Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Rhaenyra's first days as queen bring an empty treasury, hungry petitioners and a refusal from the High Septon to anoint her without proof of Aegon's death. Daemon obtains Ormund Hightower's submission and brings back a boy presented as Daeron. Rhaenyra wants to show mercy, while Daemon argues that another possible heir threatens her reign. Mysaria becomes Mistress of Whispers, but her advice about the starving city competes with Daemon's preference for displays of strength.
Corlys asks Rhaenyra to legitimise Addam and Alyn, hoping to name Alyn his heir. Her refusal angers him, especially when her own sons have faced accusations about their parentage. She knights the new dragonriders but puts off their requests while trying to organise her government. Alicent asks for Otto's remains to be returned to Oldtown and warns Rhaenyra that ruling will demand choices unlike the peaceful image she holds of her father.
At a banquet, Rhaenyra serves rats to nobles accused of hoarding supplies while her Gold Cloaks take food from their stores for the poor. The gesture earns public approval but cannot solve the shortage, and she sends Daemon to seek money from the Vale. She decides to send Daeron to the Wall rather than kill him, only for Alicent to reveal that the captive boy is an impostor. News then arrives that Ormund has occupied Tumbleton with the real prince.