A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Rhaenyra: Why have you come here?

Alicent: Aemond will soon fly to join Cole in the Riverlands. When he's gone, Helaena as queen will be the Crown's authority. If you come then to King's Landing, I will see to it that our guards throw down their arms. We will open the gates, we will shed no blood. You will enter as a conqueror. Already you have the stronger hand. Once you take the throne, this senseless war must end.

Rhaenyra: What of Aegon?

Alicent: He's broken beyond recognition. He lies in the dark, in pain and terror. He has many faults, but he still heeds his mother. I believe I can prevail upon him to bend the knee, if indeed...

Rhaenyra: No! Still you defend him. Still you imagine you can have all you want without paying too high a price, a price I had no choice but to pay.

Alicent: What I want is to set things right.

Rhaenyra: If I am to take the throne, I must put an end to the opposition. I must take Aegon's head. And I have to do it for all to see. You know this. However you may try to evade it, you know this. Choose. Will you shrink from what you set out to do? Or will you see it through and make your sacrifice? A son for a son. [after a long moment, Alicent nods] You are much changed.

Alicent: Let us be done with this, please.

Rhaenyra: And what do I do with you now?

Alicent: You let me go, to do what I promised. And you fly to the Red Keep in three days' time, and you take your throne. Or you take me for a liar. I have neither weapon nor armor. My life itself is forfeit. I cast myself on the mercy of a friend who once loved me.

Rhaenyra: History will paint you a villain. A cold queen grasping for power, and then defeated.

Alicent: Let them think what they must. I am at last myself with no ambition greater than to walk where I please and to breathe the open air. To die unremarked and unnoticed and be free.

Rhaenyra: You speak as if from a distant dream.

Alicent: Come with me.

Rhaenyra: My part is here, whether I will or no. It was decided for me long ago.