According to Screenrant, Mitchell explains the enigmatic scene in the latest episode of the acclaimed series House of the Dragons, in which Aemond, played by Ewan Mitchell (The Last Kingdom), hands back the stone to Aegon, played by Tom Glynn-Carney (Dunkirk). In an interview video with Screenrant, the actor offers some intriguing insights into the character’s motivations, with one theory that he comes with the King’s marker as a symbol of authority and is giving it back to him to reclaim his throne once he heals. Mitchell suggests that it could be a cunning act of manipulation and leave his brothers with a false sense of security.”
During the interview, Mitchell told Screenrant, ”You’ll have to wait and see. I love that scene, because it’s almost like Stephen King’s “Misery.” It’s like this spider leering over his prey in the web. You’re right there in the palm of my hand. That’s certainly a new dynamic for Aemond, as well as his brother, who’s now physically inferior than him. I can’t wait to see where it goes. If I give all the answers, people will stop asking the questions. That’s a really cool way of looking at it. It’s the king’s marker. Maybe Aemond is giving it back to his brother, maybe he’s trying to reassure him that everything’s gonna be okay — “You’ll be king after you recover” — maybe lure him into that false sense of “security”.
Aegon’s fate is uncertain in season two, similar to his late father’s in season one. According to Screenrant, returning the stone ball might be calculated to keep Aegon complacent while Aemond quietly consolidates his power behind the scenes. As the series progresses, it becomes clear that he is a formidable player in the franchise, capable of brutality and cunning.
Ultimately, the true meaning of Aemond’s action remains open to interpretation, and his ultimate goal remains a mystery. It is a testament to the show’s complex characters and intricate plotting that a simple gesture can spark such intense debate and speculation. There are six episodes available to stream on Max, as well as the entire first season. A new episode of the series will premiere this coming Sunday.