros as Rhaenyra’s ascent signals a costly, rule-by-force path to the crown.