House of the Dragon season 1 is over, but the fan theories about season 2 aren’t stopping. After all, the show set up plenty of relationships that will be developed next season. One of these is between Ser Criston Cole and Queen Alicent Hightower. So how will their relationship progress next season? And will it take on a more romantic turn? We have some theories.

Criston Cole And Alicent Hightower’s Relationship Could Be Romantic In Season 2

In season 1 of House of the Dragon, we saw Alicent Hightower and Ser Criston Cole bonding over their mutual hatred of Rhaenyra. The princess had lied about her virginity to Alicent even though she had slept with Criston. On the other hand, Rhaenyra had slept with Cole with no intention of marrying him. Thus, he felt used and thought he had soiled his Kingsguard oath of remaining pure.

Over the course of the season, the two grew closer with many viewers of the show even commenting that Criston Cole felt more like a step father to Alicent Hightower’s children as he was teaching her boys how to fight and generally looking over them. This and many other intimate interactions might hint towards a romantic relationship that may develop between the two next season. But will it happen? We think there’s a possibility.

There seems to be an unspoken sexual tension and desire between the two. And it’s possible that they will act on it in a moment of weakness. But it doesn’t feel like a relationship that will develop into a full fledged romantic affair.

Why They Won’t Have A Romantic Relationship

Even though there’s clearly desire between the two, with young Alicent Hightower even fancying Cole, but the relationship probably won’t go anywhere meaningful. This is because their dynamic closely represents one of courtly love. Cole idealizes Alicent because to him she’s the pious Queen who Rhaenyra isn’t.

So if she gives into her baser urges with Cole, like Rhaenyra did with him, then it would destroy the virtuous illusion he has of her. In effect, for him, she might come down to the same position as Rhaenyra. And so he might vilify her, as well as become violent. Also, it’s unlikely that Criston will soil his Kingsguard oath a second time.

Also, if the two of them do engage in a romantic affair, then it will be highly hypocritical of them. After all, they would be falling into the same sins of deceit and lust they had accused Rhaenyra of for so long. However, if the show does take this route, then it could be a moment of character development between the two.

What do you think? Will there be a romantic relationship between Criston Cole and Queen Alicent Hightower in season 2? Let us know.