House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 1: Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood

Driven by her faith in Alicent, Rhaenyra positions herself to take Kings Landing while the Triarchy sails to take on Corlys in the Gullet. The Blacks prepare for a decisive strike against the Greens, aiming to seize the capital and secure Rhaenyras claim to the Iron Throne.

Alicent, driven by her faith and the bargain she has struck, plays her part in paving the way for Rhaenyras forces. The alliance between the two women, born of necessity and shared grief, represents a turning point in the war.

The Triarchys fleet falls upon Corlys Velaryons ships in the Gullet in the devastating Battle of the Gullet. Prince Jacaerys Jace Velaryon rides his dragon Vermax into the fray but is brought down and slain, while young Viserys Targaryen vanishes at sea and is feared lost. The catastrophic defeat robs the Blacks of their heir and their naval supremacy, a staggering blow that will harden Rhaenyras resolve to strike back at Kings Landing.

The episode closes on the devastation of the Battle of the Gullet, with Rhaenyra's push against the capital left hanging in the balance. Alicents role in facilitating the strike represents a dramatic shift in alliances. The deaths of Jace and the loss of young Viserys become the direct fuel for Rhaenyras fury, driving her toward a full assault on Kings Landing to avenge her broken cause.