So, ‘Game of Thrones’ might end pretty soon. *Sad face*

Hint: It’s sooner than we thought. But if George R.R. Martin (and the rest of the universe) wanted, Game of Thrones could probably go on for eternity. There are so many kingdoms, so many sons and daughters of kings and queens who love-hate one another, and so much rivalry and epic amounts of betrayal, the plot easily lends itself to an infinite amount of seasons. And while HBO probably wholeheartedly agrees, that’s not gonna be happening.

Variety interviewed David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (the geniuses behind the GoT HBO script) and learned that the two Thrones obsessives don’t think the show has much longer to go. It’s not because the story doesn’t have the capability to go on forever, but essentially because they don’t want the show to wear out its welcome. Weiss told Variety:

Even though our hearts are still processing this news, we get it (kind of). Too many shows have continued for the sake of continuing (Weeds, Two And a Half Men, Mad Men, Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol, True Blood, Lost, etc.), and ended up alienating and frustrating its viewers. We don’t want Game of Thrones to do the same.

So, how many more seasons are left, exactly? Benioff and Weiss know, but aren’t willing to show and tell quite yet. They told Variety, “We’ve got a very definitive idea of how much longer it is, and we’re getting there. We’ve just started writing episodes for season six. I think we’re heading into the home stretch. Hopefully, we’ll have a clear answer soon.” Season six? Home stretch? EEEK.

We do have to keep in mind that Game of Thrones, unlike many television programs, is based off a linear narrative that, in Benioff’s words, has “a real story with a beginning, a middle and an end.” To keep piling on more and more to the show with no real purpose would probably be a disservice to Thrones fans, as well as to George R.R. Martin’s vision. Benioff added, “We know what the end is, and we’re barreling toward it. So the idea that we’re going to try and stretch it out by an extra couple years just because we’re all having a good time doing it and people are making money off it just feels like it would be a betrayal.”

And while we GoT fans love a good betrayal, this is one we’ll just have to let go of —regardless of when Game of Thrones will end, it’ll always live on in our hearts.

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