‘House of the Dragon‘ has been keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, especially the shocking events of season 2. As of now, Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith, remains preoccupied in Harrenhal, leaving Rhaenyra played by Emma D’Arcy to forge an alliance with Mysaria played by Sonoya Mizuno.
Mysaria, who was Daemon’s spymaster in the past, has now pledged her loyalty to Rhaenyra after Rhaenyra freed her from imprisonment in Dragonstone. However, audiences see the prospect of a romantic relationship between the two characters. Would Mysaria assume a role more important than Rhaenyra’s trusted confidante? Here’s what their relationship is in the books, and how the narrative is different on the show.
How Does Mysaria Enter Rhaenyra’s Story Narrative?
Because it was Mysaria’s quick thinking that saved Rhaenyra from Ser Arryk Cargyll’s murder attempt, their relationship has been solidified as a queen and her confidante. While that is all that George R.R. Martin’s ‘Fire and Blood’ has brought forth to the book’s readers, the show has introduced a twist.
The growing bond between Rhaenyra and Mysaria has taken a detour in the recently released season 2 episode 6 of the show. Mysaria is introduced as a character who survives an attack by Larys Strong and while trying to escape by ship, gets captured by Ser Erryk Cargyll and imprisoned in Dragonstone. Though she holds a history of past dealings with Ser Otto Hightower, she tells Daemon that she only served Otto for money. Daemon imprisons her thereafter.
Daemon later barters her freedom for the names of assassins who could infiltrate the Red Keep, which he later uses to orchestrate the gruesome Blood and Cheese plotline from episode 1. After King Jahaerys’s death, Mysaria confesses to Rhaenyra that she gave Daemon the names in exchange for her release. Rhaenyra believes her and thereby sets her free.
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Mysaria And Rhaenyra’s Relationship Takes A Romantic Turn, But The Book Tells A Different Story
Mysaria’s loyalty for Rhaenyra deepens after she thwarts Ser Arryk’s attempt to kill Rhaenyra. It is then that Rhaenyra realizes the value of Mysaria’s spy network, and thanks her for standing guard. Mysaria also expresses her loyalty to Rhaenyra, while also comparing her mercy to the ruthlessness of the Greens.
In another rather unexpected turn, Mysaria facilitates a secret meeting between Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke, to avert a full-scale war. This further cements her role as an invaluable ally for Rhaenyra.
Episode 6 shows instances of a deepening bond between the two. The two have a heart-to-heart conversation, wherein Mysaria talks about her traumatic childhood. She then expresses gratitude for Rhaenyra’s trust and tells her that she is her rightful queen. The emotional conversation ends with a kiss between the two, marking a potential romantic development thereon.
The book, however, presents a different dynamic between the two. Mysaria becomes Daemon’s lover and carries his child, although she miscarries. During the ‘Dance of Dragons’, she serves as Rhaenyra’s unofficial mistress of whisperers while maintaining a sexual relationship with Daemon, seemingly with Rhaenyra’s blessing.
However, Mysaria’s loyalty to Rhaenyra is as strong in the book as it is on screen. Though the future of their relationship on the show remains uncertain at the moment, one thing is clear: Rhaenyra feels powerful with Mysaria by her side.
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