The Unbreakable Bond: Criston Cole's Life After Being Affected by Alicent Hightower
The stoic and loyal Kingsguard knight Criston Cole from HBO's House Of The Dragon has a great deal of respect for Alicent Hightower because of the two crucial times she saved his life. Even though their relationship is unusual, it is proof of the significant impact Alicent has had on Cole's life, molding his allegiance and driving forces over the course of the series.
Alicent's life-saving intervention started when Cole told her about his personal relationship with Princess Rhaenyra, which was a breach against his vows. Alicent made the decision to keep Cole's secret despite her own mixed emotions, even though she knew that telling would have resulted in Cole's execution. Cole's attachment to Alicent began when this act of kindness sowed the roots of steadfast allegiance in his heart.
The wedding and Alicent's intervention: a pivotal moment in Cole's life
The second pivotal moment occurred during Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon's wedding, which threw Cole into a deep well of rage and hopelessness. Inspired by his own illicit love for Alicent, Cole felt deeply betrayed and insecure when he saw Laenor and his lover, Joffrey Lonmouth, displaying such open adoration. He killed Joffrey viciously in a moment of rage, and that terrible deed sent him on a path of self-destruction.
Cole was so overcome with shame and hopelessness that he considered ending his life, but Alicent intervened. Her intervention proved to be a turning point in Cole's path, giving him a sense of direction and optimism. He made the decision to continue living, giving his life to serving and defending Alicent, turning into her sworn protector. Their link was strengthened by this experience, which turned their partnership into an enduring one based on understanding and common experiences.
The Intimacy of Their Bond: Alicent and Cole's Romance
One of the most interesting features of House Of The Dragon is the connection between Criston and Alicent, which is a complicated mixture of forbidden desire, remorse, and loyalty. Their romance, which isn't included in the original work, gives the characters' stories more depth and complexity. Although Cole has shown Alicent his undying devotion throughout the series, their bond goes beyond simple comradery and suggests a deeper bond rooted on mutual suffering and support.
A glimpse of the emotional depth of their relationship can be found in the scene where Cole confides in Alicent, telling her that she has become his purpose for life. It highlights how Alicent's acts had a profoundly transformational effect on Cole's life, emphasizing how she affected his feeling of purpose and self-worth. Alicent and Cole's relationship is a tribute to the continuing power of human connection despite the difficulties they endure, such as societal constraints and the impending political upheaval.
The Ending of House of the Dragon's Criston Cole and Alicent Hightower
Although Alicent and Cole's romance flourished in secret under King Viserys' reign, their future is in jeopardy as the Dance of the Dragons plays out. In the subsequent upheaval, Alicent's claim to the kingdom and Cole's unshakable commitment to her lead to inevitable entanglements in their paths. Their future is uncertain as Cole leads a tiny force against Daemon Targaryen in what appears to be an unwinnable war in the season 2 finale.
There's no indication in the book that inspired the series that they had a romantic relationship after Cole left. So, there's still no guarantee that they will cross paths again. Nonetheless, the show has departed greatly from the novel, which allows for potential plot twists and shocks in the next seasons. The third season of House of the Dragon is expected to dive further into the fallout from Alicent and Cole's decisions, examining how their choices affected both their personal futures and the course of the battle.
House of the Dragon Season 3 Predictions: Criston Cole's Future and the Character Arc of Alicent Hightower
In House of the Dragon, Alicent's character arc has been characterized by a slow transformation from a kind and encouraging queen to a person motivated by a desire for vengeance and control. The weight of the crown and the death of her father are likely to fuel her developing animosity with Rhaenyra, which will likely influence her behavior in the upcoming seasons. Alicent's choices during the Dance of the Dragons will have a lasting effect on not only the destiny of the kingdom but also the lives of those closest to her.
On the other hand, Criston Cole's future is still unknown. Though his exact position in the Dance of the Dragons is yet unknown, the show has quietly suggested that he may possibly develop and find atonement. Cole's commitment to Alicent and his desire to keep her safe, despite his previous wrongdoings, may force him to make decisions that shape his character arc and affect how the conflict plays out. The complexity of Alicent and Cole's relationship, as well as their respective travels and influences on the turbulent events reshaping Westeros, will be explored in detail in the upcoming season of House of the Dragon.
