"Because you could not share in that which I desire. I desire neither favour nor position at the hands of the king—only justice. This could not affect you. Stay! if I gain my desire, you should never want a home or a friend."
"Neither favour nor position!" he said like a man in astonishment. "A secret like that, and demand neither riches nor honour!"
"Neither," I replied.
"Then what would you do with your power?"
"Justice," I replied.
"You would seek to place the—the boy on the throne?"
"If he is the king's lawful son, yes, when his father dies."
He grasped my hand eagerly.
"But you would do nothing without consulting me first. You must promise that."
"But I might not abide by your counsels."