While King Viserys prepares a tournament to celebrate the birth of his heir, his brother Daemon returns to the Red Keep and makes his presence felt with a bloody prosecution of the criminals of King's Landing.
With storms gathering around his kingdom the widowed Viserys is urged to take a new queen to secure his alliances. Prince Daemon announces his intentions after taking up residence at the ancient castle of Dragonstone.
On her brother's second name day Rhaenyra struggles with her place, as her father pressures her to marry and her birthright seems to be slipping away. Meanwhile, Daemon and Lord Corlys Velaryon grow frustrated in their war against the Crab Feeder.
As Rhaenyra entertains suitors Daemon returns to King's Landing in triumph. But an illicit trip to the Street of Silk after dark leads to troubling accusations.
Exiled by the king, Otto Hightower warns the queen about the difficult choices she will have to make to protect her family. Viserys and Rhaenyra travel to High Tide to propose a union with the Velaryons, and Daemon moves to secure his future.
Ten years later Rhaenyra gives birth to a son, as matters between her family and Queen Alicent's children grow more complicated. Daemon and his family receive an offer while visiting Pentos.
As the families mourn the passing of one of their own at Driftmark, Rhaenyra reconnects with her uncle. But an altercation amongst the children soon threatens to tear the royal family apart.
Lord Corlys Valeryon suffers a grave injury, shifting the political winds and prompting Rhaenyra and Daemon to return to King's Landing to secure her claim to the Iron Throne – and leading to an uneasy family reunion.
The death of the king sets in motion a coup inside the Red Keep, as the Hand leads a plot to install Aegon upon the Iron Throne ... only to find that the young prince is missing.
When Princess Rhaenys delivers news to Dragonstone of the king's death and Aegon's succession, Daemon plans for war – and a grieving Rhaenyra must decide whether and how to fight for her throne.