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House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 6: A kiss that changes everything
Rhaenyra and Mysaria’s unexpected kiss
In the latest episode of HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” titled “Smallfolk,” viewers were treated to a surprising and intimate moment between Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Mysaria, also known as The White Worm (Sonoya Mizuno). The episode culminates in a passionate kiss between the two characters, marking a significant turn in their relationship. However, the kiss is abruptly interrupted, leaving Rhaenyra to take off on dragonback to investigate a mysterious dragon rider in Westeros. This cliffhanger leaves fans with numerous questions about the implications of this intimate moment for the rest of Season 2.
The kiss: A spontaneous act of intimacy
Emma D’Arcy, who portrays Rhaenyra, shared her insights on the kiss, emphasizing that it was not a calculated move. “Honestly, I think initially there was just such a desire to connect,” D’Arcy told Variety. “What you see initially is intimacy, and an intimacy that Rhaenyra shares so rarely. Even in some of her other romantic relationships, there’s a lot of presentation, there’s a lot of bravado, often from both sides.”
D’Arcy further elaborated on the unique nature of Rhaenyra’s relationship with Mysaria. “With Mysaria, in this growing relationship — it’s remarkably honest. Initially, there’s huge feelings of empathy and gratitude toward this person. Rhaenyra is hugely affected by the life that Mysaria has lived so bravely. Then, they are two bodies completely overrun by touch. As soon as they embrace and their bodies are touching, I think it’s pure bodily desire.”
Mysaria’s perspective: A tender surprise
Sonoya Mizuno, who plays Mysaria, also shared her thoughts on the kiss, noting that it took both characters by surprise. “There’s nothing Machiavellian in it, as far as I’m concerned,” Mizuno said. “It’s a really beautiful, tender kiss, and it would be impossible not to feel something as Mysaria in that moment. I don’t think she has had that kind of kiss — maybe ever.”
Mizuno also discussed the complexity of Mysaria’s feelings, given her tumultuous past. “Sex and sexuality is very complicated for her, given her history as a young woman with her father, and then going into her professional work life. So to have that such a tender, loving and passionate moment would have woken something up.”
The evolving relationship between Rhaenyra and Mysaria
The relationship between Rhaenyra and Mysaria has evolved significantly since the start of the season. Initially, the two characters did not like each other, but over time, they have developed a deep trust. “It’s quite a new type of relationship for Rhaenyra,” D’Arcy explained. “She is such a volatile person that she often allows herself to be led by her emotions — especially in the case of relationships. I think this marks something of a change. Their trust is one that grows creepingly.”
Mysaria has also had a powerful impact on Rhaenyra’s politics. “Mysaria really affects Rhaenyra’s politics. She has a powerful impact on Rhaenyra’s ability to see how a kingdom and its citizens are affected in the case of civil war. That was slightly abstract to Rhaenyra — until Mysaria somehow makes that more concrete.”
The implications for Rhaenyra and Daemon’s relationship
The kiss between Rhaenyra and Mysaria is bound to have significant implications for Rhaenyra’s already strained relationship with Daemon (Matt Smith). Daemon has been absent from Dragonstone for half the season, communicating with Rhaenyra only through unsettling hallucinations and dreams while building up an army at Harrenhal. If Daemon finds out about Rhaenyra’s intimate moment with Mysaria, it could lead to further complications.
“It’s going to be a bit of a shit show, isn’t it?” Mizuno remarked. “But I’m looking forward to it, whatever it’s going to be.”
Rhaenyra’s decision to take to the skies
In this episode, Rhaenyra makes the bold decision to take to the skies on her dragon, Syrax, after hearing about an unknown dragon rider. This decision comes after weeks of being advised by her council and family not to go out on her own dragon. D’Arcy explained Rhaenyra’s motivation: “I feel that this is one of those moments in the escalating civil war that, depending on who is riding that dragon, it could mark the end of their campaign.”
A new type of power
Rhaenyra’s relationship with Mysaria has also influenced her understanding of power. “Gaining the will, and the belief of the people — I don’t know how much that was part of her political consciousness prior to Mysaria,” D’Arcy noted. This new perspective on power could play a crucial role in the unfolding civil war.
A kiss not found in the history books
The kiss between Rhaenyra and Mysaria is not included in George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” which serves as the source material for the series. D’Arcy reflected on this addition to the show: “I think there’s humor to be found that — also in our real written histories — so often women fall out of the history books. Partly from a lack of care: like, people are not concerned about what they’re up to. And I like trying to investigate what happened between the forgotten pages.”
Rhaenyra’s sexuality
When asked if Rhaenyra has always been a queer character, D’Arcy responded, “It’s hard, because I don’t think the word ‘queer’ is a word that is in any way within Rhaenyra’s lexicon. There are so few images or stories within that world that she has access to that allow one to identify in that way. What I do think is that she is really sexual. Maybe that’s one of the real joys of playing her, is that I think she’s a super-embodied character, who knows when her body is sort of saying something.”
The future of Rhaenyra and Daemon
As for the future of Rhaenyra and Daemon’s relationship, D’Arcy hinted at the challenges ahead. “I don’t expect that she will have any intention of telling him. But I imagine that she feels quite proud, and feels quite emboldened. I imagine she quite likes the idea of him finding out. There’s such a power struggle in their relationship, that hooking up with his ex, I can only think, would feel like a useful point on the board.”
A reflective closure
The kiss between Rhaenyra and Mysaria has undoubtedly added a new layer of complexity to “House of the Dragon.” As the civil war continues to escalate, the relationships and power dynamics among the characters will be tested in ways that are both unexpected and profound. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the journey ahead will be filled with intrigue, passion, and conflict.
For more insights and to watch the trailer for “House of the Dragon,” visit House of the Dragon Trailer.
