If you are making someone pay on another's behalf, what other path could it be? If I wish for punishment to be meted out for my death, I will do so myself. I'm certainly not so defenseless, do not mistake my former folly for being incapable.

[This isn't really about his appearing as an unnecessary damsel in distress. This is about the fact that you're going out of your way for him. Not that he'll admit that ever.]

Don't you think I would have done so by now if I so willed it? I had time and opportunity to do so before I made you my King.