[Ridge]
Maybe I should've gone in, swords drawn, and swinging. That would've put an end to this incident rather quickly. Instead, my dumbass got sentimental and decided to let the culprit talk his way out of arrest.
If it was, almost, anyone else, they'd already be halfway to the Riddotha dungeon to await questioning by now. That's how it's supposed to go when you catch an intruder mid-crime. I guess I'm still new at this.
"My parents and my younger sister, Griz, live on a small plot of land in the eastern territory." Martina relaxes a bit, but still eyes me with concern, "When I heard that something big enough happened to make the GENERAL of all people send a personal letter to the Duke, I freaked. If something goes wrong at the border, my family could be caught in the crossfire within hours."
He stops to take a breath. He seems relieved to be saying all of this out loud. I get that, it's how I felt after talking with Kadeeth after our fight.
"I'm not a traitor, I love the Riddotha estate, and my country." He sighs, "I just needed to confirm that they're okay, that they're not in any serious danger."
He finishes, but I make no move to address him. I'm too busy mulling over his sob story. I hate that it hits close to home. Military danger is what killed my parents, it's a reasonable fear, especially with the arrival of that letter.
I honestly wish that it didn't justify his behavior in my mind, but it does. I would've done the same thing for my family, or even for my friends. Hell, I would've done it for Martina!
"Okay." I nod my head, more to myself than him.
"What?" He stares at me in surprise, his mouth hanging slightly open from shock.
I glare at his dumbstruck face, "Well what did you want me to say? 'Too bad, so sad'?"
"No I just- aren't you mad, at least? That I tricked you?" Does he want me on his side or not?
"Of course I am, but you have plenty of time to make up for that," I put my sword away, "because the Nymour forces have retreated."
I didn't think it would be possible to look more clueless than he already did, but leave it to that crazy guy to pull off the impossible. His jaw is practically scraping the floor right now. I square my shoulders and face him dead on.
"The eastern battles are over, so there's no need to worry anymore. So if I catch you behaving like a little creep again, the Riddothas will be the least of your worries, because I'll personally see to it that your treason doesn't go unpunished." I narrow my eyes and he visibly gulps, avoiding direct eye contact with me at all costs. His face shows nothing but relief though.
"Thank you, Ridge."
I turn to go, and he scuttles behind me. I open the door, check the hallway, and leave when it's clear. He follows close behind until we're back at the top of the stairs.
"Ya'know, I would've thought you were a traitor for sneaking around Lord Kadeeth's room so late at night, if I hadn't seen the way he dragged you off the day of you're ceremony." He smiles lightly, trying to brighten the mood. The candle in his hand is the only thing that flickers brighter for a second.
"We're close. I never intended for anyone to know that. I don't want the Knights to think I'm getting special treatment." He looked up at me like I was dumb while we descended the stairs together.
"Dude, he literally left a house plant outside your door, everybody knows." He smiles again, "But don't worry, no one doubts that you've earned your title, we've all seen your work so far. Even the domestic tasks are done to perfection."
He laughs a little and we walk to my room like that, chatting softly and avoiding the topic of what happened in the study. Until we finally reached my door, that is, and that stupid little plant marking the room.
"Martina. Don't let it happen again." I warn pointedly, opening my door.
He grins sheepishly, "You got it, buddy."
I turn to leave, I'm so fucking tired. I just want to get some sleep before I have to get up for work in the morning.
"Ridge?" I look back at him when he calls my name. My door is just inches from closing. I kinda wanna slam it in his face.
"Hmm?"
"Thanks. For keeping my secret, and forgiving my mistake." He runs the back of his neck, a nervous habit I've come to associate with Kadeeth. These two would be scary if they were friends.
"It wasn't a mistake, it was out of concern for your loved ones." I don't smile along with my words, but I hope it comforts him a little, "Besides, I promise on my honor as a Riddotha Knight I won't tell anyone without good reason. I hope we can be good friends in the future."
He nods, and quickly takes his leave. Well, he can't read social cues very well. I wanted him gone before we even got out of the stairwell. I'm too tired to deal with anyone else tonight.
I close the door.
I should have invited him in. I should have talked to him longer. I should have done something, anything else. Anything besides let him walk away, right into the heart of the coming chaos.