Is A 'Game of Thrones' Romance In The Air?

'I'd hope for them to live happily ever after, but it's 'Game of Thrones,' right?' Richard Madden says of Robb Stark's romantic interest, Talisa.
By Kara Warner

Richard Madden in "Game of Thrones"
Photo: HBO

Another week, another gripping, wholly enjoyable episode of HBO's hit "Game of Thrones." Forgetting for a moment the frustrating continued existence of one Joffrey Baratheon and all the rather gruesome scenes in Sunday's episode entitled "Garden of Bones," let's take a moment to appreciate one easy-to-watch scene: the meet-cute between would-be King Robb Stark and feisty nurse Talisa (Oona Chaplin).

In the midst of all the blood, battles and complicated politics, might there be room for a real romance between two characters? MTV News was lucky enough to sit down with Robb Stark himself, Richard Madden, to get the scoop on this intriguing new story line.

"Robb's in a place where it's the first time he's met a woman, it's the first time he's had his head turned. It's the first time he's been in this position as this boy-king and the first time someone doesn't bow down to him, doesn't treat him like a king, doesn't cater to all that," Madden explained of his character's interest in Talisa. "She asks him real questions, she challenges everything and makes him ask questions of himself, he's kind of blown away by that, this kind of light in the darkness. He's surrounded by all these men and by all this violence and hate and blood, and he's got this woman there who kind of looks him in the eye and talks to him in a way he's not used to and he can't help but be intrigued by that. I think in the beginning he doesn't even know his head's been turned until we're right into it."

So now we know there will at least be major head-turning, but no telling how long that will last in the twisted and dangerous world of "Thrones." When asked for his thoughts on Robb and Talisa's future as a couple, the Scot wasn't at liberty to divulge gritty details, but did mention a hope for happily ever after, however unlikely that may be.

"I'd hope for them to live happily ever after, but it's 'Game of Thrones,' right? That doesn't really happen often with anyone," Madden said with a smile.

"We're going to see a lot of changes with Robb's character this year and this woman is the first big influence that takes him away from following his head. Usually his heart and his head are on the same page when it comes to decision-making and this woman takes him in a different direction and influences over the decisions that he makes and sets things on a different course with his mother as well. That's a huge kind of fracture between them," he continued. "So I'm keen to see how that plays out onscreen."

Do you think "Game of Thrones" is going to get romantic? Let us know in the comments!

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