Warning: Contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4.
Summary
Alicent Hightower is given a drink by a Maester inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4, and it’s one that carries a lot of importance for her story. The reveal ofAlicent and Criston Cole’s relationshiphas made her story a surprising one in theGame of Thronesprequel’s sophomore season, which continues even with Cole himself off to war.
It’s that relationship which drives a small but crucial moment in the episode, as Alicent is given a beverage called moon tea by Grand Maester Orwylle, though it’s ostensibly not for her. It may not be quite as consequential overall when compared toHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4’s ending, but it does say a lot about Alicent.
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Alicent finally learns the truth about Aegon’s dream and her mistake with Viserys' final words, but isn’t willing to change her mind in HOTD season 2.
The Maester Gives Alicent Moon Tea In House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 4
Was Alicent Pregnant With Criston Cole’s Baby?
Grand Maester Orwyle gives Alicent moon tea, which she herself drinks unbeknownst to him. Moon tea is used throughout theSeven Kingdoms of Westerosto either prevent or abort pregnancies, and is made by mixing together herbs called tansy and pennyroyal along with a few other ingredients, such as mint and honey. This meansAlicent was either pregnant, or worried about becoming pregnant, with Ser Criston’s baby.
As a highborn lady, former Queen, and current Queen Mother, Alicent cannot have children outside of marriage, as that would bring great shame and disgrace upon her.
Alicent herself gave moon tea to Dyana, who was sexually assaulted by Aegon inHouse of the Dragonseason 1, so she is certainly well aware of it and what it does. Her relationship with Cole is seemingly only a few weeks old, so it is more likely this is a precautionary measure on her part, butthe fact she holds her stomach does raise the possibility she knows she’s pregnant.
As a highborn lady, former Queen, and current Queen Mother, Alicent cannot have children outside of marriage, as that would bring great shame and disgrace upon her. That the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard would be the father would only make things worse (even if she never revealed it, she’d have to live with that knowledge), since they aren’t supposed to have sex at all. That explains why Alicent drinks moon tea, but there is more to it.
How Many Children Alicent Has In HOTD (& What Happens To Them)
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The Deeper Meaning Of Alicent Drinking Moon Tea
There’s An Interesting Parallel With Rhaenyra
The first time moon tea was used inHouse of the Dragonwas actually by Rhaenyra, who was given it by Grand Maester Mellos on the order of King Viserys. Alicent learned from Larys Strong that Rhaenyra had been given moon tea, and deduced that she had lied about not having sex with Daemon Targaryen - which was only half right, as it was actually Cole she had slept with.
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Now, years later, it’s Alicent who is drinking moon tea after having sex with Cole. It really lays bare her hypocrisy and exposes her righteousness as nothing but a cloak, much like Rhaenyra said in season 1. Such a parallel is presumably not lost on Alicent herself, either, and should only feed into her self-loathing over her relationship with the Lord Commander, which will make it more interesting to see if there’s any continuation of that inHouse of the Dragon.
New episodes ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2 release Sundays at 9pm ET on HBO and Max.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
