We’re back in Westeros.

The new version of the opening theme, with a touch of Olodum in its percussion, gives the season a more warlike feel. I still belong to the camp that believes House of the Dragon deserved its own opening theme, but I’ll save that discussion for another day, after taking a closer look at the credits.

We return to the Vale, where Rhaena risks everything to tame Sheepstealer. Her first flight feels far more realistic than Daenerys’ and makes the bond between rider and dragon seem hard-earned rather than instantaneous.

In King’s Landing, Aemond learns that Larys and Aegon have escaped. Furious, he seems determined to finish what he started. Far away, the two cross lands controlled by Rhaenyra. Aegon is in constant pain, and when he refuses to swear loyalty to the queen, Larys “betrays” him by switching their identities to secure his rescue. Ever the schemer, he clearly has something else in mind.

At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra dismisses Jacaerys’ concerns and prepares to strike King’s Landing. Even Mysaria is finding Alicent’s offer very sus, but Rhaenyra is in awe that she is in command and most likely, “winning” the war.

Back in the Red Keep, Alicent is stunned by Aegon’s escape and finds Aemond sitting on the Iron Throne. When he asks where she has been, she lies. Still, Alicent urges her son to fly to Harrenhal and aid Ser Criston, but Aemond is in no hurry. The Triarchy is coming with three times the strength to attack Corlys’ fleet. It’s no time to be away, plus, with the king going MIA, “someone” must stand in, right?

Oops, Alicent. That didn’t go well.

Soaked in blood, somewhere in Westeros, Daemon oversees the carnage with his usual boredom. It’s the cue for the arrival of the Wolves of the North, which is a powerful moment. Starks are always great.

Near Harrenhal, Gwayne, Alicent’s brother, complains about Aemond’s delay and about the fact that Criston Cole’s men are assaulting peasant women. Cole seems resigned to death and no longer cares.

The insufferable Ulf and Hugh stand ready for Rhaenyra. Ulf recalls a childhood marked by abuse. Beside them is Addam, the only one willing to wait for the queen’s orders. Ulf, meanwhile, is already showing signs of his greed.

Rhaena continues trying to tame Sheepstealer. It isn’t easy, but the connection between them slowly begins to form.

Helaena notices that Alicent is nervous and tells her mother that Aemond will die if he faces Rhaenyra, and since he is fully aware of it, is afraid. Disturbed by the warning, Alicent writes to her cousin Ormund.

Corlys speaks with Alyn. The two conclude that five ships must be detached from the fleet to take King’s Landing. In a rare moment of honesty, Corlys apologizes for never giving his name to his bastard sons.

Ormund finally appears. Arrogant, he is ordered to wait for Aemond and sees the delay as potentially beneficial to himself. Suspicious.

Alicent once again insists that Aemond should go to Harrenhal. Pretending to support him as king, she argues that remaining in King’s Landing is too dangerous. There is an unsettling tension between them, and Aemond even kisses Alicent, leaving her visibly uncomfortable. Still, he finally agrees.

Naturally, we get another disgusting scene with Ulf. Tired of waiting, he ignores his orders. Alys appears out of nowhere and agrees that they should leave. Ulf doesn’t hesitate.

When Rhaenyra learns of the attack on the Gullet, she wants to personally help Corlys. Jacaerys locks her in her chambers. She is furious, but her inexperience has blinded her to what should have been the most obvious consequence.

At the Gullet, a series of poor decisions on both sides accelerates the tragedy. Lohar considers killing Corlys, and in doing so, falls right into his own strategy. Baela and Jace support the battle from the skies. My heart is already breaking as I know what’s coming next.

Rhaena is almost back at Dragonstone when Sheepstealer notices the battle and flies toward the fighting. Do dragons enjoy a little drama?

Lohar manages to wound Corlys. Her thirst for revenge is personal. So personal, in fact, that she throws the Lannister admiral overboard. The clash is brutal.

Then comes Rhaena. Instead of attacking the Triarchy, she turns against her grandfather’s ships. As if that weren’t enough, she loses control of Sheepstealer, who attacks Moondancer. Jacaerys rushes to save his fiancée, and Vermax is struck.

Corlys appears to be losing his duel with Lohar, prompting Alyn to kill the pirate.

Jacaerys desperately tries to save Vermax, who sinks beneath the waters of the Gullet. Exposed and vulnerable, the prince is struck down by enemy arrows.

Farewell, sweet prince.