WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5!
Summary
Alicent reprimands Criston Cole for using her first name inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 5, with her anger being based on a few deeper and more surface reasons. In light of the grave injuries suffered byKing Aegon inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4during the Battle at Rook’s Rest, the Green Council must declare a regent to rule in his stead. WhileAlicent volunteers herself after having served as regent during King Viserys I Targayren’s illness, the council ultimatelychooses Aemond to serve as Prince Regent, leaving Alicent angry with Criston and the other advisors.
Alicent soon confronts Criston about choosing Aemond due to her son’s volatile, dangerous nature. Criston responds that Aemond is Aegon’s heir and that their leader in this war must be a dragonrider. Aegon’s Hand elaborates, “Have I not spared you? What we must do now is terrible. Will you preside over it? Is this who you are, Alicent?” Reminding Criston of his place and her power over him,Alicent simply responds, “I did not ask to be spared. And I did not give you leave to speak my name.”Alicent and Criston’s intimate relationshipsuggests a first-name basis is justified, so reverting to formalities highlights a deep-seated anger.
Why Criston Cole Cannot Call Alicent By Her Name
A Knight Calling The Queen By Her First Name Is Improper In House Of The Dragon
Daemon essentially throws a fit over Ser Simon Strong calling him “Prince” instead “Your Grace” or “King” inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, as theroyals – not to mention dragonlords – are expected to be given a stricter level of respect, authority, and formality in their titles. Though Alicent is technically only the dowager queen, those with that title are afforded the same social graces in regard to formalities and how those of lower societal standings should address her. Calling Alicent by her first name rather than “My Queen” or “Your Grace” shows a lack of respect for her standing and position over Criston.
Since Criston had gotten to a less formal place with Rhaenyra when he was her sworn shield and they had their affair, he likely didn’t consider the consequence of calling Alicent by her first name. However, Alicent is the dowager queen and far from the teenager thatRhaenyra was when she was sleeping with Cole, so he should know better than to drop such formalities. The only people who have been able to get away with this are Viserys, Otto, and Rhaenyra: Her husband and king, her father, and her former best friend, who has also arguably been at equal standing.
Alicent’s Anger Over Cole Using Her Name Reflects Her Feeling Betrayed
Criston Choosing Aemond Over Alicent Creates An Irreparable Rift
Alicent and Criston Cole have always been wrapped up in the idea of adhering to proper behaviors, expectations of duty, and formalities of their positions, but still hypocritically break these protocols when it suits them. Had Alicent not been so angry with Criston or felt so powerless after the council meeting, she might not have called him out for using her name.If Criston no longer seeks a place in her bed, then he no longer reserves the right to speak her name.
Even if he doesn’t see her as fit to be Aegon’s regent, she’ll ensure that he’s reminded of her status over him and the surface level of power and respect that it should command.
SinceAegon removed Otto Hightower as Hand of the King, Alicent has been utterly alone in King’s Landing and, more specifically, on the council. The group of men sitting around her are uninclined to listen to her thoughts and advice or give her the respect she deserves simply because she’s a woman. SinceAlicent’s relationship with Criston gave her the expectation that he would support her, raise up her voice at council, and recognize her as being more fit to rule than Aemond, his decision to opt for Aemond was a great form of betrayal.
What Alicent Drinks In House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 4 & Why
Alicent Hightower is given a drink by a Maester in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4, which is important for her story and has a deeper meaning.
Following the betrayal of Criston severing their relationship and choosing Aemond over her, Alicent is no longer willing to bend the rules for him. Even if he doesn’t see her as fit to be Aegon’s regent,she’ll ensure that he’s reminded of her status over him and the surface level of power and respect that it should command. Criston’s position within Aegon’s council is largely influenced by Alicent raising him up in the years of him being her sworn protector, so her feelings of betrayal are also rooted in her perception that he’s ungrateful for her role in creating his power.
Alicent’s Anger Over Cole Using Her Name Is Really About Her Own Self-Loathing
Alicent Is Angry That She Trusted Cole & Betrayed Her Own Morals For Him
Ultimately, Alicent correcting Cole about using her name isbased on her self-loathing in regard to their relationship. Alicent went against her morals, values, and prided virtue when she decided to sleep with Criston Cole, a crime of indecency for the two of them that sheds light on their false righteousness. Alicent truly turned against Rhaenyra when she lied to her about sleeping with Cole as teenagers, and now she’s gone and done the exact same thing.
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With Criston betraying her and bringing their relationship to an end, she’s forced to confront her own indiscretions and hypocrisies. In the momentwhen she becomes angry at Cole for using her name, Alicent loathes that she allowed herself to drop her guard and scruples, begin a relationship with him, and truly trust him. Whatever they might have had before is gone, withAlicent and Cole’s forbidden relationshipnow reverting to a state of formalities and some level of mutual resentment inHouse of the Dragon.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
