@the-empires continued from [x]

Daniel had received the intelligence through one of Theodore’s middies, and had acted immediately, directing his men and Theodore’s into position before gathering a small contingent of men to race back and retrieve the stolen first lieutenant. Word of the major’s presence and direction had come from the scouts he sent to find any word on Theodore’s keepers, thus resulting in their present position. 

There would be little point in rescuing Theodore if the lot of them faced court martials for doing so, and orders from a major – while unorthodox – would be a not entirely unheard of recourse for their actions. Thinking steps ahead like this was precisely how Daniel had managed similar matters in the past – and he doubted it would be the last. 

The trick of it of course, being whether or not Lord Edrington would want to attach his name to this in any way, shape or form. This would hardly be the first time Theodore tangled with a man who saw no value in him outside of risky pleasures, something to be cast aside the moment difficulties arose. Nor would it be the first time Daniel had encountered a Lord who valued his name and reputation more than any human being, least of all one who might tarnish it simply for existing. Edrington’s care for Theodore was a slim fucking chance, and he knew it – but it was a chance worth trying. 

“Theodore has confided in me for two reasons,” Daniel knew that the fact he was even aware of this secret was cause for Theodore to be abandoned as a confidentiality risk. “The first is simply the fact he will not confide in any other person, because he wisely does not trust people to hold secrets on his behalf. He knows my secrets – and in turn, share’s his own. Our destruction is mutually assured, and so you in turn can be certain that this is not blackmail. Theodore would be sure to ruin me if I put you at risk,” Daniel sounded almost amused by this, “His is a heart that cares tremendously, even if perhaps it ought not to.”  

It was here that his expression grew grim, and Daniel’s tone shifted to one of warning. “As the second reason would be that these inclinations of his have nearly killed him in the past. Not for lack of secrecy, so much as a horrible judgement in character. I have never known him to be endangered by the law, so much as by the men he chooses.” 

Here, it was clear Edrington had fallen in with a historical precedent of terrible choices and even worse results, because Daniel’s next words indicated a rather tired understanding. “I do not expect this to come as any comfort to you, and will only ask that, should you choose not to aid us, you do not act against us. I have no intention of telling Theodore I came to you, so he will have no reason to think he lacks value to you should we succeed without your support.