Alicent Stunned by Father's Brutal Execution

Olivia Cooke revealed that her character, Alicent Hightower, is emotionally stunned by the recent execution of her manipulative father, Otto Hightower. The fantasy drama, set about a century before "Game of Thrones," saw Alicent surrender her sons' claims to the crown in favor of her former friend Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Rhaenyra's first act as queen was the public beheading of Otto, whom she blamed for a coup. Cooke described Alicent's reaction as twofold: deep mourning for Rhys Ifans, who played Otto, and anger at the disrespectful manner of his death. She questioned if Rhaenyra imprisoned Otto for a showy political act.

Meanwhile, Freddie Fox, portraying Alicent's brother Gwayne, also grieved his father, though his feelings were complex due to never knowing him. Gwayne's storyline involves survival, attempting to fulfill a bargain for his daughter Helaena, and dealing with the fall of King's Landing.

Cooke explained that Alicent's decision to offer her son Aegon's head as part of a peace treaty was a calculated move to transfer loyalty to Rhaenyra, a decision that weighed heavily on her. The season also introduces James Norton as Alicent and Gwayne's cousin, with whom Gwayne has a history of bullying and respect.