After the Battle at Rook’s Rest, Rhaenyra realizes she needs more dragon riders to counter the mighty Vhagar, but there’s still the PR disaster that came after the whole baby-killing deal. Thankfully she is not Aegon or Aemond. She actually listens to (some) advice. Specifically, advice from Mysaria, who is well aware that the true power lies with the smallfolk, and they are hungry and angry at The Greens. With a blockade keeping food out of reach for the citizens of King’s Landing and the rich nobles of the Red Keep hoarding all the resources, a breaking point is just within reach. So Mysaria sends “gifts” from Rhaenyra to the people of King’s Landing — small boats filled with food, the food they are certainly not getting from their current rulers.

What are people to do but be grateful at the only person who is seemingly still thinking of their well-being (even if that same person is the one doing a blockade on the city that prevents food from coming in)? And when those same people see their current rulers just frolicking around like nothing’s wrong, it’s hard not to root for them rioting and calling out for blood. An angry mob attacks Helaena and Alicent, while chanting “Love live Queen Rhaenyra!” One could almost picture a guillotine being brought out, because even if the two queens didn’t die, a Kingsguard was beaten to death, and the riot doesn’t seem to be stopping but spreading.

This scene was reminiscent of a similar riot in season 2 of “Game of Thrones” where the people of King’s Landing attacked Joffrey in protest of the war. What makes this different is that it feels like the start of something bigger, something with a purpose.