A king's subordinate presents him with the 'heart blade' meant to kill a man named Damon. The king refuses the assassination, revealing he has kept Damon alive in his bed after burning his kingdom. The subordinate questions this decision, demanding Damon be handed over, but the king asserts possession with 'He is mine.' Later, Damon, held captive, confronts the king about his people's safety. The king says their lives depend on Damon's compliance, threatening to burn him, but Damon responds that touching the king makes the threat stop. The king orders him to stay, leaving Damon's resistance unresolved.