Ororo shakes her head slowly and perhaps even a bit sadly at the King's offer.
"The offer is a fine one indeed, milord but I cannot abandon them so. It would make me unworthy of your attentions and the great friendship we share. No, Oberon, I will remain the counsel for the defense."
A hush overtakes the Courtroom as Ororo turned down the King. No one ever defied the King, it was simply not done. The audience and even Gilderlilly wait for the explosion of temper that will herald the destruction of the sorceress. Oberon's face turns bright red for a moment then suddenly sighs and lets out the breath he had been holding.
"By the Ancients, woman, you are something! No one has ever defied my wishes in my own palace and lived. If you choose to die with these thieves then so be it. I may even shed a tear for what might have been after you are all put to death. (Oberon's head snaps around to face Gilderlilly) Warden! Begin your case!"
As Gilderlilly gathers his "evidence", Ororo joins her clients. "Listen to me and listen well. I need to know exactly what has happened, leave nothing out that might pertain to the case, all of our lives depend on it."