Why does the king distrust at first the bargain he and Damon make?

The king initially distrusts the bargain he makes with Damon because he fears that such a pact might lead to betrayal or manipulation. He is wary of the potential consequences of trusting someone else's loyalty, particularly given the high stakes involved. This skepticism reflects the king's need for control and assurance in a volatile political environment, where alliances can shift unexpectedly. Ultimately, his hesitation stems from a deep-seated concern about vulnerability and the nature of power.