Daemon’s hallucinations have been pretty intense over the last few episodes, including a surprise visit from Milly Alcock as young Rhaenyra Targaryen again, only for Daemon to envision himself decapitating her with a sword. It’s an undeniable nod to his love of Rhaenyra and jealousy toward her for destroying the chance he had at becoming the King of Westeros. 

To be explicitly clear — Rhaenyra didn’t “destroy” anything, and she’s more than proven to be a far more suitable ruler than Daemon ever would be. At the same time, it’s impossible to know if Daemon was always destined to be a violent and unpredictable lil’ freak, or if being born as the second son and knowing from birth that he’d never be king turned him into a vengeful weirdo. Men will truly call for the beheading of babies instead of going to therapy, amirite? As such, all of those thoughts he keeps buried down about Rhaenyra are rearing their barbaric heads.

But not all of these thoughts are violent ones. In “House of the Dragon” season 2 episode 5, Daemon’s first major scene sees him amid a tryst with a beautiful woman with flowing white hair. We can assume this is another Targaryen based on appearance, and considering incest is as traditional in House Targaryen as dragon riding, this isn’t that unusual, all things considered. As his hands and lips travel around the woman’s skin, her voice is heard complimenting him, seemingly saying everything he’s ever wanted to hear:

“You were always the strong one. The finest swordsman. The fearless dragon rider. Your brother had great love in his heart but he lacked your constitution. Viserys was unsuited for the crown but you, Daemon, you were made to wear it. If only you’d been born first.”

Daemon moves his hands from her flesh, leaving a streak of blood across her chest and on his hands. “My favorite son,” she says to him before Daemon snaps back to reality. Move over, Oedipus, there’s a new motherf***er in town.