the royalty must die

And now I would say that it is time for a more poignant reflection.

Outward displays of strength and courage impress me not; rather the fortitude of ones belief and their willingness to see it through, that is the true mark of an individuals character. In principle we are created but In action we are defined.  

To be covetous for such things as honor, why? To be revered by ones peers is to some more valuable than any piece of gold. This is not the wiring's of benevolence. To do good is not to be good. Rather it is the reason that we do good that actuates our disposition and ultimately tells of our true character. To wear a badge on ones chest suggesting an action of honor is as futile as delivering a rose to suggest affection. One can not be convinced of such things by way of trinkets, substance is required.  If you believe that it is enough to do good then you are a hopeless fool.  We must go beyond simple actions in order to be a good and just person.  We must shed the robes of fear and judgement.   We must be steadfast and know that our actions are routed in concrete principle. 
If we are marked to die.... 
While on trial for the crime of progressive thinking Socrates stated that "A man who is any good at all should not take into account the risk of life or death."  This is a crime that he was put to death for.  Yet he knew that he was not at all being harmed; as a lesser man was not capable, even by way of death, of harming a better man than himself.  That is an outstanding leap of faith.  You may kill me but that will not undo the person that I am.  I am a person whos morals and beliefs and thoughts are so far beyond your capacity for ascertainment that not only can you not harm me, it does not bother me when you attempt to do so.  These  actions defined Socrates, however, it was his inexorable belief which created such an action.  They don't make medals for that.