WARNING! This article contains major SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1 and George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, on which the show is based!

As Blood and Cheese is finally adapted in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1, an important change is made to Daemon’s role that sets up his most exciting dragon battle. From the events outlined in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, arguably the most dreaded moment expected for House of the Dragon was Blood and Cheese, which culminated in the brutal beheading of Aegon and Helaena’s young son, Prince Jaehaerys. As was implied in the book, Blood and Cheese were hired by Daemon Targaryen to kill a “son” of the Greens in retaliation for Prince Lucerys’ death, but House of the Dragon makes some changes to the context of Daemon’s initial assassination scheme.

Rhaenyra Targaryen only utters one line in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1: “I want Aemond Targaryen.” In response, Daemon arranges for the Gold Cloak and ratcatcher known to history as “Blood and Cheese” to sneak into the Red Keep and kill Aemond. Being unable to find him, they proceed with their “son for a son” task and behead Aegon’s heir, Jaehaerys, instead. However, there was no indication that Daemon originally ordered Blood and Cheese to kill Aemond Targaryen in Fire & Blood, with this book change effectively working to enhance the climactic rivalry between Daemon and Aemond.

Daemon Targeting Aemond In Blood & Cheese Better Sets Up Their Battle Above The Gods Eye

Blood & Cheese better emphasizes Daemon targeting Aemond in the war

By revealing that Daemon Targaryen really wanted Aemond’s head in House of the Dragon’s Blood and Cheese event, the show better underscores the feud between the opposing hot-headed Targaryens that will escalate as the series progresses. Aemond and Daemon being each other’s greatest rivals between the Targaryen Greens and Blacks was already teased during season 1 when Daemon pridefully stepped between Aemond and Rhaenyra’s sons at Viserys’ final family feast. However, with Aemond and Daemon now both being the strongest and most volatile Targaryen warriors on each side of the Dance, their rivalry advances to a more dangerous and urgent level.

Throughout House of the Dragon season 2’s episodes and beyond, Aemond and Daemon will continue to target one another either in battle or for one-on-one combat. While Daemon didn’t kill Aemond in Blood and Cheese as he intended, he’ll eventually get his revenge. However, the two won’t be able to have their ultimate duel until shortly before the Dance of the Dragons is over. When this finally happens, Daemon and Aemond will duel in the Battle Above the Gods Eye outside of Harrenhal, which is predicted to be the most epic and visually striking dragon battle that House of the Dragon will feature.

With just Aemond on Vhagar and Daemon on Caraxes, the two “second sons” fight to the death after several years of seeking the glory and power of defeating the other. As they ride on their dragons high in the skies, the duel ends as the dragons both go crashing down toward the water below. While falling, Daemon jumps from Caraxes to Vhagar and impales his Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister into the missing eye socket of Aemond Targaryen. With no chance of survival, all four fatally plunge into the water – bringing an uproarious end to two of the strongest dragons and warriors in House Targaryen’s history.

The Battle Above the Gods Eye will not only be a culmination of Aemond and Daemon’s rivalry, but also the decades-long festering of resentments, jealousies, and feuds among Viserys Targaryen’s heirs. When it finally hits the small screen in HBO’s show, the spectacular nature of the dragon and warrior battle will be an epic representation of the inherent self-destructive fiber of the Dance of the Dragons’ war. Nothing beneficial comes of Aemond and Daemon’s fatal battle on either side; all it does is kill Vhagar, Aemond, Caraxes, and Daemon in one fell swoop.

House Of The Dragon’s Season 2 Premiere Already Teased Daemon & Aemond’s Duel

Aemond is already intent on moving forces to Harrenhal

Following the immediate aftermath of Blood and Cheese, Fire & Blood reveals that Daemon and Aemond take their feud to Harrenhal, as both understand the strategic importance of holding this seat in the Riverlands. Of course, Harrenhal is the ultimate destination of their Battle Above the Gods Eye, with House of the Dragon already setting up the two rival Targaryens’ move to the Riverlands. In House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1, Aemond joins the Small Council meeting and declares that they need to move their forces to the Riverlands, more specifically to Harrenhal.

Meanwhile, Daemon had already highlighted the importance of moving forces to Harrenhal back in House of the Dragon’s season 1 finale. With both Daemon and Aemond advising Rhaenyra and Aegon’s war councils to obtain Harrenhal, House of the Dragon is moving closer to the setup of their brutal duel. However, though both Targaryen “second sons” are seemingly moving to Harrenhal, the Battle Above the Gods Eye isn’t expected to happen for quite some time.

When Will The Battle Above The Gods Eye Happen In House Of The Dragon?

Daemon & Aemond’s death could come sooner than later in House of the Dragon

George R.R. Martin has suggested that House of the Dragon will need at least four seasons in order to properly cover the Dance of the Dragons. However, the number of seasons will depend on how much of the war the show covers with each season, and when exactly the show wants to end. If House of the Dragon extends to the first few years of King Aegon III Targaryen’s reign, then it may need five seasons. Consequently, Daemon and Aemond’s battle will likely happen at the end of House of the Dragon season 3 or earlier in season 4, as the show won’t be eager to get rid of the fan-favorite characters so soon.

New episodes of House of the Dragon season 2 release Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.