The second wife to King Viserys I Targaryen on House of the Dragon - Alicent Hightower - is no stranger to delivering witty insults and clever retorts. Due to the complicated nature of her betrothal, she's made more enemies than friends. Though her loyalists, such as Ser Criston Cole, swear undying devotion to her, there are those who need to be put in their place every once in a while by her.
The morally grey HotD characters give Alicent ample opportunities to deliver sharp retorts and when it comes to voicing her opinions and feelings on tricky businesses in the realm, she indeed does not hold back.
"Do Keep Trying, Ser Laenor. Soon Or Late You May Get One Who Looks Like You."
Alicent to Ser Laenor Velaryon In Season 1, Episode 6
"The Princess and the Queen," is home to Alicent's endless speculation about the paternity of Rhaenyra's children. The story has jumped forward by a decade and the episode begins with Rhaenyra delivering her third son and Queen Alicent demanding that the newborn be immediately brought to her.
After carefully examining the infant, Alicent whispers in Ser Laenor’s ear, telling him that eventually, he will have a child that has his physical traits. She not only takes a subtle dig at Rhaenyra but manages to insult Ser Laenor's role in his marriage, as well. The crafty Alicent sports a smile throughout the interaction, but her carefully chosen words are an indication that she has gotten to the bottom of Ser Laenor and Rhaenyra's arrangement.
"Rhaenyra."
Alicent To Rhaenyra In Season 1, Episode 6
At the top of Alicent's pyramid of enemies sit Viserys' firstborn daughter, and her former friend, Rhaenyra Targaryen. Rhaenyra is experiencing postpartum in "The Princess and the Queen," and at the same trying to play the peacemaker. When at the Council, she suggests her eldest, Jacaerys Velaryon be betrothed to Helaena Targaryen, Alicent disparagingly reminds her she's leaking through her dress.
Alicent's words undermine Rhaenyra's stature, and purpose in front of the Council and the King. They point to the fact that she has morphed into one of the most villainous House of the Dragon characters and one who employs sarcasm as a tool to assert dominance.
"You May Do As You Wish, Husband... When I Am Cold In My Grave."
Alicent To Viserys In Season 1, Episode 6
While Viserys finds Rhaenyra's proposition judicious, Alicent scoffs at what is a sincere attempt to restore unity in the house of the Dragon. She denies Rhaenyra's offer and calls her sons "plain-featured" in the King's presence thereby casting a doubt on their legitimacy.
Alicent's clever burn from House of the Dragon proves that she is on a steady path to becoming one of the most powerful Queen Mothers in Westerosi History. She thinks of her children as the superior Targaryens, and her piercing words reflect that she will go to any length to protect them from their elder half-sister.
"Where Is Duty? Where Is Sacrifice? It's Trampled Under Your Pretty Foot Again."
Alicent To Rhaenyra In Season 1, Episode 7
Alicent's anger and bitterness finally come to a head in "Driftmark," when she finds out that the brawl between the children has resulted in Aemond losing an eye. To get even, she lunges at Rhaenyra with Viserys' Catspaw dagger and demands to know why the King's firstborn is always given a free hand in running her life.
Alicent's words immediately establish her trappings as the King's wife. She is tired of upholding the law and honoring duty above all else. Her words lay the groundwork for catharsis and point out she isn't afraid to hold Rhaenyra able for her transgressions, and misdemeanors.
"If The King Will Not Seek Justice, The Queen Will."
Alicent To Viserys In Season 1, Episode 7
Olivia Cooke nails Alicent Hightower's mannerisms from the books on House of the Dragon, and delivers a truly cathartic performance in "Driftmark." She demands Lucerys Velaryon's eye in payment, and shortly after, subtly accuses Viserys of denying her justice.
Alicent retorts that her husband has been an inadequate King in the delivery of justice and that she must seek it on her own. Through her words, she conveys that she's highly protective of her children and disappointed in the King's sentence. Her dialogue is born out of repressed anger, and it adds strong subtext to the episode's dramatic storytelling.
"You Are Nearly A Man-Grown. How Is It That You Can Be So Shortsighted?"
Alicent To Prince Aegon In Season 1, Episode 6
Alicent was angered at her husband for refusing to believe the truth about Rhaenyra's children and meanwhile getting steadily paranoid about the safety of her own. Through her quick-witted commentary, she not only tactfully mocked her son, Aegon's wits but taught him why he and Aemond ought to stick together.
One of the major misunderstandings about Alicent Hightower's character on HotD is that she was greedy for the Iron Throne. While yes, she did want to see her eldest rule, she and the Greens went to war because she was told by her father, Otto Hightower that her children were a threat to Rhaenyra simply by existing and breathing.
"Have The Decency To Look Grateful. Do You Know What Has Been Done To Give You This Day?"
Alicent To Aegon In Season 1, Episode 9
When Alicent's good-for-nothing son acted like he couldn't care less about his ascension, she impressed upon him the risks she undertook to plan his rise to power. It wasn't easy for the Queen Mother to plan a wrongful ascension and more importantly, place an unwilling person on the Iron Throne.
Alicent's faction alienated Westeros' most important political heads, and her son's reluctance was bothering her. By launching a scathing attack on her son, she proved that was had become the key player in the Dance of the Dragons. She demonstrated that she was going to be a guiding force in the life of the man who was shortly going to be anointed as the King.
"You Imbecile."
Alicent To Aegon, Season 1, Episode 9
On their way over to the Dragonpit, the wastrel, Aegon dares ask his mother if she loves him. Instead of answering him directly, Alicent unleashes a tender burn and says, "You imbecile."
Alicent could have chosen to be forthcoming in her reply, but her short response was much more effective. It pointed out that she was frustrated with her ignorant son who was unable to see that his mother loved him deeply and spent her life ensuring he sits on the Iron Throne.
"Our Hearts Were Never One."
Alicent To Otto Hightower In Season 1, Episode 9
In episode 9, "The Green Council," Alicent astonishes Otto by saying that she understands how he utilized her as a pawn in his scheme for power.
Whilst Otto looks determined to take matters of Aegon's rise to power into his own hands, Alicent says her faction will proceed as she sees fit. Otto believes Aegon's coronation will prompt Rhaenyra to strike, but she refuses to shed blood and encourages diplomatic efforts. Alicent's reluctance to murder and her words give the impression that she's matured into a self-assured woman and finally stepped out of her father's shadow into the role of the assertive Queen Mother.
"Would You Have Me Raise A Man To Steal His Own Sister's Birthright?"
Alicent To Otto Hightower In Season 1, Episode 3
Alicent retorting Otto in "Second of His Name," is a perfect throwback to her yesteryears as a sweetling who believed in friendship and family above everything else. She delivers it when her father points out that her newborn, Aegon is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne and must be bestowed according to tradition and precedent.
Alicent stands up to her father by demanding to know what kind of hateful and spiteful man would he have her raise. Her visceral response comes at a time when she feels she's increasingly alienated and started to get sick of her father's grooming. She needs a break from playing Queen, and a quick response sends a clear message to her father.