Rhea Royce

[FP1997]

Rhea Royce in House of the Dragon

• Status:  Lady of Runestone 

• Traits: Strong-willed and capable leader, not easily swayed or intimidated. 

• Famous Quote: “I knew you couldn’t finish”  

• Family: Late wife to Prince Daemon Targaryen.  

Rhea Royce, also known as Lady of Runestone, part of House Royce one of the most noble houses in the Vale of Arryn, distinguished by their use of bronze armour. Married to Prince Daemon Targaryen, yet this was anything but a success.  

As a leader Rhea is both fair and formidable. She is skilled in governance and warfare, embodying the marital prowess for which House Royce is known. Her sense of duty to her house and people is paramount as she navigates the political waters of the realm with a keen intellect.  

Marriage  

The marriage between Rhea Royce and Prince Daemon Targaryen was arranged by Queen Aemma Arryn. Both parties sharing a strong dislike to one another, eventually leading to a mutual estrangement. Daemon would often insult both his wife and House Royce by calling her the “bronze bitch” and offering her up as marriage potential for Otto Hightower as his wife had recently passed. No children had come from the marriage of Rhea and Daemon, as Deamon believed that no children could go in such a “hostile environs”.  

Daemon would make little effort to be with Rhea, noted by Otto Hightower at the Small Council, and would spend prolonged time away from Runestone. Deamons brother, King Viserys Targaryen, took notice of this and ordered him to go back to Runestone to be with Rhea. This was not taken well, and instead, Deamon flew to Dragonstone with his dragon, Caraxes, and mistress, Mysaria in which they occupied for over a year. 

During this occupancy, Daemon wrote to the small council that he would take Mysaria as his second wife, solidifying this by stealing a dragon egg, originally meant for Prince Baelon, to eventually give their own child. This was later retrieved by Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Daemon's niece, where she noted that he already had a wife, which he responded, “not of his choosing”.  

Uxoricide 

On a hunt for deer, Rhea bumps into her cousin, Gerold Royce, in which she requests to hunt alone. She is interrupted by a dark figure blocking her way back to Runestone, which she in fact realises is her husband, Deamon. Rhea is wary of Daemon's visit to the Vale and after heated words, concludes that King Viserys may have had enough of his antics in King’s Landing. Deamon ends up spooking Rhea’s horse, causing it to rear up, falling backwards and crushing Rhea, leaving her paralysed. As Daemon walks away, she insult’s him stating “I knew you couldn't finish” referring to killing her. In response, Daemon strikes Rhea with a large rock breaking her neck and skull.  

During Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon’s betrothal, Daemon is approached by Rhea’s cousin Gerold regarding her death. Deamon is accused of being part of this incident and Gerold does not believe it was a tragic accident.  

Who plays Rhea Royce?  

• Rhea Royce is portrayed by Rachel Redford; a Welsh actress best known for her work in theatre. Rachel made her debut television appearance as Lauren is E4’s comedy drama Gap Year.