Ewan Mitchell gets honest about Aemond’s obsession with Matt Smith’s Daemon.

The rivalry between Daemon Targaryen and Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon is more than enough for the audience to see that this weird tension is almost leaning into a hidden romance. After all, netizens have been profusely shipping the two characters since the first season.

Ewan Mitchell in House of the Dragon / HBO

They scarcely have any interactions in the current installment, but their limited encounters in Season 1 brought forth many speculations about their true connection, other than being uncle and nephew.

Ewan Mitchell On The Real Deal Between Aemond And Daemon

In an interview with GamesRadar, actor Ewan Mitchell reveals the low-down on Aemond Targaryen’s real feelings about Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen. In Episode 2 of House of the Dragon following the death of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Aemond finds a coin under the table which brings him to the conclusion that Daemon must have been after him.

What he sees in that coin, everything it represents, that he picks up in episode 2: that idea that he’s now worthy enough for Daemon Targaryen, who is considered the most badass man and fighter and dragon rider in the realm. The fact that he’s now being pursued by Daemon, there’s almost a romantic element to it for Aemond.

In the following episode, Aemond was seen fiddling with the coin at the council meeting. This is what Mitchell was pointing out when he mentioned, “That was something that I made sure to do, was to keep that coin on me at all times in season 2 after that moment, because Daemon ultimately lives rent-free in Aemond’s head.”

At this point, fans now know that Aemond has been thinking about Daemon, his foiled attempt to assassinate him – which, for Aemond, is a compliment – and the fact that his uncle thinks he’s a worthy opponent.

Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen with Caraxes in House of the Dragon / HBO

Episode 4 was also proof that Daemon could be subconsciously thinking about his nephew. His stay in Harrenhal brought him bizarre nightmares and in one scene, he saw a man walking the hallways who looked a lot like Aemond. When the mysterious figure turned around, Daemon saw a replica of himself.

This can be considered a foreshadowing of the events that will likely befall Daemon and Aemond in the next episodes, or even season. The Battle Above the God’s Eye is one the most popular duels in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood that will witness the clash between two of the most powerful dragons, Vhagar and Caraxes, and the death of their riders, Aemond and Daemon.

Ewan Mitchell Avoided Matt Smith On The Set Of House Of The Dragon

Ewan Mitchell in House of the Dragon / HBO

In an interview with The Face, Mitchell shared a very intriguing approach he made for his character in Season 1 to prepare for his encounter with Daemon.

I did something on Dragon that was the first choice I made on my first day. I said to Ryan: ​‘I’ve got this idea of avoiding Matt Smith and [even] avoiding eye contact.’

The actor revealed that he wanted to save that special moment for Episode 8 (Season 1) where they had an intense stare-down. “Aemond idolizes Daemon, and this is the first time that he makes any sort of contact with him,” added Mitchell.

House of the Dragon Season 2 is now streaming on HBO.