House of the Dragon Season 2: Will Aegon Walk Again in The Future?

According to Fire & Blood, King Aegon II Targaryen is confined to bed for the remainder of the year due to grievous injuries such as a shattered hip, gashes, and burns. He relies on opium milk to induce slumber, and despite attempting to walk, he remains hunched and distorted until his final breath.

In the epic series “House of the Dragon,” Aegon, who is recuperating from wounds, faces an uncertain fate in the ongoing conflict. While Rhaenyra seizes King’s Landing, Aegon is stationed in the Riverlands. With the assistance of Larys Strong, he covertly leaves the Red Keep and makes his way to Dragonstone, where he stays concealed for most of the war. Significant events such as Helaena’s suicide and Aemond’s demise during the Battle Above the Gods Eye unfold while Aegon remains in hiding on Dragonstone.

As a dedicated follower of House Targaryen’s history, I’d recount it this way:

After Rhaenyra’s passing, King Aegon II Targaryen of House of the Dragon is secretly poisoned by his own loyal men. The culprits are later identified and condemned by Cregan Stark. Among the conspirators were Corlys Velaryon, Larys Strong, and Ser Perkin the Flea, along with other associates of Team Green. With no surviving sons or brothers, Aegon III Targaryen assumes the throne as the new king.

Aemond won’t try to kill Aegon again

The TV series, not the book, reveals that Aemond made an attempt to kill Aegon during the Battle at Rook’s Rest instead of Rhaenys Targaryen and Meleys launching a direct attack against him. The book “Fire & Blood” never hinted at Aemond trying to harm Aegon during the Dance of the Dragons, so there’s no prediction it will occur again. However, the events in “House of the Dragon” TV show deviate from the books, implying Aemond might make another attempt.

Despite the doubts expressed by the maesters and others regarding Aegon’s recovery in House of the Dragon, it appears that Aemond currently feels no immediate danger from his brother. Aegon poses a threat only if he discloses the truth about Aemond’s attack at Rook’s Rest. Consequently, as long as the King maintains that he cannot recall the incident, Aemond may continue to keep him alive. The sixth episode of House of the Dragon’s second season showcases their awareness that Aemond holds significant power over Aegon. If the latter reveals the truth, Prince Regent Aemond will undoubtedly end his life.

Aemond is wary of the Small Council’s potential to challenge his rule and decides to dismiss Alicent from its ranks. This move could hinder her efforts to help Team Black and may give Aemond an edge in seeking vengeance. While Aegon recovers, Aemond might aim for the Iron Throne himself.

Aemond gives Aegon his stone ball 

Aegon feigns forgetfulness about Aemond’s misdeeds at Rook’s Rest, anxious that his brother’s anger might be unleashed. In turn, Aemond presents Aegon with a stone ball marker from the Small Council as a gift. However, when Aemond senses the Grand Maester approaching, he appears reluctant to reveal this gesture.

In the Small Council, every stone marker representing a distinct role bears a unique color. For example, the Grand Maester’s is grey and adorned with a chain pattern, while the Master of Coin’s is yellow and silver with a cut-through. During meetings, absent council members are signified by their missing markers, placed centrally to denote their absence. Giving Aegon his stone marker for the Small Council carries a significant and ominous implication regarding his future within House of the Dragon.