Chapter Summaries

Lord Mace Tyrell demanded that Margaery’s betrothal to Tommen remain in place and that Doran’s daughter be sent back to Sunspear, but Gryn Crabb instead appointed him Hand of the King. The chapter ended with Gryn and Mace seated together at the Small Council table, poised to govern the Seven Kingdoms.

• Lord Mace arrived at the Petition Hall and demanded to see Margaery, then insisted that House Tyrell’s support depended on keeping her betrothal to Tommen and sending Doran’s daughter back to Sunspear.
• Gryn rejected Mace’s demands, argued that House Martell was not an enemy, and reminded him that Tyrell had supported the Lannisters rather than House Crabb.
• Gryn asserted his authority as Lord Regent and offered Mace the Hand of the King’s chain, which Mace accepted.
• Gryn showed Mace a new chair made by Vale carpenters as a belated congratulatory gift.
• Gryn and Hand Mace sat at the Small Council table, and Gryn said they would govern the Seven Kingdoms together.

Margaery welcomed her father, Mace Tyrell, as the new Hand and discussed House Tyrell’s plans during the Lord Regent Gryn’s six-year rule. At dinner, Gryn began seeking support for a crackdown in King’s Landing, while Grand Maester Pycelle demanded a less tactful account from a young man.

• Mace Tyrell visited the sept, received condolences from Tommen, and was acknowledged as the new Hand of the King.
• Margaery congratulated her father and discussed Gryn, the Tyrell alliance, and the coming six years of Tommen’s minority.
• Mace told Margaery he planned to rebuild the Tower of the Hand and spoke of Tyrell’s ties to the Marigold.
• At dinner, Gryn announced his plan to crack down on wrongdoing in King’s Landing, and Mace offered twice as much bread to help prevent unrest.
• Gryn urged Arianne Martell to make use of the deterrence provided by Tyrell and Crabb’s armies before they left the city.
• Pycelle rebuked a young man for writing too tactfully and demanded something other than a beautiful love story.

Pycelle sought greater influence by currying favor with Lord Regent Gryn, who suspected the Grand Maester’s gift of military records was meant to warn him about old enemies. Meanwhile, Arianne’s crackdown on crime brought King’s Landing close to riot, and the chapter ended with Daenerys worrying about recurring dreams of icy eyes.

• Pycelle accepted Gryn’s offer of authority to recommend the next Grand Maester and hoped it would make him powerful within the Citadel.
• Gryn and Margaery discussed Pycelle’s records, and Margaery tearfully ended their affair, urging Gryn to marry and secure an heir.
• Gryn summoned Arianne for breakfast, after which she launched a sweeping crime crackdown that nearly sparked a riot before Mason Baker’s Crabb troops restored order.
• Gryn and Mace agreed to tighten access to the Red Keep, exile lesser criminals, and let Arianne’s actions continue until Cersei’s funeral before Gryn heard petitions.
• Daenerys tried to stop Rhaego and Jons from bullying Viserion, then left the Dragonpit troubled by dreams of cold darkness and ice-blue eyes.

Daenerys handed the Vale’s administration to Ser Amparo before leaving for King’s Landing, where Gryn held his first audience as Lord Regent. During the petitions, Ollidor demanded action against the surviving sparrows and Stannis, while Pycelle began confessing his failures before the court.

• Daenerys welcomed Ser Amparo back from her victory over the Mountain Clans and assigned her to govern the Vale with help from Gerwin Hersy and Maester Al.
• At Gryn’s first audience, he and Mace discussed a raven from the Night’s Watch reporting that Theon Greyjoy had gone missing.
• Ollidor asked Gryn to restore laws against sparrows with Seven-Pointed Stars, and Gryn agreed if Ollidor provided a list of them.
• Ollidor accused Stannis of betraying the realm and the Faith, and Gryn granted his request to strip Stannis of his rights after Ollidor swore the accusations were true.
• Pycelle petitioned the court and confessed that his blindness, cowardice, and incompetence had allowed two bastards to sit on the Iron Throne.

At a petition hearing, Grand Maester Pycelle accused Joffrey and Tommen of being born of incest and presented genealogical evidence that Tommen was not Robert Baratheon's son. He then named Jaime Lannister as the father, while Gryn ordered Tommen and Myrcella placed under protection as the hall erupted.

• Pycelle declared that Joffrey and Tommen were bastards, prompting Mace Tyrell to protest and Count Mathis to urge him to speak before the Small Council.
• Pycelle cited House Baratheon's black-haired lineage and Robert Baratheon's bastards, arguing that Tommen's golden hair proved he was illegitimate.
• The crowd shouted for Tommen to leave the throne, and Arianne reminded Gryn that Myrcella also needed protection.
• Gryn ordered the Kingsguard to escort Tommen away, bring Myrcella to him, and mobilize his household troops.
• Pycelle presented testimonies from Cersei Lannister's attendants and accused Jaime Lannister of fathering her children.

Lord Regent Gryn investigated Pycelle’s accusations that Cersei had defiled the Royal Bloodline, then met with Mace Tyrell and Arianne Martell to plan the realm’s response. He proposed defensive and offensive alliances with House Tyrell and House Martell, but Mace and Arianne clashed over who could sign for their houses.

• Gryn reviewed Pycelle’s testimony, heard him declare himself proof of Cersei’s guilt, and postponed the petitioning until the next day while swearing to investigate impartially.
• Gryn told Mace Tyrell and Arianne that Jaime Lannister could not be allowed to live, and Arianne argued that Jaime would make a convenient scapegoat for the public’s anger.
• Mace proposed questioning Pycelle’s age and relying on Tommen’s abdication, but Arianne rejected his suggestions and mocked his interest in legitimizing Myrcella Waters.
• Gryn dismissed the possibility of taking the Iron Throne and proposed defensive and offensive alliances between House Crabb, House Tyrell, and House Martell.
• Gryn revealed that Brynden Tully had submitted to House Crabb and captured Golden Tooth, while Arianne offered to help him against the Lannisters in exchange for signing an alliance.
• Mace stopped Arianne from signing, insisting that Prince Doran had authority to bind House Martell, and Arianne slapped his hand away and told him not to interfere.

Arianne Martell and Mace Tyrell signed an alliance with Gryn and discussed the fate of Myrcella and Tommen. Gryn then proposed welcoming Daenerys Targaryen back to reclaim the Iron Throne, declaring the Baratheons traitors.

• Arianne signed the alliance agreement, and Mace hesitated before Gryn persuaded him to sign it as well.
• Gryn proposed exiling Myrcella and Tommen to remote septs on Crackclaw Point, while Arianne objected that the Lannisters had shown no mercy to Elia and her children.
• Gryn proposed welcoming Daenerys Targaryen back as the rightful claimant to the Iron Throne, stunning Arianne and Mace.
• Gryn recalled how Crabb, the Reach, and Dorne had fought for the Targaryens and declared that the Baratheons had always been traitors.

Gryn proposed restoring the Targaryens and punishing the Baratheons and Lannisters, gaining Arianne's support by backing her demand to strip the Lannisters of their name. He left Arianne with the task of pursuing justice as Minister of Justice and ended their private meeting by making clear he valued her political abilities.

• Gryn proposed welcoming back the Targaryens and suggested erasing the Baratheon name, prompting Hand Mace to reconsider his opposition.
• Arianne demanded that the Lannisters lose both the Westerlands and their name, and pledged House Martell's support to Gryn.
• Gryn agreed to support Arianne and said Ser Harys Swyft would help Duke Brynden and Crabb forces pacify the Westerlands.
• Gryn told Arianne she could pursue the criminals as Master of Laws without Prince Doran's permission, then ended the meeting.
• After Hand Mace left, Arianne approached Gryn on his desk, but Gryn told her he valued her abilities more than intimacy and looked forward to working with her in King's Landing.

Arianne secured Gryn’s support in pursuing the Lannisters and strengthening her claim as Dorne’s heir, while Gryn assured Margaery that House Tyrell would remain his ally. The chapter ended with Theon Greyjoy waking in a hunter’s cabin after being urinated on by an Ironborn, then reaching for his sword as a dagger narrowly missed him.

• Arianne told Obara Sand and Nymeria Sand that Gryn had promised to pursue the Lannisters’ crimes and let her handle the proceedings.
• Arianne declared that she would protect her position as Dorne’s heir, and Obara and Nymeria pledged their loyalty to her.
• Gryn met Margaery Tyrell in the Hall of Petitions and assured her that House Crabb and House Tyrell were firm allies.
• Margaery confessed that she loved Gryn, and he told her he was building a new stage for the Seven Kingdoms while trying to avoid more bloodshed.
• Theon Greyjoy woke in a hunter’s cabin after a giant Ironborn urinated on him, and a dagger flew past him when he reached for his sword.

Asha Greyjoy kept Theon Greyjoy hidden from the Night’s Watch while preparing to flee the Wall by ship. As they waited to sail, Theon tried to assert his claim to the Iron Islands and rallied the Ironborn against Euron Greyjoy.

• Theon angrily confronted Asha after waking, insisting that Pyke was his birthright, while Asha warned that they had to deal with Euron Greyjoy first.
• Asha told Theon that they would sail that night through dangerous weather to evade the Rangers, and Theon agreed to leave the Wall.
• While the Ironborn waited in a cabin, Theon joined Asha and argued with her about her conduct and his authority as King Balon’s lawful heir.
• Theon promised the Ironborn a reward when they returned to the Iron Islands, then accused Euron Greyjoy of stealing the islands.
• Asha shouted that Euron must be opposed, and the Ironborn joined her in calling for his death.

Theon tried to rally the Ironborn against Euron, but Asha revealed that the crowd had only listened for entertainment and announced their next destination was King's Landing to seek help from Duke Crabb. Meanwhile, Gryn publicized Lannister crimes, rewarded resistance fighters, and welcomed Daenerys Targaryen as he restored the Targaryen banner in the Throne Room.

• Theon delivered an impassioned speech urging the Ironborn to fight Euron, but they left once it was time to go and admitted they had enjoyed the performance.
• Asha told Theon that the Ironborn valued practical gains more than honor, then revealed they were sailing to King's Landing to ask her brother-in-law, the Marigold Duke, for help.
• Theon worried that Duke Crabb might try to seize the Iron Islands, while Asha teased him about earning his right to inherit them by defeating Euron.
• An Ironborn who stayed behind because of a stomachache released a black raven that flew into the twilight.
• Gryn announced the Lannisters' crime against the Baratheon royal bloodline and sent ravens throughout the Seven Kingdoms proclaiming the Small Council's welcome for Daenerys Targaryen.
• Gryn rewarded and knighted resistance fighters, then had the Targaryen banner hung beside the Swamp Marigold Banner and toasted Targaryen in the Throne Room.

At a Red Keep gathering, Arianne and Gryn discussed loyalty, mercy, and their duty to forge an iron kingdom while Mace Tyrell competed for Gryn’s attention. Gryn announced that Lord Tarth and former Stormlands lords would arrive within three days, uneasy about the Princess of Dragonstone’s return.

• Arianne privately scorned the ministers who had once served the Baratheons and now toasted the Targaryens.
• Gryn told Arianne that their growing power required mercy and that winning the people’s hearts was part of their responsibility.
• Mace Tyrell interrupted their conversation, and Arianne reminded him that he had failed to take Storm’s End twice.
• Arianne told Gryn that she regarded him as her king, provoking Mace’s jealousy.
• Gryn said Lord Tarth and former Stormlands lords would arrive within three days and asked Mace and Arianne to help receive them.
• Gryn explained that the visitors feared the Princess of Dragonstone’s return, and Arianne dismissed them as dull-witted fools.

Gryn and Arianne debated how to govern Flea Bottom and whether to execute Ser Addam Marbrand, with Gryn insisting that punishment remain lawful and the kingdom avoid further conflict. He then shared news of the Redwyne Fleet’s defeat and offered Arianne a letter from Prince Doran.

• Gryn, Mace, and Arianne discussed Flea Bottom’s overcrowding and the risks of relocating its people, while Mace promised to propose a plan at the next Small Council meeting.
• Arianne told Gryn she wanted Ser Addam Marbrand killed, but Gryn refused to settle old scores without lawful grounds and urged her to consult High Septon Ollidor.
• Arianne mentioned Kevan’s thirteen-year-old son William, but Gryn said he would deal with the boy later and leave the Westerlands a chance to recover.
• Ser Anguy Anguy brought Gryn two letters, and Gryn told Arianne that Euron Greyjoy’s fleet had ambushed the Redwyne Fleet, inflicting heavy losses.
• Gryn offered Arianne the handwritten letter Prince Doran had sent from Dorne.

Princess Arianne read Prince Doran’s letter and questioned her place in his affections as Gryn promised to protect her inheritance. Margaery brought Gryn news of the Redwyne Fleet’s defeat and Mace Tyrell’s plans to pursue Euron Greyjoy, and Gryn proposed luring Euron into a trap.

• Gryn pointed out that Prince Doran’s letter mentioned Quentyn and Trystane but not Arianne, prompting her to defend her father’s love for her.
• Gryn told Arianne that he would protect her lawful rights as Dorne’s heir, regardless of Prince Doran’s intentions.
• Margaery advised Mace to support Gryn’s plan for relocating Flea Bottom’s population and told him that the Redwyne Fleet had been defeated.
• Margaery asked Gryn to support Mace’s plan to lead the remaining Reach ships against Euron Greyjoy.
• Gryn warned Margaery that Euron’s fleet could outmaneuver their ships and suggested that Euron might have used evil magic to cause the sudden change in wind.
• Gryn proposed preparing a tempting bait to lure Euron ashore and choosing a burial ground for him.

Gryn and Margaery shared memories of childhood and discussed their feelings, ambitions, and alliance, while Margaery tried to position herself as a suitable wife. Gryn promised to take Crow's Eye's head for her and the Crabb-Tyrell alliance, leaving Margaery inexplicably angry.

• Margaery recalled her carefree childhood in Highgarden and described the lessons that prepared her to help a future husband govern.
• Gryn shared how his childhood was shaped by study, sword practice, and guards, then admitted he had once wished he had carried Margaery away.
• Margaery asked whether Gryn loved his fiancée, and he said he did while also acknowledging that he needed her.
• Gryn promised to mount Crow's Eye's head on the gates of King's Landing for Margaery and the Crabb-Tyrell alliance.
• Gryn said the houses shared honor and disgrace, but Margaery told him that she felt inexplicably angry.

After taking the Night’s Watch vows, Tyrion met Bronn and learned that Bronn’s account had helped settle the inquiry into the missing Little Squid. Meanwhile, Eddard and Roose discussed Stannis’s demands and the North’s choices, while Eddard remained concerned about the White Walkers and the coming winter.

• Tyrion struggled to his feet after swearing his Night’s Watch vows, and Old Bear welcomed the new brothers to a feast.
• Tyrion met Bronn, heard how he had answered the Night’s Watch’s questions, and declared the matter closed before paying him.
• Stannis’s guards summoned Tyrion as he and Bronn approached the feast hall, and Tyrion went with them.
• Roose told Eddard that Stannis still demanded the North acknowledge him as king, while Eddard said he could not betray Robert and wanted to question Stannis himself.
• Eddard told Roose that his greatest concern was the White Walkers and that the Seven Kingdoms could not waste strength on other wars.

Roose Bolton urged Lord Eddard to submit to Gryn Crabb and seek the Red Keep’s help before grain prices rose, and Eddard went to speak with Stannis. At Castle Black, Melisandre pressed Stannis to obtain king’s blood, while Tyrion suspected she could use a shadow assassin against Eddard and Gryn.

• Roose Bolton warned Lord Eddard that buying enough grain for the coming winter would drain the North and urged him to submit to Gryn Crabb.
• Lord Eddard recalled the deaths his family had suffered under the Targaryens, agreed to consider Roose’s proposal, and went to see Stannis.
• Stannis complained to Tyrion that Gryn Crabb and the Small Council had unlawfully taken his rights as king.
• Melisandre told Stannis that king’s blood could awaken the Lord of Light’s power and urged him to act against Lord Eddard’s protection of Robert’s bastard.
• Tyrion remembered the rumor about Renly’s death and suspected Melisandre could send a shadow assassin against Gryn and Lord Eddard.

Roose Bolton urged Lord Eddard to abandon Stannis and submit the North to Gryn Crabb before the Targaryens returned to King's Landing. At Castle Black, Melisandre pressed Stannis to obtain king's blood, while Tyrion suspected she could use shadow magic against their enemies.

• Roose Bolton warned Lord Eddard that buying enough grain for the coming winter would exhaust the North's wealth and urged him to submit to Gryn Crabb.
• Lord Eddard said he would consider Roose's proposal and went to speak with Lord Stannis.
• Stannis complained to Tyrion that Gryn Crabb had unlawfully taken power and that the lords refused to restore his rights.
• Melisandre told Stannis that king's blood would awaken the Lord of Light's power and urged him to act against Lord Eddard and Robert's bastard.
• Tyrion remembered the rumor that a shadow assassin had killed Renly and grew alarmed as Melisandre met his gaze.

Tyrion advised Stannis on the North’s position and the threat Gryn Crabb posed as Stannis demanded Ned Stark choose whether to submit or become his enemy. Melisandre interrupted with a prophecy that Daenerys would not sit the Iron Throne.

• Stannis explained that Robert had become the lawful king after winning the rebellion and warned that Gryn’s return of Daenerys would undermine his own claim.
• Tyrion judged that Ned would likely avoid becoming Stannis’s enemy, though his northern vassals feared another war and Ned refused to surrender both of Robert’s bastards.
• Stannis ordered Tyrion to offer Ned one final concession: hand over one bastard and acknowledge Stannis as king, or be treated as an enemy.
• Tyrion warned that alienating the North would harm Stannis’s war against the White Walkers, but Stannis insisted Ned had to choose a side.
• Melisandre announced that a new prophecy said Daenerys would not be the one seated upon the Iron Throne.

Melisandre proclaimed that Stannis was the prophesied king, while Tyrion witnessed her command the flames. Eddard confronted Stannis over Renly’s death and left, and the chapter ended the next day with Eddard reacting gravely to the Horn of Winter after meeting a Wildling envoy.

• Melisandre declared that the Lord of Light had shown her a man on the Iron Throne and identified him as Stannis, while the flames surged around the hall.
• Tyrion stared into the fire and wept, and Melisandre told him that only devout followers could receive revelations in the flames.
• Eddard confronted Stannis about Renly’s death, and Stannis admitted that he had ordered his brother’s killing because Renly had rebelled.
• Eddard refused to fight beside a kinslayer and left with Roose Bolton, while Stannis sent for the Wildling envoy and mentioned the king’s blood.
• The next day, after the Wildling envoy departed, Eddard reacted gravely to the Horn of Winter.