Gwayne Hightower’s confrontation with Criston Cole about his affair with Alicent within the season finale of Home of the Dragon raises the query of how he came upon. Gwayne, Alicent’s older brother, is a key ally for the Greens.
Gwayne, nevertheless, didn’t seem till season 2. He was briefly seen in season 1 in the course of the Inheritor’s Match, the place he fought in opposition to Daemon Targaryen. His function grew to become extra important in season 2 after Criston grew to become Hand of the King.
A talented knight, Gwayne joined Criston’s forces on a march to Harrenhal at Alicent’s request. Regardless of Alicent being the Queen Dowager, Gwayne was fiercely protecting of his sister. Though he agreed to battle alongside Criston, their relationship received off to a rocky begin.
Criston and Gwayne each had battle expertise, however their methods had been fairly completely different, particularly within the battle of Rook’s Relaxation. Alicent’s affect performed a big half of their variations.
Within the episode “The Queen Who Ever Was,” Gwayne noticed Criston with Alicent’s handkerchief and confronted him. Pressure between them grew as Gwayne suspected Criston was concerned with Alicent.
Gwayne had no direct proof, similar to having his personal spy, however the handkerchief was sufficient to persuade him that one thing was occurring between his sister and the Hand of the King. As a protecting brother, Gwayne’s anger grew.
Even when Gwayne hoped that Criston and Alicent weren’t having a secret affair, he was already suspicious. Earlier than he left King’s Touchdown, Gwayne noticed Criston and Alicent speaking and sensed that one thing was improper. Their dialog appeared greater than only a formal alternate between the Hand of the King and the King’s mom.
Gwayne held his suspicions till he confronted Criston together with his sword on the soldier camp within the forest. Neither man knew that Alicent was almost pregnant with Criston’s little one. Gwayne’s issues about Criston’s damaged vows as Kingsguard affected his view of him.
When confronted, Criston didn’t deny the affair, however as a substitute questioned the struggle and the actions of these concerned. Gwayne’s issues about Criston’s vows and his remorse over the struggle led to some understanding between the 2, which might affect the story in season 3.
Now Gwayne and the others near Criston within the camp know in regards to the affair with Alicent. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely that there might be critical penalties for Criston and Alicent. Whereas breaking the vow is critical, many individuals in King’s Touchdown could already suspect or find out about it.
Helaena could comprehend it too, however each she and Gwayne could be smart to not do something that might carry extra criticism of Alicent. In addition to, there are extra urgent points on the heart of the Dance of the Dragons.
With Alicent’s secret assembly with Rhaenyra and looming battles, Criston and Alicent’s affair might not be a precedence. Until the present drastically modifications Criston’s story, it might not characteristic any additional direct interactions between Alicent and Criston after he leaves King’s Touchdown. Whether or not or not Gwayne accepts the reality, the affair could quickly develop into much less related.
Within the Home of the Dragon season 2 finale, Gwayne Hightower’s confrontation with Criston Cole over his affair with Alicent highlights Gwayne’s protecting nature as Alicent’s older brother. Regardless of no direct proof, Gwayne’s discovery of Alicent’s handkerchief and his suspicions about their interactions fuels his anger.
This confrontation revealed the deep rigidity between Gwayne and Criston, influenced by each private {and professional} conflicts. Whereas the revelation of the affair appears important, the continuing occasions of the Dance of the Dragons, together with key encounters and fights, shift the main target of the affair.
With different urgent issues and doable future plot developments, Criston and Alicent’s affair could develop into a secondary concern. The development of the story means that except main modifications happen, the affair’s impression could diminish as new challenges come up.