Second House of the Dragon: Deceptive Behaves of Criston Cole and the Fallout
In House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5, Ser Criston Cole's actions expose a man battling the weight of his responsibilities and the terrible reality of war. His lies, to Queen Alicent Hightower as well as to the public, result from a need to keep control and guard his King, Aegon II Targarian. Still, these deceptions finally reveal his fragility and the instability of his position.
The Stories Criston Cole Tells About Aegon's Battle at Rook's Rest Preserving Viewpoint and Support
Declaring Aegon II against the dragon Meleys in the Battle at Rook's Rest was a conscious act of dishonesty by Criston Cole. Riding Vhagar, Prince Aemond Targaryen killed Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon, so emerging as the actual winner. Criston is aware, though, of the significance of perception during war. Though Aegon II is frail, attributing the triumph to him helps to present the King in a more favorable light. It generates a false sense of power, which is absolutely essential to keep Aegon's claim to the Iron Throne supported.
Exaggerating Aegon II's involvement, Criston aims to dispel the uncertainty and anxiety that accompanied the King's almost death. Given the Green's campaign against Rhaenyra, the public must come to believe in Aegon's strength. Echoing Viserys's advice on the value of perception over truth, Criston's lie is a frantic attempt to strengthen the King's image and stop the people from looking to Rhaenyra.
The lies of Criston Cole to Alicent Hightower: obligation and fear
Another degree of dishonesty is revealed by Criston Cole's refusal to tell Alicent the truth about his doubts on Prince Aemond's involvement in Aegon's injuries. Alicent worried Criston since she understood the possible risk Aemond presents. But instead of facing Alicent armed with his knowledge, Criston chose silence. Fear mixed with obligation drives this choice.
Declaring Alicent that he believes Aemond attacked Aegon would probably start a fight between the two Princes and undermine the already precarious peace. Furthermore, it could compromise Criston's stance and make him seem helpless or unable of defending his King. Criston's unwillingness to tell Alicent the truth exposes his anxiety of the repercussions of sharing knowledge. Along with fearing the repercussions of revealing Aemond's actions, he also feels obligated to defend Aegon, a King he assisted in raising.
Lies of Criston Cole: A Mirror of Powerlessness
Loves in House of the Dragon reveal Criston Cole's own sense of powerlessness. Even with the triumph, the fight at Rook's Rest rocked him profoundly. Seeing the destruction and the fallout from the dragon fight, Criston began to weigh the war and his powerless control of events. This is clear in his inability to defend Aegon, his reluctance to face Alicent with the truth, and his hopelessness about the future.
Lying is a desperate attempt by Criston Cole to keep some sort of control and order in a society that is fast slipping away from him. Still, his behavior finally emphasizes his fragility and the instability of his position. Criston Cole's decisions will have long-lasting effects for the Black and the Green as House of the Dragon unfolds, so stressing the terrible effects of lies and the need of truth during times of war.
