I think your summary of Stannis’ killing of his daughter as it relates to the scene with Brienne is a very likely scenario.
Thank You, I think you are reading it correctly Chris.
Some places call that "Backtracking"
In Kansas we call it "Covering Your Own Ass!"
The Death of Shireen (and to a lesser extent the rape of Sansa, but that has not happened in the books in any way shape or form to her) and Now the Death of Stannis and Jon Snow will cause a MASSIVE Disinterest in the Show and I think Martin understands with that comes More Disinterest in his Books....
Because people don't want to see that Happen or feel like the Show has ruined it for them and won't read them.
Those things (Jon Snow I hear did actually happen though) WILL be a Pox and Bane for viewership and ratings for the coming seasons.
“Because people don’t want to see that Happen or feel like the Show has ruined it for them and won’t read them.”
GRRM brought that on himself. He took a shiiteload of money from HBO, then didn’t deliver the books.
He’s failed both his show obligations and his fans.