Summary
- Jace Velaryon's upbringing and dedication make him a strong contender for a great king in House of the Dragon.
- His hard work and diplomacy skills set him apart from ill-prepared rulers like Aegon II.
- Jace's kind heart and steely resolve, along with his willingness to listen to counsel, make him a well-rounded potential monarch.
During the back end of Season 1 and throughout Season 2, Jacaerys Velaryon has certainly proved to be one of the most capable and diligent characters in House of the Dragon. As Rhaenyra Targaryen's eldest son and heir, he is in line for the Iron Throne should the Blacks prevail, but beyond his birthright, it is clear that out of all the House of the Dragon characters, he would be one of the best kings or queens.
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While a good ruler is hard to define, as different political situations call for different temperaments and qualities, it's safe to say that Jace has a good mix of qualities. At heart, he seems to be a good and kind young man, but he also understands that his position often calls for hard stances. Nor does he lack the bravery to enforce his decisions. With this in mind, the following are a few of the many reasons why Jacaerys would make a great king in House of the Dragon.
5 Jace Was Raised With The Knowledge He Would One Day Become King
He Is Prepared To Rule Unlike Someone Like Aegon II Who Was Thrust Upon The Throne
Being raised to rule is an overlooked aspect of the success of a king or queen. Due to higher mortality rates and political instability, a surprising number of kings or queens in both real history and Westeros never expected to rule, and thus found themselves unprepared. Take two of England's most notorious kings, Henry VIII and John, for example; neither of them were firstborn sons.
House of the Dragon has its very own example of an ill-prepared king, in Aegon II, who had no expectations or desire to rule. When thrust upon the Iron Throne, he proved to be indecisive and blind to the responsibilities of rule. Jacaerys Velaryon, however, has known his entire life that, all being well, he will one day succeed his mother. He is mentally prepared and already acts with the grace and dignity expected of a king.
4 Jacaerys Has Studied & Trained Hard To Become King
Jace Pushes Himself To Learn As He Knows It's His Duty
In one of the last few episodes of Season 1, Jacaerys can be seen at his studies in High Valyrian, and unsatisfied with his progress, he pushes himself to do better. From other scenes, it is also possible to see that he takes his combat training just as seriously, so it is not hard to imagine that he is equally dedicated to his other studies.
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Aemond Targaryen once listed his own studies to Criston Cole, almost saying that it should be him rather than his elder brother Aegon to be king. He certainly had a point. A ruler needs to learn from history, understand the laws of the land, and much more. If Jace has been half as diligent in these disciplines as he was when learning the language of his Targaryen ancestors, he is in a great position to become king.
3 Jacaerys Has A Kind Heart With A Steely Resolve
Like Viserys, Jace Would Want To Be A Good & Kind King, But Will Not Get Pushed Around
Having a kind heart is not essential for a medieval ruler, but for the sake of their subjects, it's certainly a blessing. However, as was seen during Viserys Targaryen's reign, the desire to please everyone and be good is simply not possible at all times. A ruler also has to have a hard edge lest they be pushed over, and sometimes tough decisions must be made, even ones that seem harsh.
Thankfully, Jacaerys Velaryon has both a kind heart and a steely resolve in equal measures. During times of peace, it is easy to see that Jace would be a benevolent king who wouldn't wish harm on any, and laughter and dancing could return to the Red Keep. In more precarious times or when the need arises, however, he has shown himself more than capable of standing up to even the most intimidating of characters, such as his step-father Daemon Targaryen.
2 Jacaerys Listens & Heeds The Counsel Of His Elders
Tywin Lannister Once Said That A Wise King Listens
Tywin Lannister has many powerful quotes, and his discussion with the newly crowned Tommen was a great insight into what makes a good king. Wisdom was the quality he deemed most important, but to become wise, he told Tommen that he must listen to his counselors, even beyond his minority.
During S1 E10 of House of the Dragon in particular, and as civil war loomed, Jacaerys proved his respect for his elders Rhaenyra and Daemon, listening to them both in turn and learning from them. Rather than be headstrong, as it would be so easy to do for a youth his age, Jace recognized that those around him knew better, and carried out their orders diligently.
1 Jace Has Excellent Diplomacy Skills
Keeping Up Good Relations & Negotiation Skills Are Crucial For A Ruler
Before the Dance of the Dragons broke out in earnest, Jace was sent by his mother as a messenger to secure the alliances of the Eyrie and the North. In both of these missions, he was successful, and in Season 2 he would also go on to secure the support of the Freys.
Diplomacy is easily one of the most important traits of a king or queen, especially in a realm that is so easily fractured. Even as a boy on the cusp of manhood, Jace has already proven himself capable of navigating political situations, and the lords and ladies he's treated with have respected and trusted him thus far. It is easy to imagine him as a king capable of reuniting Westeros with loyal vassals who are happy to serve him.
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