I… may have done the same thing.

Cat riding mode or GTFO

SPOILERS If the eventual HBO adaptation of the final Martell scene comes off half as cool on screen as it appears in my mind, that entire plot-arc will have been redeemed.

I predict Martin created the character of Penny just so he can continue to prove what a heartless bastard he can be when he has her mercilessly killed off. I further predict this development will lead to vastly more rounds of applause and high fives than Martin anticipates.