Fans of the Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon were left reeling at the uncomfortable moment

House of the Dragon fans weren’t ready for one key scene in the season 3 premiere.

Episode one was titled Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood, and very much delivered as the Game of Thrones prequel series made its big return after two years off-screen.

House of the Dragon kicked off with the cinematic Battle of the Gullet as the Triarchy led by Sharako Lohar (played by Abigail Thorn) and Corlys Verlaryon (Steve Toussaint) fought on the high seas in an epic conflict.

Meanwhile, Rhaenrya Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) followed through with her plans to take King’s Landing after her secret deal with Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) in season two.

However, one key scene left audiences recoiling in disgust.

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 1

During a quieter moment, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) kissed his mother Alicent on the lips.

She looked terrified but she submitted as she tried to keep some form of control of her Machiavellian son.

Many took to social media to discuss the horrifying mother-son incest moment.

One person posted on X (formerly Twitter ): “This is worse than incest and idk what you call this [sic].”

A second posted: “AEMOND JUST KISSED HIS MOM ALICENT?!

I had to rewind three times because there’s no way my eyes just witnessed that. House of the Dragon keeps finding new ways to leave me absolutely speechless.”

A third wrote: “That was easily the most uncomfortable kiss I’ve ever seen on TV. There’re other ways to show Aemond is damaged.”

Someone else noted about Alicent’s reaction and submission: “He’s sick and demented. She’s terrified of him.”

Yet a fifth commented: “That’s so creepy and scary” as someone else echoed: “Wow! just wow I am speechless.”

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Interestingly, the incest scene between Aemond and Alicent only exists in the House of the Dragon TV series and wasn’t part of George R.R. Martin’s original Fire & Blood book, which the show is based on.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about the controversial kiss, Aemond star Mitchell explained: “In Aemond’s head, it’s like he’s assuming control of the family.”

Adding of Aemond’s thought process: “It’s like, ‘I’m the daddy now.’ He’s the new leader. I think it leaves the question of, What is the relationship gonna be with Alicent going forward?”

House of the Dragon season 3 is streaming on Sky Atlantic, NOW and HBO MAX UK & Ireland