Aemond Targaryen presents his Stone Ball on Power Dynamics in House of the Dragon.
In the riveting sixth episode of House of the Dragon's second season, Aemond Targaryen—then Prince Regent—visits his disabled brother King Aegon Targaryen. Aemond shows Aegon an apparently harmless object—his stone ball marker from the Small Council meetings—during this visit. But this deed has great symbolic meaning, representing the perilous new power dynamic that has seized hold between the two brothers.
Aegon's powerlessness is symbolically reminded of by Aemond's gift.
Fearing his brother's wrath, Aegon lies about not remembering Aemond's attack at Rook's Rest. Aemond hands the stone ball and presses it into his wounds. This act and the almost covert way Aemond seems to be trying to conceal his "gift" from the Grand Maester tell volumes about the power play under discussion.
The Stone Ball Markers' Significance
Every stone ball marker in the Small Council represents a particular responsibility. For instance, whereas the Master of Coin's marker is yellow and silver with a slit across it, the Grand Maester's stone ball is grey with a chain-like pattern. Losing a council member leaves their stone ball in a central dish. Aemond is gently reminding his brother of his place and the constraints of his power by handing Aegon his stone ball.
Aemond's Power Play: Prospective Effects for Aegon
"It's a reminder of the new power dynamic," Aemond's actor Ewan Mitchell clarifies on the relevance of this act. Aegon is basically excluded while Aemond is assuming Kingly duties. This conversation makes abundantly evident Aemond's ambition and his will to take charge. Aegon is helpless to question Aemond's authority since he cannot speak out against his brother and fears consequences.
Aegon's Part in Aemond's Reign: The Power Dynamics in House of the Dragon
Aemond's gift reflects Alicent Hightower's comments in the last episode, "Do simply what is needed of you: nothing." Though apparently small, Aemond's actions essentially remove Aegon's authority and power. Aegon is reduced to a mere figurehead, the ideal puppet king for Aemond's aspirations since Aegon cannot actively rule or attend council sessions.
Rise to Power of Aemond Targaryen: Effects for the Targaryen Dynasty
Aegon's complete powerlessness and Aemond's obvious power grab leave the Targaryen dynasty barely hanging on. Once apparently unquestionable, the Targaryens' power is now broken, exposing the kingdom to both internal strife and outside dangers. Aemond's actions will surely echo throughout the season, determining the fate of the Targaryens and the course of Westeros.
Finally, the relevance of the Stone Ball
Aemond's apparently straightforward gift of Aegon his stone ball marker is a potent emblem of the changing Targaryen family power relations. This act reminds Aegon's impotence and Aemond's merciless ambition rather starkly. The effects of this power will be felt everywhere as the narrative progresses, resulting in a future as dangerous as it is unclear.
