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Culture May 6, 2019

'Game of Thrones' recap: Daenerys and Cersei ready for the 'last war'

WATCH: Starbucks cup spotted in latest 'Game of Thrones' episode

Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones."

After last week's epic "Game of Thrones," there's still matter of Queen Cersei Lannister, who comes back to the forefront of the action in Sunday's episode and this may lead to yet another major battle before it's all said and done.

Following a funeral for the dead of last week's battle with the Night King, the survivors enjoy a well-earned feast. Gendry asks about Arya's whereabouts but before he can find her, Daenerys calls for him. She tells him she knows he's the bastard son of the former king Robert Baratheon, and appoints him Lord of Storm's End, the ancestral home of House Baratheon. And there was much rejoicing.

(MORE: 'Game of Thrones' recap: The Battle of Winterfell brings epic war, several deaths)

As everyone continues to enjoy the dinner, Tormund regales about Jon's exploits as a man of the North, with the Wildlings and more, calling Snow a true "king." Daenerys looks on with concern after the information about Jon's true lineage she got a few weeks back.

Gendry finally finds Arya who, of course, is practicing her archery skills. He reveals his new title to Arya, and then proceeds to confess his love for her and proposes that be the Lady to his Lord of Storm's End. Arya kisses him back, but rejects his proposal. "I'm not a lady," she says. "I never have been. That's not me."

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Jaime catches up with Brienne and the two surprisingly embrace. "I've never slept with a knight before," Jaime says. "I've never slept with anyone before," Brienne replies.

Amidst all that, we finally see Jon and Daenerys talk for the first time since he revealed his true identity as Aegon Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne. She admits that she wishes Jon never told her about his newly discovered heritage. Jon isn't nearly as concerned, because as he doesn't want the Throne, and assures Daenerys he'll stand behind her as Queen. Still, she pleads with him to keep his true identity a secret, but he feels he needs to tell Sansa and Arya.

(MORE: 'Game of Thrones' recap: On the verge of war)

Later, she tries to enforce her power, telling Sansa that while her men of the North may need rest, they need to go back into battle immediately against Cersei. She also seems ready to destroy anything in her path, including innocent civilians at King's Landing.

Following the meeting, Arya, Sansa and Bran confront Jon and express their distrust in Daenerys. "We're family, the four of us, the last of the Starks," Arya says, which seems like an opportune time for Jon to drop a little truth bomb. Now they know and the truth about the true heir to the Iron Throne is spreading. Later, Sansa also tells Tyrion, who spreads the information even further.

PHOTO: Emilia Clarke in a scene from "Game of Thrones."
HBO
Emilia Clarke in a scene from "Game of Thrones."

Daeny, Tyrion and Varys, along with Grey Worm, Missandei and the surviving Unsullied and Dothraki soldiers, set sail for Dragonstone. While on the ship, Tyrion reveals to Varys what he learned about Jon's true lineage. Tyrion suggests that the two could rule together, while Varys is worried about Daeny's frame of mind. Later, Varys tells Tyrion he believes Jon Snow would be a better ruler than Daenerys.

Daeny is riding high in the air with her dragons when suddenly a large arrow hits Rhaegal in the stomach. More arrows come, and another bolt pierces the dragon's neck, and it plunges falls into the water, presumably dead. The arrows are coming from Euron Greyjoy's fleet, who's operating the giant crossbow created to fight the dragons.

Many in Daeny's army are lost in this attack, yet they push forward, but Grey Worm can't find Missandei, who has been taken by Euron. Back in King's Landing, Cersei plans to keep the doors open, forcing the Mother of Dragons to kill innocent civilians if she wants to get to her.

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At Dragonstone, Varys says it's a mistake to take on King's Landing head on, which will kill thousands of civilians. But Daeny declares, "That is my destiny. And I will serve it no matter the cost." Tyrion suggests that they offer Cersei the chance to surrender, and Dany agrees to avoid bloodshed, yet her thirst for power continues to grow it seems.

Back in Winterfell, Jaime spots Sansa speaking to Brienne, and follows them, and they share the news of Daeny's defeat at sea. Later that night, Jaime tries to sneak out before Brienne finds him and begs him to stay. Jaime then describes all the terrible things he's done for Cersei. "She's hateful, and so am I," he says, and rides off as Brienne breaks down in tears. Is he off to help Cersei or kill her? We'll have to wait to find out soon.

Daeny and her army arrive at King's Landing. Tyrion and Qyburn meet outside the city gates, and each demands the other's queen's unconditional surrender. After a tense back-and-forth, Tyrion walks toward the city gate. Tyrion tries to reason with his sister, begging her to surrender, but this is the ruthless Cersei Lannister we're talking about. She puts her hand on Missandei and offers the chance to speak her last words.

While gazing at Daenerys, Missandei declares "Dracarys," the High Valyrian word for dragon fire -- a final, defiant message to Daenerys to burn her enemies. As Daenerys and Grey Worm watch, The Mountain cuts off Missandei's head. A furious Daenerys Targaryen whirls and returns to her army.

The penultimate episode of the final season of "Game of Thrones" airs Sunday night at 9 p.m. on HBO.