One of the most exciting things about this season of Game of Thrones is that even where the plot hasn't strayed from George R. R. Martin's novel series, we're reaching the end of the written text. Even a spoiler hound like me can't tell you with any certainty what's going to happen in King's Landing next season. For example, what will happen to Loras on Game of Thrones in Season 6? Can we send SCOTUS to Westeros please, because I'm honestly worried about a member of House Tyrell. It's kind of a bummer, on such a major weekend for LGBT rights in the United States, that the characters depicted on Game of Thrones have zombies and dragons but no equality.
That's right, Loras Tyrell was thrown in religious jail for the crime of sin (specifically his sexuality being same-sex oriented) in the middle of Season 5 when everything about Cersei's Faith Militant got a little too real. While we saw Margaery and Cersei in their respective cells, we haven't seen Loras since he was arrested. I'm assuming that no news is good news. He's probably "safe" in that grimy dungeon, due to his highborn status.
What's next for him could be as simple as a trial. The High Septon mentioned that Cersei would go to trial following her confession and atonement — as if that wasn't enough. Unless something crazy happens and the Tyrells are released, we're probably going to see them next on the stand. Again, I have a few justices that I'd like to recommend.
I'm sorry, but my heart refuses to accept that this is how Loras Tyrell dies. He is one of the only truly kind characters on this show. Remember when he arrived at King's Landing, dressed in Renly's armor? I know better than to hold Game of Thrones characters too precious and I'm not sure what purpose he serves in the grander scheme of Westeros but it would be tragic to have him end as a pawn in the war between Cersei and Margaery.
What's going to happen to Loras when Game of Thrones returns, based on the books? I'm going to reveal some book spoilers so ride ahead with your squire if you don't want to know. In the two most recent published novels, A Feast For Crows and A Dance With Dragons, Ser Loras is not one of those arrested by the Faith Militant. He joins Tommen Baratheon's Kingsguard and continues his services as the Knight of the Flowers.
However, the last book ends with a bit of a mystery when it comes to Loras. After the army takes Dragonstone, Cersei receives an account that Loras was injured in battle and dying of his many and varying wounds. I know what you're thinking — isn't it better that Loras is not following this book path? As with most Game of Thrones story arcs, yes and no.
See, it was also reported that Dragonstone did not contain the rumored/expected riches. This is suspicious, and there are fan theories that suggest Loras' injuries are a ruse. Maybe he found something of value at Dragonstone. Maybe this is a quiet revolt against Cersei and House Lannister. Remember, the Tyrells first served a different side of House Baratheon in this war.
Of course, none of this can happen with Loras locked up in the Red Keep on the HBO series. My guess is that Cersei will regain power of King's Landing, release him and then send him off as Kingsguard with Robert Strong/The Mountain. That keeps him away from his sister and back into the action. The Season 6 casting spoilers seem to hint that we'll be spending some time in the Riverlands, and a knight like Loras should go where the fighting is. Hey, at least it's better than death, a jail cell, or being Cersei's fiancé — am I right?
Images: Macall B. Polay/HBO; Giphy (4)
