House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: Alicent's Escape Fails as War Pushes Westeros Closer to the Brink

The Riverlands and King's Landing

Ser Criston Cole’s army is destroying bridges and ambushing forces that have pledged themselves to Rhaenyra. Meanwhile, the Grand Maester delivers tea to Alicent, but Helaena refuses to take it, desperate to keep her remaining child. Later, Mysaria pays Alicent a visit and demands to see the tea she was given. Alicent lies, claiming the tea was for her, and drinks it to prove it.

Rhaenyra and Daemon's Divide

Rhaenyra continues her search for Aemond, while she and Daemon sharply disagree on their next steps. Rhaenyra wants to hunt down Vhagar, who has recently been sighted.

Daemon discovers that the City Watchmen are growing deeply unhappy with their wages, and tension peaks when two Gold Cloaks are found dead and eviscerated. Later, Daemon uncovers more murdered men with a chilling message painted on the wall: "Feast of Traitors." When Daemon informs Rhaenyra of the broader war efforts, he reveals that Lord Ormund Hightower has officially declared Daeron Targaryen as king.

Alliances and Resentments

In the Reach, Lord Ormund educates Daeron on the shared history of the Targaryens and the Hightowers. On the battlefront, Ser Criston tells Ser Gawayne that he will die a warrior of his own making, rather than in blind service to anyone else.

Meanwhile, Baela and Addam continue their aerial search for Vhagar. During the patrol, Baela opens up about anxieties regarding her future and her lingering guilt over Jace's death.

Aemond, Aegon, and Alys

Aemond is currently recovering at Harrenhal under the care of Alys Rivers, plagued by vivid nightmares of his own death. He confides in Alys about Aegon’s lifelong mistreatment of him and how their mother turned a blind eye to it.

Back in King's Landing, a bitter Aegon tells Larys Strong that Aemond was always favored and put on a pedestal because of his superior swordplay and language skills. Larys counters bluntly, telling Aegon he squandered his opportunities and is both a bad king and a bad man. In a fit of rage, Aegon executes the leader of Rook's Rest. Back at Harrenhal, Alys is attacked by a group of men, but Aemond manages to save her using his blade skills.

Failed Escapes

Desperate, Alicent tells Helaena they must flee the Red Keep tonight, even if it means leaving Jaehaera behind. Helaena initially refuses but eventually relents. However, their first escape attempt is thwarted when they are caught in the act by Mysaria. Seeking another way out, Helaena and Alicent locate a secret passage inside their chambers, but their hopes are dashed when the hidden tunnel leads them straight into a dead-end wall.

House of the Dragon is currently streaming on Sundays at 9pm EST/PST on HBO Max.

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