House of the Dragon: Why Alicent and Rhaenyra's Reconciliation Can't Undo the Damage Done to Their Kids

By episode 8, Alicent begins to slightly change, and it looks like there is a real chance that she and Rhaenyra could become friends again. That shift matters a lot for fans who have watched these two women drift from childhood friends into bitter rivals, since any hint of reconciliation between them carries huge weight for where the story goes next.

Alicent and Rhaenyra Rebuilding Their Bond Won't Fix What Their Children Already Believe

Even though Alicent and Rhaenyra can rebuild their own relationship, the damage to the children has already been done. Her kids were pretty much raised from birth to hate Rhaenyra's kids, and that kind of brainwashing will not go away in a night. The two mothers might find their way back to each other, but the poison they have fed their children over the years is not something that just disappears because the adults decide to make peace.

Aemond's Near Miss With Luke in Episode 7 Shows the Damage Is Already Set

There is a great moment at the beginning of episode 7 where Aemond is about to approach Luke and maybe console him. It is a small window where it seems like Aemond might actually reach out with some kindness. But then he walks away, probably because he knows how his mother would feel if he was kind to Rhaenyra's kids. That single choice says everything about where things stand: the damage has been done, and the pieces have already been moved.

Do you think Alicent and Rhaenyra could ever truly repair their friendship, or has too much damage already been done through their children?