House of the Dragon is known not only for it's epic battles and political intrigues but also for scenes that reach peak tension without a single drop of blood. One such moment in the second season became the most challenging and emotionally charged for Emma D'Arcy, who portrays Rhaenyra Targaryen.
This refers to the confrontation between Rhaenyra and Daemon in the second episode, where their alliance was under threat. Although the scene lacked the shocking elements typical of Game of Thrones, it became one of the most powerful in the season — and the most tense for Rhaenyra herself.
According to Emma D'Arcy, filming this moment was a true challenge for them. Their scene partner, Matt Smith, is known for his ability to improvise and bring unexpected elements into the performance, which added even more intensity to the scene.
"I love working with Matt. He taught me to find and use the space for acting. This is very important because there is often so much chaos on set that you just want to avoid getting in the way. But it was Matt who showed me how important it is to sometimes just play and not be afraid to improvise," shares D'Arcy.
The scene was so energetic that during takes, the actors hardly spoke to each other between shots.
"We just walked in circles, like boxers before a fight," D'Arcy recalls.
But why did this particular scene become so special? D'Arcy explains that the key feature of the relationship between Rhaenyra and Daemon is their dangerous attraction.
"Their erotic energy is dangerous. It craves blood. It is built on power," says D'Arcy. This balance between attraction, politics, and the struggle for influence is what makes their connection so tense.
By the end of the second season, Rhaenyra and Daemon seemingly reconciled, but D'Arcy is confident that Rhaenyra no longer fully trusts him. After the events of the season, she finally saw him for who he truly is, without illusions, and now she will keep him "on a short leash."
