NOTE: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon
Throughout the first season of House of the Dragon, one of the main sources of drama in the show is Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). Members of King Viserys' (Paddy Considine) court do not believe he is suitable to serve as Viserys' heir apparent for many reasons, including his violent tendencies as the Commander of the City Watch.
Another reason is his reluctance to spend time with his wife. But who is Prince Daemon's wife? And who will play her in House of the Dragon? Here's what we know so far.
Who is Daemon Targaryen's wife?
Prince Daemon's estranged wife is Lady Rhea Royce. She's also known as Lady Rhea of the Vale and resides at Runestone, House Royce's castle in the Vale of Arryn.
Their marriage was meant to strengthen the bonds between House Targaryen and House Royce, but the pair quickly developed a dislike for one another and, as such, do not spend much time together.
During a small council meeting in the opening episode, the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), mentions that Daemon has not been home to his wife for some time. Daemon responds by calling Rhea a "bronze b***h" and claims that she's bound to be happier with him staying in King's Landing.
Despite being challenged for his comments, Daemon continues to insult Rhea during the meeting and even offers her up to Otto as his own wife to help "warm his bed," mocking the fact that Otto's wife had passed away recently.
In episode 2, Daemon causes Viserys and the rest of court headaches when he claims that he is taking Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) as a second wife, though the planned marriage is all a setup by Daemon; Mysaria wasn't even let in on the scheme.
Episode 4 takes place years after the first few episodes, but Daemon's feelings for Lady Rhea Royce have not softened. When referring to the prospect of children with her, he calls her inhospitable. Daemon also makes another move to add a new wife, suggesting to King Viserys that he be allowed to marry Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), his niece, as a second wife. Though gross (to audiences and King Viserys alike), marriage between such close relations was a tradition of House Targaryen in the fantasy world's lore. Daemon is denied this request for Rhaenyra.
Then in episode 5, Daemon returns to the Vale and for the first time we meet Lady Rhea in person. However, we only get to know her for a short time, as Daemon startles her horse, who rears and then lands on Lady Rhea, killing her.
Who is playing Rhea Royce?
Playing Lady Rhea Royce is Shadow and Bone star Rachel Redford. Redford played Fruszi in the Netflix fantasy series and is also known for appearances in The Riot Club and Gap Year.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air weekly on HBO on Sundays at 9 pm ET/PT in the US and on Mondays on Sky at 9 pm UK. Previous episodes are available to stream on HBO Max, Sky TV and NOW.
