At King's Landing, Ned is shocked to learn of the Crown's profligacy. Jon Snow starts his training to become a man of the Night's Watch and wary of the Lannisters hand in Bran's fall, Catelyn covertly follows Ned.
Ned probes Arryn's death and uncovers one of King Robert's bastards. Jon takes measures to protect Sam from further abuse at Castle Black while Tyrion finds himself caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Tyrion plots alliances through the promise of marriage; Catelyn arrives in the Stormlands to forge her own alliance; Balon Greyjoy maps out his strategy of attack; Luwin tries to decipher Bran's dreams.
Incensed over Daenerys' alliance with the Dothrakis, Robert orders a pre-emptive strike on the Targaryens, undermining his relationship with Ned. Tyrion escapes one perilous encounter, only to find himself in another.
Ned issues a decree that could have long-term consequences throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Meanwhile, Tyrion confesses to his crimes and demands a trial by combat whilst Viserys receives his final payment for Daenerys.