CERSEI — Chapter 55

Cersei endures freezing confinement in the Great Sept, deprived of rest and information by Septa Unella, Septa Moelle, and Septa Scolera. Hounded to confess and fearing abandonment, she resolves to play penitent to win relief and leverage.

Brought before the High Sparrow, Cersei confesses to fornication with Lancel and the Kettleblacks, framing it as sacrifice for Tommen’s safety, but denies ordering the High Septon’s murder, denies poisoning King Robert, and rejects the accusation of incest. The High Sparrow decrees she will face a trial to test her denials and allows her one daily visitor.

After this contrition, Cersei is moved to a better cell and fed well. Ser Kevan Lannister visits and, despite lingering anger over Lancel, informs her that Jaime vanished in the riverlands with a woman (likely Brienne), Tyrell allies now command key offices, and the Faith demands a public walk of atonement before release and a trial on grave charges.

Kevan also brings dire news from Dorne: Myrcella was slashed and lost an ear in an attack by Gerold “Darkstar” Dayne; Ser Arys Oakheart was killed defending her. Cersei blames Tyrion, while Kevan relays Doran’s and Balon Swann’s reports naming Darkstar.

Seeing danger to Tommen and an opening on the Kingsguard after Arys’s death, Cersei presses Kevan to have Tommen grant a white cloak at once and to consult Qyburn, implicitly to secure a fearsome champion for a potential trial by battle.