23 June,2026 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ewan Mitchell and Olivia Cooke in a still from House of The Dragon 3
HBO's House of the Dragon has never shied away from exploring the complicated and often uncomfortable dynamics of House Targaryen. But the Season 3 premiere delivered one of the show's most shocking moments yet when Aemond Targaryen unexpectedly kissed his mother, Alicent Hightower.
The controversial scene unfolds after Alicent returns from a secret meeting with Rhaenyra Targaryen. During her absence, Aegon has fled King's Landing and Aemond has effectively taken control of the Iron Throne. Hoping to create a path towards peace, Alicent attempts to persuade her son to leave King's Landing and confront Daemon Targaryen at Harrenhal.
Instead, Aemond responds in a way she never anticipated, leaving Alicent visibly shaken and viewers stunned.
Speaking to TVLine, Cooke revealed that her character never saw the moment coming. When asked whether Alicent was prepared for it, the actress bluntly replied, "F''k no!"
Cooke added, "I don't know if any mother is expecting their son to have romantic feelings for them. It's so shocking."
The actress explained that the incident changes how Alicent views Aemond and the power he now holds. She said, "It's completely out of left field for Alicent, of course, and terrifying because this man sits on top of the Iron Throne, and she has to tread very carefully from there on out."
Cooke also admitted that some of the twists in the show's scripts continue to surprise her even after several seasons.
Ewan Mitchell, who plays Aemond, was equally disturbed by the scene, saying he is surprised Alicent didn't throw up in her mouth. He added, "I certainly did when I watched it."
Mitchell explained, "He has a very skewered perception of love, so to speak. He doesn't necessarily know how to show that, or show it to other people."
The actor pointed to Aemond's lonely childhood and lifelong feelings of isolation as key reasons behind his behaviour.
He also suggested that the character is constantly searching for a maternal figure in his life, which influences many of his decisions.
Beyond its shock value, the moment serves a larger purpose in the story. The encounter dramatically alters the dynamic within the Green faction at a time when the battle for the Iron Throne is intensifying. With the Battle of the Gullet now underway and tensions escalating on all sides, the Season 3 premiere signals that the Dance of the Dragons is entering its most brutal and destructive chapter yet.
