Gwayne Hightower’s confrontation with Criston Cole about his affair with Alicent in the season 2 finale of House of the Dragon raises the question of how he found out. Gwayne, Alicent’s older brother, is an important ally for the Greens.
However, Gwayne didn’t appear in season 2 until then. He was briefly seen in season 1 during the Heir’s Tournament, where he fought Daemon Targaryen. His role became larger in season 2 after Criston became Hand of the King.
As a skilled knight, Gwayne joined Criston’s forces on a march to Harrenhal at Alicent’s request. Despite Alicent being the queen dowager, Gwayne was very protective of his sister. Though he agreed to fight alongside Criston, their relationship started off rocky.
Criston and Gwayne both had battle experience, but their strategies were quite different, especially in the battle of Rook’s Rest. Alicent’s influence played a big part in their disagreements.
In the episode “The Queen Who Ever Was,” Gwayne saw Criston with Alicent’s handkerchief and confronted him. The tension between them grew as Gwayne suspected Criston was involved with Alicent.
Gwayne had no direct evidence, like having his own spy, but the handkerchief was enough to convince him something was happening between his sister and the Hand of the King. As a protective brother, Gwayne’s anger increased.
Even if Gwayne hoped Criston and Alicent were not having a secret affair, he was already suspicious. Before leaving King’s Landing, Gwayne saw Criston and Alicent talking and felt something was wrong. Their conversation seemed more than just a formal exchange between the Hand of the King and the King’s mother.
Gwayne kept his suspicion until he confronted Criston with his sword at the soldier camp in the woods. Neither man knew that Alicent was nearly pregnant with Criston’s child. Gwayne’s concerns about Criston’s broken vows as a Kingsguard affected his view of him.
When Criston was confronted, he didn’t deny the affair but instead questioned the war and the actions of those involved. Gwayne’s worries about Criston’s vows and his regrets about the war led to some understanding between the two, which might affect the story in season 3.
Now, Gwayne and the others close to Criston at the camp know about the affair with Alicent. However, it’s unlikely that there will be any serious consequences for Criston and Alicent. Even though breaking the vow is serious, many people in King’s Landing might already suspect or know about it.
Helaena also might know, but both she and Gwayne would be wise not to do anything that could bring more criticism towards Alicent. Additionally, more urgent issues are taking focus during the Dance of the Dragons.
With Alicent’s secret meeting with Rhaenyra and upcoming battles, the affair between Criston and Alicent may not be a priority. Unless the show changes Criston’s story drastically, it might not feature further direct interactions between Alicent and Criston after he left King’s Landing. Whether or not Gwayne accepts the truth, the affair may soon become less relevant.
In the finale of House of the Dragon Season 2, Gwayne Hightower’s confrontation with Criston Cole about his affair with Alicent highlights Gwayne’s protective nature as Alicent’s older brother. Despite having no direct proof, Gwayne’s discovery of Alicent’s handkerchief and his suspicions about their interactions fueled his anger.
This confrontation revealed the deep tension between Gwayne and Criston, influenced by both personal and professional conflicts. While the affair’s revelation might seem significant, the ongoing events of the Dance of the Dragons, including key meetings and battles, shift the focus away from the affair.
With other pressing matters at hand and potential future plot developments, the affair between Criston and Alicent may become a secondary issue. The story’s progression suggests that unless major changes occur, the affair’s impact may diminish as new challenges emerge.
