Includes SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, which House of the Dragon is based on.

House of the Dragon season 2 has changed one new character’s story from the book, but it’s still laid the foundation for a related future betrayal. As war breaks out in Westeros, House of the Dragon’s cast has expanded in season 2 as the Blacks and the Greens look to add new houses to their cause for the Dance of the Dragons. Among the season’s new characters are dragonriders and new lords of noble families, with season 2, episode 3, introducing Ser Gwayne Hightower, Alicent’s brother.

HBO’s House of the Dragon is based on the book Fire & Blood, written by George R.R. Martin. House of the Dragon season 2’s book changes are quickly accumulating, as certain characters have strayed away from their arcs in the books. Blood & Cheese is one of the most changed events so far in the season, with the origin of the assassin Blood slightly altered for the TV series. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but it’s laid the foundation for something important later to come.

Gwayne Hightower’s Role Is Different In Fire & Blood

Gwayne Hightower Is In The Greens’ Army In HOTD, While He’s In The City Watch In Fire & Blood

Ser Gwayne Hightower is another character who’s been changed for the TV series. In the book, Gwayne is one of the commanding officers in the City Watch, the garrisoned military force of King’s Landing that doubles as the city’s police. The important detail to note in House of the Dragon is that Daemon Targaryen once served as Lord Commander of the City Watch. In the book, Ser Luthor Largent is Lord Commander when the Dance begins, but Ser Otto distrusts Largent and has Gwayne keep an eye on him.

Eventually, Rhaenyra Targaryen will seize King’s Landing from the Greens, storming the city and taking the Iron Throne when Criston Cole and Aemond are too far to send aid. One of the pivotal moments of this event is when Luthor Largent takes Gwayne captive, killing him, as he commands the City Watch to turn on Aegon II and the Hightowers. In the show, Gwayne is sent out with Criston Cole’s military force, which could redirect his individual purpose for the TV series unless he’s brought back to King’s Landing sooner rather than later.

HOTD Already Set Up The City Watch Betraying The Greens

HOTD’s Season 2 Premiere Shows That The City Watch Hates The Hightowers

Ser Gwayne Hightower would’ve been the perfect vessel to demonstrate that the City Watch was disloyal to the Greens, but changes to Blood & Cheese have already laid the foundation for it. In season 2’s premiere, Blood is still a member of the City Watch, unlike in the books, and he shares that the men are still loyal to Daemon and hate the Hightowers. House of the Dragon may be making changes, but many of the important pieces are still being established with subtle moments of dialogue.