HBO's House of the Dragon has, in Season 3, Episode 3 ("Rhaenyra Triumphant"), begun laying the groundwork for a significant rupture between Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and her most steadfast ally, Corlys Velaryon. The development matters because the Velaryons have underpinned Rhaenyra's war effort, and a fracture with them threatens her military position and echoes the pattern of betrayals that defined the parent series, Game of Thrones.

Corlys has long backed Rhaenyra, upholding her sons' legitimacy, commanding her fleet, fighting on the front lines and serving as Hand of the Queen, even after losing his wife Rhaenys and his home of High Tide. In return he asks only that she legitimise his bastard sons, Alyn and Addam, as his heirs, despite both having proven themselves in battle. Rhaenyra's refusal drives the wedge between them, which the article frames as potentially her biggest betrayal yet, drawing parallels to the repeated betrayals suffered by Daenerys Targaryen.