The snap, which was shared to Emilia's Instagram account, caught the world unawares and the excitement was tangible.
The pic instantly went viral, garnering 3.6M likes and close to 60,000 comments from fans desperate to know what the picture meant and why their beloved Daenerys was suddenly without her crowning glory of rich, icy-white braids.
Besotted followers of the series posted genuinely heart-broken thoughts as to what the snap could mean. Was the Daenerys losing her mind as the series was seemingly about to reveal?
Or could this be simple trickery. Thoughts, feelings and passions ran high on Emilia's instagram feed.
"Thank You. I know that the show ends next week, but I already know what the outcome will be, and I’m heartbroken," shared one who also declared that she would name her first-born child after the character.
Yes - the show means and will continue to mean - that much to that many. It's a fascinating thing to see just how much it has touched people the world over.
Clearly, it has meant a great deal to those who appear in it, Emilia especially. She has shared many a time that she will be somewhat lost without the show to work on. She will likely miss those powerful plaits too.
Still - the world is full of surprises - especially when it comes to TV. So hang in GOT fans. The mad queen might one day return. And when she does we wager her incredible locks will have returned ... as will her sanity.
Stay tuned.