The fifth episode of House of the Dragon's third season continues the show's slower, more deliberate pace this year while introducing new tensions that could reshape the ongoing Targaryen civil war. With King Aegon and Prince Aemond both absent from King's Landing, newcomer Ormund Hightower is positioned to install young Daeron as heir, even as Queen Rhaenyra's hold on the capital weakens amid a rat infestation and a dwindling treasury.

Away from the capital, Ser Criston Cole and Ser Gwayne Hightower's forces struggle without clear leadership at Harrenhal, suffering losses to Stark ambushes and battlefield traps despite a minor victory. Meanwhile, Aemond is revealed to have been recovering at Harrenhal under the care of the witch Alys Rivers, experiencing visions similar to those that plagued Daemon Targaryen; he fends off bounty hunters and sets his sights on reclaiming his dragon Vhagar, unaware that Rhaenyra is also hunting the beast.