On the island of Dragonstone, formerly the ancestral seat of House Targaryen, Maester Cressen  rushes along a beach holding a torch to light his way. Beneath the cliffs of the keep, a Red Priestess named Melisandre conducts a ceremony for her god, the Lord of Light. She calls for him to protect them from the darkness. Behind her are burning statues representing the Faith of the Seven, the religion widely worshipped in Westeros, and Melisandre offers them to her own god. She intones “The night is dark and full of terrors” and the crowd of onlookers repeat her words. King Stannis Baratheon allows Melisandre to burn statues, however, Maester  Cressen is outraged at the affront to his gods and fearful that Melisandre is leading Stannis into a war that he cannot win. Melisandre proclaims Stannis a champion of the Lord of Light, as he draws a burning sword from one of the statues. Melisandre predicts that a heavy darkness will fall on the world in the wake of the long summer and claims that the stars will bleed while the cold breath of winter will freeze the seas. Cressen asks Stannis’ advisor Ser Davos Seaworth, standing alongside his son Matthos Seaworth, to help him intervene. However, Davos says that it is not the right time. Afterwards, Stannis receives a letter from the capital of King’s Landing sent by the recently-deceased Hand of the King, Eddard Stark. The letter informs Stannis that he is the true heir of the Seven Kingdoms following the death of his brother King Robert Baratheon. At a meeting, Matthos Seaworth reads aloud from a letter that he has prepared stating Stannis' claim to the Iron Throne. Stannis informs that he will send copies of the letter announcing his claim to Lords throughout the realm. He details the incestuous relationship between the former queen Cersei Lannister and her twin brother Ser Jaime, challenging her son Joffrey Baratheon’s legitimacy on the throne. Stannis then rejects Ser Davos' appeal to consider an alliance with his younger brother Renly Baratheon or even with the King in the North, Robb Stark, who desires independence, which Stannis sees as Robb "stealing the Northern half of his kingdom." Cressen then stands and offers an apology for his actions on the beach before inviting Melisandre to share his wine. Having witnessed the contamination, Davos warns Cressen against his effort in trying to poison Melisandre. However, Cressen ignores the warning as he drinks out of the goblet first before handing it to her. Unbeknownst to Cressen, she is aware of what his is attempting yet with a smile she drinks the poisoned wine anyway. In vain, the Maester starts to bleed and then collapses on the floor to his death, while Melisandre is entirely unaffected by the poison. As she watches over the dying man, Melisandre informs that the fire burns the terrors of the night away as the red jewel in her choker pulsates with light.

Days later, Ser Davos recruits an old friend to King Stannis' cause, the pirate sellsail Salladhor Saan, who brings his thirty ships to Dragonstone. Davos and his son Matthos meet Salladhor on the coast. Davos informs Salladhor that there are no old pirates and life will catch up to him eventually. Joining forces with Stannis would give him a legitimate position in the world. Matthos then encourages Davos to learn to read so that he can study the holy texts of the Lord of Light but Davos is happy to put his faith solely in Stannis. Later, Davos reports his successful recruitment to King Stannis, asserting that while he’s never trusted the pirate, he is certain that the man will follow the scent of gold. As Davos leaves, Melisandre stops Matthos and whispers in his ear, which Stannis questions in private. She reveals that she had told Matthos that “death by fire is the purest death.” Stannis then reports that his brother Renly, who is also vying for the throne himself, has 100,000 men and that he can’t take the capital without them yet also can’t defeat Renly in the field. Melisandre, however, claims to have seen the path to victory in the flames. As she undoes her robe, she insists that he must give all of himself. Stannis mentions his marriage but Melisandre reminds him that his wife Selyse Baratheon is sickly, weak and disgusts him. She promises him a son through her, as they then proceed to have sex together.

Some weeks later, King Stannis travels to the Stormlands with to parley with his brother Renly. When the younger Baratheon arrives on the cliffs with his party, he feigns confusion over Stannis’ banner and jokes that the battle would be confusing if they both used the same sigil. When he asks Stannis why his version of the stag of House Baratheon is aflame, Melisandre explains that Stannis has taken the “fiery heart” of the Lord of Light for his sigil. She then admonishes Renly to kneel before the Lord’s chosen king. After a few barbs thrown by Renly, Catelyn Stark urges the rivaling kings to stop bickering and remember that they are brothers. Stannis counters that he would expect her to support his claim, as her late husband had, remarking that Lord Eddard’s integrity cost him his life. Renly insists that no one wants Stannis for their king, and adds that while Stannis never wanted friends: “a man without friends is a man without power.” Stannis declares that he will give Renly the night to reconsider, offering to name him as his heir until Stannis has a son, only if Renly strikes his banners before dawn. He insists that otherwise he will destroy Renly. His brother then reminds Stannis of his numerous supporters, assuring that they will make him king. Stannis then wheels his horse and rides away, as Melisandre warns Renly to look to his sins because "the night is dark and full of terrors."

That evening, Stannis asks Ser Davos to smuggle Melisandre ashore and says that it must be done in secret. At his request, Davos rows the Red Priestess into a cove below the cliffs of the coast and they enter a cave. Davos tells her that it is strange that her Lord asks her to work in the shadows, as she counters that shadows cannot live in the dark and are servants of the light. Melisandre then opens her robe to Davos’ astonishment, suddenly appearing heavily pregnant. Davos calls on the Faith of the Seven for protection. Melisandre tells him that there is only one god and that he only protects those who serve him. Davos’ lantern glows with increasing intensity, startling him as he backs along the wall of the cave. Melisandre lies down on her robe and begins to moan as something shifts under the skin of her belly. Her choker then glows bright red as she throws her head back, her moans and gasps intensifying. Davos looks on in horror as shadowy hands then grip her legs and a dark figure pulls itself free of her womb. The shadowy figure stands before them for an instant before exiting the cave.

Following its birth, the shadow arrives at Renly Baratheon’s camp. Inside his tent, Renly is being cloaked by his Kingsguard, Brienne of Tarth, when an unnatural gust parts the tents opening and the black smoke rushes inside. Brienne and Catelyn Stark are both stunned while Renly watches transfixed in his mirror. The smoke coalesces into a human shape and stabs Renly through the chest. In the mirror its face resembles Stannis. The smoke dissipates and Renly collapses forward to his death. The guards rush in and assume Brienne is responsible and threaten her life. She fights both of them off, killing them. Catelyn comforts her and implores her to leave, fearing that she will be blamed for Renly’s death and hanged as result. Brienne refuses to leave Renly’s side until Catelyn tells her that she cannot avenge him if she is dead. The following morning, King Stannis walks through Renly’s camp with Ser Davos and has assumed control of the camp as well as his brother’s army. Davos asserts that he needs to speak to Stannis about what happened with Melisandre in the cave. Stannis reminds Davos that he instructed him not to speak of it and declares that his enemies will no longer be able to resist him and that he will soon be sitting on the Iron Throne. Davos warns that nothing is worth the cost that Stannis will endure and then explains that having Melisandre at his side when he takes King's Landing will make her responsible for the victory. Stannis considers Davos’ words for a moment and then announces that they will invade the capital without Melisandre. He then assigns Davos to lead the fleet into Blackwater Bay.

Some weeks later, aboard his flagship, Stannis’ fleet sails along the Narrow Sea, closing in on King’s Landing. Ser Davos approaches Stannis to report that they will reach the capital in a day if the wind holds. Stannis compliments Davos on the way he’s handled the snobbery of the highborn, adding that Davos was clever to claim the name “Onion Knight” for his own by taking the onion for his sigil. Davos informs him that it is because he is the son of a crabber. Stannis complains that he and Davos were forgotten during Robert's Rebellion while King Robert and Eddard Stark were regarded as glorious heroes as they marched from battle to battle liberating towns from the Mad King. He asserts that his action of holding Storm’s End with just five hundred men was ignored an achievement. Davos insists that no one has forgotten but Stannis counters that Robert did, referencing the king granting Storm’s End to Renly after the war, despite Renly not fighting. He continues to lament stating that he did what Robert asked because Robert was his older brother as well as the king, and that he has always done his duty. Stannis then asserts that he is now the rightful king by the laws of Westeros and asks Davos to be his Hand when he sits the Iron Throne. Ser Davos hesitates, but then kneels and accepts. Stannis dryly says that he expects that Davos will be the first crabber’s son to wear the badge. 

Some time later, Ser Davos joins his son Matthos at the prow of the Black Betha, as the fleet sail into Blackwater Bay. Matthos is confident of victory, saying that their ships outnumber their opponent’s ten to one while their army outnumbers their opponent’s five to one. Davos, however, warns that the city walls have never been breached. As they sail closer into the bay, Davos asks Matthos where the enemy ships are. Matthos asserts that they were wise to attack at night and have taken the city by surprise, however, Davos counters that there are no surprises. In the bay, King Stannis’ fleet emerges from the darkness and into view of the city walls. Ser Davos then notices that there is no one on board a ship that is approaching them. Davos then watches a fire arrow hit the surface of leaking wildfire from the empty ship, which ignites the substance. The wildfire filled vessel explodes and Matthos perishes as he is caught in the force of the explosion, while Davos himself is catapulted off-board into the sea as the spreading fire destroys their ship. Stannis recoils from the massive explosion in the midst of his fleet. Though his ship remains unharmed, the spreading wildfire quickly wipes out the majority of his fleet. Stannis then orders his officers to prepare to land, assuring his men that the wildfire trick can only be played once. When Ser Imry Florent tells him that hundreds will die, Stannis coldly replies, "Thousands." He then shouts to his men “Come with me and take this city,” as they cheer and follow him over the side of the ship. When the remainder of Stannis’ fleet row to shore, he leads his men through the hail of fire arrows, sustaining heavy casualties, and orders them to move along the wall to the gate. Stannis and his guards then eventually climb a ladder as they fight fiercely atop the wall, establishing a small foothold. He kills many soldiers, fighting several at a time, without a helmet or shield. King Joffrey Baratheon’s uncle and Acting Hand, Tyrion Lannister, leads the Lannister army through the tunnels beneath the city and is able to defeat Stannis' troops manning a battering ram at the Mud Gate. On the battlefield, Tyrion fights off a handful of Baratheon men while Stannis himself continues to fight on top of the battlements, gaining the upper hand. Stannis seems to be on the verge of victory, however, Lord Tywin Lannister and his new allies of House Tyrell suddenly join the battle at the last minute and swiftly decimate Stannis’ army. The survivors flee to their ships, as Stannis screams for his routed men to "Stand and fight!" in desperation, but is dragged shouting from the lost battle by his guards. Lord Tywin then bursts into the throne room of the Red Keep and announces the Lannister’s victory, while the Baratheon forces retreat from the capital.

Following his defeat at Blackwater Bay, Stannis Baratheon has retreated back to Dragonstone and rages at Melisandre for not foreseeing his loss. He asserts that his perseverance led only to him being attacked from behind by House Lannister and Tyrell and asks why the Red Priestess did not warn him if she can see the future in her flames. Melisandre insists that the Lord of Light only allows her glimpses and that Stannis cannot abandon the war because of a single defeat. Stannis accuses her of lying and knowing nothing about war. She asserts that she has been fighting far longer than he has. He then grabs Melisandre by the throat and begins to choke her as she holds her hands up and does not struggle. He asks her where her god is now and she responds that it is inside him. Horrified, Stannis releases her and she collapses to the ground. Stannis softens as she then informs that the war has just begun and that it will last for years. Thousands will die at Stannis’ command and he will betray his men, his family and everything he once held dear but that it will be worth it. She says that he is the warrior of light and will sweep aside all of the pretenders to claim his throne. She assures Stannis he will be king. Stannis is skeptical, but Melisandre leads him to a burning brazier and urges him to look into the fire. He informs her that he sees only flames but she tells him to persevere. After a few moments, however, he stares at the fire in astonishment.

After sailing through the Narrow Sea, Salladhor Saan's ship drops off Ser Davos along the shores of Dragonstone, confirming his survival from the Battle of Blackwater. Upon his return, he is escorted into the war room before King Stannis and Melisandre, who offer a lukewarm welcome at the sight of his arrival. Davos asserts that the war is not yet over and assures Stannis that he can keep fighting. Stannis says he already is but Davos counters him by asking how burning people alive is fighting the war. Melisandre then asks how Davos would deal with infidels and insists that she is not Davos' enemy, to which he angrily disagrees. Melisandre asserts that it was not her who defeated them on Blackwater Bay and had she'd been there in person, the tide could have been turned and Stannis would have won. Melisandre then adds that she, of course, was not there, because Davos convinced Stannis to leave her behind. As she inches closer to an increasingly aggravated Davos, Melisandre asks him if he can still hear the screams. She tells him that what she whispered to his son Matthos before they left for battle was true. As she puts her lips close to Davos’ ear, she repeats her whisper: “death by fire is the purest death.” In a fit of rage, Davos then pulls out a dagger and tries to attack Melisandre but Stannis' guards stop him. In disbelief, Ser Davos witnesses Stannis ordering his guards for him to be seized and taken to the dungeons.

Some weeks later, King Stannis speaks with Melisandre as she prepares to depart by boat to the Riverlands. He is worried that now even she is abandoning him but she assures him that she still thinks he is the “Lord's Chosen,” but she must travel to obtain something vital for his cause. Stannis says that he wants her, and that he wants Joffrey Baratheon and Robb Stark dead, and asks her to make "a son" again with him like the shadow-creature she conjured to assassinate his brother Renly. Melisandre says that creating a creature drains some of a man's life-force, and she fears that creating another would kill Stannis. Over his protests, she explains that what she is seeking is even more powerful than a shadow, and will change the king’s fortunes in this war, but she needs a king's blood to do it. Stannis doesn't understand, but Melisandre implies that she needs to burn a human sacrifice who possesses a king's blood as an offering to the Lord of Light. She can't kill Stannis himself to achieve this, but as she points out, "There are others with your blood in their veins".

Following his defeat, with most of his army destroyed and little else to do, Stannis takes the time to visit his wife Selyse Baratheon for the first time since returning from battle. Stannis and Selyse do not have a loving relationship, but she reveres and is in awe of him as her king. Selyse had three sons with Stannis but they were all stillborn, and she walks over to a corner of her chamber where she keeps their tiny corpses preserved in glass jars. The deaths of her "sweet boys" and failure to produce a male heir deeply affected Selyse, and caused her to zealously embrace the foreign religion of the Lord of Light. She then laments that she has given Stannis nothing and with pity he says that's not true. Selyse understands he is referring to their daughter and only child, Princess Shireen Baratheon. Shireen is alone in her room when Stannis enters. A cheerful but sickly young girl with the left side of her face badly disfigured by the dreaded greyscale disease that can leave flesh stiff and dead, and the skin cracked and flaking, and stone-like to the touch. Those that manage to survive a bout with the illness will be immune from ever contracting it again, but the flesh damaged by the ravages of the disease will never heal, and they will be scarred for life. Shireen is let-down by his loss at Blackwater then asks if Ser Davos returned with him as she considers him her friend. Growing tense over their falling out, Stannis briefly explains that Ser Davos is a traitor and is rotting in the dungeon. Confused, he flatly asserts that Shireen should best put him out of her mind.

Some weeks later, Melisandre arrives back at Dragonstone with the late King Robert’s bastard son Gendry Baratheon in tow. King Stannis is less than impressed by the sight of Gendry, who is technically his nephew. Stannis is bemused when Melisandre orders Gendry fed, bathed and clothed, but she reveals it is merely a sham to keep the boy feeling secure, in much the same way as keeping a sacrificial lamb from seeing the blade of the knife. Afterwards, Stannis visits Ser Davos in his cell, informing him of the sacrifice. Davos protests this as Gendry is an innocent who has never done him any wrong. Stannis argues that the sacrifice of one bastard boy will usher in his victory, which Stannis believes is the only way to save everyone from the coming darkness. Davos speculates that the real reason Stannis is paying him a visit is because deep down, a part of him knows what he's about to do is wrong. After extracting a promise from Davos that he won't act against Melisandre again, Stannis has him released. When Davos and Stannis later enter Gendry’s quarters, they find a naked Melisandre, who explains to Gendry that Davos wanted a demonstration of the power in king's blood. She then removes the leeches she had placed on Gendry’s body and lights a fire in a nearby brazier and as part of a magical ritual. Stannis throws the leeches into the flames at Melisandre's direction, and recites the names of three people he wishes dead as they burn. The usurpers and rivaling kings: Joffrey Baratheon, Robb Stark and Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands. Some short time later, it is reported that the King in the North, Robb Stark, has perished at the Red Wedding massacre.

Some time later, in the dungeons of Dragonstone, Ser Davos finds Gendry in a cell and attempts to comfort him by saying that it was only a little blood. Gendry scolds himself saying he should have known better as any time a highborn asks him his name it results in trouble. Davos insists that he himself is no highborn and was also born in Fleabottom, the slums of King’s Landing, just as Gendry was. After discussing his history, Davos asks Gendry why he trusted Melisandre, who aptly responds with the simplified answer that a Red Priestess with big words and no clothes is an obvious temptation. Afterwards, Davos tests his new-found literacy on King Stannis' correspondence as he sits with Stannis’ daughter Shireen in her chambers and declines her invitation to read more tales of Aegon the Conqueror. He then expresses dissatisfaction about the spelling of the word "night," before hearing the horns that signal Melisandre's intent on sacrificing Gendry. When arriving to the meeting room, Davos argues with Stannis again about sacrificing the boy with the Baratheon blood, but Stannis is convinced by Melisandre that using Gendry as part of her blood magic will give him the power to destroy his enemies and claim the Iron Throne. When he doesn't get through to his liege lord, Ser Davos takes matters into his own hands and frees the Baratheon bastard from the dungeons, escorts him to a cove at Dragonstone and gives him a rowboat with directions to King's Landing. After some parting words, Davos watches Genry row away from the castle towards a long voyage south on the Narrow Sea. Following this, as result of Davos’ release of Gendry, a furious Stannis sentences  Davos to death but the “Onion Knight” produces a letter they just received from the Night's Watch informing them of the looming threat of the White Walkers, an ancient race of ice creatures that are marching down into the Seven Kingdoms from beyond the Wall. Davos insists that it is Stannis' duty to assist the Black Brothers of the Watch, and that he will need Davos' assistance to rally troops as well as mercenaries. Melisandre burns the letter and acknowledges the truth: the War of the Five Kings is irrelevant. She then asserts that the true war lies in the North, and evil and death are marching on the Wall. She also agrees that Davos has an important role to play in the events to come. Stannis sarcastically laughs at the Red God’s sense of humor, noting that the god Davos likes to mock has chosen him for a higher purpose.

Some months later, on the beach of Dragonstone, Melisandre presides over a public burning ceremony, setting three of King Stannis’ bannermen ablaze as an offering to the Lord of Light. One of the condemned is Queen Selyse's own brother, Axell Florent, who is executed for his lack of faith. Watching the proceedings, it is Selyse who takes the greatest pleasure in the ritual, adding further resentment from Stannis. Afterwards, Ser Davos reminds Stannis that Axell was merely worshiping the gods of both his and Stannis' fathers before them. Stannis merely replies that he ordered Axell to tear down his idols but he disobeyed. Despite his disgust with the ritual, when Selyse affirms that her brother and the others are "with our lord now," Davos humors her by saying: "I'm sure they're more than grateful, my queen." Afterwards, Melisandre joins Stannis and Selyse at dinner, where the royal couple argue over their daughter Shireen. Selyse believes that their daughter’s disfigurement is a punishment from the Lord of Light, but Stannis angrily forbids his wife from trying to physically chastise Shireen for her perceived faults. Selyse switches tactics and suggests that Melisandre speak to Shireen, who begrudgingly does so.

A few days later, news of Joffrey Baratheon’s death has reached Dragonstone. In the Chamber of the Painted Table, King Stannis and Ser Davos discuss the recent development in the War of the Five Kings. Stannis asserts to Davos that their time to lay claim to the Iron Throne dwindles if no army can be secured to wage war again. Davos, however, insists that Westeros is not the entire world and he advises to look east in Essos for an army, as ten-thousand skilled soldiers fight for the Golden Company, mercenaries-for-hire. Stannis, however, shows his disgust with this plan and disdain for hired sellswords. Davos retaliates by trying to rationalize Stannis’ inflexibility towards sellswords, yet he is willing to use blood magic to take the throne. Stannis insists that he doesn’t press his claim now it will be forgotten and asserts his refusal to become a page in someone else’s history book. He then threatens that as he is running out of time, so is Ser Davos. Shortly after, Davos begins his reading lessons with Princess Shireen, who berates him for his late arrival. She has him being reading about the life and adventures of Elyo Grivas, the first sword of Braavos, a Free City on the eastern continent of Essos. Davos is pleased with himself upon reading the title correctly. He and Shireen then discuss the difference between smugglers and pirates, and with this Davos realizes a possible ally across the Narrow Sea: the Iron Bank of Braavos, the most powerful financial institution in either continent. He then instructs Shireen to assist him in writing a forged message to the offices of the Iron Bank speaking as Stannis.

Some weeks later, as Stannis and Davos sail into the harbour city of Braavos, they pass under a massive stone and bronze fortress in the shape of a giant soldier named the Titan of Braavos. They have journeyed to visit the Iron Bank of Braavos in hopes of securing funds to aid their war effort. As Stannis and Davos wait in the meeting hall they are met by Tycho Nestoris, a bank representative, along with a few other members. Tycho comments on his understanding that the newly-crowned king, Tommen Baratheon, sits on the Iron Throne and is the rightful protector of the realm. When Stannis explains that they are of no blood relation, as Tommen is a bastard born of incest, Tycho interjects by asserting that he has heard this story but says he’s heard another story from Tywin Lannister about a jealous uncle. Tycho rejects their request, asserting his lack of faith in Stannis’ ability to return the loan. Davos entreats Tycho and points out that funding Stannis is the best way they could possibly get the gold the bank loaned to Tywin back. As the persuasive argument ensues, the Iron Bank then agrees to lend them gold. That evening, Ser Davos meets with his old pirate friend Salladhor Saan, who soaks in a bathhouse in Braavos. Davos throws a bag filled with gold coins at Saan and informs him there is more gold awaiting him at his house. Without needing a response from Salladhor, Davos predicts that he and his ship have been recruited, informing the pirate that they are to sail in the morning.

After returning to Westeros and several weeks of traveling north, King Stannis and his party reach the Wall, where his forces crush the wildling army led by their leader, Mance Rayder, who throws down his weapons in surrender. Ser Davos introduces Stannis as the true king of the Seven Kingdoms, however, Mance refuses to kneel, actively displaying the culture of the Free Folk. Davos then asks what a man of the Night's Watch is doing in the camp, as Jon Snow explains that he came to treaty with Mance. Jon adds that he knows Stannis is the true king, as his own father died supporting his claim, revealing himself as the bastard son of Eddard Stark. After arresting Mance, Stannis and Davos join Jon Snow at Castle Black, home to the Night’s Watch, who are the defenders of the Wall. Having just survived a battle against Mance’s army, a funeral is held for the slain members of the Watch, who have been arranged in a huge funeral pyre in the castle courtyard. Maester Aemon delivers a eulogy and closes his speech with their customary saying: "and now their watch has ended," which is repeated by the gathered men. Davos and Stannis witness the funeral alongside Queen Selyse and Princess Shireen. Jon Snow looks across the flames and catches the gaze of Melisandre, who seems intrigued by him, as her piercing stare clearly makes Jon uneasy.

Some time later, at Castle Black, Jon Snow spars in the courtyard with some new recruits of the Night’s Watch before being summoned by Melisandre to meet with King Stannis atop the Wall. He questions the Red Priestess if she is cold, as she is dressed in unusually light clothing for the local climate, but she states that "the Lord's fire" lives within her. Melisandre asks if Jon is a virgin. Jon replies he is not, which she approves. Jon then meets with Stannis and Ser Davos, kneeling before the king. Davos states Jon’s loyalty to the Watch is considered dubious because of his time spent with the wildlings. Nevertheless, Stannis wants Jon to retake the North with the help of the wildlings, stating that he will pardon them and declare them citizens of the realm once the war is won. Stannis will give the wildlings their freedom if the captured Mance Rayder bends the knee and swears loyalty. He gives Jon until nightfall to convince the King-Beyond-the-Wall or he will be sacrificed. Unfortunately, Jon is unable to do so, as Mance intends to die with honor by refusing to bend the knee. Later that evening, Mance is marched out into the courtyard and Stannis gives him one last chance to save his life, but Mance politely refuses, staying true to his conviction and wishes Stannis “good fortune in the wars to come.” As Mance is tied to the stake, Melisandre lights it aflame. Queen Selyse watches with sick pleasure but Princess Shireen stares with horror. Unable to watch Mance suffer, Jon storms off. However, just as the fire begins to fully consume Mance, he is mercifully shot through the heart with an arrow by Jon from afar.

Some days later, King Stannis and Ser Davos discuss Jon’s recent defiance in granting a quick death to Mance Rayder. Stannis then shows Jon a message he received from Lady Lyanna Mormont of Bear Island, in response to the demand that House Mormont pledge itself to Stannis' cause. The note refuses, saying that the Mormonts know only one king, the King in the North, and will only follow a Stark. Jon tells Stannis that, like the wildlings, the Northerners will only follow one of their own. Realizing that his southern-born Baratheon name could be prevent an alliance, Stannis makes Jon an enticing offer: if he leaves the Watch, Stannis will use his authority as king to legitimize him as Jon Stark, Lord of Winterfell, so he can rally the North to Stannis' side and resume the fight against the Boltons, Freys, and Lannisters. Jon is visibly moved at the prospect of having his lifelong dream finally come true. Later on, however, Jon is elected the new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and accepts this honor instead. Following this, Stannis and Davos meet with Jon in his new quarters, as Jon reiterates to Stannis that his place is with the Night's Watch, who remain neutral in the affairs of the Seven Kingdoms. Although having a Stark pledged to his cause would have been a great asset, Stannis respects Jon's decision and intends to leave Castle Black and march on Winterfell within a fortnight. After Stannis leaves, Davos speaks alone with Jon, telling him that Stannis sees something in him, even though it may not be apparent. He then tells Jon that the vows of the Watch may not just mean protecting Westeros from beyond the Wall, but possibly taking part in battles in order to prevent the kingdoms from suffering.

Some time later, during Jon's first meeting as Lord Commander, he orders Janos Slynt to man and repair Greyguard, a ruined castle along the Wall that used to be manned by the Night’s Watch. Janos, however, refuses to obey and Jon reminds him that this is a direct order. When Janos refuses him a third time and insults Jon by saying: "You can stick your order up your bastard ass," Jon orders Janos to be taken outside. He calls for his steward Olly to fetch him his sword, while Janos insists that Jon is mistaken if he thinks he can frighten him. While on the chopping block, the cowardly Janos then begins to plead for mercy. Jon is momentarily hesitant but then executes the former Commander of the City Watch with a single blow. From across the courtyard, King Stannis witnesses the beheading, and nods to Jon with his approval.

Days later, at Castle Black, Selyse expresses concern that Stannis wishes Jon was his son, because she gave him only stillbirths and weakness, but he insists again that wasn't her fault. Melisandre joins them and declares that the Lord of Light doesn't care about Shireen's greyscale, and this doesn't change the fact that she has her father's blood. When Selyse departs, Melisandre discusses the coming battle to take Winterfell from the Boltons. She asks if Stannis intends to leave her behind as he did during the Battle of Blackwater, but Stannis assures her that he won't. Afterwards, Stannis apologizes to Shireen for dragging her along on campaign with him, as Castle Black is hardly a place for a child. She insists, however, that she is happy to have come and expected to be left at  Dragonstone, as Selyse had wanted. Shireen asks her father if he is ashamed of her because of her deformity. Stannis explains the origins of her affliction and that Stannis was urged to send her to the ruins of Valyria  to live out her days with the Stone Men before the disease infected the rest of the castle. Instead, he told them all to go to hell and summoned every healer he could to save her, adding that Shireen is his daughter and he wouldn’t send her away because she belongs with her family. Shireen, overjoyed at her father's declaration, runs over and gives him a hug which, after an awkward pause, Stannis returns.

Some time later, Stannis is present in the common room when Jon informs the Watch of his plan to recruit the wildlings in order to strengthen their numbers against the invasion of the army of the dead. Afterwards, in the library, Stannis asks Samwell Tarly how he killed a White Walker, as Sam informs him that it was with a dagger made of dragonglass. Stannis muses that dragonglass is abundantly available in the caves beneath Dragonstone. Sam mentions that he has been researching dragonglass and how it can kill them, but has yet to come up with anything. Stannis tells him to continue his research and leaves. That evening, Stannis informs Ser Davos that they will march toward Winterfell the following morning. Davos suggests waiting until Jon returns from his trip in order to recruit more wildlings, but Stannis decides against it, as any delay improves the Boltons' chances of winning. He also insists on taking Selyse and Shireen with them, however, Davos advises against this stating the tough road ahead with the inevitability of harsh weather conditions. Regardless, Stannis insists that his wife and daughter are to march with them as he does not think they will be safe at the Wall, surrounded by the former criminals that make up the Night’s Watch. The next morning, Stannis’ army and entourage begin their journey towards Winterfell. Before their departure, Stannis speak with Jon and informs him that he hopes he knows what he is doing with regards to recruiting the wildlings.

Some weeks later, snowstorms have delayed their march to Winterfell, and Ser Davos rides through the camp, observing the troops. Davos then meets with King Stannis and informs him that forty horses died the previous night and more will die come sunset. He also reports that the Stormcrows, a hired sellsword company, have fled during the night. Davos advises in returning to Castle Black in order to wait out the weather since they do not have enough food. However, Stannis stubbornly asserts that they will not retreat to Castle Black because he will not risk being known as "the King Who Ran." He then explains that as winter will soon arrive, they also run the risk of being stuck at Castle Black for years, during which the Boltons will regain their strength. Seeing no other way to convince Stannis otherwise, Davos leaves. Stannis then asks Melisandre if she is sure of their victory. Melisandre assures him, reminding him that he also saw the vision of his victory in the flames, but Stannis is not so sure what he has seen anymore. Melisandre reassures him that her visions will come true, but also states that another sacrifice, one with king's blood, must be made in order to ensure their victory, implying that they sacrifice Princess Shireen. Stannis is infuriated by the suggestion and orders her to leave.

During the night, Melisandre gazes intently into the flames of her tent's brazier. In the distance, several tents burst into flames and one horse screams as he runs away on fire. The following morning, it is reported that Ramsay Bolton and twenty men raided the camp, burning much of their food supplies, weapons and horses. Ser Davos notes that their situation is now dire, as King Stannis asks how this could happen. Davos insists the Boltons know the terrain better than they do, so it was easy for a raiding party to sneak into camp. Stannis instructs to slaughter the dead horses for their meat, which should at least buy them a little time. Afterwards, Stannis’ demeanor becomes grave, as he believes there is only one course of action to take. Stannis starts by ordering Davos to return to Castle Black to ask for more supplies. Davos is confused given he probably wouldn't reach them in time, and wonders why Stannis would send him instead of just a messenger. Stannis insists that it is because he needs his Hand to engage in diplomacy to win Jon over - but in reality, Stannis sends Davos away so he wouldn't be around to stop what Stannis was planning on doing next. Before Davos departs, he visits Shireen and gifts her with a wooden stag figurine he had been carving as a present.

Once Davos has left for Castle Black, Stannis then visits Shireen, visibly shaken but trying to speak to her kindly. With regards to a book she is reading, Stannis gravely states that sometimes the world forces a man to choose even if he doesn't want to and it isn't really a choice at all. Shireen says that if there is any way she can help she will, and he says that there is. They hug and he embraces her tightly and Stannis whispers "forgive me." Shireen then exits her tent as well and sees all of the soldiers gathered around. Coming to the front, she sees Melisandre in front of a wooden pyre and starts shouting to see her father, but is grabbed by soldiers who drag her to the pyre and tie her up. Her cries ring out through the camp, but no one intervenes. Queen Selyse then appears in the crowd. Shireen sees her and begs both of her parents to help, but they do nothing. Selyse insists aloud to herself that the sacrifice is what the Lord of Light wants while Stannis believes that if they do nothing, they will remain snowbound and all starve to death. Melisandre begins praying and sets the pyre on fire. Shireen continues to cry out and eventually Selyse, who only had a cold relationship with her daughter, suddenly breaks and begs to not go through with it. Soldiers restrain her, however, and she sinks to the ground crying in despair. Shireen's cries become even more frightened, but Stannis continues to watch even as Selyse sobs on the ground. As the flames begin to consume Shireen, she screams in agony, and eventually even Stannis cannot bear to look anymore as she burns to death.

Days later, as the storm has ended and the snow begins to melt, Melisandre is elated, as she understands this as a sign that the Lord of Light has accepted Stannis’ ultimate sacrifice. Although still guilt-ridden and in mourning over the loss of his daughter, Stannis prepares to march on and attack Winterfell. However, one of his generals informs him that nearly half of his men have deserted his cause- mainly the sellswords, who have also run away with their horses. Another soldier then urgently arrives with more bad news: Queen Selyse has hanged herself out of grief for her daughter. Further into the woods, as he views his wife’s lifeless body, Stannis’ general reports that Melisandre has now also fled from the war.

Some time later, marching across the fields with less than half the men he once had, Stannis has his dwindling army start preparing for the siege. However, to their surprise, the Baratheon army is instead met in combat early by the larger House Bolton forces. Meanwhile, Renly’s former Kingsguard, Brienne of Tarth, still waits across the field in Winter Town where she is suddenly warned by her squire Podrick Payne of Stannis' arrival with his army. Having to decide between two separate oaths, Brienne chooses to leave her rescue mission for Sansa Stark, who remains a captive of House Bolton, and pursue Stannis herself. Just as Brienne departs, Sansa uses a corkscrew she pocketed some time ago to escape her room inside Winterfell. She urgently seeks out the broken tower in order to light the candle. Once Sansa arrives at the tower and the candle is lit, she witnesses the Boltons clash with the Baratheon army and decides that now is the time to slip out of the castle, hoping to escape on her own without assistance. The Bolton army quickly defeats Stannis' tired and mountless army. Wounded and exhausted, Stannis fights off two remaining soldiers in the aftermath of the carnage and collapses against a tree in the Wolfswood. After the battle, Brienne finds the wounded Stannis propped up against the tree and declares who she is and that her king, Renly Baratheon, was killed by his brother's shadow that bore his face. Stannis, having lost everything, simply accepts his fate to die: he tells Brienne to “do your duty." After a moment's hesitation, Brienne swings her sword, killing King Stannis and finally avenging Renly. Elsewhere, Ramsay Bolton finishes off the few remaining Baratheon soldiers and heads back to Winterfell.

*In the aftermath of Stannis’ death, follow Ser Davos or Melisandre’s journey throughout the rest of the series.