Game of Thrones - The Lonesome Death of Eddard Stark

Westeros is cruel and often more than not unforgiving. King Joffrey took particular delight in going, Off with his head. Executed right there where Sansa and Arya are present, an example of just how far Joffrey could go, the fucking little psycho hellspawn. Ned's final vision was the cheering crowd, relishing the chance to see him beheaded. Men of honor aren't immune to the executioner's ax.

While his "bastard son", Jon, received Lord Commander's sword, with wolf-head handle, recognized for his valor in saving his life at The Wall (and learned the blind Aemon was kin to The Mad King), Cat was negotiating with Lord Walder Frey (promising to him Arya and Robb to wed his children) to use his bridge to cross in order to infiltrate Jaime's army to take him hostage and dupe Tywin's army with 2000 men out of 20, Eddard was held in the Red Keep dungeon to await his doom. Varys convinces him that remaining honorable to death would not keep Sansa safe, and yet despite swallowing his pride he would perish anyway. Calling yourself a traitor, knowing you could not protect your King, Robert, unable to conceal his daughters from harm, copping to treason, and proclaiming Joffrey as rightful heir although Stannis legitimately is, nothing can protect Eddard in the treacherous, carnivorous Westeros, especially King's Landing.

....from the first season episode, "Baelor"