The Kingdoms have been cast into a civil war, as Alicent Hightower rejected Rhaenyra Targaryen's appeal for peace in House of the Dragon. The Dance of the Dragons has gained momentum, with Daemon Targaryen sanctioning "A Son for a Son" and taking Harrenhal in the name of Rhaenyra. Ser Criston Cole's army sacks the castles of Rosby and Stokeworth in the Crownlands and heads to the easy target of Rook's Rest in the same region. Daemon hopes he can raise a host to meet Cole in time, but for now, the seaside keep of Rook's Rest, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Meleys get the short end of the stick.