James Norton has spoken candidly about a "shameful act" featured in House of the Dragon Season 3. Be warned: This article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 3 and Fire and Blood by George R. R. Martin. The 40-year-old Grantchester star has joined the Game of Thrones prequel series for its newest instalment, portraying the villainous Ormund Hightower, a cousin to Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke).

Discussing his character in the latest edition of HBO's Inside the Episode for House of the Dragon, the Happy Valley actor offered a glimpse into his character's encounter with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) in episode 3. Norton said: "Ormund is a serious man. He puts a lot of emphasis on discipline and order. In comparison, Daemon is way more chaotic, unpredictable," reports the Mirror.

He continued to elaborate on the scene, which depicted Ormund placing his sword upon the ground and pledging his fealty to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy): "It's the most shameful act to bend the knee. But, of course, he's a pragmatist and there's a biggest scheme at play."

The actor was referring to Ormund's treachery as he pretended to show loyalty and then sent a boy, whom he claimed was Daeron Hightower, with Daemon to King's Landing.

Ormund's deceit was subsequently exposed when Rhaenyra unwittingly planned to send the impostor Daeron to the Wall to prevent him from attempting to claim the Iron Throne.

Rhaenyra allowed Alicent to see her son one final time, at which point the deception was laid bare and Ormund's elaborate scheme began to unfold.

Notably, numerous House of the Dragon viewers have highlighted a potential plot hole regarding Ormund's deception on YouTube, questioning why Daeron's dragon failed to accompany the boy to King's Landing.

Rather, Daeron's dragon Tessarion, also referred to as the 'Blue Queen', remained behind with Ormund.

One viewer posted: "So Daemon wouldn't tell fake Daeron to go get on his dragon and fly back with them? A. To see if Tessarion lets this kid on and B. To not leave the dragon with the hightowers [sic]."

A second remarked: "he'd risk tessarion burning some of them to death or fleeing perhaps. But overall I agree I wonderrd that aswell. But another counter argument: what good does the dragon do the hightowers without its rider and without anyone that could claim it [sic]."

While a third stated: "exactly his dragon would of followed if it truly was him."

According to the teaser trailer for next week's episode, Ormund captures Tumbleton as Rhaenyra finds herself devastated and unwilling to destroy a town that pledged allegiance to her.

Viewers will need to discover how the narrative unfolds in the HBO series, although those seeking to learn Ormund's ultimate fate can locate answers in George R. R. Martin's Fire and Blood, which provides the source material for the popular series.

Within the novel, Ormund meets his end in combat, as numerous characters are fated to during the Targaryen Civil War.

Considering House of the Dragon has been deviating from the book, Ormund's destiny might unfold differently in the television adaptation.

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