Game of Thrones Season 7: Cersei Lannister And Euron Greyjoy’s ‘Golden’ Plan Explained

This article contains spoilers for “Game of Thrones” Season 7 episode 7, “The Dragon and The Wolf”, read our review of the season 7 finale here.

Cersei Lannister plans to stay as the reigning queen of Westeros no matter what it takes. But what is she planning?

“The Dargon and The Wolf” finally had Cersei and Daenerys Targaryen meet face to face. The tensions were high between the two queens. The meeting between the two was for a temporary truce to battle a common enemy, The Army of the Dead. When Cersei comes face to face with the captured White Walker it looks as if a truce was in place. Of course, there was a catch, she asked Jon Snow to pledge his loyalty.

But the noble man of the North is true to his word as he bent the knee to Daenerys in front of Cersei. A move that proved to be wrong. Jon Snow’s loyalty prompted Tyrion to have a private meeting with his vindictive sister to reconsider. When Cersei returns to the Dragon Pit and promises to send troops and fight alongside Daenerys it almost feels like a harmonious conclusion. But later viewers find out it was all ruse and Cersei has a bigger plan in store.

Game of Thrones: Illusion of a Temporary Truce

Lena Headey and Nikolaj-Coster Waldau in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Macall B. Polay/HBO

When the Hound presented the White Walker to the people of Kings Landing, their reactions were a mix of fear and curiosity.  It included a dramatic exit from Euron Greyjoy who wanted nothing to do with the great war with the Army of the Dead. It seemed that it was going to be the last the viewers see of Euron. But it was a charade orchestrated by Cersei. His exit was not due to fear but to fetch his queen an army.

Cersei never promised a temporary truce with the Dragon Queen but she will never reveal it. She has her guards up and made sure her enemies had their down. Because if Daenerys puts all of her time and energy for the enemies in the North, Cersei has more time to protect her seat on the throne.

Who are ‘The Golden Company?’

It is later revealed in the finale that Euron Greyjoy went to fetch an army in Essos. Cersei used the gold taken from Highgarden and help from the Iron Bank to hire the greatest mercenary army in the world, The Golden Company.

The Golden Company are a group of sellswords, who prefer to be called a brotherhood of exiles. However, they come with a price when needed for a fight. This makes them switch sides instantly depending on the amount of gold given to them.

Peter Dinklage and Pilou Asbaek in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Macall B. Polay/HBO

They are not known for their loyalty with their motto, “Our word is as good as gold,” making them an expensive ally. The group of sellsword was founded by one of Aegon IV Targaryen’s legitimized bastards, Aegon Rivers (otherwise known as Bittersteel). The Golden Company originally consisted of exiled Lords and knights from the Blackfyre Rebellion. They have a reputation for having an immensely disciplined army. Aside from trained mercenaries, The Golden Company is also said to have a few elephants in their army. As expensive as they are, having The Golden Company as an ally in battle can guarantee victory—unless a bigger offer comes along.

That and their founder was a Targaryen, maybe their loyalty can be more than a price of gold.