Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen are House of the Dragon’s most prominent couple (on top of being uncle and niece), and their relationship has had a fairly tumultuous timeline. The pair are played by Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy in the House of the Dragon cast and are not only the leads of the Game of Thrones prequel’s ensemble, but they’re also the main figureheads of the Black faction. Following the death of King Viserys Targaryen, Daemon’s brother and Rhaenyra’s father, the pair have branched off into their own faction as Queen and King Consort, contending for the Iron Throne.
House of the Dragon’s timeline involves several notable time jumps in the first season, with Rhaenyra beginning the series as a teenage girl. This creates a complicated dynamic with Daemon beyond just the pair being related. Once Viserys passes away, Daemon quickly becomes envious of Rhaenyra and how she was chosen as heir over him after he’d spent such a long time desiring it. This is crucial to their relationship in House of the Dragon season 2.
Season 1, Episode 4
Daemon & Rhaenyra Share An Uncomfortable Kiss
Despite Rhaenyra’s willingness, Daemon shies away from having sex with her at this time.
Much of the early part of House of the Dragon season 1 sees Viserys trying to find suitors for Rhaenyra, who resists the idea of being married to noblemen such as Jason Lannister. Her reluctance to choose a husband and Viserys’ inaction on the matter causes her to spend years without a betrothal. In episode 4, Daemon suggests that she explore her desires in other ways and takes her for a night on the town in King’s Landing.
While touring brothels and taverns, the pair notice their attraction to each other and kiss. Despite Rhaenyra’s willingness, Daemon shies away from having sex with her at this time. Rhaenyra then returns to the Red Keep and seduces Criston Cole, who reluctantly has sex with her. This begins her first notable sexual relationship, which ends with Cole becoming one of her worst enemies.
Season 1, Episode 5
Daemon & Rhaenyra Each Wed A Velaryon Sibling
In season 1, episode 5, Rhaenyra finally decides on a husband, Ser Laenor Velaryon, her second cousin. Laenor is a proven warrior and dragonrider from the War in the Stepstones, where he fought alongside Daemon and his father, Lord Corlys Velaryon. This is a tactical marriage that solidifies Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne with a powerful noble house ally, and while they may still be related, at least they’re a bit closer in age than she and Daemon. It doesn’t really make it better, but it’s something.
At her wedding to Laenor, a number of important events happen regarding Rhaenyra’s romantic life. One, she has some sexual tension with Daemon at the wedding despite having selected a new husband. Then, the ever-dramatic Criston Cole freaks out about seeing Rhaenyra married to another man and takes his anger out on Joffrey Lonmouth, beating him to death at the wedding. As for Daemon, he links up with Laenor’s sister, Lady Laena Velaryon at the wedding, and it’s implied that they also get married between episodes 5 and 6.
Season 1, Episode 7
Daemon & Rhaenyra’s Spouses Die & They Wed Each Other Shortly After
Episode 7 begins with Lady Laena Velaryon’s death due to a pregnancy gone wrong, resulting in Daemon returning to his bachelor life. Unlike Daemon’s first wife, Rhea Royce, he actually showed genuine love for Laena and her ferocity, with them having two daughters, Baela and Rhaena. Daemon, Rhaenyra, and the rest of the cast meet at Driftmark for Laena Velaryon’s funeral, and several important events happen.
First, Daemon mourns the loss of his wife by having sex with his niece, marking the first time he and Rhaenyra consummate their romance. Because of this and Ser Laenor’s general disinterest in Westerosi politics, Daemon and Rhaenyra hatch a plan to be rid of him. Laenor is sent away to Essos with his lover while Daemon and Rhaenyra fake his death. The absence of Laenor and Laena allows Daemon and Rhaenyra to marry each other, an idea met with outrage from King Viserys.
Season 1, Episode 8
Daemon & Rhaenyra Return To King’s Landing After Living Together On Dragonstone
Daemon and Rhaenyra spend the next six years living on Dragonstone, away from Viserys and his new family. Episode 8 shows the couple in full for the first time when they travel to King’s Landing, having birthed two sons and a daughter in their absence. At King’s Landing, Daemon and Rhaenyra arrange marriages between their non-sibling children, with Jacaerys set to marry Baela and Lucerys set to marry Rhaena. Shortly after their exit from King’s Landing, King Viserys dies, and the Dance of the Dragons begins.
Season 2, Episode 2
Daemon Leaves Dragonstone In Outrage After An Argument With Rhaenyra
Daemon begins season 2 with the intention of fighting for Rhaenyra in the Dance of the Dragons, but their temperaments clash immediately as wartime begins. After the Blood & Cheese incident, the two get into an intense argument, where Rhaenyra hits Daemon with some deep, personal, and well-deserved verbal blows. Rhaenyra points out Daemon’s jealousy over her and how much Viserys loved her, suggesting that he chose her as his heir because Daemon wasn’t fit to be king. Daemon leaves Dragonstone in an outrage, going to Harrenhal where he spends the remainder of season 2.
Season 2, Episode 8
Daemon & Rhaenyra Reunite At Harrenhal
Daemon and Rhaenyra spend the majority of House of the Dragon season 2 apart from each other before reuniting in the finale. Daemon spends season 2 trying to assemble an army at Harrenhal and, importantly, considering his loyalty to Rhaenyra. Daemon had only to name himself king and start his own faction, though he would’ve been the weakest contender for the Iron Throne. But the visions he experiences in Harrenhal force him to reckon with his past, eventually realizing that he isn’t fit to be the ruler. Seeing Aegon’s Dream finalizes his decision.
Rhaenyra flies to Harrenhal in the House of the Dragon season 2 ending, demanding in front of the lords of the Riverlands that Daemon declare his intentions immediately. He tells her of Aegon’s Dream before bending the knee, swearing fealty to Rhaenyra as his wife and the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Rhaenyra tells him that if he leaves her again, it will be the last time he does so, setting the stage for future drama in House of the Dragon seasons 3 and 4.