While the fourth episode of Game of Thrones‘ sixth season was full of drama and intrigue, some fans walked away focused on a storyline that had never before been explored: a romance between Brienne of Tarth and Tormund Giantsbane.
After the two characters shared a few charged glances, many viewers took to social media to express their support for the couple. But it wasn’t until Thursday morning that the episode’s director, Dan Sackheim, confirmed the love was real — well, at least for Tormund.
Read More: Game of Thrones Fans Can’t Stop Shipping Brienne and Tormund
“I wasn’t even sure that when I delivered the episode it was really clear,” Sackheim told TVGuide.com. “It was like a fun little bit, but I wasn’t sure it was really clear that he had these amorous feelings for Brienne. I’m always amazed what fans pick up. I think it was fairly one-sided, but that’s OK. There’s nothing like a challenge. Men love a challenge.”
(h/t Vanity Fair)
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Write to Megan McCluskey at megan.mccluskey@time.com