Aidan Gillen (Littlefinger) resolves long-simmering mystery about Arya Stark

Back in Game of Thrones season 2, Arya Stark worked briefly as a cupbearer for Lord Tywin Lannister when he was stationed at Harrenhal. In the sixth episode of the season — “The Old Gods and the New” — Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish visited Harrenhal to discuss strategy with the Lannister patriarch. Arya, who had met Littlefinger before, was in the room when it happened.

Although Littlefinger looked at Arya a little askance, if he recognized her, he didn’t say anything and still hasn’t. Fans have long wondered what was going through Littlefinger’s head during this scene. Now, speaking to Entertainment Weekly, actor Aidan Gillen has resolved the question.

"It was unclear if he recognized her or not, but I have my own thoughts on that.Yes, I did recognize her — I just didn’t say anything or do anything about it."

Not long before this scene, Cersei cornered Littlefinger in the Red Keep, had her guards seize him, and asked him to locate Arya Stark for her. According to Gillen, it seems Littlefinger didn’t heed that request.

Why might Littlefinger keep this important bit of information to himself? As a guy who’s perpetually finding opportunity in chaos, he may have decided to tuck it away until such time as it could profit him. If Arya returns to Winterfell in season 7, we may find out more.

SHOP GAME OF THRONES: HBO’s Complete Line of GoT Merchandise

For now, Littlefinger is busy with the other Stark sister: Sansa. According to Gillen, the two of them will have a spirited back and forth in season 7:

"I finished last season on a promising note by laying my cards on the table — at least to Sansa. I was [sowing seeds of doubt about Jon Snow] throughout my appearances in season 6, and, yeah, that will continue. It’s pretty obvious what my game is there. We’re playing out that final exchange in the Great Hall in Winterfell. But the same time my character is becoming quite aware that Sansa is becoming as bright as me and just as wary of my manipulations of her. They’re onto each other. They use each other. They enjoy each other. And they keep a lot from each other. There are all kinds of mixed things going on with Littlefinger and his relationship with Sansa, so watching her grow in stature is quite enjoyable."

People using each other? Secrets? Unhealthy relationships? Sounds like Game of Thrones to us.

Next: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister) foresees 'a lot of death' in seasons 7 and 8

Of course, trying to poison Sansa against Jon Snow involves a lot of risk. After all, they’re related, and if Sansa chooses to side with Jon over Littlefinger, it could spell doom for the inveterate schemer. But as Gillen reminds us, “[w]ith carefully laid plans there’s always a bit of risk involved.

"He puts himself in a situation that could backfire on him. But I think he likes that. His plans are never fail safe. But he puts himself on the line like a good gambler."

We’ll see whether his bet pays off when Game of Thrones season 7 debuts on July 16.