Contents
THE PRINCE OF WINTERFELL
Overview
Theon escorts the false Arya (Jeyne Poole) to marry Ramsay in Winterfell’s godswood, legitimizing Bolton rule before assembled northern lords. At the brutal feast, Wyman Manderly plays the jolly ally while Lady Dustin outlines Roose’s cold ambitions. News arrives that Stannis advances. That night, Ramsay coerces Theon to abet Jeyne’s abuse, deepening Theon’s torment.
Summary
In Winterfell’s cold ruin, Theon Greyjoy cloaks the trembling bride—Jeyne Poole posed as Arya Stark—and leads her to the godswood. He knows Bolton uses his presence to legitimize the imposture before northern lords. In the mist-shrouded grove, Ramsay claims her; the Stark cloak is replaced by Bolton pink, sealing the swift northern rite.
Haunted by memories and shame, Theon returns to the Great Hall’s crowded feast. Banners mask scorched walls as Abel sings and Wyman Manderly loudly savors enormous wedding pies. Theon weighs a desperate mercy killing but lacks the will. Lady Barbrey Dustin derides Manderly’s courage, dissects Roose Bolton’s emotionless manipulations and kingly ambitions, and rails against maesters’ influence.
Three maesters bring word: Stannis and mountain clans march from Deepwood Motte; Umbers and Karstarks converge. Roose adjourns to the solar to plan while the hall keeps reveling. Manderly, sodden with wine, staggers out muttering of the Rat Cook, hinting at darker appetites beneath his jovial mask.
Sour Alyn summons Theon to deliver the bride. In Ramsay’s prepared chamber, Theon is ordered to cut away Jeyne’s gown. Ramsay toys with them both, exposing Jeyne’s youth and scars, and then demands Theon ready her “with his mouth,” threatening mutilation. Theon, paralyzed by terror and trauma, submits, complicit in Jeyne’s torment as ravens cry outside.
Who Appears
- Theon GreyjoyBroken and terrified, he gives away the false Arya, battles guilt, and is forced to abet her abuse.
- Ramsay BoltonBridegroom who asserts Bolton power and sadistically abuses Jeyne, coercing Theon’s participation.
- Jeyne Poole (posing as Arya Stark)Frightened impostor bride used to legitimize Bolton claim; brutalized on her wedding night.
- Roose BoltonCold, calculating lord; uses Theon to validate the fraud and plans as Stannis approaches.
- Lady Barbrey DustinCynical observer who critiques Manderly and maesters, outlines Roose’s ambitions and manipulations.
- Wyman ManderlyOutwardly jovial, devours wedding pies and wine; hints at hidden intentions beneath feigned cheer.
- AbelTraveling singer leading six women; provides music at the feast.
- Sour AlynRamsay’s man who seizes Theon to escort the bride to the bedchamber.
- Yellow DickOne of the Bastard’s boys accompanying Theon and the bride to Ramsay’s rooms.
- Damon Dance-for-MeBastard’s boy who escorts the couple; mocks on the stair.
- SkinnerBastard’s boy boasting of claiming a piece of the bloody bedding sheet.
- Walda Frey (Fat Walda)Roose’s Frey wife; dines prominently at the wedding feast.
- Ser Hosteen FreyUrges marching out to meet Stannis; prominent Frey at the feast.
- Ser Aenys FreyFrey lordling honored with early helpings of Manderly’s pies.
- Maester Medrick (with Rhodry and Henly)Maesters who bring Roose news of Stannis’s advance and handle ravens.