Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5 and for Fire & Blood, the show’s source material.

House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5, sees Aemond Targaryen selected as Regent to govern the Seven Kingdoms, and the choice to pick him over Alicent has implications for both of their narratives. Following the Blacks and Greens split, the Battle of Rook’s Rest saw the show’s most devastating conflict yet, with Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon killed while King Aegon II and his dragon were severely wounded. The Greens escort Aegon back to the Red Keep to begin his recovery and decide that the realm must not know the state of their king.

The choice to place Aegon II on the Iron Throne over Rhaenyra was the catalyst for the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war the show examines. If Aegon II is to be seen suffering from a life-threatening injury in his first battle, having been sent to the ground by Rhaenys, it could raise superstitious questions about his right to rule, with the common folk turning to Rhaenyra. Thus, the Greens decide to hide Aegon and select someone new to rule as Regent. The decision comes down to Alicent and Aemond, with the small council deciding to follow the young prince.

Why Aemond Is Chosen Over Alicent To Replace King Aegon

The Greens Desire A Strong Leader For The Dance Of The Dragons

During the reign of King Viserys I, Alicent Hightower often ruled the realm in her father’s stead with the help of her father, Ser Otto Hightower. However, wartime and peacetime often have different requirements, and the Greens have begun to see Alicent as weak for her affection toward Rhaenyra. At this time, the Greens feel they need a strong leader to win the war, and Aemond is selected to replace King Aegon over Alicent. By having the largest dragon in House of the Dragon and a successful battle victory, Aemond is the Greens’ symbol of strength right now.

Alicent Hightower has experience managing the Seven Kingdoms, but the season has proven that action and impetuousness have taken the place of rationale. Even Criston Cole, who has a romantic affection for Alicent, believes that Aemond should rule, as their interests have commonly aligned throughout the war. It was their joint victory that won the day at Rook’s Rest, and they continue to be the powerhouses of the Greens.

What Aemond Does Next Now That He’s In Charge (& Is He King?)

Aemond Is Prince Regent Of The Realm, As Aegon II Is Still King

Though one of the seasons in the House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5, ending, sees Aemond eyeing the Iron Throne, he’s not the king just yet. He would be declared king if Aegon II were to die, but seeing as that hasn’t happened, his title now is Prince Regent. He’s been selected to rule the realm in the king’s stead, much like how Ned Stark was granted governance in brief periods of Game of Thrones season 1 when King Robert Baratheon was absent. With Aegon’s condition, Aemond’s reign could last a while longer.

As Regent, Aemond Targaryen will continue to wage war as he’s been doing, along with Criston Cole. Now that Dragonstone has been cut off from the mainlands through the Greens’ occupation of the coast, he and Cole will set their sights on the Riverlands, where Prince Daemon is amassing a host at Harrenhal. However, Aemond and Cole’s relationship will falter quickly once they return to action, with opposing strategies on how best to proceed with the war.

How Will Alicent Respond To Aemond Being The New Ruler?

Alicent Seems To Be Regretting Her Choice To Make Aegon King

Alicent Hightower is tricky to predict in House of the Dragon, as much of her narrative and characterization is original to the series. In season 2, episode 5, she demonstrates a clear disdain for Aemond, who she believes is reckless and out of control. He already arguably started the war by killing Lucerys, and now he’s betrayed one of their own and cost the Greens a potentially valuable dragonrider, not to mention their figurehead. However, given her current trajectory, Alicent seems to be regretting her decision to plant Aegon on the throne in the first place.

After her conversation with Rhaenyra in episode 3, Alicent is in a position of disarray. She’s played a hand in unleashing something terrible and violent into the world, and it’s fallen out of her position to control. While she’s had her differences with Rhaenyra, she’s beginning to see that she would rather have her childhood friend on the throne than her terrible sons. Whether she betrays the Greens in House of the Dragon is to be seen, but her loyalty seems like it’s beginning to falter.