This story contains details from episode 6 ofHouse of the DragononHBO.
For her to be gone leaves him untethered.
DEADLINE:Steve, the chemistry between Corlys and Rhaenys provided some humanity amid the brutality.
Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon in HBO’s House of the DragonOllie Upton
Did the revelations this season about his affair and sons with a different woman come as a shock?
I initially I found it very difficult to get my head around.
DEADLINE:How does Corlys justify his actions to himself?
Rachel Smith
DEADLINE: Thats a crucial point.
This wasnt a one-off, Alyn has a brother, Addam.
Yes, and it makes you think perhaps their mother was something more special than hes letting on.
To be honest, Im still exploring this.
Eve and I used to have long discussions about it.
DEADLINE:It pulls the rug from under us.
It makes us question whether the relationship between Corlys and Rhaenys was everything it appeared to be.
The one thing that I was sure of was that his relationship with Rhaenys is true.
How that ended, I dont know.
That would be interesting; did she go away, is she still alive?
I certainly dont know.
I think theres several things that play into this.
First of all, his daughter and son are dead, well, his son is dead.
Then he makes his grandson, whos not really his grandson, his heir, and that child dies.
He shouldnt be swept under the carpet, he should be exalted and given his due.
And I think, for Corlys, after she has passed, thats almost like permission.
I think had she lived, they would have had further discussion.
I dont think she was comfortable with the situation, but being Rhaenys, shes practical about it.
Of course, the boy still has to say yes.
DEADLINE:Corlys is grieving for his beloved wife, but he is still thinking about legacy and power.
He is still ambitious?
He is still the same man, so there is ambition there.
He might not admit it.
We dont change that much.
To what extent are you aware of the bigger picture?
Or do you have to just focus on whats in front of you?
Last season there were at least four or five episodes where we were all together.
Now, because were about to go to war, were not seeing each other.
I had my journey through these eight episodes, but I didnt know everybody elses.
