 Fearing Cersei and the Lannisters will use this time to their advantage , Renly tries to convince Ned they should raise an army and launch a coup d 'état ; however , Ned refuses him . Ned wants to assure the crown passes to the rightful heir : Stannis Baratheon , Robert and Renly 's brother . Ned writes a letter to Stannis informing him of the situation , dispatching it to Dragonstone , Stannis ' island fortress . Ned also reveals to Petyr " Littlefinger " Baelish ( Aidan Gillen ) the truth of Joffrey 's heritage , to which Littlefinger suggests they allow Joffrey and the Lannisters to take the throne , and if Joffrey proves to be an unfit ruler , they can use the truth to overthrow him and make Renly the king instead . Ned refuses such treason , asking Littlefinger to secure the support of the City Watch to overpower Cersei 's men @-@ at @-@ arms if they attempt to seize the throne . 
