I want to talk about tempering

[Biridan]

... I feel obligated to play devil's advocate and point out that our character is pretty darned dedicated to serving Hydaelyn's will. Is it because we freely choose it, recognizing that her will is benevolent? Or is it because we're compelled to, because of the blessing? The railroading in this game means that we're perfectly set up for a Bioshock reveal down the line, where we find out that none of our choices have been freely made at all...

...

The dark knight arc openly explores the servile nature of the WoL. At least the first part I've not seen later parts. Its rather openly implied that the WoL is denying his own wishes. Its as though he cannot act on his own impulses. Likely the dark power is taking his impulses to an extreme it does seem like there is a conflict within himself. Its actually brought up in other places. How the WoL never thinksnfor himself but always dutiful does whatever is asked with a stoic nod.