Of the current three Game of Thrones rulers — Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, and Jon Snow — Cersei seems like the weakest link. But as Sansa told Jon, never bet against Cersei, because Game of Thrones has revealed a plausible way for her to come out on top.
In Season 7’s “Stormborn,” Qyburn presentes Cersei with a brand new giant crossbow specifically designed to take out dragons. It’s sometimes referred to [as a scorpion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpio_(weapon). Cersei tests it out, triumphantly blowing a hole in a dragon skull. This isn’t just a cool new way for Cersei to continue being trigger-happy. It actually has a historical precedent within the world of Westeros.
Aegon the Conqueror — who has been mentioned many times before since he was the first Lord of the Seven Kingdoms — had a sister wife named Rhaenys Targaryen. Of course he married his sister; they’re Targaryens.
Rhaenys rode a dragon called Meraxes, and they helped Aegon conquer Westeros. Unfortunately, both dragon and dragon-rider died in battle. Cause of death? A scorpion bolt got Meraxes right in the eye, sending both dragon and Rhaenys plummeting.
Cersei, Qyuburn, and a new weapon
Daenerys has an advantage with three dragons and Tyrion’s brain; Jon has the most practical battlefield experience and knowledge about the White Walkers. But Cersei has a weapon that has historically slain Targaryens and their dragons.
Game of Thrones would hardly introduce Chekhov’s Dragon Crossbow if it didn’t intend to use it. Don’t bet against Queen Cersei Lannister just yet.
Game of Thrones Season 7 is currently airing Sunday nights on HBO.
