This Theory About Varys May Have Been Squashed On 'Game Of Thrones'

This post contains spoilers from Game Of Thrones Season 7, Episode 3. Last week's scene between Varys and Daenerys brought up a very good point about our favorite Westeros spider: He's not exactly the most faithful of companions. From Robert Baratheon to Daenerys Targaryen, this is a man who seems to be following wherever his whimsy takes him in terms of leaders to work for. (Not mentioned: How the 401Ks and benefits packages factor in. We assume Dany comes with a full health care ride and a 10% match on retirement.) This lead to a theory stating Varys' loyalty to Dany on Game of Thrones wouldn't last long and would turn over to Jon Snow.

Why would Varys waiver on his commitment to the Dragon Queen? Partly because of the introduction of Jon Snow, Real Westerosi Hero to his world, who up until now wasn't an option he was aware of. But just as importantly would be whether or not Dany chooses to bring Melisandre aboard her council. As we all know, Varys dislikes the followers of R'hllor with a rather understandable passion. One that actually drove him to leave Meereen last season after Tyrion brought them in as propaganda machines. Considering that Melisandre has already gone around insisting every Stannis, Jon and Dany could be the Prince that was Promised, it's pretty certain he's not going to like her much either.

But this week, it seems that the arrival of Jon Snow and Davos Seaworth to Dragonstone has brought with it a reprieve from Melisandre's presence. We were all wondering if they would meet up again so soon, especially since Davos has sworn to kill the Red Priestess. (And you can bet that being at Dragonstone, and having all those memories of Shireen brought into sharp relief, would only make him more bloodthirsty.)

Melisandre seems to have decided the wisest course of action is to beat a hasty retreat from Dragonstone, rather than having to explain that that guy Jon Snow she said for Team Targaryen to partner with is calling for her head. She's brought fire and ice together. She's done here.  And by "beat a retreat," we mean all the way back to Essos.

Gotta admit, I didn't see that coming. (Or her admitting to "terrible mistakes.") Head off to the continent that show isn't going to ever go back to? With only 10 episodes left after this? You might as well announce you've been killed off. But Melisandre seems determined, and Varys is more than happy to see the back of her. Perhaps, without the Red Priestess on sight, Varys' loyalty to Dany will remain.

Or maybe he just won't have time to change sides again. As Melisandre promised, she'd be back. She has to die in this strange land... just like him.

How soon until he does? That we'll have to wait and see.