Robb's mother Catelyn Stark meets with Renly and Stannis to discuss an alliance against Joffrey's family, the Lannisters, but she is unable to reach an agreement with them. Renly is supported by the wealthy Lord Mace Tyrell, and has married Mace's daughter Margaery. He is supported by Melisandre, a foreign priestess who believes Stannis a prophesied messianic figure. Stannis Baratheon, publicizing the claim that Joffrey is a bastard, claims the throne as Robert's eldest brother and therefore heir. The war among these contenders is dubbed the War of the Five Kings.
Two regions attempt to secede from the realm: Robb Stark is declared 'King in the North' while Balon Greyjoy declares himself king of the Iron Islands. However, his reign is far from stable, as both of Robert's brothers, Renly and Stannis, have claimed the throne as well. With King Robert Baratheon dead, his purported son Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen continues her plan to conquer the Seven Kingdoms.
A Clash of Kings depicts the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros in civil war, while the Night's Watch mounts a reconnaissance to investigate the mysterious people known as wildlings.
