Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Game of Thrones’ Stannis Baratheon went out in particularly Stannis-fashion; committed to a losing battle, and accepting Brienne would do her “duty” to put him down. That said, a new script page making the rounds shows a very different end for the would-be King, one filled with regret.

Even as Stannis’ death came toward the end of Season 5 in 2015, and had to be re-confirmed after that, a new script excerpt from “Mother’s Mercy” has been making the rounds on Reddit; initially submitted with HBO’s Emmy consideration. In it, Stannis actually uses his last words to express regret for killing his brother and daughter, finally urging Brienne to get on with it (via Watchers on the Wall):

BRIENNE
In the name of Renly of the House Baratheon, first of his name, rightful King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm, I, Brienne of Tarth, sentence you to die.

[Stannis nods. He’s ready.]

BRIENNE
Do you have any last words?

[Stannis considers.]

STANNIS
Do you believe in the life to come?

[Brienne nods]

STANNIS
I don’t. But if I’m wrong, and you’re right… tell Renly I’m sorry when you get there. I don’t imagine I’ll see him wherever I’m going. (beat) And my daughter. Tell her… tell her…

[‘Sorry’ doesn’t even begin to cover what he feels about Shireen. The thought of it brings tears to his eyes, and he’s not going to die weeping in front of a woman he doesn’t know.

Stannis stares up at her.]

STANNIS
Go on, do your duty.

[Brienne raises her sword and brings it down with a mighty swing.]

One could argue that Stannis’ remorse was evident through Stephen Dillane’s final episodes, and the shortened version better summed up his character. Also worth noting, perhaps, is that Stannis has not yet died in George R.R. Martin’s published books, and may have a completely different fate from either version.

In the meantime, Stannis will still be pretty hecka dead when Game of Thrones Season 7 drops on July 16. Watch the teaser below.

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