Fire and Blood (House of the Dragon - Season 1)

1. The Heirs of the Dragon

HARRENHAL

Rhaella Targaryen: (voiceover) "As the first century of the Targaryen dynasty came to a close, the health of the Old King, Jaehaerys, was failing. In those days, House Targaryen stood at the height of its strength with 10 adult dragons under its yoke. No power in the world could stand against it."

Two maesters walked into the great hall of the half-ruined castle, carrying a chest between them. The Great Council, which was made up of every lord in Westeros, had also gathered at the behest of the king.

Rhaella: (voiceover) "King Jaehaerys reigned over nearly 60 years of peace and prosperity. But tragedy had claimed both his sons, leaving his succession in doubt. So, in the year 101, the Old King called a Great Council to choose an heir. Over a thousand lords made the journey to Harrenhal."

The maesters approached the king, who was surrounded by his Kingsguard and his grandchildren, setting the chest down at his feet.

Rhaella: (voiceover) "Fourteen succession claims were heard, but only two were truly considered."

Rhaenys Targaryen and her husband, Corlys Velaryon stood on one side of the king while Viserys Targaryen and his pregnant wife, Aemma Arryn stood on the other.

Rhaella: (voiceover) "Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the King's eldest descendant, and her younger cousin, Prince Viserys Targaryen, the king's eldest male descendant."

The maesters opened the chest and Jaehaerys reached for the scroll inside, opening it.

"It is declared by all lords paramount and lords vassal of the Seven Kingdoms that Prince Viserys Targaryen be made Prince of Dragonstone," Jaehaerys announced.

All the lords gave a thunderous applause.

Aemma looked at her husband, smiling.

Rhaenys was disappointed.

Rhaella: (voiceover) "Rhaenys, a woman, would not inherit the Iron Throne. The lords instead chose Viserys . . . my father."

Viserys seemed conflicted as he looked over at Rhaenys and she looked back at him.

Rhaella: (voiceover) "Jaehaerys called the Great Council to prevent a war being fought over his succession. For he knew the cold truth."

Jaehaerys lowered his hands and looked down in resignation.

Rhaella: (voiceover) "The only thing that could tear down the House of the Dragon was itself."

>*~*<

IT IS NOW THE NINTH YEAR OF KING VISERYS I TARGARYEN'S REIGN.

172 YEARS BEFORE THE DEATH OF THE MAD KING, AERYS, AND THE BIRTH OF HIS DAUGHTER, RHAENYRA STORMBORN.

>*~*<

KING'S LANDING

The wind was blowing gently through the clouds until a dragon's roar disturbed the silence.

Rhaella was riding her dragon, Kynorax, through the skies. Her scales were pale with gold accents in her horns and wings, her eyes were also as golden as the sun.

Another dragon call could be heard and Rhaella turned to see her younger sister, Rhaenyra Targaryen, flying alongside her with her mount, Syrax.

Rhaella and Rhaenyra exchanged a smile before descending from the clouds and heading towards the Dragonpit. Syrax and Kynorax soared gracefully as they flew above the commonfolk walking through the streets, who paid them no mind as it was a common occurrence seeing dragons traversing the skies.