When Alicent Saved Criston Cole's Life (Twice) In House Of The Dragon

Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2's finale and Fire & Blood, the show's source material.

Summary Alicent Hightower saved Criston Cole's life twice, forming a deep bond.

Cole leads an underwhelming army into the Riverlands, setting the stage for dramatic events in season 3.

Despite a poignant moment in season 2, it is unlikely that Cole and Alicent will reunite in House of the Dragon.

Criston Cole refers to Alicent Hightower saving his life twice in the House of the Dragon season 2 finale, reflecting back on moments from season 1. Criston Cole is played by Fabien Frankel in the House of the Dragon cast, who's terrifically constructed the character to be one of the world's most emotionally complex and despicable. His final scene in season 2 sees him mulling over the error of his ways as he leads an underwhelming army into the Riverlands, where Daemon has already mustered a massive force.

Alicent and Criston Cole's romantic relationship is original to the TV series and one of the most significant book changes made in season 2. House of the Dragon's season 2 ending sees armies marching to war across Westeros, with impending action guaranteed for the upcoming third season. Cole should be at the heart of some of that action, leading to his philosophical, self-reflective pondering.

Alicent Saved Criston Cole Twice After He Killed Joffrey Lonmouth

Alicent Saves Cole's Life In Season 1

Close

The primary reason Criston Cole is so devoted to Alicent Hightower is that she saved his life twice in season 1. Early in the season, he confessed to her that he had slept with Rhaenyra despite his Kingsguard vows, but she decided to keep his secret. Had she revealed this to Viserys or anyone else, Cole would surely have been executed for breaking his oaths and possibly even worse, given that it was with the princess. The second occasion occurred at the wedding of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon, when Cole killed Joffrey Lonmouth.

Cole took his rage out on Laenor's lover as he saw Joffrey Lonmouth as a reflection of his deepest insecurities. After doing so, Cole drew his knife and considered taking his own life before Alicent stopped him. After this, he took a specific role on the Kingsguard as her sworn shield, becoming the queen's protector through the reign of King Viserys. As he describes, Alicent became a beacon for him, becoming his reason to live on. The scene also reveals the pair waited until Viserys' death to become lovers.

Related What Happens To Alicent Hightower After House Of The Dragon Season 2 Alicent Hightower answers an ultimatum in the House of the Dragon season 2 finale, setting up a complicated season 3 character arc for her.

Will Alicent & Cole Ever See Each Other Again In House Of The Dragon?

Criston Cole Won't Return From War

Image via Max.

Alicent Hightower and Criston Cole shared a long, solemn look in the Red Keep courtyard in season 2, episode 6, foreshadowing Cole's fate. Aemond Targaryen has recklessly sent Cole out to Harrenhal with a small force to wage war, and though they'll succeed in capturing a virtually unmanned Harrenhal, Cole won't return from the campaign. Unless House of the Dragon season 3 takes drastic turns from the book, it's likely Alicent and Cole will never see each other again.