Robert's youngest brother Renly fancied himself a better king than their middle brother, Stannis, after Robert's death. He also had the support to back that claim, with most of his house and several others rallying to his cause. Stannis however, had different plans; using his advisor, the "Red Woman", they crafted a spell that sent a shadow to kill his brother, stabbing him in the heart.

The next morning, most of his brother's army joined his side.