A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Rhaenys: [after Alicent visits her while under house arrest] I will do you the considerable courtesy of assuming there is a good reason for the outrage of my treatment here this morning!

Alicent: My sincerest regrets for the lack of ceremony.

Rhaenys: The King? [Alicent nods] And you are usurping the throne.

Alicent: It was my husband's dying wish. [Rhaenys scoffs] Believe it or no, it is of no consequence. Aegon will be king. I came here to ask for your support.

Rhaenys: Well, I must credit you for your boldness.

Alicent: House Velaryon has long allied itself with the Princess Rhaenyra. And what has it gained you? Your daughter dead, alone in Pentos. Your son cuckolded. Rhaenyra's heirs are none of yours. It is your husband who grasps so heedlessly for the throne. And even he has abandoned you. Gone these six long years to fight a desperate battle, returning grievously, if not mortally, wounded, leaving the Lady of Driftmark to chart her course alone.

Rhaenys: The word of my house is not fickle.

Alicent: No. But, dear cousin, you more than any soul alive understand what I say now. Princess Rhaenys, I loved my husband, but I will speak the truth we both know. You should've been queen.

Rhaenys: I little thought to hear those words from you.

Alicent: The Iron Throne was yours by blood and by temperament. Viserys would've lived his days a country lord, content to hunt and study his histories, but here we are. We do not rule but we may guide the men that do. Gently, away from violence and sure destruction and instead toward peace.

Rhaenys: Is it in the name of peace that you've imprisoned me? And what of my dragon?

Alicent: If we are overmatched, Rhaenyra will be tempted to strike us, and war will ensue. Without your dragon, she may be persuaded to negotiate. If it's Driftmark you want, you shall have it for you and your granddaughters to pass on as you see fit.

Rhaenys: You are wiser than I believed you to be, Alicent Hightower.

Alicent: A true queen counts the cost to her people.

Rhaenys: And yet you toil still in service to men. Your father, your husband, your son. You desire not to be free, but to make a window in the wall of your prison. Have you never imagined yourself on the Iron Throne?