Left Haven, but Betrayed Tyrion at Trial: the Mystery of Shae's Return was Never Explained in 'Game of Thrones'
Her betrayal was painful, but even more painful was how she stayed in the capital.
The scene where Shae testifies against Tyrion is one of the most brutal in Game of Thrones. Not only for Tyrion, but also for the audience, who remember how he tried to protect her and send her away from danger. Bronn insisted that she left the city. But Shae still shows up at the trial. Why? Here are five plausible versions.
Bronn could have lied or sold information
Bronn insists that he saw Shae board the ship. But the fact that she sailed is questionable. Later, he willingly accepts bribes from Cersei and refuses to defend Tyrion. He probably could have either not followed through with the case or turned Shae in for a good price.
Varys knew where she was — and could have given her away
Varys' name is mentioned in a conversation between Tyrion and Bronn. Varys always acted for the "good of the kingdom," but did not shy away from sacrifices. He knew exactly where Shae was supposed to be, and he could have passed the information on to the Lannisters, especially after Tyrion's arrest.
Tywin closed the harbor and blocked Shae's path
Immediately after Joffrey was poisoned, Tywin ordered the gates to be locked and all ships seized. Even if Shae had boarded a ship, it could have been detained or returned. And Tywin certainly wouldn't have missed using Shae as leverage against Tyrion.
Cersei had her own spies
Cersei had long suspected Tyrion and Shae's connection. Even before her brother's arrest, she had been keeping an eye on the girl. After Joffrey's death, her rage only grew, and she could have organized Shae's capture on her own, without the help of Bronn or Varys.
Shae could have returned on her own, out of revenge
The way Tyrion drove her away was painful. Shae could have never left at all, or even returned later, wanting revenge. At the trial, she repeats his words, as if striking back. Perhaps, at that moment, she was simply saving herself.
The truth remained behind the scenes, but, like many things in Game of Thrones, she is not alone. And perhaps, Shae is not so much a traitor as a victim of other people’s games.
