Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Rhaenyra cuts short her tour of possible husbands after another meeting descends into violence. Back in King's Landing, Daemon returns wearing a crown won in the Stepstones, then offers it to Viserys and acknowledges his brother as king. Their reunion brings a brief easing of the family's quarrels. Rhaenyra also reconnects with Alicent, whose life as queen has left her lonely inside the Red Keep.
Daemon helps Rhaenyra leave the castle in disguise and takes her through the city's entertainments. A street performance mocks her claim to the throne, showing her an audience that does not share the court's careful manners. Their night ends with an intimate encounter in a pleasure house, but Daemon leaves her there. Rhaenyra returns to her room and begins a sexual relationship with Criston, who breaks his Kingsguard oath.
Otto carries a report about Daemon and Rhaenyra to Viserys, while Alicent questions her friend and accepts her denial of sleeping with her uncle. Daemon asks to marry Rhaenyra, provoking another banishment from his furious brother. Viserys orders Rhaenyra to marry Laenor Velaryon to repair their alliance. She agrees while challenging Otto's motives, and the king dismisses his Hand. A maester brings Rhaenyra a contraceptive tea on her father's instructions.