Kings2009

King Silas Benjamin:
Betrayal has its own particular sting. Unfortunately, one gets accustomed.

David Shepherd:
I have never betrayed you... though I've been given the opportunity. There *are* those who work against you.

King Silas Benjamin:
Oh, I know full well the dealings of William Cross. There's nothing whispered in this kingdom I'm not privy to. There are many traitors, and though you're not complicit in their dark work, you're not innocent. Even my daughter's lost faith in David Shepherd.

David Shepherd:
I *am* innocent.

King Silas Benjamin:
Are you?

David Shepherd:
I am.

King Silas Benjamin:
Even if you are, of the charges brought against you, hasn't the effect of you been the same?... King, all these years - authority unquestioned. You think there's a coincidence they conspire against me now? A monarchy stands on the belief in the singularity of its sovereign, all vectors pointed here... and then along came you. Oh, and they looked at you, and they thought how they might improve upon me... replaceable. You thought to inspire, but you inspired treason.

David Shepherd:
I... I only ever meant to serve you. I never meant to hurt you.

King Silas Benjamin:
Oh, I know that; but don't you see now that you *have*? You've weakened the country.

David Shepherd:
What can I do?

King Silas Benjamin:
You swore that if you ever hurt me or this country, you'd admit guilt and fall upon my mercy - did you not?

David Shepherd:
I did.

King Silas Benjamin:
Then keep your word.