House of the Dragon Season 2: Episode 6's Final Kiss Wasn't Scripted

“The script said instead that they exchanged a breath […] what happened next had to be cut.”

Season 2 of House of the Dragon may be coming to an end, but the Dance of Dragons is not. In this week's episode 6, Rhaenyra put her son's plan into action: find illegitimate descendants of Targaryen blood who can ride a dragon – with varying degrees of success. With Daemon left to run wild at Harrenhaal, Rhaanyra must make up for the loss of a dragon. Luckily for her, she can now count on the unmatched loyalty of Mysaria, whose plan to stir up the masses in King's Landing has lit a fire that has been hard to extinguish. All the more reason for this finale that has set the web on fire.

In the last minutes of the episode, Mysaria comes to report to Rhaenyra. The riot has indeed broken out in the capital. Alone, both of them end up opening up about their doubts and their past. The Queen confesses to her confidante that Daemon's disappearance weakens her against the enemy. Mysaria evokes the abuse she suffered during her childhood. The sincerity of their exchange leads to this moment of tenderness and mutual respect sealed by a kiss.

Non-existent in the novel Fire and Blood which inspired the series, this act was not initially planned in the script. In an interview for The Wrap, the actress playing Mysaria, Sonoya Mizuno admitted that the kiss was not written and was the result of long months of reflection between the two actresses and the showrunner, Ryan Condal:

“That kiss wasn't in the script. I think the script was more like they were breathing, something like that, and then whatever happened was going to be cut.”

At the suggestion by Emma D'Arcytheir embrace ended with a kiss. For Varietythe artist explained:

“I honestly think there's just a need to bond. I think what we're seeing is intimacy, more than anything – an intimacy that Rhaenyra rarely shares.”

But with two female characters in awe, Sonoya Mizuno admits she was afraid the kiss would be considered “queerbaiting” – a non-essential addition to the plot intended to appeal to the LGBTQ+ community. But on social media, fans are seeing the act of affection more as confirmation of the assumptions that have been made about Rhaenyra's sexuality since Season 1, when she was friendly but far from platonic with Alicent when they were younger.

Beyond the passionate aspect of this kiss, it is above all a natural response to the confession and declaration of sincere loyalty of one towards the other. As confirmed by Sonoya Mizuno:

“I think neither of them had been held in their arms for so long. I think it's that embrace, the intimate vulnerability that emerges from it, that transforms this kiss full of tenderness and passion. (…) From there, it seemed natural to arrive at this kiss.”

In addition to being allies, Mysaria and Rhaenyra are united by their past and current relationship with Daemon. Because before being the husband of his niece, the latter had Mysaria as a lover. In season 1, then in rebellion against his brother, King Viserys, Daemon had taken Mysaria on the back of Caraxes to Dragonstone where he had taken possession of the place. She was his queen. Faced with his brother's army, Daemon had declared that Mysaria was carrying his child. A lie that led the two lovers to argue – the young woman accusing Daemon of using her and putting her in danger. Leaving the island and Daemon, Mysaria changes sides in the first hours of the conflict to serve Otto Hightower.

Just like Mysaria, Rhaenyra was the victim of an affront committed by Daemon. Because it was the latter's audacity to act behind his wife's back that led to the assassination of the crown prince. Both of them know Daemon's impulsiveness. They have borne the physical marks. Rhaenyra will even admit in this scene: “He was everything I wanted to be. Carefree. Worrying. A man. I was everything he wanted to be. Beloved by his father and heir.”

During this season 2, Mysaria has proven several times that she could be a strong ally. Prisoner at the beginning of this season at Peyredragon, Daemon made a deal with her: his help in exchange for her freedom. Once done, Rhaenyra honored her husband's promise and freed the young woman. But while we saw her leaving the place in episode 2, discovering the Greens' scheme and the sending of the twin Cargyll, she decided to turn around and warn Rhaenyra rather than head off. Since that day, she has served the Queen and put her network of spies at her disposal. This kiss is therefore the expression of comfort and a mutual commitment between two partners in war – and in life. As Rhaenyra's support falls one by one, Mysaria tells her: “You have me.”

For Sonoya Mizuno, Rhaenyra and Mysaria have more in common than they think:

“They are both women who have struggled in this patriarchal society, and they are, without a doubt, alienated from their own rights. They have more in common than they realize, and they also have empathy. When you are someone who is emotional and intelligent, you spot those qualities in another person – whereas there are few people who hold emotional intelligence as a good thing.”

But can we trust Mysaria's good intentions? She who has sailed from one camp to another. In the final scene, she confides to Rhaenyra that she no longer believes anyone – except her sovereign: “I believe you are loyal. You have deemed me worthy and treated me as an equal. That is why I will serve you. I am convinced of your place.”

But for the actress, things are more complicated than that. Mysaria serves the common people above all.

And Daemon, what will he think when he discovers his wife's affair? For VarietyEmma D'Arcy suggested:

“I don't think she [Rhaenyra] planned to tell him. But I guess she feels proud, and a little bold. I think she likes the idea of ​​knowing he might find out. There's such a power struggle in their relationship that having a relationship with her ex, I can only imagine, would be a useful point on the board.”

While Daemon currently resides in Harrenhaal, his return to Dragonstone seems imminent. Perhaps it will even happen in episode 7 available Monday, July 29 on Max.