While visiting an injured Aegon in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6, Aemond places a stone ball in his hand that carries some important symbolism for the brothers’ new roles. Aemond has always resented Aegon in House of the Dragon, even more so as the latter has inherited the greatest power in the world without proving himself worthy of the position. Because Aemond was born the second son, he’s always had to see Aegon enjoy (or be burdened with) the titles, power, and respect that he believes himself far more deserving of.
Aemond finally takes matters into his own hands in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4. Speeding along his inheritance, Aemond tries killing Aegon in the Battle at Rook’s Rest, as he has Vhagar burn his brother and Sunfyre before finishing his fight with Rhaenys. Aegon ultimately survives, but he’s left immobile, hardly able to speak, and utterly afraid of what Aemond might do if he reveals the truth about his attack. With Aemond now serving as Prince Regent, he brings Aegon an item in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 to remind him of his place.
Aemond Gives Aegon His Stone Ball From The Small Council Meetings
The Stone Ball Is Aegon’s Marker At The Small Council
Once the King is awake, Aegon lies about not remembering what Aemond did at Rook’s Rest, as he fears his brother’s wrath if his crime is revealed. While kissing his brother on his head, Aemond gives Aegon his stone ball marker from the Small Council, which he also painfully presses into the King’s wounds. Additionally, it almost seems as if Aemnond is trying to hide his “gift” to his brother when the Grand Maester walks into the room.
Each stone ball marker in the Small Council has a different color and represents a different role. For instance, the Grand Maester’s stone ball is grey and surrounded by a chain-like design, while the Master of Coin’s marker is yellow and silver with a slit through it. When a council member isn’t present for the meeting, their stone ball is left in a central dish that highlights their absence. As such, giving Aegon his stone ball for the Small Council has a scary deeper meaning for his fate in House of the Dragon.
Team Green’s Small Council
Character
Role
Aegon Targaryen
King
Aemond Targaryen
Prince Regent
Tyland Lannister
Master of Coin
Maester Orwyle
Grand Maester
Jasper Wylde
Criston Cole
Hand of the King/Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
Larys Strong
Lord Confessor/Master of Whisperers
Aemond Giving Aegon The Stone Marker Represents Their Dangerous New Power Dynamic
Aemond Has Aegon In The Palm Of His Hands
Aemond giving Aegon his Small Council stone marker is a warning to his older brother. As Aemond actor Ewan Mitchell explained, this act represents Aemond reminding Aegon about their new power dynamic, in which Aemond will take on the responsibilities and authority of the King in all but name, while Aegon will sit by and play his part in silence. The stone markers essentially represent the Small Council members clocking into work, so when Aemond gives Aemond the ball, he’s telling his brother that he must not interfere and is serving his “role” on the council by remembering who has the upper hand.
With Aegon bedridden, afraid to tell the truth, and unable to act as King, he’s playing his “Small Council” role perfectly for Aemond’s rule in House of the Dragon .
Repeating the sentiment of what Alicent told Aegon he should do in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4, Aemond is symbolically telling Aegon to “Do simply what is needed of [him]: nothing.” In Aemond’s eyes, Aegon’s role is best served by staying away from any actual council meetings or activities that would give him more authority. With Aegon bedridden, afraid to tell the truth, and unable to act as King, he’s playing his “Small Council” role perfectly for Aemond’s rule in House of the Dragon.
New episodes of House of the Dragon season 2 release Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
