5. Ned Rejecting Renly's Plan
Everyone has an opinion about who is the rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms. I just so happen to side with Ned on this one--since Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella are not Robert's true heirs, the line of succession goes to Stannis. But even the extremely loyal Ned Stark had to think about this offer. Upon finding out that Robert had named Ned Protector of the Realm, Renly asks to speak to Ned in private. He warns Ned that Cersei will not care about Ned's new title as long as she is protecting Joffrey. He offers Ned 100 swords to strike during the night and take Joffrey into their custody and away from Cersei. He advises, "he who holds the king, holds the kingdom. If you watch this scene, Ned actually seems to be considering Renly's plan. And why not? It's not a bad one. With Joffrey in his custody and Robert's will naming Ned Lord Protector, Ned ensures that he himself can take command of the Iron Throne, at least until Stannis arrives to take his rightful throne. Renly, however, goes on to explain why he would make a great king and suggesting that Stannis inspires no love or loyalty in the kingdom. This seems to put Ned off and he declares that he "will not dishonor Robert's last hours by shedding blood in his halls and dragging frightened children from their beds." Oh Ned, why were you so hell-bent on getting yourself killed?