The Starks of Winterfell host the visit of the royal family. Across the sea, the exiled Targaryen prince plots an alliance to regain at last the Iron Throne.
Robert orders a preemptive strike on the Targaryens; Tyrion helps Catelyn; Sansa is charmed by Ser Loras Tyrell; Arya overhears a plot against her father.
Tywin and Jaime prepare for battle; Ned confronts Cersei; Jon takes his Night's Watch vows; Drogo vows to lead the Dothraki to Westeros.
Ned sits for the king; Tyrion confesses and demands a trial by combat; Joffrey apologizes; Viserys receives his final payment.
Tyrion arrives in King's Landing to counsel Joffrey; Stannis Baratheon plots an invasion to claim his late brother's throne; Daenerys and her three dragons search for allies and water; Bran presides over a threadbare Winterfell.