House Velaryon suffers an uneasy transfer of power as Corlys (Steve Toussaint), the head of the family, languishes in far-off danger. Having suffered a grave injury in battle, Corlys might be at death’s door. Thus, the family is forced to explore other possible means of inheritance. Driftmark, the Velaryon seat of power, would fall to Rhaenyra’s children, as they’re Laenor’s heirs. This causes civil unrest among several influential members of the realm, including Corlys’ brother, Vaemond (Wil Johnson). Vaemond feels he has much more of a legitimate claim, as Rhaenyra’s children, he loudly declares, are illegitimate.
This proclamation sends King Viserys into a spitting rage. But before he can do anything about it, Daemon slices through Vaemond’s skull like butter. This is a staggering, scene-stealing moment: Vaemond loses everything above the lower jaw, and falls to the ground like a sack of potatoes. It’s gory, gross, and shocking, and it makes Daemon and Rhaenyra’s ruthlessness loud and clear.
