House of the Dragon's Daeron Targaryen: Who is he and why have we not seen him before?

*Warning - The following article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon season 2, episode 2*

Who is Daeron Targaryen?

Episode 2 of House of the Dragon's second season sees Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) finally mention his grandson Daeron Targaryen. The boy is Alicent Hightower's (Olivia Cooke) youngest child, but he has so far been absent from the Game of Thrones spin-off show.

However, the series has decided to introduce Alicent's fourth child despite his not being in season 1. Fans will undoubtedly be glad to hear it, as he is a memorable character in George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood.

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Showrunner Ryan Condal also confirmed Daeron's appearance in the show ahead of season 2 and he is included in HBO's breakdown of the Targaryen family tree.

In the latest episode of the fantasy drama, Otto is rejected by his ungrateful grandson King Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney).

After Otto disagrees with Aegon about his brutal response to the murder of his six-year-old son Prince Jaehaerys, the monarch fires his grandfather from his position as Hand of the King, appointing Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) as his replacement.

With nowhere left to turn in King's Landing, Otto tells his daughter Alicent that he will return to the Hightower's home of Oldtown to oversee Daeron, finally setting up his long-awaited introduction to the series.

Where has Daeron Targaryen been?

The exact time Daeron Targaryen was dispatched to Oldtown remains a mystery, but according to ScreenRant, he's been residing at the House Hightower stronghold since before the birth of Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) son Joffrey Velaryon.

When the timeline of season 1 leapt forward a decade from Rhaenyra's nuptials to her son's birth, King Viserys Targaryen's (Paddy Considine) only offspring present in King's Landing were Aegon, Helaena (Phia Saban), and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell).

With the two eldest sons of King Viserys already established in King's Landing, Otto likely sent his youngest to Oldtown to serve as a cupbearer and squire to his brother, Lord Hobert Hightower.

It is suggested that this move is part of a shrewd strategy by Otto to ensure that Daeron's upbringing reinforces his and Alicent's sway over House Hightower during their absence.

Who will portray Daeron Targaryen?

The actor who will bring Daeron Targaryen to life in House of the Dragon Season 2 has yet to be announced, but it's expected that he'll soon make his debut in the series.

Given the show's confirmation of his character, it's also likely that the actor has already been selected.

House of the Dragon season 2 airs in the UK on Mondays at 2am BST (British Summer Time) on Sky Atlantic and NOW. The same episode also airs again on Monday at 9pm.