Viewers of House of the Dragon have been left baffled over one unexplained storyline. Be warned: This article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon season 3, episode 2. Otto Hightower (played by Rhys Ifans) eventually appeared in the HBO fantasy series after the Blacks seized the Iron Throne.

While investigating the Red Keep, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) was led to the dungeons where Otto was being held captive. Viewers last encountered Otto back in Season 2 under mysterious circumstances when it appeared he had been abducted by someone during his journey, reports the Mirror.

Following his removal by Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) as Hand of the King, Otto was originally returning to Oldtown.

Nevertheless, his daughter Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) had requested he travel to Highgarden to obtain the Tyrells' allegiance in the Civil War.

The final sighting of Otto showed him imprisoned by the conclusion of House of the Dragon's season 2 finale.

It transpired that Master of Whisperers, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) had seized Otto and detained him.

Larys' intentions remained unclear, though it may have represented a calculated strategic manoeuvre on his behalf should Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) successfully claim the throne and to possibly curry favour with the Blacks.

As viewers witnessed, Otto was summarily beheaded by Rhaenyra in place of Aegon II, who had been secretly removed from King's Landing by none other than Larys. Rhaenyra reluctantly had Otto executed as a demonstration of authority before the common people, as well as in the presence of her former companion and his daughter Alicent.

Reflecting on the shocking death, Oldham-born star Cooke told People: "She just beheaded my dad. In front of everyone.

"[Alicent] doesn't know where Otto has been, so for all she knows, he's been held prisoner by [Rhaenyra]."

The star continued: "This feels like a very public display of this assertion of power. I think Alicent is just like, 'Okay, well, f*** you.'".

Meanwhile D'Arcy offered her thoughts on the pivotal scene, which saw Rhaenyra brandishing a sword for the very first time: "I think there's a threshold that gets crossed in that moment, for better or for worse."

The cast and crew have further hinted that as Rhaenyra rises to the throne, she will cultivate a "religious fanaticism" and conviction that she was destined to rule in accordance with the Prince That Was Promised prophecy, further fuelled by Daemon.

This is set to carry grave repercussions and draws a striking parallel with her descendant, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).

House of the Dragon season 3 is streaming on Sky Atlantic, NOW and HBO Max UK & Ireland