Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
A quarrel between the Brackens and Blackwoods becomes a battle at the Burning Mill, showing how the rival royal claims are feeding old local hatreds. At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra has Arryk and Erryk buried together. Rhaenys urges her to try speaking to Alicent before further deaths bury the original cause of the conflict. Rhaenyra also sends Rhaena away with her younger children and dragon eggs, seeking safety for the family beyond the immediate war.
Daemon reaches Harrenhal expecting resistance and instead receives Simon Strong's surrender and hospitality. The castle gives him a base for gathering a Riverlands army, but its ruined rooms also bring disturbing visions, including a young Rhaenyra with Jaehaerys. Meanwhile, Criston sets out with troops and Alicent's brother Gwayne. Baela spots them from Moondancer and pursues them towards the trees, then reports their movements without turning the patrol into a larger attack.
With Mysaria's help, Rhaenyra secretly enters King's Landing dressed as a septa and approaches Alicent at prayer. They dispute responsibility for the war and the meaning of Viserys's last words. When Alicent describes the promised prince and says Aegon's name, Rhaenyra recognises the Conqueror's prophecy. Alicent realises that she misunderstood her husband, but refuses to reverse what has happened. She tells Rhaenyra to leave, and their meeting ends without an agreement to stop the fighting.