The sixth episode of HBO's "House of the Dragon" season 3 sees the dramatic demise of Ser Criston Cole. His final moments occur during an ambush where he confronts Roddy the Ruin and Ser Oscar Tully, ultimately falling to arrows fired by Alysanne Blackwood. This event marks the end of actor Fabien Frankel's two-and-a-half-season arc on the show and signifies a loss of favor for Alicent as Cole's troop is overrun.
The episode, however, offers little solace for Rhaenyra and her 'Team Black' faction. Rhaenyra grapples with the burdens of rule and increasing paranoia, famously shutting the doors of the Red Keep on pleas from the smallfolk. Meanwhile, Daemon finds King's Landing increasingly hostile, even donning the armor of the gold cloaks himself to confront the ringleader of Ormund Hightower's agents.
Further complicating the dragonseed situation, Daemon encounters Ulf, who prioritizes drinking ale over his bond with the dragon Vermithor. Ser Hugh also faces rejection from his wife, Kat, who resents his pursuit of glory as a dragonrider while she endures hardships on the ground.
The internal dynamics of the Hightower family are also explored. Ormund, Daeron, and Gwayne navigate their strained relationships. Daeron expresses his discomfort with being controlled by Ormund, feeling more like a "puppet, fool, child." Despite internal friction, Gwayne remains loyal to the Greens and thwarts Rhaenyra's plot to assassinate Ormund and Daeron by eliminating assassins posing as envoys.
Elsewhere, Alicent's pregnancy becomes apparent, prompting Rhaenyra to decree that she must not be seen. Mysaria misinforms Rhaenyra about Helaena's condition. Rhaenyra's tone towards Alicent hardens, mirroring her earlier anger towards the smallfolk.
In a desperate bid to protect herself and her daughter, Alicent reveals Helaena's prophetic abilities to Rhaenyra, who becomes intrigued by her "dreams." Alicent also discloses Aemond's location at Harrenhal, prompting Rhaenyra to send Alicent there, much to her horror.
At Harrenhal, Alys Rivers prevents Aemond from leaving to find his dragon, Vhagar, by killing a stable boy. She reveals a hidden chest containing five dragon's eggs, hatched a century prior, and they embark on a new alliance, dreaming of future heirs.
In other developments, Lord Corlys appears to have been taken prisoner by Ormund Hightower and the Greens after his field encampment was raided by Jon Roxton. Alyn Velaryon's attempt to seek his father's approval is met with a passionate kiss from Baela Targaryen, suggesting a shift in their relationship. Meanwhile, Jeyne Arryn punishes Rhaena Targaryen for nearly revealing her sanctuary in the Vale.