"That's okay.  The duty of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition is to oppose.  They expect that.  But this is different; I have practically accused them of holding a political prisoner... one the public is very much interested in.  Jill, a government is a living organism.  Like every living thing its prime characteristic is a blind, unreasoned instinct to survive.  You hit it, it will fight back.  This time I've really hit it." He gave her a sidelong look. "I shouldn't have involved you in this."