Rhea Royce
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 Rhea Royce by Warp Speed | ||||
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| Alias | Bronze bitch[1] | |||
| Title | Lady of Runestone[1] | |||
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| Culture | Valemen[1] | |||
| Died | In 115 AC, the Vale[2] | |||
| Spouse | Prince Daemon Targaryen[1] | |||
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| Played by | Rachel Redford | |||
| TV series | House of the Dragon: Season 1 | |||
Rhea Royce was the Lady of Runestone and the head of House Royce during the reigns of kings Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Viserys I Targaryen.[1]
In the television adaptation House of the Dragon, Rhea is portrayed by Rachel Redford.[3]
History
Marriage
In 97 AC, Queen Alysanne Targaryen wed her grandson Prince Daemon Targaryen to Lady Rhea Royce, the heir to Runestone.[1] Although the marriage was a fine, rich match, the marriage was not a success. Daemon found the Vale of Arryn little to his liking and grew bored. He soon developed a dislike for his wife, holding no love or affection toward Rhea, referring to her as his bronze bitch, a mocking reference to the ancient armor of the Royces. Rhea likewise had no love for Daemon, and they were soon estranged.[2]
Shortly after 101 AC, Rhea succeeded Lord Yorbert Royce as the Lady of Runestone.[1] Meanwhile, Rhea's union with Daemon proved to be barren. Upon the ascension of his brother King Viserys I, Daemon petitioned the king to set aside his marriage, but Viserys denied the request. However, he did allow his brother to return to court to serve on the small council.[2][1] While at court, Daemon acquired the Lady Mysaria as a mistress and impregnated her in 105 AC. After Daemon attempted to give her a dragon egg, Viserys commanded Daemon to return the egg and return to Lady Rhea at Runestone, or else be attained; Daemon obeyed with ill grace and returned to Rhea's unwelcomed company.[1]
By 106 AC, Daemon had once again left Lady Rhea at Runestone, this time to wage a war over control of the Stepstones with Lord Corlys Velaryon, declaring that he had suffered all he could of the Vale and his lady wife.[1] Daemon later reportedly requested for his marriage to be set aside to wed his niece, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, but the king exiled him from the Seven Kingdoms.[2][1]
Death and succession
In 115 AC, while she was hawking in the Vale,[2] Lady Rhea fell from her horse and cracked her skull upon a stone. She lingered for nine days before finally feeling well enough to leave her bed, only to collapse and die within an hour of rising.[1]
Upon learning of Rhea's death, Prince Daemon flew from Bloodstone to put his wife to rest. After arriving in the Vale, however, he claimed the lands, castles, and incomes of House Royce. Runestone passed to a nephew of Lady Rhea, however, and Daemon's claim was dismissed by Lady Jeyne Arryn, who warned him that he was unwelcome in the Vale.[1]
Family
Rhea Royce was the heir of Lord Yorbert Royce, though her relation to him is unknown.[1] After her death, Rhea was succeeded by a nephew.[1]