House of the Dragons: The Dance of the Dragons
Alicent Hightower's Role in the Targaryen Civil War
Alicent's Rise to Power
In the years that followed the death of King Viserys I Targaryen's first wife, Queen Aemma Arryn, Alicent Hightower caught the king's eye. Her father, Otto Hightower, was a powerful member of the small council, and Alicent's beauty and diplomatic skills quickly made her a favorite among the court. In 112 AC, Viserys married Alicent, who became his second queen.
Alicent's marriage to Viserys made her a key player in the political landscape. She had four children with the king, including Aegon II, who became crown prince.
The Dance of the Dragons
After Viserys's death in 129 AC, a succession crisis erupted between Alicent's son, Aegon II, and Rhaenyra Targaryen, Viserys's daughter by his first marriage. Both sides claimed the Iron Throne, and a civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons ensued.
Alicent played a significant role in the war. She was a strong advocate for her son's claim to the throne, and she used her influence to rally support for Aegon II.
The War's End
The Dance of the Dragons lasted for three years, and it resulted in the deaths of thousands of Targaryens and their supporters. Aegon II was murdered in 131 AC, and Alicent was arrested by the Velaryons, who supported Rhaenyra.
Alicent survived the war, but she spent her remaining days in mourning. Her children were all dead, and she had no hope of ever regaining the power she had once held.
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