In the capital of King’s Landing, King Joffrey Baratheon and his retinue are being carried in sedan chairs through the crowded streets of Flea Bottom, the capital’s poorest district. They halt when Lady Olenna Tyrell’s granddaughter, Margaery, unexpectedly vacates her chair as she wishes to visit an orphanage. Once inside, Margaery talks to a young boy whose father was killed during battle. Margaery gives him a toy knight and says his father fought to protect the city from bad men. She then tells the children they will be cared for and the sacrifice of their fathers will not be forgotten as toys are handed out to the rest of the orphans. That evening, King Joffrey and his mother Cersei Lannister host a private dinner for Margaery and her brother Ser Loras Tyrell. Margaery remains polite despite a few barbs thrown at her by Cersei with regards to her dress, or lack-there-of. Cersei then makes a few disparaging remarks about her visit to Flea Bottom as is surprised with Margaery’s displays of philanthropy. Margaery deflects such comments, getting support from Joffrey, much to his mother's annoyance, who only knows how to rule through fear while Margaery is skilled at winning the hearts of the common people. Margaery is also pleased to hear that hundreds of wagons stuffed with food and supplies are being sent by the Tyrells in their support of aiding the capital.

Days later, Sansa Stark, who was previously engaged to King Joffrey, is escorted by Margaery and Loras to meet with Lady Olenna. The cunning and intelligent true head of House Tyrell speaks her mind, bluntly stating that her son, Lord Mace Tyrell, was a fool for supporting Renly Baratheon's claim to the throne, despite being betrothed to Margaery before his mysterious murder. Olenna then asks Sansa tell her the truth about what King Joffrey is like, as he is to now marry Margaery. Sansa is initially reluctant but then breaks down and angrily recounts how Joffrey had said he would show her father Lord Eddard Stark mercy, only to behead him in front of her. She adds that Joffrey also forced her to look at her father's head on a spike. Sansa  nervously attempts to backtrack, afraid to hold trust in anyone in the capital, but Olenna continues to prod her. After Olenna’s insistence that she can trust her not to repeat whatever is said, Sansa blurts out that King Joffrey is "a monster.” Olenna is disappointed, but entirely unsurprised, given the rumors that have been circulating about Joffrey's public outbursts. Sansa is worried that this means House Tyrell will cancel their proposed marriage alliance, which could mean Sansa will be stuck with Joffrey again. However, Olenna assures her that her son Mace is too intent on Lady Margaery entering into a royal marriage to cancel it for anything.

Some weeks later, King Joffrey gives Margaery a tour of the Great Sept of Baelor, where their royal wedding is to be held, as Lady Olenna and Cersei trail behind. Joffrey excitedly relates tales of the darker chapters of the Great Sept's history, to Margaery's feigned interest and Cersei's annoyance. Olenna then asks if the late King Robert Baratheon was buried with the Targaryen kings in the Great Sept. Cersei explains that her husband had left instructions to return his remains to Storm's End, the ancestral seat of House Baratheon. When Cersei dismisses the accident that claimed Robert's life, Olenna laments her son Mace Tyrell’s total lack of military prowess. Olenna muses on the shortcomings of the men in their lives and the arrangement of patriarchy in general, to which Cersei wistfully says that it is the will of the gods. With Cersei distracted by Olenna, Margaery convinces King Joffrey to greet the crowd outside. Despite his poor relationship with the smallfolk of the city, Margaery easily manipulates him into believing that the people of the King’s Landing actually love him. As she predicted, Joffrey is somewhat placated by Margaery's charity, as the crowd happily cheers for the betrothed pair. Witnessing the adulation of the smallfolk herself, Cersei then realizes she has lost control of her son to the Tyrells.

Later on, Lady Olenna walks through the gardens with Lord Varys, an advisor to the king, and while polite, she instantly sees through his niceties, asking him to get to the point. Varys expresses concern that Lord Petyr Baelish is going to try to take control of Sansa since the War of the Five Kings is not going well for House Stark, and if Sansa’s older brother Robb Stark were to be defeated and die, the man who controls Sansa ultimately will control the North. While they are all engaged in the intrigues of court politics, Baelish has utterly no limits on what he will do to achieve power: he would burn the entire realm down if it meant he could be king of the ashes. Olenna agrees and asserts that the solution is rather obvious. Shortly after, Lady Margaery finds Sansa in the godswood outside the Red Keep and dismisses the Lannister guards, threatening to tell the king that they refused her if they don't leave. She invites Sansa to visit her home of Highgarden someday. Sansa is confused, as “Queen Cersei” won't allow her to leave the city, but Margaery wryly points out that the “Queen Regent” might not want her to, but once she is queen she’d happily share Highgarden's pageantry with a friend... “or a sister.” Margaery points out that if Sansa were to marry Ser Loras, then she would belong in Highgarden anyway. The thought of finally escaping Lannister captivity and becoming a Tyrell makes Sansa choke out tears of joy.

Days later, the new Master of Coin and uncle to King Joffrey, Tyrion Lannister, is engaged in a meeting with Lady Olenna, as the upcoming royal wedding is shaping up to be an extravagant and expensive affair. While Tyrion is concerned with the cost of the event, Olenna is bored to discuss financial matters, however, she quickly lists off specific details of the soldiers and supplies the Tyrells have been providing to the crown in order to aid them during the war effort. This quickly demonstrates to Tyrion that he doesn't need to lecture Olenna about wartime expenses. She insists that the royal wedding must go on as planned, as it will do much to improve the city's morale and keep the people happy, otherwise they will start blaming the Lannisters for the war again. Tyrion cannot outmaneuver Olenna, but in the end she decides on her own that she won't have it said House Tyrell isn't doing its part to help, so she agrees to pay for half the cost of the festivities of the wedding itself provided the celebrations are not cut short, for which Tyrion is grateful. Lady Olenna then expresses disappointment in Tyrion's character– she had hoped to encounter the lecherous, mischievous imp of legend, and not a "browbeaten bookkeeper."

Meanwhile, Margaery and Sansa watch Ser Loras spar with his squire, Olyvar. Sansa confidently remarks on Loras’ fighting ability, and inquires when they will wed. Margaery replies that she will "plant the seed" after she and Joffrey are married. Sansa is skeptical that Joffrey will let her go but Margaery is confident he will do it in order to please his queen. However, Ser Loras begins a sexual relationship with his squire, whom he tells of his engagement. Olyvar then passes that information on to his true employer: Lord Baelish. A short time later, Baelish meets with Sansa, offering her a place on his ship that will take him from the capital, to the Vale of Arryn. An unexpectedly calculated Sansa tells him that they should wait until after Joffrey's wedding, primarily because she fears for his safety if the plan fails. A master manipulator, Littlefinger is clearly suspicious of her motives, but doesn't press the matter. Instead, he says he is touched by her concern for his safety, insisting that she call him "Petyr." Unbeknownst to Sansa, the plan to wed Loras then fails when Cersei grows increasingly suspicious of the Tyrells after learning of the arrangement through Littlefinger. This news prompts Lord Tywin Lannister to arrange for Cersei instead to marry Loras and Tyrion Lannister is now to wed Sansa, in order to curb the ambitions of House Tyrell and to bind two great houses closer to the Lannisters.

Some time later, Lord Tywin Lannister meets with Lady Olenna to discuss having Ser Loras marry his daughter, Queen Regent Cersei. They trade barbs about Cersei's age, her capability to have more children and of Ser Loras's well-known homosexuality. Tywin is adamant that the two wed but Olenna blatantly refuses to consent, stating her grandson is the most desirable bachelor in Westeros and then hinting at King Joffrey being the result of incest between Cersei and her twin brother Ser Jaime Lannister. Tywin replies that if that is true, Joffrey has no right to the throne and the Tyrells just "threw a flower into the dirt", implying Margaery’s arranged marriage to his grandson. Olenna says she will not risk "throwing another flower into the dirt" if Cersei cannot bear heirs for House Tyrell. Realizing her unchanged position on the matter,  Lord Tywin threatens to make Ser Loras a knight of the Kingsguard, which would force Loras to give up his right to marriage and to inherit his home of Highgarden. Olenna snaps Tywin's quill in half and graciously concedes defeat, noting with approval that Tywin really does live up to his ruthless reputation.

Sansa and Tyrion’s wedding is held in the Great Sept some weeks later, and prior to the ceremony Margaery tries to ingratiate herself to Cersei, stating that they will technically be sisters soon. Cersei responds by telling Margaery the story behind the song "The Rains of Castamere," relating how it refers to the destruction of House Reyne after their failed rebellion against House Lannister. This implies the similarities between the ambitions and position of House Reyne and House Tyrell, and that the same fate may fall upon them if they plot against the Lannisters. Cersei then threatens to have Margaery strangled in her sleep if she ever calls her sister again. King Joffrey then smugly escorts Sansa to the altar and then petulantly removes the stool upon which Tyrion was to stand on in order to cloak Sansa as part of the ceremony. This display eliciting snickers from the royal court in attendance. Tyrion, in the face of humiliation, asks Sansa to kneel as he places the cloak around her. The High Septon then begins the ceremony. That evening at the feast, Olenna is seated with Margaery and Loras and discusses what the dynamics of the Lannister and Tyrell families will be after Loras is married to Cersei, with Margaery shooting her grandmother a withering glare when Loras eventually storms out. Meanwhile, Tyrion spends the wedding feast mostly by getting deeply drunk and making light of his father Tywin’s insistence that his inebriated state will render him unfit to impregnate his new wife. King Joffrey himself is also drinking too much wine, and losing what few inhibitions he has, his behavior becomes increasingly offensive to both Sansa and Tyrion. Joffrey taunts Sansa that she's still found a way to marry a Lannister, and then reflects that it doesn't matter which Lannister gets her pregnant, as he openly informs that he might want to rape her after Tyrion is done with her. Joffrey then declares it is time for the bedding ceremony, which involves both the man and woman stripped and carried off to the marriage bed. However, Tyrion angrily insists there will be no bedding ceremony. When Joffrey keeps pushing the matter, a furious Tyrion slams his dagger into the table and threatens that Joffrey will be “fucking his own bride with a wooden cock" if he doesn't let it drop. With Olenna and the royal court shocked in silence, Joffrey seethes with outrage and after a tense moment, Tywin defuses the situation by agreeing that there will be no bedding ceremony, and placates Joffrey by claiming Tyrion's outburst is merely the result of his drunkeness. Taking the hint and using it as an excuse to avoid punishment, Tyrion swallows his anger and begins to act far more drunk than he actually is, intentionally humiliating himself, insisting that he only made a bad joke. It isn't clear if anyone in the room, including Tywin or Joffrey, think that Tyrion's outburst was simply due to inebriation, but everyone plays along anyway to help the tension pass. Tyrion, while pretending to be so drunk he can barely stand, then escorts Sansa to their bedchamber.

Some months later, in the gardens of the Red Keep, Lady Olenna assists Margaery in picking out a necklace for her upcoming wedding to King Joffrey. She selects the finest of those on offer, noting affectionately that it is similar to one she received from Margaery's late grandfather, Lord Luthor Tyrell, on her fifty-first name day. Olenna chucks the piece over the rampart and orders the Tyrell handmaidens to canvass every jeweler in King's Landing for better offerings. They are interrupted by a courteous Brienne of Tarth, former Kingsguard to Renly Baratheon, who fled the scene following his murder. Lady Olenna is delighted to see the truth of the statuesque rumors about Brienne. Brienne has come to request a private word with Margaery. As the pair then walk through the gardens, Brienne informs Margaery the truth of Renly's death some time ago, having witnessed it herself alongside the now-deceased Catelyn Stark, Sansa’s mother. Brienne vows to exact revenge on Stannis Baratheon, whom she holds responsible for his younger brother’s murder. Margaery politely reminds Brienne that Joffrey is their king now, as Brienne apologizes for any offense given, but Margaery assures her that none was taken. They walk past a statue of King Joffrey standing over a dead direwolf, which commemorates the victory over the Northern rebellion.

Some days later, King Joffrey and Queen Margaery's wedding ceremony takes place in the Great Sept and they are wed in front of gods and men. After the ceremony, the royals gather outside the Red Keep for a lavish wedding feast, where Olenna and Lord Tywin discuss the extravagance of their union between their grandchildren. Olenna then speaks with Sansa as she toys with her hair and necklace in a grandmotherly fashion. Meanwhile, Margaery rises to announce the leftovers of the feast are to be given to the poorest in the city. Cersei, through gritted teeth, tells Margaery that she is an example to them all. Joffrey then speaks to the crowd about contemplating history as five dwarves ride out of a large golden lion, representing Joffrey, Renly Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, Robb Stark, and Balon Greyjoy, each of the five kings in the War of the Five Kings. The dwarves put on a performance and make crude sexual acts which entertains Joffrey, though is found too confronting by most of the court, including Olenna who watches the king with disdain. Ser Loras leaves in anger after watching the crude depiction of his deceased lover Renly riding a mount that resembles himself. Once finished, a delighted Joffrey prepares to give the champion dwarf a purse but then mockingly suggests that Tyrion fight him as well. In front of royal court, Tyrion cleverly retaliates the insult by referencing Joffrey’s failed leadership during the Battle of Blackwater. Outwitting the king in front of his guests, Joffrey petulantly pours wine over Tyrion's head and orders him to serve him wine as his cupbearer. Margaery eventually interrupts the tense moment between the pair and announces that it is time to cut the pigeon pie. Joffrey then hands his wine goblet to Margaery, who then places it at the edge of the table near Olenna. Joffrey draws his new sword, cuts the pie, and several white doves fly out. Sansa and Tyrion attempt to leave the feast but Joffrey commands Tyrion to serve him wine to wash down the pie. Tyrion hands the goblet to Joffrey and he quickly drinks all of it. Joffrey then tries to speak but begins coughing as he grabs his throat while Margaery exclaims that he is choking. Joffrey collapses face down and begins vomiting and convulsing as Cersei rushes in and turns Joffrey over on his back. A court fool named Dontos Hollard suddenly approaches Sansa and urges for her to escape with him. As he convulses, Joffrey points an accusatory finger in Tyrion's direction, as Tyrion examines the wine goblet. Joffrey's eyes turn red and blood runs from his nose. He soon stops convulsing and quickly dies in Cersei’s arms, who sobs with grief and then orders the Kingsguard to seize Tyrion for the poisoning of her son. A fleeing Sansa, however, is able to escape King’s Landing despite Cersei ordering her arrest as well.

Some time after the horrific events at the wedding feast, Lady Olenna sits in the gardens of the Red Keep with her granddaughter, as Margaery questions the validity of her title as “Queen” due to King Joffrey’s murder. Olenna explains that she is more of a queen now than she was with Renly Baratheon, but as Margaery didn’t consummate her marriage with Joffrey the title remains up in the air. However, Olenna urges Margaery not to press the issue at this sensitive time. Margaery assumes she must be cursed as both of her kings have now been murdered, to which Olenna responds, however, by saying her circumstances have improved remarkably. She asserts that while Margarey might not have enjoyed watching Joffrey die, it is far less than the suffering she would have experienced in her marriage to the sadistic king. She also insists that their alliance remains necessary to House Lannister. Olenna then compliments Margaery’s work on Joffrey, calmly adding that the next marriage should be easier.

Meanwhile, as they sail through the Narrow Sea, Sansa Stark accuses Lord Baelish of having Joffrey murdered. At first, Baelish evades the accusation, pointing out that he has been away for weeks. Sansa then defends Tyrion’s innocence and concludes that Baelish is too smart to trust a drunk like Dontos Hollard to be his accomplice. Impressed with her instincts, Baelish admits that Tyrion is, in fact, innocent, and reveals Sansa's own part in Joffrey's death. He explains that Dontos' necklace that he gifted to Sansa was the murder weapon, and someone slipped a poison-filled stone into Joffrey's wine. Baelish confesses that while his friendship with the Lannisters was fruitful, Joffrey was too volatile and a king like him as an ally was more a hindrance than a benefit. More importantly, though, Joffrey's death was something that his "new friends" wanted very much, and a gift is always helpful to help a new friendship "grow strong", quoting the house motto of the Tyrells. Back in King’s Landing, Lady Olenna informs Margaery that she is about to depart to their home in Highgarden. She mentions the prospective marriage between Margaery and the next king in succession, Tommen Baratheon, Joffrey’s younger brother. Olenna insists that Cersei will turn Tommen against Margaery if she doesn't act fast. She notes that fortunately Cersei is distracted by her innocent brother’s upcoming trial. Margaery insists that Olenna cannot be certain of Tyrion's innocence, but Olenna states that Tyrion certainly is innocent and confesses that she would never have let Margaery marry "that beast," revealing that she was the one to slip the poisonous stone from Sansa’s necklace into Joffrey’s goblet. Margaery is shocked but her grandmother firmly ends the conversation.

Late in the evening, Lady Margaery enters Tommen Baratheon's chambers, slipping past the Kingsguard and startling him awake. As she sits by his bed, the obedient Tommen claims that she isn’t supposed to be here and that his mother doesn’t allow for him to have visitors at night. Margaery insists, however, that she is not a visitor and discusses with him the rumors of their new engagement. Margaery swiftly and easily charms the Lannister boy, noting that many arranged marriages never get to meet one another until the wedding day. She puts in his mind the idea that one day she will be his and they might as well get to know each other beforehand. When Margaery asks if he would like that, Tommen excitedly agrees but questions his mother Cersei’s knowledge of this. Margaery then insists on keeping this as their “little secret,” adding that, as future husband and wife, she hopes there will many secrets between them. She then interacts in a friendly manner with Tommen’s cat, Ser Pounce, and they both bond over their relief that they won't have to live in fear of Joffrey anymore. Margaery compliments to the soon-to-be king of his kind demeanor, stating: “you don’t strike me as cruel.” Shen then promises to visit again. Realizing that she must be maternal in her initial manipulation of him, Margaery gives him a kiss on the forehead as she leaves.

Some days later, in the throne room of King’s Landing, Tommen Baratheon is crowned as the new king of the Seven Kingdoms on the podium in front of the Iron Throne to enthusiastic applause. Following the ceremony, Cersei meets with Lady Margaery along the gallery of the hall. Margaery compliments Tommen by stating that he sits on the throne as if born to it. Cersei enquires whether Margaery still mourns for the deceased Joffrey Baratheon, which is met with a polite response. Cersei then admits to Margaery that Joffrey would have been her nightmare and goes on to comment on the things that he has done has shocked even her. However, she informs that no matter what they do, you never love a child moreso than your first. Cersei then ponders who the last decent king was and asserts that Tommen could be the first man in over fifty years to actually deserve sitting on the throne. Margaery suggests that this could be consolation for all the horror that put him there. Cersei asks if Margaery still wants to be the queen, to which she replies that she hasn't thought about it. Cersei ignores the obvious lie and insists that Tommen will need someone to guide him, saying that “a mother is not enough.” Margaery informs Cersei that she will have to speak to her father Lord Mace. She then comments on the fact that she soon won’t know what to call Cersei, “sister, or mother.”

Several months later, King Tommen and Queen Margaery are wed, though Lady Olenna remains in Highgarden for the time being. That night, following the ceremony, Margaery and Tommen consummate their marriage. Tommen is especially elated as the two discuss their future together. Tommen thinks that his mother is unhappy in King's Landing and seeing an opportunity within that, Queen Margaery manipulates Tommen into thinking that as long as Cersei stays in the capital, she will continue to treat him like a child, watching over him. The following morning, Tommen and Cersei are out for a walk along the battlements when he tells his mother that he thinks she should return to Casterly Rock if it will make her happy, since she used to talk so fondly of her childhood home. Cersei declines, however, deducing that this is Margaery’s doing. Cersei then pays her a visit, to find Margaery bragging about Tommen's libido to her handmaidens. Greeting her mother-in-law, Margaery is now more confident than ever and subtly rubs her queenship in Cersei’s face, gloating about her “exhausting” night with her son. Cersei tries to verbally spar with Margaery as she used to, but the younger queen is in her prime, and assaults Cersei with backhanded compliments, including a comment on Cersei’s drinking habits. Instead of attempting to match the queen, Cersei walks away feeling defeated.

In the last few weeks, an extreme religious faction called the Sparrows have risen in popularity and the Faith Militant that work beside them storm the streets of the capital, attacking taverns, brothels and street vendors selling idols from other religions. Inside Lord Baelish’s brothel, Olyvar is struck and ignored as they barge in and assault the patrons. While this occurs, Lancel Lannister leads a squad of the Faith Militant to then apprehend Ser Loras while he is sparring in the practice yard. In her quarters, Queen Margaery is furious over her brother’s arrest. King Tommen then goes to his mother Cersei and demands that Loras be released at once, though Cersei calmly points out that she didn't arrest Loras, so he should ask their leader, the High Sparrow, to release him. Tommen naively thinks the High Sparrow will simply do as he requests, so he heads to the Great Sept but his path is blocked by the Faith Militant, who refuse to move for the king. The Kingsguard request that Tommen let them kill the Faith Militant in order to pass. Tommen is surprised at this and does not want to risk bloodshed escalating matters so realizing this is not going to end well, Tommen meekly withdraws back to the Red Keep. Margaery is even more upset at how ineffectual young Tommen is and states that she is going to bring her grandmother Olenna back to the capital to deal with this.

Some time later, Lady Olenna returns to the capital after learning of her grandson Loras’ arrest. She meets with Margaery and is angered in the fact that while Renly’s homosexuality was widely known in the c,apital, her grandson is now being targeted. They both agree that Cersei is working with the High Sparrow. Olenna then meets with Cersei and tries to talk her into releasing Loras though Cersei sticks to her claim that she had nothing to do with it. Olenna warns Cersei that her actions have endangered the Lannister-Tyrell alliance – the very alliance that, for example, is supplying the capital with food. Cersei informs Olenna that the High Sparrow has called for a preliminary hearing to determine whether the charges against Loras have merit and expresses confidence that Loras will be acquitted. Afterwards, the High Sparrow himself interrogates Ser Loras in front of King Tommen, Cersei and the Tyrell women. Loras denies the accusations against him, insisting that Renly Baratheon was his friend and his king, adding that he was wrong for supporting Renly’s claim. He further testifies that he also has never laid with any man. Assuming the interrogation has concluded, Olenna tries to leave with her grandchildren, however, the High Sparrow then asks to question Queen Margaery, who then also denies any knowledge of these allegations. The High Sparrow then calls in Olyvar, in character as Loras’ squire, who claims that the accusations against Loras are in fact true. Olyvar also testifies that Margaery walked in on them once in bed, but did not seem surprised. To support his testimony, Olyvar tells the High Sparrow of a birthmark Loras has that is shaped like Dorne, much to Loras' shock and fury. Deciding that this is more than enough evidence for a holy inquest, the High Sparrow has Loras arrested. Furthermore, since Queen Margaery bore false witness before the Gods as well, she is also arrested. As Margaery is forcefully dragged away, she calls out for King Tommen in panic, who is paralyzed with indecision, while Olenna contemptuously regards Cersei's barely-contained smug expression.

Days later, Olenna meets with the High Sparrow inside the Great Sept and demands that he release her grandchildren, however, he declines, stating they will be punished for their crimes. The High Sparrow insists that the laws that uphold the Faith of the Seven must be applied to everyone equally. Olenna first tries to bribe him by ending shipments of food to the capital. Despite this threat, the High Sparrow remarks that the nobility of Westeros have forgotten that they are outnumbered by the common folk and tells Olenna to ponder what happens when the many stop fearing the few. Outside, Olenna then receives a letter bearing Lord Baelish's seal. Afterwards, Littlefinger meets with Olenna in his ransacked brothel and the pair share a tense conversation, as Olenna reminds him of the role they both played in Joffrey’s murder, and that, should House Tyrell fall, she will have no reason to keep his involvement a secret any longer. Baelish then explains that he was obliged to give Cersei information, but informs Olenna that he will give her the same thing that he gave Cersei: a handsome young man - implied, in this instance, to be one of the leading Sparrows, Lancel Lannister, who once had an incestuous affair with Cersei. In the prison cells beneath the Great Sept, Cersei meets with Margaery and brings her food. Margaery refuses, however, revealing that she knows that Cersei is responsible for having her and Loras imprisoned. Cersei, fearful of being overheard, denies this. Margaery then mocks Cersei for her unconvincing lies of trying to save her, going as far as to say that while she knows how to lie and scheme, she doesn't understand innocence and decency well enough to fake them. Margaery adds that she suspects this is exactly why King Tommen loves her and was willing to send Cersei away. Cersei, concealing her fury, informs Margaery that her trial will soon begin and that her son needs his mother more than ever. Margaery throws the stew at Cersei, and yells at her to get out. Cersei leaves the cell, smiling smugly at Margaery. However, upon her exit, Cersei is also arrested and will be put to trial for claims of adultery and incest.

Several weeks later, as they travel to the Red Keep, Lady Olenna scolds her son Lord Mace over his stupidity concerning Cersei Lannister. She then informs Mace that Ser Kevan Lannister has requested for her to attend the small council meeting. When Mace asks if Olenna will take his place as Master of Coin, she insists that her attendance is solely focused on getting her grandchildren out of prison and leave this “miserable place.” The small council meeting then commences with Ser Kevan, now Hand of the King, Grand Maester Pycelle and Lord Mace alongside Olenna. Cersei, her twin brother Ser Jaime and her guard Gregor Clegane then enter the room and are immediately questioned over their attendance. Cersei replies that she is the queen, only to be corrected by Olenna that the rightful queen is the one married to the king. Jaime then argues that he, as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, also has a right to attend. Cersei then accuses her uncle Kevan of not caring for his murdered niece Myrcella Baratheon, while Jaime appeals to the bigger picture and urges Kevan to take action against Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes who have taken over Dorne after eliminating House Martell. Displeased with the newcomers, Olenna and the small council leave the hall.

Days later, Septa Unella enters Queen Margaery’s cell and leads her to a private meeting with the High Sparrow. The Sparrow asks Margaery what she would do if he allowed her to leave that day. Margaery replies that she wants to return to her family and her husband King Tommen. The High Sparrow respects her love for her family but tells her that attachment leads to sin, citing his previous experience as a cobbler. Margaery manages to impress the Sparrow with her knowledge of “The Book of the Stranger,” which she admits that Septa Unella had read at her. The High Sparrow agrees that Unella has a habit of reading at people instead of to them. He then recounts how in his youth, he was a womanizer, a drunkard and then underwent a conversion experience the morning after an orgy, as his drunken guests lay naked all around his house. Tired of what he was now perceiving as a meaningless existence, the High Sparrow turned his life around and became a devoted member of the Faith of the Seven. He then left his job as a cobbler and devoted his life to the poor and destitute. Believing he has found a way to reach Margaery, the Sparrow allows her to visit her brother Ser Loras. She then finds a dejected Loras lying on the floor of his cell, who has lost the will to continue resisting. He pleads with his sister to help him, as Margaery urges to Loras that the High Sparrow is trying to use them to break each other. She insists that he needs to stay strong, as he is the future of House Tyrell.

Meanwhile, Cersei goes to speak to her son King Tommen, who is anxious to fight the High Sparrow, though Cersei reminds him of what the man had forced her to do several weeks back during her walk of atonement. Although Tommen knows his mother has always hated Margaery, Cersei claims the rivalry is unimportant, explaining that kings and queens must command respect, and the High Sparrow is little more than an idealistic anarchist using the Faith to achieve his goals. After Tommen reveals he had a conversation with the High Sparrow and gained knowledge of something important, Cersei presses him for information. Cersei and Jaime then attend another small council meeting, this time presided over by Olenna and Kevan. Although Olenna reminds Cersei she is not welcome, Jaime defends his sister, revealing that Tommen has been talking to the High Sparrow about Margaery and Loras. Cersei points out the High Sparrow was expecting them to fight among each other, and before the trial, Margaery will perform her own walk of atonement, which Olenna agrees must not happen. Although Cersei promises to destroy the Sparrows for corrupting his son Lancel Lannister, Kevan warns them that more lives could be lost in the ensuing battle. Olenna then urges that many will die regardless and “better them than us.”

Afterwards, Lord Mace leads an army through the streets of the capital to a waiting Jaime, who is working with the Tyrells as his sister Cersei also awaits trial. Together, they proceed to the Great Sept where the High Sparrow, the Faith Militant and a large crowd of smallfolk are preparing for Margaery's walk of atonement. The army arrives, along with Lady Olenna in a litter, as the High Sparrow is speaking, and Ser Jaime demands that he release Margaery and Loras, before they can "be on their way.” The High Sparrow refuses and fends off Jaime's threats to kill all the Sparrows by saying each Sparrow yearns to die in the service of the gods. After a tense few moments, however, he proclaims it will not be necessary, as there will be no walk of atonement for Margaery. The High Sparrows then explains that she has already atoned for her sins by bringing another into the faith. To Jaime's astonishment, the doors of the Sept open and King Tommen emerges, escorted by his own guards. The king walks down the steps to join the High Sparrow and his queen in a demonstration of unity between the crown and the faith. The crowd burst into cheers after Tommen's speech, demonstrating that the High Sparrow now has the support of both the crown and the smallfolk. Baffled by this turn of events, Lord Mace expresses his confusion as Olenna informs her son in disgust that the High Sparrow has beaten them. Meanwhile, a furious Jaime seethes at the High Sparrow's triumphant expression.

Days later, Margaery is studying the Seven-Pointed Star and informs the High Sparrow that in the past she pretended to love the poor when in fact she only really pitied them. He asks her why she hasn't joined King Tommen in the marriage bed, and Margaery explains that the desires that once drove her no longer do so. The High Sparrow assures her that desire is not necessary, but she has a duty to produce an heir. Afterwards, Margaery returns to the Red Keep, as Olenna meets with her under the supervision of Septa Unella. Olenna insults the septa until Margaery comes to Unella's defense. Olenna then pulls Margaery into another room in an attempt to gain some privacy, but Unella simply follows them. She then tries to convince Margaery to leave King's Landing and return to Highgarden. However, Margaery refuses, stating that her duty requires her to be at King Tommen's side and instead pleads for Olenna to return to Highgarden. As she emphatically tells her grandmother to return home, Margaery secretly slips a piece of paper into Olenna's hand. In doing so, she communicates to Olenna that she doesn't quite mean what she's been saying in front of Unella. Once in private, Olenna unfolds the piece of paper and finds that there is a rose drawn on it, indicating that Margaery is merely tricking the Sparrows, her true loyalty still with her house. Olenna also seems to understand that Margaery is urging her to leave for her own safety.

Afterwards, Lady Olenna is visited by Cersei, who urges her to fight against the Faith Militant, but Olenna insists that she is leaving for Highgarden, before "that shoeless zealot" gets the idea to throw her in a cell as well. Trying to convince Olenna to stay, Cersei urges her they have a common enemy, and that they should unite in order to defeat him. Olenna, however, reminds Cersei that the rise of the Faith Militant, the imprisonment of her grandchildren and the compromised future of both the Lannisters and the Tyrells are all due to Cersei's stupidity. Cersei then tries to win Olenna over by comparing her love for Tommen with Olenna's love for her grandchildren, to which Olenna reminds her of the smug look Cersei had given her when Loras and Margaery were dragged away by the Faith Militant. Olenna ponders that Cersei is possibly the worst person she has ever met. She then bluntly states to Cersei the truth of the matter: she has no friends and is surrounded by enemies with absolutely no support. Olenna adds that she will be leaving the capital as soon as possible, and that Cersei's utter defeat is the only joy she can find through all the misery brought upon her house.

Some weeks later, while Olenna remains in Highgarden, everyone is getting ready for Loras and Cersei’s trial. The crowd amasses inside the Great Sept, along with Margaery, Lord Mace and Ser Kevan. As Grand Maester Pycelle heads to the Sept, a small child stops him and whispers something into his ear that suddenly changes his course. Meanwhile, inside the Sept, the Faith Militant bring Ser Loras in first, as the High Sparrow awaits. Instead of having a trial, Loras immediately confesses to his crimes and tells the High Sparrow that he wishes to devote his life to the Faith of the Seven. The High Sparrow then informs him that this would mean that he renounces his family name and his future lordship of Highgarden, as Loras tearfully agrees. The Sparrows then grab him, hold him down and carve a seven-pointed star into his forehead. His father Mace actually tries to fight his way through the crowd to stop them but Margaery, her voice trembling, holds him back. Shocked by this action, Margaery afterwards protests to the High Sparrow for mutilating her brother. The High Sparrow then informs her that he promises to allow Loras to leave the Sept after Cersei faces her trial as well. Meanwhile, King Tommen prepares to depart the Red Keep for his mother’s trial but Ser Gregor Clegane prevents him from leaving his room. Inside the Sept, Lancel Lannister informs the High Sparrow that Cersei has yet to leave the Red Keep, so the High Sparrow asks him to go retrieve her. As Lancel is walking out, a different small child lures him away to the catacombs beneath the Sept. Meanwhile, Pycelle follows his whispering child into a room where Qyburn awaits him. Qyburn apologizes to Pycelle for the inconvenience, then multiple children surround the grand maester and begin stabbing him repeatedly to death. Below the Sept, Lancel continues to follow the young boy, who drops the torch that he was carrying. When Lancel goes to pick up the torch, the child stabs him in the spine and runs off. Paralyzed from the waist down, Lancel looks around where he is laying and discovers that there is a cache of wildfire, one of those the “Mad King” Aerys Targaryen secreted beneath King's Landing as part of his plan to deny the city to his enemies when facing certain defeat at the end of Robert's Rebellion. As Lancel crawls closer to the main source of the illuminated green liquid, Lancel sees that the wildfire is about to be set off with three candles at the end of the hall that are almost burnt out. He desperately crawls toward it in an attempt to put the candles out. Meanwhile, an impatient and increasingly worried Queen Margaery realizes that something is very wrong as they continue to wait for Cersei and King Tommen’s arrival. She immediately confronts the High Sparrow and insists to him that this is a trap, frustratedly informing him that Cersei understands the consequences of her absence and she is absent anyway, adding that “she does not intend to suffer those consequences.” However, the High Sparrow does not listen to her astute assessment of the situation. Margaery then yells out to everyone that they all need to leave immediately, however, the Faith Militant block the doors instead, preventing anyone from exiting. Down below, Lancel does not make it to the candles before the wildfire ignites, flooding the tunnels with green flames. Inside the Sept, Margaery clings to her brother as she then shares a look of terror with the High Sparrow. Margaery, Loras, Mace and the rest of the gathered nobles then hear the muffled explosions below before the fire punches through the floor and burns everyone inside the building to such intensity that the Sept then shatters and crumbles to rubble, flinging debris far and wide, leveling the city for a mile around. Cersei, looking out of her window, grins maniacally at the explosion even as the screams of the dying ring through the air. Meanwhile, from his own chambers, King Tommen stares out at the explosion in shock and disbelief, which eventually leads to his own suicide, which then culminates in Cersei herself taking the Iron Throne.

With word of Cersei’s treachery traveling fast, Ellaria Sand and the Sand Snakes invite Lady Olenna, now the sole ruler of House Tyrell, to the southernmost region of Dorne in order to discuss an alliance against the newly-crowned Queen Cersei. Grief-stricken and in mourning over the deaths of her son and two grandchildren, the impatient “Queen of Thorns” Olenna quickly shuts down the Sand Snakes' attempts to speak to directly to her, insisting that the “grown women” are only to converse. Ellaria Sand suggests that they must work together now for survival, as Cersei has declared war on both of their factions. Olenna openly expresses her distrust of Ellaria, who orchestrated the deaths of Prince Doran Martell and his son Trystane, the brother and nephew of Oberyn Martell, the very same man whom Ellaria sought to avenge. Despite this distrust, Olenna then clarifies that the future of House Tyrell has been taken from her, adding that survival is not what she is after now. Ellaria then promises that an alliance will give Olenna her new heart's desire. When Olenna sardonically asks what this desire may entail, Ellaria states that it is "justice and vengeance," as she then summons someone from the shadows. At that moment, Lord Varys suddenly reveals himself in order to clarify. Varys rephrases by saying "fire and blood,” the motto of House Targaryen, insinuating for Olenna to forge an alliance with the dragon queen, Daenerys Targaryen, who is currently sailing to Westeros intent on taking the throne for herself, much like her ancestor Aegon the Conqueror did centuries ago.

Not long after Daenerys Targaryen retakes her ancestral home of Dragonstone, Olenna travels to the island in order to attend a council meeting with Daenerys and her advisers. Olenna warns Daenerys about what happened to her granddaughter Margaery, asserting that despite the people's love for her she was ultimately killed. She notes that in order to maintain the loyalty of the masses, Daenerys must be feared as well as loved. Olenna also voices her disagreement with Tyrion Lannister, the dragon queen’s new Hand, and his plan to use the Greyjoy fleet to ferry the Dornish army up to King's Landing, but ultimately agrees to cooperate. After the meeting, Daenerys speaks with Olenna in private and assures her that Cersei will pay for what she's done and that peace will be restored to Westeros. Olenna scoffs at that last assertion, believing that peace in Westeros will never last, but also gives Daenerys some shrewd advice. Olenna informs her that she has met many clever lords in her life, such as Tyrion, but advises that the lords of Westeros are "sheep" and that to keep the sheep in line, Daenerys must be a dragon.

Some weeks later, Jaime Lannister leads the combined Lannister-Tarly army to Highgarden. In the aftermath of the assault and the massacre of the House Tyrell garrison, Jaime confronts Lady Olenna in her study. Jaime notes that the Tyrell forces fought bravely, whereupon Olenna acknowledges warfare was not their strong point. Olenna mentions that his brother Tyrion thought the bulk of the Lannister forces would be defending Casterly Rock. Jaime, while pouring two glasses of wine, reveals it was a ruse, explaining that his ancestral home is now practically worthless. Olenna then asks Jaime how he intends to kill her, speculating that he do it with Joffrey's old sword. Remarking on Joffrey's horrible nature, Olenna proudly admits that she enacted measures to protect her family but reflects that her actions pale in comparison to Cersei’s atrocities. Jaime insists that none will care what Cersei has done, so long as order is restored. Olenna observes that Jaime really does love his sister but claims that Cersei will be the end of him. She then again asks Jaime how he plans to kill her. He produces a small liquid vial and empties its contents into one of the glasses of wine, giving it to Olenna who then drinks it after Jaime confirms that it will be a painless death. On the topic of poison, Olenna then reflects on the gruesome affect the poison had during Joffrey’s death. She admits that was unintentional on her part, as she had never seen the poison work in person before. Shocked into silence, Jaime realizes at last who really killed his eldest son. Satisfied at his horror, Olenna insists that he tell Cersei that she was the one who murdered Joffrey, whereafter a furious Jaime storms out, leaving Olenna to die alone. With Olenna’s passing, House Tyrell becomes officially extinct.

*In the aftermath of Olenna’s death, follow Daenerys’ journey throughout the rest of the series.