How Jon Snow's True Parentage Could Lead Varys to Kill Daenerys in 'Game of Thrones' Final Season

Ask any Game of Thrones fan to share some of the show's most shocking revelations and many would cite finding out that Jon Snow was the rightful heir to the Iron Throne at the top of their list. We can hardly imagine what will happen when Kit Harington's character, who still believes that he is the bastard son of Ned Stark, learns that his parents were Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark and that he is the true heir to the Iron Throne. But what about everyone else in Jon's inner circle?

Fans are dying to know what Daenerys Targaryen will do once she discovers that not only is she not the rightful heir to the throne, but that she's been sleeping with the guy who is ... who just happens to be her nephew? Oddly, a new fan theory has emerged that seems to suggest that might not be Dany's rock-bottom. One Redditor believes that once Lord Varys learns the truth, his allegiance will shift (not for the first time) and he'll end up murdering Daenerys as a result.

The theory comes from Redditor John-on-gliding, who believes that the first part of season 8 will be devoted to the battle against the White Walkers, in which Daenerys—and her dragons—will be a valuable player. However, the second half of the season will likely be about the fight for the Iron Throne, which is when Jon’s true parentage will probably be revealed. That’s where things might get difficult for Dany.

Once the truth is out, the Redditor predicts that Varys will turn on Daenerys and conspire to kill her so that Jon will be able to claim the throne. They point out the season 7 episode “Stormborn,” where the Mother of Dragons references Varys's history of shifting his loyalties. Varys responds that he serves in the best interest of everyone, explaining, “I will dedicate myself to seeing you on the Iron Throne, because I choose you. Because I know the people have no better chance than you.” He also warns, “As long as I have my eyes, I’ll use them.”

Lord Varys is known to be a manipulator, so it wouldn’t be too shocking to see him betray someone in the final season. However, Daenerys dying would not be taken lightly by fans, nor her followers in Westeros (unless, of course, the rumors that she's actually as diabolical as her dad and has just been manipulating us all along turn out to be true).

The truth will be revealed soon enough when Game of Thrones returns for its final season on April 14.

This article also appears on Mental Floss.