An abiding sense of fate ordering the universe made him intolerant of trivial claims of prerogative and blood.

Kingship for him had no sanctity save in so far as it was truly kingly.

Were honest folk to be harried because of the whims of a man whose remote ancestor had been a fortunate bandit?
Carles had time and again broke faith with his people and soaked the land in blood.

In law he could do no wrong, but, unless God slept, punishment should follow the crime, and if the law gave no aid the law must be dispensed with.

Man was not made for it, but it for man.
The jurist in him pulled up with a start.