Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3.

House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, sees Helaena offering forgiveness to Alicent, though it’s not entirely clear what it’s for. Phia Seban became a lead in the House of the Dragon season 2 cast after joining the ensemble late in season 1, and she’s been phenomenal as the sister-wife of King Aegon II. Differences from the book have contributed to Queen Helaena being one of the most alluring characters heading into the Dance of the Dragons, with her words often providing dual meanings to break down and analyze.

One of House of the Dragon season 2’s biggest book changes so far has been the TV adaptation’s version of Blood & Cheese. The show is based on George R.R. Martin’s book, Fire & Blood, in which Alicent Hightower is present and forced to watch during the assassination, while the HBO series sees that she was with Criston Cole during little Prince Jaehaerys’ murder. Afterward, Helaena walks in on Alicent and Cole having sex, which creates underlying tension between the mother and daughter pair during the season. But there’s still more to this forgiveness than just that.

Helaena Says She Forgives Alicent When They Discuss Jaehaerys’ Death

Helaena’s Forgiveness Could Have Multiple Meanings

In House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, Alicent discusses grief with Helaena, suggesting that the queen should be allowed to grieve for her lost son. Alicent explains that she grieves for Jaehaerys but that she’s more concerned for Helaena and the traumatic experience she had to witness. Helaena then states that she “forgives” Alicent, raising questions. The obvious answer could be that she forgives Alicent for not being present during Blood & Cheese, but there’s generally more to Helaena’s speech.

Helaena could be forgiving Alicent in a broader sense for her role in planting Aegon on the throne and starting the war. However, Helaena has prophetic visions, and that has to be taken into account. Much of Alicent’s arc in season 2 seems to be about her coming to grips with what she’s done. Especially after her conversation with Rhaenyra, Alicent’s world is shattered as she’s regretful for making Aegon king. A possibility is that Alicent will somehow betray the Greens, and Helaena is offering forgiveness in advance as she’s seen a vision and believes Alicent’s actions to be right.

Helaena & Alicent’s HOTD Season 2, Episode 3 Scene Is A Big Change From Their Season 1 Dynamic

Helaena Wouldn’t Let Alicent Touch Her In Season 1

Alicent’s relationship with her children has always been shaky at best, particularly with Aegon and Aemond, whom she doesn’t really seem to like. However, Alicent does care for Helaena, although Helaena wouldn’t even let her mother touch her in scenes in season 1. In House of the Dragon season 2, it seems like they’re finally starting to connect in a more meaningful way. Alicent doesn’t really know how to comfort Helaena, but she’s at least trying, which is more than could be said for her other children.