The previous episode of ‘The Winter King’ on MGM+ followed the aftermath of Owain’s death. Arthur agreed to marry Gorfydd’s daughter, Ceinwyn, to strengthen the alliance between the two kingdoms. Before their meeting, he had a chance encounter with Lady Guinevere of Henis Wyren. But only later he realizes who she really is. Besides this new development, we also see him appoint Derfel as his man. Now, The Winter King (Season 1) Episode 7 follows Arthur’s dilemma between choosing his love and his responsibility toward the kingdom.
Spoilers ahead.
The Winter King (Season 1) Episode 7 Recap:
In the previous episode, we see Arthur (Iain De Caestecker) reaching Powys with its ruthless leader, Gorfydd (Aneirin Hughes). He arrives there to marry Gorfydd’s daughter – Ceinwyn (Emily John), to strengthen the alliance between their kingdoms. However, he seems quite taken by Guinevere (Jordan Alexandra), which creates a conflict for him. Should he choose what his heart says, or should he do what is right for his kingdom? He grapples with this thought. But he cannot let these doubts become known to Gorfydd, who adores his daughter and deeply cares about her future. He looks forward to his druid pronouncing the couple married under the fool moon.
Before that, Gorfydd brings Arthur to a chamber where he and his wife had consummated their marriage. Arthur and Ceinwyn have an awkward exchange. Ceinwyn mentions her mother’s demise, which creates an uncomfortable moment between her and Gorfydd. After this interaction, Gorfydd walks Arthur outside and shares how little he thinks of Guinevere. He even mentions wishing to marry her in the past. However, since Ceinwyn considers her as a sister, Gorfydd plans to send her with the princess to Caer Cadarn.
Derfel’s Grudge against Gundleus
During his excursion, Derfel (Stuart Campbell) happens to see Ladwys (Tatjana Nardone) around him. He notices a blade on her. It brings back some painful memories from his childhood, specifically about his mother. But he does not tell Ladwys about it. Later on, he tells Arthur that Gundleus (Simon Merrells) is in the death pit. Arthur asks him to be patient in seeking his revenge against the Silurian king. Nevertheless, he decides to meet Ladwys to ask about her knife. She says Gundleus gave it to her.
That’s when Derfel shares the truth. – that knife belonged to his mother before Gundleus pillaged their Dumnonia settlement. Before her death, she gave it to him. So he believes he is its rightful owner. Ladwys refuses to return it. However, after seeing the scar on his chest, she quickly hands it over. Later on, she tells Gundleus about Derfel’s burning anger. She warns him about how his slightest action against Derfel can lead to his demise.
Arthur & Guinevere
Arthur tells Derfel to provide some ointment for Guinevere’s white horse. She hopes Arthur would rather not show his affection through such gestures. Later, Ceinwyn confronts Guinevere about her feelings for Arthur. This is because she noticed how they both looked at each other when they crossed paths. Still, Guinevere does not share what she really feels. Instead, she tries to calm Ceinwyn’s anxieties about her marriage. Before the wedding, Gundleus shares his discomfort about it. Despite having his love – Ladwys, by his side, he cannot let go of the thought of not being wed to Ceinwyn.
On the other hand, Guinevere keeps making Arthur think about his state of indecision. Through their interaction, Ceinwyn becomes even more doubtful about Guinevere’s interest in Arthur. Later that night, Arthur meets Guinevere at the stable. After speaking about their feelings for each other, they share a passionate kiss. But Guinevere soon realizes the reality they are caught up in. So, she decides to leave. However, before leaving, she notes how Ceinwyn has always gotten what she wanted, even if Guinevere wants the same thing.
Arthur’s Truth
After the kiss at night, Arthur opens up to Bishop Bedwin (Steven Elder) about his deep interest in Guinevere. Bedwin tries to stop him from taking any action about what he thinks is love. He also reminds Arthur how his marriage to Ceinwyn can bring two countries together. But Arthur cannot get over the fact that he does not love Ceinwyn. He does not want to enter into a marriage without love. Bedwin tries to talk sense into Arthur about his share of responsibilities toward Dumnonia and Britain at large. But that does not calm Arthur’s doubts as Bedwin expects to.
Eventually, on a night of dance and celebration, Gorfydd chooses to dance with Lady Guinevere. He tries to scare her off and make her leave Powys so that she can enter Dumnonia – to help their kingdom rise above. Gorfydd wants her to get close to the king, and Guinevere mentions that she isn’t good with babies. But Gorfydd still imposes his expectations upon her. Later, after dancing with a man from Arthur’s army, she partners up with Arthur for a dance. They both cannot hold their feelings, and Ceinwyn happens to notice this. So, right after, she lets Arthur know that she knows their mutual attraction.
Ceinwyn’s Dilemma
Guinevere goes up to speak with Ceinwyn, who is clearly hurt by Arthur’s thoughts and actions. Before Guinevere says much, Ceinwyn offers her to be with Arthur on some days of the week. This is because in that state of panic, she considers that as a valid compromise. Guinevere refuses to be anyone’s mistress. Besides, she does not want Ceinwyn to accept a compromise either. Later that night, Arthur secretly meets Guinevere to speak about their future. While they talk out their feelings, Derfel guards them. Suddenly, he senses someone choking him. Turns out, the man choking him is Gundleus.
Derfel pretends to have died to eventually get in a sword fight against the monster. Luckily, Arthur arrives there to stop their fight. Afterward, he goes up to meet Ceinwyn with the thought of breaking their marriage. Ceinwyn fears her father will kill Arthur if he tries to leave Powys without marrying her. She believes that is what caused her mother’s death – since she did not obey his wishes. So, if not Arthur, Ceinwyn believes Gorfydd will kill Guinevere. That is why she wants to proceed with a loveless marriage so that Guinevere does not get killed.
The Winter King (Season 1) Episode 7 Ending Explained:
Do Arthur and Guinevere marry each other?
Despite Ceinwyn’s doubts, Arthur decides to quickly leave Powys with Guinevere. Bishop Bedwin advises him against it. But Arthur acts on his desire and leaves for Caer Cadarn. On their way to Dumnonia, Bedwin decides to part ways. He does not want Arthur’s impulsive decision to cause any issues for the peace between Dumnonia and Powys. That is why he decides to take some action while staying away from Dumnonia for a while.
On the other hand, Guinevere starts doubting whether they genuinely made the right decision. She feels it is rushed. Should they have left just because of their kiss at the stable, she wonders. But Arthur convinces her to marry him. He believes being the wife of Dumnonia’s ruler will protect her in the future. So, in the end, we see Arthur and Guinevere getting married. While this couple departs from Powys, Gorfydd tells another couple not to leave his kingdom. He expects Gundleus and Ladwys not to return to Siluria, hoping to get their help in his future plans.
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