In episode eight of House of the Dragon, we learn that Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon, has not seen her husband for the last six years. The last we saw him was during the battle with the pirates, where he was greatly injured. He had also caught a very bad fever.

So, what is up with Lord Corlys anyway? Where is he? Will he return…or is he dead? We know he is a family man, as in his own words, “History remembers name, not blood.” In that case, if he is alive, he will return to, most likely, Driftwood, as that is where his family is. And also, how long will his wife Rhaenys rule in his name anyway?

Who Inherits Driftwood?

Lord Corlys had made it pretty clear to his grandson Lucerys Velaryon that it was he who shall get the throne to Driftwood, the ancestral home of the Velaryons. However, now we have people making claims about the child’s illegitimacy, as he is black-haired, unlike the silver-haired Targaryens or Velaryons (in fact, all three; Jace, Luke, and Joffrey are bastards of Ser Harwin Strong and Rhaenyra).

It would be fun to see who inherits the throne, as it could very well be Lucerys when he marries Baela Velaryon, daughter of Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon. This way, he would have a better claim to the throne with a trueborn Velaryon wife.

What Happens to Corlys in the Books?

We know that Lord Corlys is in bad health, but he has not been shown dead yet. The Velaryons rule the seas, as the Targaryens rule the skies; it was said in the eighth episode released last night.

Now that King Viserys is dead, Alicent Hightower, his widow wife, and her father, Otto Hightower, would now have the most power and influence. This is especially true as Otto was also the Hand of the King. If Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne is disputed by the Hightowers and Alicent’s son Aegon is put to the throne instead, Rhaenyra would have to find another way to get the iron throne, and this is where Lord Corlys Velaryon may come into play.

Lord Corlys will undoubtedly be on the side of Rhaenyra, as she is the mother of his grandsons. Rhaenyra might use his ships and expertise in marine warfare to take the iron throne by force.

It is also mentioned in the books that Rhaenyra escapes with Daemon after Viserys’ death. As the king dies, she will escape very soon, probably in next week’s episode.

Lord Corlys May Play a Bigger Role Than We Think

If Lord Corlys does help Rhaenyra win the throne, he will be appointed a high rank in the Queen’s court. His soldiers and ships will be deployed in future wars. Lord Corlys was an adventurer; he may have been wandering for six years. We cannot be certain whether he is dead or alive, as it is the game of thrones that he plays where he can either win or die.