Aemond-Alys Rivers-Alicent Sex Scene; Dragon Eggs

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Season 3, Episode 7 of “House of the Dragon,” now streaming on HBO Max.

Gayle Rankin’s Alys Rivers has encountered an Oedipus complex before at Harrenhal, but this week’s “House of the Dragon” episode thrusts her directly into the Targaryens’ incestuous saga for the first time.

In Episode 7 of Season 3, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) has already fulfilled Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) directive by reaching Harrenhal. Her mission aims to draw Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) out so Rhaenyra’s forces can finally eliminate him and ensure her claim to the Iron Throne. Alicent greets her son with warmth and admiration for his perceived superiority over his siblings, seemingly as a means to pacify him. However, their interaction soon escalates into an intimate encounter, culminating in a shocking twist where mother and son engage in a sexual relationship.

The scene is unsettling until it is revealed that Aemond is actually hallucinating visions of his mother while being with his lover, Alys (Rankin), as part of a new strategy to expand the Targaryen lineage and establish their own dynasty.

Filming the scene between mother, son, and son’s new girlfriend was “very intimate and very odd but very professional,” Rankin notes. “We tried to make jokes to keep it lighthearted because those scenes are not easy, and they’re complicated and very technical. So it was also just like another day at the office for a very odd, messed-up scene.”

The plot intensifies when the real Alicent arrives at Harrenhal, and Alys unsuccessfully attempts to persuade Aemond that his mother is not there to support him. After an “unbearable” family dinner, as Rankin describes, Alys is vindicated. Alicent slips away at night after poisoning Aemond, leaving him to crawl back to an exasperated Alys for aid.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to those at Harrenhal and King’s Landing, Aemond’s brother Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) reunites with his dragon, Sunfyre, while Aemond’s dragon, Vhagar, remains missing. This could spell trouble for Alys and Aemond, who possess dragon eggs but lack a mature dragon to defend themselves should Aegon or Rhaenyra decide to confront them in next week’s Season 3 finale.

Read on for more insights from Variety‘s interview with Rankin about Episode 7 and the upcoming developments.

Do you think Alys’s feelings for Aemond are genuine?

Yes, I do. They’re complex, like any relationship, especially when you’re involved in a war, desire a castle, and happen to be a witch. But those complexities aside, I believe they are genuine.

What is it about Aemond that draws Alys to him? As a complex woman who has been around for an uncertain length of time, what is it about Aemond that appeals to her?

I think he is unapologetically himself, which she finds refreshing. He is, in some ways, misunderstood and although he has behaved badly, he has also achieved what he wanted, which she respects. Together, they form a kind of dark power couple.

Why did Alys choose to reveal the dragon eggs to Aemond but not to Daemon, despite asking Daemon for Harrenhal and wanting that castle?

Daemon never truly let his guard down with Alys and eventually broke her heart. She’s prophetic and reads people well, realizing Daemon was never going to be the answer for her. Aemond is a different case, and she instinctively knows it.

Alys knows about the dragon eggs hidden for decades, suggesting she might be as old as she claims. How old do you think Alys really is?

I think she could be around 400 years old, give or take. We might learn more soon, but I believe her. There is skepticism about her truthfulness, but I say, believe her.

What was filming the opening scene like, transitioning from Aemond in bed with his mother to Aemond with Alys in a hallucination sequence?

It was very intimate and odd but conducted professionally. We used humor to keep it lighthearted because those scenes are complex and very technical. It was like another day at the office for a very odd, messed-up scene.

Alys seems to handle the dynamic well when Aemond talks about loving his mother. She mentions, “All you Targaryen boys want the same thing,” indicating a mother issue pattern. Why does she put up with this dynamic?

I think she sees a lot, if not everything. Her prophetic nature allows her to accept what they must endure, saying, “Wow! So we have to go through this? OK, here we go.”

How was filming the awkward family dinner scene, with everyone seated on the same side and surrounding Aemond?

It was terrible, but I kind of loved it. Alys is in her element yet also terrified. She thrives when stakes are high and intentionally makes it feel unbearable, hoping Alicent will leave.

When Aemond is poisoned by his mother, Alys calls him “Idiot” before assisting him. Is this said with love, resignation, or both?

A combination. I think many people, especially women, can relate to that tone.

Heading into the Season 3 finale, do you think Alys will survive the season, given her 400-year lifespan?

I don’t feel like she’s in immediate danger of dying. While she is always in danger of something more emotionally significant, she is not at risk of dying. I think we have more time.

Alys and Aemond are unaware, but the audience learns that Sunfyre is alive and with Aegon. With Vhagar still missing, does Alys know where Vhagar is or when he might return?

I honestly don’t think she knows. Even I, Gayle, don’t know where Vhagar is. So I’m like, girl, where are you? Vhagar went to Crumbl Cookies and needs to return.

Aemond doesn’t have a dragon, yet Alys stays with him. Does this show her dedication?

Right? He has no dragon, and I have dragon eggs. I don’t really need him, but I think she might want him. It’s complicated.

This interview has been edited and condensed.