Warning: This post contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 1, episode 1!
The first episodes of House of the Dragon gave Emily Carey's character a unique trait, as Alicent Hightower picks the skin around her fingernails under they bleed. HBO's new Game of Thrones prequel series is focused primarily on House Targaryen and a few of the key characters born into the dynasty. For as much attention as King Viserys, Princess Rhaenyra, and Daemon get, Alicent Hightower is among the House of Dragon characters to stand out. There are several reasons for this, including Carey's excellent performance and Alicent's prominent role, but her fingernails have become a big focus as well.
Alicent Hightower finds herself at the center of House of the Dragon episode 2's story. A six-month time jump allows conversations about King Viserys remarrying to spring up more frequently. While he disturbingly and briefly entertains the notion of marrying Corlys Velaryon's 12-year-old daughter Laena, he decides to go in another direction when choosing his next wife. King Viserys chooses to marry Alicent after the two have spent the last several months growing closer with friendly conversations. The move is not well-received by several people, and House of the Dragon episode 2 teases Alicent has some reservations by showing her picking her fingernails and making them bleed.
House of the Dragon set up Alicent's wince-inducing character trait from the very first episode, as she picks at the skin around her nails multiple times. The show does not plainly explain why Alicent Hightower picks her fingernails and skin during House of the Dragon's events, but the context clues are there. The scratching and picking seemingly start when Alicent begins to feel stressed, anxious, or even uncomfortable. While Emily Carey's character is raised in court, is very elegant and proper, and consents to the coming marriage with Viserys, Alicent picking at her fingernails until they bleed is a sign of her true feelings. It is a small way for House of the Dragon to humanize her and tease the complicated place she is in.
What Alicent Marrying King Viserys Means For House Of The Dragon
Alicent marrying King Viserys is a big deal for House of the Dragon's coming story. Viserys chose to marry Alicent not only because they have an established friendly relationship, but she is also closer to age to try and produce a new heir. Westeros' king may have publicly named Rhaenyra his heir instead of Daemon, but his dwindling health and Rhaenyra's carelessness push Viserys to understand he needs a backup plan. Alicent will now be Westeros' queen and look to give birth to a male heir who can rule the Targaryen dynasty in the future.
With Alicent set to have an even more important role after marrying King Viserys, House of the Dragon should be able to continue providing insight into her state of mind moving forward. It will be quite surprising if Alicent stops picking her fingernails and making them bleed as she begins to navigate her duties as queen, a more complicated relationship with Rhaenyra, and likely raising the true Targaryen heir. House of the Dragon will hopefully allow Emily Carey (and later Olivia Cooke) directly explain what the queen is feeling, but Alicent picking her nails will also subtly be a path to show when she is stressed or nervous about what is happening.