Throughout ‘House of the Dragon‘ season 3, Rhaenyra Targaryen has been forced to make difficult decisions. Now, her most recent one could have repercussions beyond the Dance of the Dragons.
The war with Aemond and the Greens is her greatest issue, but a tense moment in episode 5 suggests something more enduring is unfolding: the beginning of the Freys’ deep distrust of kings and queens who fail to honor their word.
Why House Frey Never Trusts Kings
The moment may not seem as shocking as a dragon battle, but it adds fascinating context to one of ‘Game of Thrones‘ most infamous betrayals centuries later. Jacaerys had ensured safe passage across the Twins by agreeing to give House Frey Harrenhal, and naturally Lady Sabitha expected him to keep his word.
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Rhaenyra, however, does not offer up Harrenhal, but rather makes it a challenge to anyone who can kill Aemond Targaryen. Sabitha presses her claim, and Rhaenyra dismisses the complaint and even offers to hunt Aemond herself if she wishes to have the castle.
Sabitha eventually joins the Queen’s Council, but it is obvious that she is not happy about it. It’s a minor political incident in the midst of the war raging across Westeros. Yet, it shows how easily trust can be broken. Alliances are the key to success or failure in a kingdom where they are made and broken.
How ‘House Of The Dragon’ Adds Depth To House Frey’s ‘Game Of Thrones’ Legacy
The scene also creates an intriguing parallel with ‘Game of Thrones’. Centuries later, Robb Stark makes it across the Twins by promising to marry one of Walder Frey’s daughters. He, like Rhaenyra, ends up breaking his word, believing that he has other reasons.
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The outcome is the infamous Red Wedding, which is one of the bloodiest betrayals in TV history. ‘House of the Dragon’ doesn’t imply that Rhaenyra caused those future events, but it does make a point about House Frey and their memory.
It’s not just Walder Frey who has been obsessed with being respected and fairly rewarded; it’s a family trait that has been passed down through the generations. That little bit of world-building adds a nice touch to Westeros being even more connected.
The Freys aren’t just being characterized as opportunists; the series is reminding viewers that decades and decades of betrayals have contributed to their reputation. In George R.R. Martin’s world, sometimes the most dramatic effects aren’t caused by dragons or battles. They start with one broken promise, and then the resentment escalates until it comes back in much more lethal form.
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