Petyr Baelish quotes from Game of Thrones

Ned Stark

Lord Baelish, perhaps I was wrong to distrust you.

Petyr Baelish

Distrusting me was the wisest thing you've done since you climbed off your horse.

Robert Baratheon

The whore is pregnant!

Ned Stark

You're speaking of murdering a child.

Robert Baratheon

I warned you this would happen. Back in the North, I warned you, but you didn't care to hear. Well, hear it now! I want 'em dead. Mother and child both. And that fool Viserys as well, is that plain enough for you? I want them both dead!

Ned Stark

You will dishonour yourself forever if you do this.

Robert Baratheon

Honour?! I've got Seven Kingdoms to rule! One King, Seven Kingdoms! Do you think honour keeps them in line?! Do you think it's honour that's keeping the peace?! It's fear! Fear and blood!

Ned Stark

Then we're no better than the Mad King!

Robert Baratheon

Careful, Ned! Careful now!

Ned Stark

You want to assassinate a girl because the Spider heard a rumor?

Varys

No rumor, My Lord. The princess is with child.

Ned Stark

Based on whose information?

Varys

Ser Jorah Mormont. He is serving as adviser to the Targaryens.

Ned Stark

Mormont? You bring us the whispers of a traitor half a world away and call it fact?

Petyr Baelish

Jorah Mormont's a slaver, not a traitor. Small difference, I know, to an honourable man.

Ned Stark

He broke the law. Betrayed his family, fled our land. We commit murder on the word of this man?

Robert Baratheon

And if he's right?! If she has a son?! A Targaryen at the head of a Dothraki army! What then?!

Ned Stark

The Narrow Sea still lies between us. I'll fear the Dothraki the day they teach their horses to run on water.

Robert Baratheon

Do nothing?! That's your wise advice?! Do nothing till our enemies are on our shores?! You're my Council, counsel! Speak sense to this honourable fool!

Varys

I understand your misgivings, my lord. Truly, I do. It is a terrible thing we must consider, a vile thing. Yet we who presume to rule must sometimes do vile things for the good of the realm. Should the gods grant Daenerys a son, the realm will bleed.

Grand Maester Pycelle

I bear this girl no ill will, but should the Dothraki invade, how many innocents will die? How many towns will burn? Is it not wiser, kinder even, that she should die now, so that tens of thousands might live?

Renly Baratheon

We should have had them both killed years ago!

Petyr Baelish

When you find yourselves in bed with an ugly woman, best close your eyes and get it over with. Cut her throat and be done with it!

Ned Stark

I followed you into war. Twice. Without doubts, without second thoughts. But I will not follow you now. The Robert I grew up with didn't tremble at the shadow of an unborn child.

Robert Baratheon

She dies.

Ned Stark

I will have no part in it.

Robert Baratheon

You're the King's Hand, Lord Stark. You'll do as I command, or I'll find me a Hand who will!

Ned Stark

And good luck to him. I thought you were a better man.

Robert Baratheon

Out! Out, damn you! I'm done with you! Go, run back to Winterfell! I'll have your head on a spike! I'll put it there myself, you fool! You think you're too good for this, too proud and honourable?! This is a war!

Why don't you join us, My Lord?

Petyr Baelish

I'm saving myself for another.

What she doesn't know won't hurt her.

Petyr Baelish

A stupid saying. What we don't know is usually what gets us killed.

Joffrey Baratheon

I command the council to make all necessary arrangements for my coronation. I wish to be crowned within the fortnight. Today I shall accept oaths of fealty from my loyal councilors.

Ned Stark

Ser Barristan, I believe no man here could ever question your honour.

Barristan Selmy

King Robert's seal. Unbroken. [breaks the seal and unrolls the scroll] "Lord Eddard Stark is herein named Protector of the Realm, to rule as Regent until the heir come of age".

Cersei Lannister

May I see that letter, Ser Barristan? "Protector of the Realm." [to Ned] Is this meant to be your shield, Lord Stark? A piece of paper? [rips the scroll to shreds]

Barristan Selmy

Those were the King's words.

Cersei Lannister

We have a new King now. Lord Eddard, when we last spoke you offered me some counsel. Allow me to return the courtesy. Bend the knee, my Lord. Bend the knee and swear loyalty to my son and we shall allow you to live out your days in the gray waste you call home.

Ned Stark

Your son has no claim to the throne.

Joffrey Baratheon

Liar!

Cersei Lannister

You condemn yourself with your own mouth, Lord Stark. Ser Barristan, seize this traitor.

Ned Stark

Ser Barristan is a good man, a loyal man. Do him no harm.

Cersei Lannister

You think he stands alone?

Joffrey Baratheon

Kill him! Kill all of them, I command it!!

Ned Stark

[to Janos] Commander! Take the Queen and her children into custody. Escort them back to the royal apartments and keep them there, under guard.

Janos Slynt

Men of the Watch!

Ned Stark

I want no bloodshed. Tell your men to lay down their swords. No one needs to die.

Petyr Baelish

[beat] Now!

Petyr Baelish

I did warn you not to trust me.

Tyrion Lannister

I can trust you, Pycelle. Can I not?

Grand Maester Pycelle

Why yes, of course, my lord.

Tyrion Lannister

These are perilous times. And the Crown must forge new alliances. And these alliances must often be sealed in matrimony.

Grand Maester Pycelle

Matrimony, hmmm. Yes.

Tyrion Lannister

I'm trusting the council with these plans, but the Queen mustn't know. We can't have her meddling in affairs that could determine the future of the Realm. There's too much at stake.

Grand Maester Pycelle

Oh, yes, yes. Indeed, yes. I shall be silent as the grave.

Tyrion Lannister

I'm brokering an alliance with House Martell of Dorne. Princess Myrcella will wed their youngest son when she comes of age, ensuring their loyalty and their army, should we need it.

Grand Maester Pycelle

Myrcella sent away to Dorne?

Tyrion Lannister

But remember, the Queen mustn't know.

Varys

Ooh, "The Queen mustn't know." I love conversations that begin this way.

Tyrion Lannister

I plan to marry Princess Myrcella off to Theon Greyjoy.

Varys

Theon Greyjoy? Forgive me, my lord, but how? He grew up in Winterfell. He fights for Robb Stark.

Tyrion Lannister

Precisely. [turns and slowly walks away from Varys] Theon's father loathes the Starks and will convince the boy to come to our side. Greyjoy can destroy the Northern army from within and we can have his father's ships. But remember, you must tell no one.

Petyr Baelish

Tell no one what?

Tyrion Lannister

I plan to wed Princess Myrcella to Robin Arryn of the Vale. Lysa is not fond of me. But perhaps the promise of a royal match will convince her to let bygones be bygones.

Petyr Baelish

She imprisoned you. She tried to execute you, and you offer her son a princess?

Tyrion Lannister

For men in our position, holding grudges can be an encumbrance, don't you think?

Petyr Baelish

And I suppose you want me to broker this agreement?

Tyrion Lannister

Who better?

Petyr Baelish

[starts pacing around the desk] Yes, I could sing this song to Lysa, if I cared to. What's in it for me?

Tyrion Lannister

The gratitude of the people of Westeros for helping to end this war, the adoration of the King for bringing the Vale back into the fold... and Harrenhal.

Petyr Baelish

Harrenhal is cursed.

Tyrion Lannister

Never took you for a superstitious man. By all means, tear it down and rebuild. You'll be able to afford it. I plan to make you Lord of the Riverlands.

Petyr Baelish

With a single stroke, you'd make me one of the greatest lords in the Realm.

Tyrion Lannister

You served my family well in the matter of the succession.

Petyr Baelish

So did Janos Slynt, and he was given Harrenhal, too. Until you snatched it away.

Tyrion Lannister

I need you to deliver Lysa Arryn. I didn't need Janos Slynt. It's settled, then? [pause; Littlefinger nods] Good. Oh, and remember—

Petyr Baelish

The Queen mustn't know.

Margaery Tyrell

[looking at Renly's corpse] He was very handsome.

Petyr Baelish

He was, Your Grace.

Margaery Tyrell

"Your Grace". Calling yourself King doesn't make you one. If Renly wasn't a King, I wasn't a Queen.

Petyr Baelish

Do you want to be a Queen?

Margaery Tyrell

No. I want to be the Queen.

Tywin Lannister

What news of Jaime? [All the others remain silent] Twenty thousand unwashed Northerners have known about his escape for weeks. Collectively, you control more spies and informants than the rest of the world combined. Do you mean to tell me that none of you has any notion where he is?

Varys

We are trying, my lord.

Tywin Lannister

Try harder! What do we have then?

Varys

Robb Stark and most of his bannermen are in Riverrun for the funeral of his grandfather, Lord Hoster Tully. In Stark's absence, Roose Bolton holds Harrenhal, which would make him Lord of Harrenhal, in practice if not in name-

Tywin Lannister

Let him have it. The name suits our purposes far more than that useless pile of rubble. The Lord of Harrenhal will make a worthy suitor for the widow Arryn.

Petyr Baelish

For which I am extremely grateful to you, my lord. Lady Arryn and I have known each other since we were children; she has always been positively predisposed towards me.

Grand Maester Pycelle

A successful courtship would make Lord Baelish Acting Lord of the Vale.

Petyr Baelish

Titles do seem to breed titles.

Tywin Lannister

You'll leave for the Eyrie as soon as possible and bring Lysa Arryn into the fold, then the Young Wolf can add his own aunt to the list of people who've taken up arms against him!

Tyrion Lannister

Far be it from me to hinder true love, but Lord Baelish's absence would present certain problems. The royal wedding may end up being the most expensive event in living memory. Summer had ended, hard days lie ahead, not a good time to leave the crown's finances unattended.

Tywin Lannister

Fully agreed, which is why I am naming you Master of Coin.

Tyrion Lannister

Master of Coin?!

Tywin Lannister

It would appear to be a position that best suits your talents.

Tyrion Lannister

I'm quite good at spending money, but a lifetime of outrageous wealth hasn't taught me about managing it!

Cersei Lannister

I have no doubt you will prove equal to this challenge.

Grand Maester Pycelle

Hear, hear!

Varys

[about the Iron Throne] A thousand blades. Taken from the hands of Aegon's fallen enemies, forged in the fiery breath of Balerion the Dread.

Petyr Baelish

There aren't a thousand blades. There aren't even two hundred. I've counted.

Varys

Heh. I'm sure you have. Ugly old thing.

Petyr Baelish

Yet it has a certain... appeal.

Varys

The Lysa Arryn of chairs. Shame that you had to settle for your second choice.

Petyr Baelish

Early days, my friend. It is flattering, really, you feeling such dread at the prospect of me getting what I want.

Varys

Thwarting you has never been my primary ambition, I promise you... although who doesn't like to see their friends fail now and then.

Petyr Baelish

You're so right. For instance, when I thwarted your plan to give Sansa Stark to the Tyrells... if, I'm going to be honest, I did feel an unmistakable sense of... enjoyment there. But your confidante, the one who fed you information about my plans, the one you swore to protect, you didn't bring her any enjoyment. And she didn't bring me any enjoyment. She was a bad investment on my part. Luckily, I have a friend who wanted to try something new. Something daring. And he was so grateful to me for providing this fresh experience.

Varys

I did what I did for the good of the realm.

Petyr Baelish

The realm. Do you know what the realm is? It's the thousand blades of Aegon's enemies, a story we agreed to tell each other over and over 'till we forget that it's a lie.

Varys

But what do we have left once we abandon the lie? Chaos. A gaping pit waiting to swallow us all.

Petyr Baelish

Chaos... isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder. Many who try to climb it fail and never get to try again. The fall breaks them. And some, who are given the chance to climb, they refuse. They cling to the realm. Or the gods. Or love. Illusions. Only the ladder is real. The climb is all there is.

Sansa Stark

Where are you taking me?

Petyr Baelish

I'm getting married to your aunt, Lysa. She's waiting for us at the Eyrie. You'll be safe there.

Sansa Stark

Did you kill Joffrey?

Petyr Baelish

[smiles] Did I kill Joffrey? I've been in the Vale, for weeks.

Sansa Stark

I know it was you.

Petyr Baelish

[gives her a mocking smile] And who helped me with this conspiracy?

Sansa Stark

Well, there was Ser Dontos...You used him to get me out of King's Landing, but you would never trust him to kill the King.

Petyr Baelish

Why not?

Sansa Stark

Because you're too smart to trust a drunk.

Petyr Baelish

Then, perhaps it was your husband.

Sansa Stark

No.

Petyr Baelish

How do you know?

Sansa Stark

I just do.

Petyr Baelish

You're right. He wasn't involved in Joffrey's death. But you were. [Sansa stares at him] Do you remember that lovely necklace Dontos gave you? I don't suppose you noticed that a stone was missing, after the feast...

Sansa Stark

The poison. [he smiles] I don't understand! The Lannisters gave you wealth, power. Joffrey made you the Lord of Harrenhal!

Petyr Baelish

[shrugs] A man with no motive is a man no one suspects. Always keep your foes confused. If they don't know who you are, or what you want they can't know what you plan to do next.

Sansa Stark

I don't believe you. If they catch you, they'll put your head on a spike, just like my father's. You'd risk that, just to confuse them?

Petyr Baelish

So many men, they risk so little. They spend their lives avoiding danger. And then they die. I'd risk everything to get what I want.

Sansa Stark

And what do you want?

Petyr Baelish

Everything. My friendship with the Lannisters was productive... but Joffrey? A vicious boy with a crown on his head. He's not a reliable ally. Who could trust a friend like that?

Sansa Stark

Who could trust you?

Petyr Baelish

I don't want friends like me. My new friends are predictable, very reasonable people. As for what happened to Joffrey, well... that was something my new friends wanted, very badly. Nothing like a thoughtful gift to make a new friendship grow strong.

Lysa Arryn

What took you so long?

Petyr Baelish

Arranging for the ascension of King Tommen I, extricating Sansa, getting her here alive.

Lysa Arryn

She's here. We've spent more than enough time on her for one evening. Let's get married tonight.

Petyr Baelish

Ought we not inform the Lords of the Vale about the ceremony?

Lysa Arryn

There's only one Lord of the Vale. The others can all hang. Lurking and simpering on the stairs like buzzards the moment my husband died, trying to get their claws in me.

Petyr Baelish

I do think that we could wait until...

Lysa Arryn

I'm done waiting, Petyr. We had our wedding night many years ago. Or don't you remember?

Petyr Baelish

Like it was yesterday.

Lysa Arryn

What wife would do for you the things I've done for you? What wife would trust you the way I've trusted you? When you gave me those drops and told me to pour them into Jon's wine, my husband's wine. When you told me to write a letter to Cat telling her it was the Lannisters.

Petyr Baelish

The deed is done. Faded into nothing. Only speaking of it can make it real. Tonight it is, then. Let me bathe and dress for the occasion. Once I'm presentable, I'll call on the septon immediately.

Lysa Arryn

I'm warning you. I'm going to scream when my husband makes love to me. I'm going to scream so loud, they'll hear me clear across the Narrow Sea.

Sansa Stark

You wanted to see me, Aunt Lysa?

Lysa Arryn

Come here, Sansa. Do you know how far the fall is?

Sansa Stark

No.

Lysa Arryn

Neither do I, precisely. Hundreds of feet. It's fascinating what happens to bodies when they hit the rocks from such a height. The impact breaks them right apart. Like eggs dropped on the floor. Sometimes pieces remain intact. You'll find the head sitting on its own. Every hair in place. Blue eyes staring at nothing. [pause] I know what you did.

Sansa Stark

I'm so sorry, Aunt Lysa. I never should have hit Robin, I know it. I promise it won't happen...

Lysa Arryn

Don't be coy with me, you little whore. You kissed him. You kissed Petyr.

Sansa Stark

I didn't. You don't understand.

Lysa Arryn

I saw you. You can't lie to me because I saw it with my own eyes.

Sansa Stark

He kissed me. I pulled away.

Lysa Arryn

Liar! [grabs Sansa by her hair and hold her over the Moon Door] Whore! He is mine! My father, my husband, my sister, they all stood between us and now they're all dead! That's what happens to people who stand between Petyr and me! Look down! Look down! Look down! Look down!

Petyr Baelish

[entering] Lysa! Let her go.

Lysa Arryn

You want her? This empty-headed child?

Petyr Baelish

Let her go.

Lysa Arryn

She's just like her mother. She'll never love you. I lied for you! I killed for you! Why did you bring her here? Why?

Petyr Baelish

I'll send her away. I swear on my life. I swear to all the gods. Let her go, Lysa.

Petyr Baelish

Oh, my sweet wife. My sweet, silly wife. I have only loved one woman... only one, my entire life. [Lysa smiles] Your sister.

[to Sansa] You have nothing to fear from us or him. Lord Baelish here is your uncle? Your name is Alayne? [Sansa remains silent] Perhaps you would feel more comfortable if Lord Baelish left the room.

Petyr Baelish

My lady.

I wasn't asking you.

Sansa Stark

He can stay.

Yohn Royce

Speak up, girl, you're not a damn kitchen mouse. Tell us what you saw.

Sansa Stark

I'm sorry, Lord Baelish. I have to tell the truth. I'll tell you everything.

Please, Alayne, leave nothing out.

Sansa Stark

My name is not Alayne. It's Sansa Stark, eldest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark. Lord Royce, we met when you came to Winterfell. You were escorting your son Ser Waymar to the Wall.

Yohn Royce

Sansa Stark? [to Baelish] You tell lies right to my face, you little worm?

Sansa Stark

Lord Baelish has told many lies. All to protect me. Since my father was executed, I have been a hostage in King's Landing. A plaything for Joffrey to torture or Queen Cersei to torment. They beat me, they humiliated me, they married me to the Imp. I had no friends in King's Landing... except one. He saved me. Smuggled me away when he had the chance. He knew I'd be safe here in the Eyrie with my own blood, my Aunt Lysa. The Lannisters have friends everywhere. Even the Vale. He made me swear not to tell anyone my true name.

Your secret is safe with us, my lady.

Yohn Royce

Your father grew up right here in these halls. We hunted together many times. He was a fine man.

Tell us what happened to your aunt, Sansa.

Sansa Stark

You knew her well, my lords, my lady. You knew she was a troubled woman. She always loved Lord Baelish. She told me herself. From the moment he arrived at the gates of Riverrun, a boy of eight carrying everything he owned in a little sack. She confessed to me she never loved Lord Arryn. She did as her father commanded, as so many of us have. When the gods finally allowed her to be with Lord Baelish, she was so happy. For a time. My aunt was a jealous lady. She was terrified that Lord Baelish didn't love her anymore. That he would abandon her for a younger woman. And then... one day she saw him kiss me.

Yohn Royce

Lady Sansa.

Sansa Stark

It was a peck on the cheek, Lord Royce, nothing more. Lord Baelish is my uncle now, in truth, by marriage. He's always been so kind to me. I was so happy to be here, to be free. All because of him. But my aunt turned on me. She cursed me. Called me a whore. Promised to throw me through the Moon Door. When Lord Baelish tried to calm her, she struck him. She said she didn't want to live anymore. She stood on the edge of that Moon Door. He tried to reason with her. Promised her she was the only one he had ever loved, but she stepped through those doors and she was... [starts crying]

Shh. Shh, it's not your fault, sweet girl. It's not your fault.

Brienne of Tarth

Lord Baelish, Lady Sansa, my name is Brienne of Tarth.

Petyr Baelish

We've met, with Renly Baratheon. What did he say about you? He said... "Your loyalty came free of charge." Someone appears to have paid quite a bit for it since then.

Brienne of Tarth

Lady Sansa. Before your mother's death, I was her sworn sword. I gave my word I would find you and protect you. I will shield your back and give you counsel, and give my life for yours if need be. I swear it by the Old Gods and the New.

Petyr Baelish

Please, Lady Brienne, no need for such formality. You were Catelyn Stark's sworn sword?

Brienne of Tarth

I was.

Petyr Baelish

Strange. I knew Cat from the time we were children. She never mentioned you.

Brienne of Tarth

It was after Renly's murder.

Petyr Baelish

Ahh, yes. You were accused of killing him.

Brienne of Tarth

I tried to save him!

Petyr Baelish

But you were accused.

Brienne of Tarth

By men who didn't see what happened.

Petyr Baelish

And what did happen?

Brienne of Tarth

He was murdered by a shadow. A shadow with the face of Stannis Baratheon.

Petyr Baelish

A shadow? With a face? [looks at Sansa, scoffs] This woman swore to protect Renly, she failed. She swore to protect your mother; she failed. Why would I want someone with your history of failure guarding Lady Sansa?

Brienne of Tarth

[sharply] Why should you have any say in her affairs?

Petyr Baelish

Because I am her uncle. I married her aunt Lysa, shortly before my beloved's untimely death. We're family now. And you are an outsider. Forgive me, Lady Brienne, but experience has made me wary of outsiders.

Brienne of Tarth

Lady Sansa, if we can have a word alone?

Sansa Stark

No.

Brienne of Tarth

Please, my Lady, if you would let me explain.

Sansa Stark

I saw you at Joffrey's wedding, bowing to the King.

Brienne of Tarth

Neither of us wanted to be there. Sometimes we don't have a choice.

Sansa Stark

And sometimes we do. You should leave.

Sansa Stark

That's Moat Cailin.

Petyr Baelish

Yes. Bit shabby, isn't it? You've been here before?

Sansa Stark

On my way down to King's Landing, with my father and Arya. Where are you taking me?

Petyr Baelish

Home.

Sansa Stark

The Boltons have Winterfell. Your marriage proposal, it wasn't for you.

Petyr Baelish

No.

Sansa Stark

Roose Bolton murdered my brother! He betrayed my family!

Petyr Baelish

He did.

Sansa Stark

He serves the Lannisters!

Petyr Baelish

For now.

Sansa Stark

I won't go.

Petyr Baelish

Winterfell is your home.

Sansa Stark

Not anymore.

Petyr Baelish

Always. You're a Stark. Dyeing your hair doesn't change that. You're Sansa Stark, eldest surviving child of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Your place is in the North.

Sansa Stark

I can't marry him. You can't make me! He's a traitor, a murderer.

Petyr Baelish

You're not marrying Roose Bolton! No, you'll be marrying his son and heir, Ramsay. One day, he'll be Warden of the North, and you'll...

Sansa Stark

No.

Petyr Baelish

Sansa...

Sansa Stark

No, you can't make me! I will starve myself. I will die before I have to go there.

Petyr Baelish

I won't force you to do anything. Don't you know, by now, how much I care about you? Say the word, and we'll turn the horses around. But listen to me. Listen. You've been running all your life. Terrible things have happened to your family, and you weep. You sit alone in a darkened room, mourning their fates. You've been a bystander to tragedy, from the day they executed your father. Stop being a bystander, d'you hear me? Stop running. There's no justice in the world, not unless we make it. You loved your family. Avenge them.

Petyr Baelish

I thought I might find you here. Your aunt Lyanna.

Sansa Stark

Father never talked about her. But sometimes I'd find him down here lighting the candles. He'd say she was beautiful.

Petyr Baelish

I saw her once. I was a boy living with your mother's family. Lord Whent had a great tourney at Harrenhall. Everyone was there. The Mad King, your father, Robert Baratheon. And Lyanna...she was already promised to Robert. You can imagine what it was like for me, a boy from nowhere with nothing to his name, watching these legendary men tilting at the lists. The last two riders were Barristan Selmy and Rhaegar Targaryen. When Rhaegar won, everyone cheered for their prince. I remember the girls laughing when he took off his helmet and saw that silver hair. How handsome he was. Until he rode right past his wife Elia Martell, and all the smiles died. I had never seen so many people so quiet. He rode past his wife and he lay a crown of winter roses in Lyanna's lap. Blue with frost. How many tens of thousands had to die because Rhaegar chose your aunt?

Sansa Stark

Yes he chose her. And then he kidnapped her and raped her.

Petyr Baelish

Come. Let's speak somewhere the dead can't hear us.