The Dragon’s Ball House of the Dragonand the show’s main characters have felt the horrors of war firsthand: There have been deaths, painful injuries, and (perhaps even more painful) major betrayals and power shifts. But amid all the desolation, there are some rays of light, including the new couple that was introduced in last night’s episode, “Small Folk.”
Since the first fierce match of the season, House of the DragonFollowing their very brief encounter in Season 1, Rhaenyra (Emma Darcy) and Misalia’s (Sonoya Mizuno) relationship has evolved from “exiled queen reluctantly turns to her ex-husband for help” to “exiled queen realizes her most precious best friend has been right in front of her eyes all along.”
Mysalia has always impressed the leader of the Black team with her honesty, wisdom and innovative perspective. She helped execute a plan to win over the residents of King’s Landing to Rhaenyra’s side using the power of rumors and bribery in the form of much-needed food supplies. The plan has helped turn the tide of public opinion, but as Rhaenyra confessed to Mysalia later in last night’s episode, she’s still not sure she can lead her side to victory. After Mysalia gave her a heartfelt pep talk, Rhaenyra embraced her, and their long embrace quickly turned into a passionate kiss.
Of course, it was interrupted by the war, but it was a major turning point for the characters. In an interview with Variety, Darcy spoke about how the two women found common ground that turned into something even bigger. “They didn’t like each other at all at first, and I think it’s interesting to see two women who, within such a patriarchal system, have developed mechanisms to navigate and manipulate systems of power. Those skill sets aren’t really built to be used against other women,” Darcy said. “But as the series progresses, Mysalia… has a powerful impact on Rhaenyra’s ability to see how the kingdom and its citizens would be affected in the event of a civil war.”
As for the kiss, “At first there is a great sense of empathy and gratitude towards this person. Rhaenyra is deeply influenced by the life that Misaria has lived so bravely. And their bodies are completely satisfied by the contact. As soon as they embrace and their bodies touch, I think it’s pure physical desire.”
How will this moment affect things going forward, including Rhaenyra and Daemon’s relationship? Perhaps. House of the Dragon‘s final two episodes of the season, with the first one streaming on HBO and Max on Sunday.
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