Why Alicent Poisoned Aemond in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Episode 7 Shocks Fans

‘House of the Dragon‘ has consistently put its Targaryens through intense trials, but season 3 episode 7 took the narrative to an unprecedented level. Alicent Hightower, who has spent three seasons fiercely protecting her children, shockingly attempted to kill one of them.

This moment stands out as one of the most controversial in the series, driven by a covert mission, a bowl of nightshade berries, and a mother who felt she had no other choice.

Alicent’s arrival at Harrenhal in episode 7 was not just a casual visit; she was on a mission assigned by Rhaenyra. She greeted her son Aemond with warmth, aiming to lower his defenses. The underlying goal was to draw Aemond out so that Rhaenyra’s forces could eliminate him and secure the Iron Throne once and for all.

This context is crucial, as it reveals that Alicent was not acting solely on impulse. She had already agreed to facilitate her son’s demise before stepping into his chambers.

Before confronting Aemond, Alicent had sought out Ser Adrian’s body, hoping to find a dagger, but her plan did not unfold as she intended. This detail underscores her willingness to go to extreme lengths, even before resorting to poison.

Aemond was warned by Alys Rivers that his mother intended him harm, but he dismissed the warning, unable to believe Alicent could hurt him. This refusal to recognize the danger becomes painfully evident once the wine is poured.

Alicent ultimately prepares a wine laced with nightshade and brings it to Aemond’s chambers. According to the show’s Inside the Episode, her mission is to kill her second son. When she sees the nightshade, she crushes it into his wine before they share a toast.

Before Aemond can drink the poison, he confesses to Alicent that he intentionally tried to kill his brother Aegon during the Battle at Rook’s Rest. This admission may have been the final push for Alicent, convincing her that he could not be allowed to live. It’s a tragic moment for Aemond, as he finally reveals something Alicent had long suspected.

Even amid her betrayal, Alicent’s love for her son remains. She forgives Aemond, believing he acted in what he thought was best, just as she convinces herself that poisoning him is for the greater good. This contradiction—a mother forgiving her son while ending his life—makes the scene profoundly uncomfortable.

Reactions to Alicent’s betrayal have been deeply divided. Some critics praised the performances, even while questioning the plot that led to this moment. One review noted that Alicent’s attempt to poison Aemond was the first genuinely intriguing action her character had taken all season, crediting Olivia Cooke for her strong performance despite limited material.

Not everyone shares this view. Some recaps expressed frustration with the storyline, questioning why Alicent would agree to such an assassination attempt and how she managed to travel from King’s Landing to Harrenhal so swiftly.

Another review described Alicent’s arc this season as messy, highlighting her journey to Harrenhal to murder her own son as one of several oddly convenient plot choices.

Some viewers have grown tired of the Alicent and Aemond dynamic, labeling it their least favorite storyline of the season and noting its lack of basis in George R.R. Martin’s source material. This point is frequently raised, as ‘Fire & Blood’ depicts Aemond facing a very different fate.

The plot leaves off with Alicent fleeing the castle, while Aemond stumbles into Alys Rivers’ workshop, whispers her name, and collapses at her feet. Alicent departs Harrenhal believing she has killed her son.

The trailer for the next episode complicates the situation significantly. Aemond appears to die after consuming the poisoned wine, yet the latest trailer suggests he might survive, indicating Alys may have saved him, as he is seen alive in the footage.

Alys will likely need to concoct something to heal Aemond from the poisoning, and reports indicate she simply calls him an idiot when he stumbles into the kitchen nearly dying. However, this betrayal is expected to turn Aemond fully against his mother. Book readers know that in ‘Fire and Blood,’ Aemond meets a different end, dying at the hands of Daemon Targaryen after their dragons clash. Since this outcome does not occur in the novel, the show is venturing into uncharted territory.

The writers have confirmed that Aemond and Alicent’s storyline will conclude in the season finale, airing on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, August 9. Whether this will lead to reconciliation, a permanent rift, or something much bloodier remains to be seen.

After witnessing a mother attempt to end her own son’s life, only for the finale to dangle his survival in front of us, do you believe Aemond will ever forgive Alicent, or has Harrenhal irreparably damaged this family?