House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 ending explained: What did Alicent Hightower decide to do?

House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 brought the second season of the HBO series to a close. Although it involved less action and more tactical building, the ending of the episode gave a shocking twist to the story we have known.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8.

One of the concluding scenes of episode 8 involved Rhaenyra Targaryen and dowager queen Alicent Hightower. Alicent goes to Dragonstone unexpectedly to meet Rhaenyra and plan a way to end the war with less bloodshed.

Rhaenyra demands that her opposition be fully demolished, with Aegon's death. She puts the difficult decision on Alicent, who finally agrees to sacrifice her son for the realm and for Rhaenyra's rule.

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What do Alicent and Rhaenyra decide on Dragonstone?

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 (via HBO)

Alicent goes to Dragonstone at the dead of night to meet Rhaenyra and negotiate a route for peace. She admits to realising that Viserys wanted Rhaenyra as his true heir, and she must have the throne to stop the war. Sceptical, Rhaenyra reminds her that it might be too late for a peaceful ascension.

Then, Alicent outlines a plan. She tells Rhaenyra that her son and prince regent Aemond would be leaving on his dragon Vhagar to join the armies of King's Landing.

Aegon's queen Helaena would rule in his stead at that point. Alicent promises Rhaenyra that if she decides to fly in as a conqueror during that time, Helaena would step aside, and the throne would be free.

Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 (via HBO)

However, Rhaenyra remains unsatisfied with the plan, stating that she needs to eliminate all competition and all opposition.

She asks Alicent to stop protecting Aegon and puts forth a condition. Rhaenyra asks to have Aegon's head when she takes her place on the throne. Shocked and in tears, Alicent is forced to mull over this decision before she finally agrees.

At the end of their conversation, Alicent asks Rhaenyra for freedom and even encourages her to seek it. However, Rhaenyra decides to stay and fulfil her destiny and she lets Alicent leave unscathed.

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How did House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 end?

Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 (via HBO)

House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 ends with a short montage of the various characters in the show, right after Rhaenyra and Alicent's conversation. It starts with the three new dragonriders Ulf, Addam and Hugh donning armour to prepare for their flight into war with Aemond.

The Green armies then march towards their destination with the Hightower banner hoisted. Meanwhile, the Starks march from their stronghold in Winterfell to join Rhaenyra's forces. Daemon Targaryen emerges from Harrenhal, at last, to survey his forces and honour his allegiance to Rhaenyra.

Steve Touissant as Lord Corlys Velaryon in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 (via HBO)

As the montage switches to the seas, Tyland Lannister with his newly acquired armada, braves a storm to return to King's Landing. At the same time, Lord Corlys and his crew are ready with their new ship, The Queen Who Never Was, as an ode to Rhaenys Targaryen.

Near the Eyrie, Rhaena's journey finally comes to an end as she encounters a wild dragon Sheepstealer. In the next scene, Otto Hightower is seen weary in a dungeon cell. Most significantly, Aegon escapes King's Landing with Lord Larys, avoiding his near death.

The final shot of the montage focuses on Rhaenyra looking towards the future from her room in Dragonstone while Alicent looks at the sunrise with a ray of hope on the horizon.

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House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 is now streaming on platforms like HBO Max, Sky TV and JioCinema, based on regional availability.