WARNING! This article contains major SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4 and George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, on which the show is based!

The dark Criston Cole moment that will have everyone cheering is officially set up by a scene before the Battle at Rook’s Rest in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4. While initially quite a likable character as he began a budding romance and connection with Young Rhaenyra, Criston Cole has quickly become the most hated House of the Dragon character. From essentially dedicating his life to getting revenge against Rhaenyra, self-righteously blaming others for his own sins, hypocritically condemning others, and even starting a relationship with Alicent Hightower, Cole continues to lose sympathy with each episode.

In House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4, Criston Cole continues his campaign through the Crownlands as he takes Duskendale, the seat of House Darklyn. Sacking his castle is the lead-up to his secret plan with Aemond at Rook’s Rest, which culminates in the deaths of Rhaenys Targaryen and Meleys, her dragon. However, before setting off to Rook’s Rest, Criston beheads Lord Darklyn for refusing to bend the knee to King Aegon, with this execution foreshadowing the end of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard’s story in House of the Dragon.

Lord Darklyn’s Last Words Set Up Criston Cole’s Death

Criston is killed after being deemed a traitor

When Criston prepares to execute Gunthor Darklyn (father of Steffon, Lord Commander of Rhaenyra’s Queensguard), the Lord of Duskendale tells him that he’s unfit to wear the white cloak, with Criston responding that he’s getting a “better death than a traitor deserves.” In his final words, Lord Darklyn remarks to Criston that “[his death] will come in kind,” implying that the Lord Commander of Aegon’s Kingsguard will meet a brutal demise himself. As it turns out, Lord Darklyn isn’t too far off from predicting how Criston Cole dies in House of the Dragon.

Criston Cole is among the major casualties in the Dance of the Dragons, as he dies in battle soon after Rhaenyra takes King’s Landing from Aegon. When traveling to the Reach from Harrenhal, Criston and his weakened host meet Team Black’s forces of Riverlanders and Northmen south of the Gods Eye. While he offers to surrender, Team Black refuses. Criston is then deemed a traitor before being fatally shot by arrows from Red Robb Rivers and fellow archers. After killing Criston in the “Butcher’s Ball,” Team Black decapitates him and carries his severed head on a spear to the First Battle of Tumbleton.

When Will Criston Cole Die In House Of The Dragon?

Criston’s death will arrive before the war comes to an end

Rhaenyra is expected to take King’s Landing at the end of House of the Dragon season 2 or early in season 3. The Butcher’s Ball will likely occur within a few episodes of that event, depending on when the series decides to integrate the Battle of the Gullet, which is seemingly being delayed to House of the Dragon season 3. Since he dies after the Fall of King’s Landing but before Daemon and Aemond’s fatal duel at Harrenhal in Fire & Blood, the best current estimate is that Criston Cole will die about halfway through House of the Dragon season 3.