Yes, Rhaenyra Targaryen Passionately Loved Ser Harwin Strong

As a devoted Game of Thrones enthusiast, I am fascinated by the turbulent romances portrayed in the allure of Westeros and their implications for the political scheming and succession of power. One relationship that has enthralled fans is the affair between Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and her lover, Ser Harwin “Breakbones” Strong.

After analyzing their passionate and risky bond, I firmly believe Rhaenyra genuinely loved Harwin Strong with all her heart, despite the disastrous consequences their affair would have for the kingdom.

The Budding Seed of Affection

Rhaenyra and Harwin first crossed paths when he was appointed Lord Commander of the City Watch in King’s Landing in 112 AC. As the head of security for the capital, Harwin was constantly in proximity to the Princess, allowing friendship and deeper feelings to slowly blossom over time into a fiery, mutual attraction.

In interviews, actress Emma D’Arcy who plays Rhaenyra revealed how her character fell for Harwin’s steadfast devotion and the respite his companionship offered from her stifling political obligations. Their time together fostered trust and affection, becoming Rhaenyra’s primary escape and support.

Harwin Strong & Rhaenyra Targaryen Relationship Timeline

• 112 AC – Harwin becomes Lord Commander of the City Watch
• 120 AC (approx) – Rhaenyra begins having intimate relations with Harwin,
• 127 AC – Rhaenyra’s third son with Harwin, Joffrey, is born – 3 children together
• 129 AC – Harwin Strong brutally killed by his brother Larys

The Royal Love Affair

From political dealings to her love life, Princess Rhaenyra was known for boldly bucking expectation and obligations when they contradicted her desires…and she desired Harwin. Despite knowing a relationship could catastrophically damage her claim as heir, Rhaenyra threw caution aside, taking him as a lover for several years.

In 120 AC, choosing to live fully according to her passions, Rhaenyra secretly bore her first son, Jacaerys, with Harwin – the first of three sons that were clearly fathered by her lover. Unlike her and Laenor’s blonde locks, all three boys echoed Ser Harwin’s brown hair, leaving little question as to their paternity.

Still, Rhaenyra proudly claimed them as Veleryons, daring anyone to challenge the rightful succession. This demonstrated remarkable audacity and willingness to endanger herself for Harwin, solidifying him as her one true love.

Risking the Realm for Love

Rhaenyra was no fool – she knew how disastrous it would be if the illegitimacy of her sons was acknowledged. As statistics show, disputed succession historically leads to war, rebellion and instability:

Disputed Successions & Civil Conflicts

• First Blackfyre Rebellion (196 AC)
• Dance of the Dragons (129-131 AC)
• 5 major Westeros civil wars tied to unclear succession

Yet she had 3 sons by Harwin between 120-127 AC, unrepentantly placing her desires first. This had astronomical political stakes, as it left doubts about the future king and undermined Rhaenrya’s power. If she did not love Harwin fiercely, she would never gamble her authority so recklessly time and time again. Her yearning heart overpowered reason.

A Lover‘s Ultimate Sacrifice

The depth of love Rhaenyra had for her Harwin was starkly evidenced by her devastation when Larys Strong murdered him horrifically in 129 AC by burning him alive. Consumed by grief, she mourned him bitterly, the agony etched on her face.

No ambition or crown could replace her profound anguish over losing Harwin so barbarously. She wept for her paramour, not for the political headache his death created. It reflected soul-crushing sorrow that could only stem from true, unbridled love.

Harwin’s violent murder also forced Rhaenyra to tell her sons the truth of their lineage, exposing the royal scandal. Her refusal to deny Harwin even after death proves no risk or consequence was too dire to deter Rhaenyra from following her heart in his arms.

Rhaenyra‘s One True Love Affair

Throughout House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra is shown in several romantic entanglements for tactical reasons or fleeting desire.

Yet among her various trysts and marriages, she only forged a profound, self-sacrificing bond with Harwin Strong. His case uniquely shows her willingness to defy every duty and expectation for love alone, come what may.

Indeed, in the entire show, only with Harwin did she lower her guard completely to revel in love freely, consequences be damned. This raw, uninhibited bliss reserved solely for Harwin Strong elevates their relationship as Rhaenyra Targaryen’s greatest love.

So after considering Rhaenyra and Harwin’s story arc, I conclude without a doubt that the Princess harbored genuine, deep romantic love for her sworn shield Ser Harwin Strong. Though short-lived by tragedy, for many years Harwin was the sole keeper of Rhaenyra’s unguarded heart, earning him an unmatched place in her legacy.