WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6!
Summary
While visiting an injured Aegon inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 6, Aemond places a stone ball in his hand that carries some important symbolism for the brothers’ new roles. Aemond has always resented Aegon inHouse of the Dragon, even more so as the latter has inherited the greatest power in the world without proving himself worthy of the position. Because Aemond was born the second son, he’s always had to see Aegon enjoy (or be burdened with) the titles, power, and respect that he believes himself far more deserving of.
Aemond finally takes matters into his own hands inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4. Speeding along his inheritance,Aemond tries killing Aegonin the Battle at Rook’s Rest, as he has Vhagar burn his brother and Sunfyre before finishing his fight with Rhaenys. Aegon ultimately survives, but he’s left immobile, hardly able to speak, andutterly afraid of what Aemond might do if he reveals the truth about his attack. With Aemond now serving as Prince Regent, he brings Aegon an item inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 6to remind him of his place.
Aemond Gives Aegon His Stone Ball From The Small Council Meetings
The Stone Ball Is Aegon’s Marker At The Small Council
Once the King is awake,Aegon lies about not remembering what Aemond didat Rook’s Rest, as he fears his brother’s wrath if his crime is revealed. While kissing his brother on his head,Aemond gives Aegon his stone ball marker from the Small Council, which he also painfully presses into the King’s wounds. Additionally, it almost seems as if Aemnond is trying to hide his “gift” to his brother when the Grand Maester walks into the room.
Why Aemond Removes Alicent From The Small Council
Aemond relieves Alicent of her position on the small council in House of the Dragon season 2, which is a horrible mistake for Team Green.
Each stone ball marker in the Small Council has a different color and represents a different role. For instance, the Grand Maester’s stone ball is grey and surrounded by a chain-like design, while the Master of Coin’s marker is yellow and silver with a slit through it. When a council member isn’t present for the meeting, their stone ball is left in a central dish that highlights their absence. As such,giving Aegon his stone ball for the Small Council has a scary deeper meaningfor his fate inHouse of the Dragon.
Hand of the King/Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
Aemond Giving Aegon The Stone Marker Represents Their Dangerous New Power Dynamic
Aemond Has Aegon In The Palm Of His Hands
Aemond giving Aegon his Small Council stone marker is a warning to his older brother. AsAemond actor Ewan Mitchell explained, this act represents Aemond reminding Aegon about their new power dynamic, in whichAemond will take on the responsibilities and authority of the King in all but name, while Aegon will sit by and play his part in silence. The stone markers essentially represent the Small Council members clocking into work, so when Aemond gives Aemond the ball, he’s telling his brother that he must not interfere and is serving his “role” on the council by remembering who has the upper hand.
With Aegon bedridden, afraid to tell the truth, and unable to act as King, he’s playing his “Small Council” role perfectly for Aemond’s rule inHouse of the Dragon.
Repeating the sentiment of what Alicent told Aegon he should do inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4,Aemond is symbolically telling Aegon to “Do simply what is needed of [him]: nothing.”In Aemond’s eyes, Aegon’s role is best served by staying away from any actual council meetings or activities that would give him more authority. With Aegon bedridden, afraid to tell the truth, and unable to act as King, he’s playing his “Small Council” role perfectly for Aemond’s rule inHouse of the Dragon.
New episodes ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2 release Sundays at 9 p.m. 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.
