Once again, Cater is surprised he's still alive. He expects the phantom to absolutely crush him, and then expects Riddle to slice his throat right open. But neither thing happens, and his heart feels like it could explode inside of his chest when Riddle takes his chin in his hand. Those eyes...wow.

"I'd never do anything to mock you," he promises, unable to look away. Locked in that intense stare as if he could dig into it and pull Riddle back out. "I can see you so much more clearly, now. You're stunning--in every sense of the word, and I know you well enough to know that your strength doesn't just lie in your capabilities but in your character. You're gracious and forgiving. When your soldiers, your subjects, have needed educating you've always been willing to teach them. Your soldiers misjudged you...and I'm not blameless in that, either. I should have defended you and stood by your side, but I was weak and fell in line with everyone else when you were the one who needed me. I let you down. Now, if you'll have me, I'm prepared to pay any price you'd ask to make up for it."