Contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4.

A common theory about Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon would be even more brutal after the climax of “The Red Dragon and the Gold.” Season 2, episode 4’s ending, sees the first major battle of the Dance of the Dragons: The Battle of Rook’s Rest. The forces of Criston Cole and the Greens launch their attack on the shoreline castle, hoping to draw out a dragon from Rhaenyra’s side and then use Vhagar’s size and experience to kill it. The strategy is ultimately successful, with Rhaenys Targaryen taking the bait and having her and her dragon killed.

While Rhaenys puts up a respectable fight against the far bigger Vhagar, the episode’s main twist lies in the conflict between Aemond and his older brother, Aegon Targaryen. Even with the Blacks and Greens split, the sides aren’t as cleanly divided as it seems. Aemond has his own goals in mind, betraying his brother in the midst of the dragon fight. He evidently has no love for Aegon and has everything to gain from him being out of the way. With Jaehaerys killed by Blood & Cheese, Aemond is Aegon’s heir, and he’s far more respected and feared by both sides.

The Theory That Aemond Fathers Helaena’s Kids In House Of The Dragon Explained

Aemond Seems To Be Fond Of Helaena And The Motive Is There To Slight Aegon

A common theory surrounding Aemond Targaryen is that he’s actually the father of Aegon’s children. This theory came from Fire & Blood, the show’s source material, founded by Aemond having a grander desire for power, having claimed a massive dragon and studied the blade, while Aegon remained relatively apathetic about his duties as heir. It would make sense for Aemond to want to slight his brother by his children being the heirs to the Iron Throne in secret.

Aegon has never shown to take much interest in Helaena, while Aemond seems to have a rare soft spot for her. He purposefully hides his emotions, but the dinner scene in House of the Dragon season 1, episode 8, shows Aemond taking particular offense when Jacaerys dances with Helaena. It’s unlikely that this theory is actually true, especially after Aemond’s brothel scenes seem to demonstrate that he’s only really intimate with one woman.

The Aemond/Helaena Theory Being True Is Much Worse After He Almost Killed Aegon

If The Theory Is Somehow True, Aemond Has Ruined Aegon’s Life Entirely

Even if Aemond isn’t likely to be the father of Aegon’s children, the theory becomes so much more brutal after Rook’s Rest. For Aemond to have publicly embarrassed Aegon in the small council, then almost killed him on the battlefield, to then have also slept with his wife and been the real father of his children would be absolutely monstrous. If this theory somehow turned out to be true, Aegon’s entire existence would be an embarrassment in House of the Dragon, if it’s not already.