A Game of Thrones: Chapter 33: Eddard Summary & Analysis

In the king’s council, Robert says that he wants to ensure that Dany is killed, now that he has heard from Jorah that she is pregnant. If she has a son, the consequences could be dire for him because that son could have a claim to the Crown. Ned protests. He says that killing Dany’s unborn child would be vile. There’s no way he could sanction it, and he doesn’t want any part of it. Ned and Robert argue, and ultimately Ned quits his role as King of the Hand in protest.

Ned leaves the council and tells his men that he’ll begin preparing to leave for Winterfell. He’ll take his daughters with him and plans to leave as soon as possible. He’s concerned about what might happen to him and his family if he stays, especially considering what Yoren told him about Catelyn arresting Tyrion. Since Robert is already angry with him, Ned is afraid that Tyrion’s arrest might send Robert over the edge. Ned plans to return to Winterfell by ship. That way he’ll be able to stop in Dragonstone and talk to Ser Stannis (Robert and Renly’s brother) along the way. Ned is convinced that Stannis knows something about Jon Arryn’s death. Before he leaves, Littlefinger comes to see Ned and tells him that he can show him the brothel he’s been trying to find.