Driven by her faith in Alicent, Rhaenyra positions herself to take King's Landing while the Triarchy sails to take on Corlys in the Gullet. Rhaena mounts the dragon Sheepstealer, eventually bonding with him. Aegon and Larys are captured by guards loyal to Rhaenyra; Larys reveals their identities, believing they will make valuable hostages. Alicent finds Aemond on the Iron Throne claiming that Aegon has abdicated, urges him to seize Harrenhal, and forges a letter from him to Ormund Hightower to delay the Hightower army. Daemon defeats Jason Lannister's forces and gains new allies, the Winter Wolves led by Roderick Dustin, who delivers Jason's severed head. Addam, Hugh and Ulf wait to ambush Aemond at Harrenhal, but Alys urges them to leave.
The Triarchy engages the Velaryon fleet at the Gullet and sacks High Tide, with Lohar breaking from the battle to pursue Corlys. Jace has Rhaenyra confined to keep her from joining the fight, then flies with Baela on their dragons Vermax and Moondancer to stop the Triarchy. Vermax becomes ensnared but is freed by Moondancer. Lohar throws Tyland overboard and rams Corlys's ship, which breaks apart; Corlys falls into the sea, and Alyn kills Lohar. Rhaena arrives on Sheepstealer, who attacks ships indiscriminately. Vermax is shot by a scorpion bolt and drowns, and Jace is killed by Triarchy bowmen.