House of the Dragon continues to impress audiences thanks to its masterful storytelling and vast array of complicated characters. As the series continues, however, many are wondering just when we’ll get to see Rachel Redford join the show in the role of Rhea Royce. We’ve heard her character mentioned a number of times, but just when will we get to see her, and what do we know about Rhea?
Please note that there are potential House of the Dragon series spoilers discussed throughout this article.
Who is Rhea Royce in House of the Dragon?
Exactly when viewers are going to be properly introduced to Rhea remains to be seen, as up to this point, she has only been mentioned in passing. With King Viserys exiling his brother Prince Daemon once more, however, it could be in episode 5 when she finally makes her debut. We know that whilst Rhea is wed to Prince Daemon Targaryen, there is no love between the pair. Their marriage was one of convenience, and Daemon found the Vale of Arryn to be a boring place to live. As a result, their union has proven to be a barren one.
Daemon has on multiple occasions, petitioned to his brother King Viserys to have his marriage set aside. The most recent request came as Daemon asked to wed his niece, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, but this led to him being exiled from the Seven Kingdoms. He has now been sent to live out his days in the Vale with Rhea. Of course, Daemon has other plans…
What will happen to Rhea Royce in House of the Dragon?
To discover exactly what will happen to Rhea in House of the Dragon, we can look to the works of author George R. R. Martin. He writes that on one unfortunate day out hawking in the Vale, she fell from her horse, cracking her skull on a stone. Though she was in recovery for nine days and eventually left her bed, it took just an hour for her to collapse and die after rising. All of this takes place when Daemon is away from the Vale.
Though he does take flight on his dragon to lay his wife to rest, Daemon’s intentions are simply to claim the lands, castles, and incomes of House Royce for himself. Those claims were denied by Lady Jeyne Arryn, the Maiden of the Vale and the head of House Arryn, who warned him not to step foot in the Vale ever again. Whether or not this will be the exact narrative followed for Rhea in House of the Dragon hasn’t yet been confirmed, but with the story moving forward at a swift pace, it’s surely only a matter of time before we find out.
House of the Dragon continues Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.
