After an unsuccessful months-long tour in search of a suitable match, Rhaenyra returns to King's Landing, as does Daemon, who has conquered most of the Stepstones. Now called "King of the Narrow Sea", he swears allegiance to Viserys and hands over his crown, and Alicent and Rhaenyra reconcile while the reunited brothers celebrate. After dark, Daemon and Rhaenyra sneak out to explore King's Landing, attend a bawdy play and visit a brothel, where Daemon seduces the willing princess but, unable to consummate the affair, abandons her. Returning to the Red Keep, Rhaenyra seduces Criston. Informed by the White Worm's spy, Otto tells the king of the pair's carousing, stirring more trouble; Alicent overhears and privately questions Rhaenyra, who swears she is still a maid.
Viserys confronts a hungover, disheveled Daemon, who seemingly confirms the rumors and proposes to wed Rhaenyra himself. Claiming Daemon only wants the crown, Viserys exiles him to the Vale, orders Rhaenyra to marry Laenor to avoid scandal and strengthen the throne, and dismisses Otto as Hand after Rhaenyra accuses him of manipulating the king for personal gain. At the king's request, Grand Maester Mellos brings Rhaenyra a precautionary abortifacient tea, a hard lesson in what it means to be the daughter of a king.