So... are people just now starting to realize that Daemon Targaryen is not a very nice person?
Despite his morally dubious and self-serving nature, Matt Smith's compelling take on the brother of the late King Viserys has emerged as one of the most popular characters in HBO's House of the Dragon, but his actions in tonight's season finale lost him a lot of support.
When Rhaenys informs Rhaenyra of her father's death and her half-brother Aegon's usurping of the throne, Daemon urges immediate action. However, the Princess wishes to avoid war at all costs, reminding her husband of Viserys' prophecy regarding the "Prince who was promised" and the final stand against the emerging darkness in the North.
With that, an incensed Daemon sizes his wife by the throat and begins to choke her. It's not made explicitly clear what set him off, but Rhaenyra suggests it might have something to do with Viserys not telling his brother about the prophecy.
We've seen Daemon do some pretty heinous stuff over the course of the season (including bashing his first wife's head in with a rock), but for many, putting his hands on Rhaenyra was a step too far. This does mark a departure from the book, though nothing we've seen from Daemon in the series up until now suggests that he wouldn't be capable of this kind of act.
At any rate, if it's war Daemon wants, it's war he shall have, as Rhaenyra is sure-to-be fueled by vengeance after learning of the death of her beloved son Lucerys (more here).