Page 12 of Bloom

Mother was so pretty. The diamonds sewn into the skirt of her pink dress twinkled with every moment, and Jaime’s coming sibling was a bump in her stomach.

Until the sword entered her back, came out of her stomach, and narrowly missed Jaime since she tried to shield him with her body. Red marred the pink, and the bump was lifeless. The man yanked out his sword, shoved Mother's body aside, and turned toward Jaime…

Something hit his leg, and he damn near flew off the couch while expecting a sword to come for his chest until he saw familiar white hair and blue eyes. Aleric flinched away. He was in Aleric’s sitting room, not back in…that was all over.

Jaime, still half-asleep, couldn’t figure out why Aleric looked so terrified.

“Fuck.” He let himself plop on the couch and willed his racing heart to slow. “I was dreaming-you startled me. Sorry.”

Aleric’s brow furrowed. “Why are you still here?”

Jaime blinked. “Why did you look like-I mean…”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Get your head out of the clouds.”

Jaime wasn’t used to seeing people look frightened of him as if they expected him to grow violent. He wasn’t like that even if he had a mouth at times. He’d jumped up in shock, but Aleric didn’t think he hit him, right?

“Why are you still here?” demanded Aleric.

“Because…I don’t want to leave.” That sounded stupid.

“I thought it was fucked up to bring you here-”

“Well, it is! I’m basically a guard for your sitting room, and you didn’t tell me there’s actual danger to watch out for. You plunked me here to act as a deterrent while keeping me stupid, and even though I’ve helped you through heat fever and saved your life, you act like you’ve got a stick up your ass. And getting an answer out of you is like pulling teeth.” Jaime was too tired for this bullshit twenty seconds after being startled awake from a nightmare.

“Then go.”

Jaime eyed Aleric who’d bathed and brushed his hair. He was dressed, and it was odd because he was still pale with dark shadows lurking under his eyes. Clearly, he wasn’t fully recovered even if he wasn’t actually sick. It was more like watching a man pretend to be a higher-up.

“Why do you look like you’re about to go out?”

Aleric rolled his eyes. “I’m going to breakfast. I didn’t expect to come out and find you here.”

“You can have breakfast in your bedroom and relax.”

“No, I can’t,” Aleric stated as if that was a simple fact anyone should know.

“Because your food might be poisoned.” Jaime rubbed his face as it made sense quite suddenly despite his rough start to the morning. He lowered his hand to peer at Aleric who didn’t seem to know what to do. It must have been quite frustrating that after his demands to leave, Jaime was still sitting on the couch with the blanket askew. “Is it Alexandre and Zacharie?”

Aleric tilted his head. “Excuse you?”

“I’m asking if your brother and his lover are trying to kill you. It’s a simple question, and I’d like a straight answer. Last night, I was thinking-”

“Alexandre?” snapped Aleric. “You’re on first-name terms?”

“Uh…I’ve been thinking of him with the title a lot, but he said I could-”

“Is it going to be Alex next week?” Aleric spat.

“We talked once, and he said I could use his first name because others do.”

“And just when did you talk to him?”

“Erm, after-my first afternoon.” Jaime wasn’t about to say it was after they’d fucked. Since he hadn’t gone to sleep the previous night until late, he’d had time to think of other horrible possibilities involving Aleric’s life and why he might not want to tell Jaime the basic facts. “He told me why he’s here, and…he said he’d been to court once. The Regent’s cour-”

“How lovely. Your first full day here, and you were making friends. How about if-”

“If it’s him, just say so.” Jaime smacked the couch cushion by him. “He’s not my friend. He was extending a courtesy and explaining something to me in case I heard and wondered. Tell me what the fuck is going on instead of avoiding it and talking to me like a piece of shit. Also-” He pointed at Aleric. “If I was friends with Lord Gautier, and it’s him trying to kill you, I wouldn’t have helped you. Did you think of that?”

Aleric stared at him for a long moment before he turned on his heel to leave. Jaime clenched the blanket in one hand, and the door closed a second later. While he’d been awake the previous night, he’d wondered if the man had raped Aleric.

Jaime had believed Gautier at first. False accusations happened, and they were done to get revenge or to exact some form of power over another: accuse them of a horrible crime, ensure they lose important things, and become forever marred in the eyes of others or at least many. Since Lord Monet’s court seemed to trust Lord Gautier, it made sense. If they thought he was a rapist, they wouldn’t let him in.

At the same time, it was quite possible the accusation hadn’t been a lie, and perhaps Lord Monet couldn’t help but believe his friend. A best friend he’d known for years would never hurt anybody, right? He’d even apologized to Jaime, showing he wasn’t the sort to keep suspicions in his mind and likely wanted to see the best in others based on what he could see and thought he knew. Jaime was an outsider, but he’d proved himself enough.

If Lord Gautier was a rapist, perhaps he’d done the same to Aleric. That’s why he’d said Jaime wouldn’t believe him and refused to say anything. Nobody else would believe the nice, past lord was abusive or that a young higher-up could suffer abuse in his own home.

With or without trying to kill him, Aleric might be unable to admit the truth because he was too ashamed and thought Jaime wouldn’t believe him. He was afraid of being called a liar again .

Gautier was with Zacharie too, who had no problem with him, so that helped his image. Rapists didn’t abuse every single person they came in contact with.

The court might think Aleric was jealous and trying to smear his little brother.

The door jiggled, and Zacharie poked his head in without knocking. “He doesn’t lock the doors with you here?”

“Why would he?” Jaime asked warily.

“Because he’s strange.”

“Don’t talk about your brother like that.” Lord Monet followed him in.

Zacharie rolled his eyes and came closer. “Here. Give Aleric this.” He thrust a box out. “Make sure he gets it.”

“Or you could give them to your brother yourself,” said Lord Monet.

“I don't want to go in,” Zacharie mumbled.

“He went to breakfast.” Jaime didn’t take the proffered box.

Lord Monet raised an eyebrow and glanced at the closed bedroom door. “He did?”

“Yeah. You missed him.”

“He should be in bed.”

“I said he could have breakfast in bed and rest. He wasn’t inclined to listen to me.”

“Give these to him.” Zacharie frowned.

Jaime finally took the box. “What is it?”

“Cards.”

Jaime hesitantly lifted the lid of the box. “Why?”

“Because they’re nice,” Zacharie said in a rather acid tone. “Why are you opening it?”

“He’s just looking,” said Lord Monet. “He’s not going to break them.”

Jaime’s eyes widened at the top card, and he carefully picked it up. He’d never seen ivory playing cards. The Trickster, a card that could be anything depending on the game, had the image of a black-haired man with his head turned more to one side. His hair was hiding most of his face except for his mouth. His smile wasn’t exactly pleasant, and behind him, three shapes lurked: A woman, a wolf, and a snake.

While Jaime couldn’t read runes, he was pretty sure he knew what they said. The next top card showed an old man with a beard. He wore an eyepatch and carried a spear.

“Is this supposed to be Loki?” Jaime turned the first around. “The art's quite good.”

“They’re all Asgardians. They’re expensive and not for you, so close the damn box.”

Jaime replaced the card and closed the box. Asgardians often weren’t hugely popular with fairies since Odin had once tried to conquer the fairy realm ages ago, and Jaime was pretty sure he’d never met an Asgardian before either. Someone must have decided to get creative with the cards. “I’m guessing shuffling these isn’t easy. Ivory’s quite stiff.”

Zacharie shrugged and headed for the door. Lord Monet sighed after he left. “My sons aren’t very…nice to each other. They do love each other, but brothers don’t always get along.”

Fancy cards didn’t mean shit if Zacharie wanted Aleric’s spot. Jaime set the box on the table.

“Do you have siblings?”

“No,” said Jaime. A sword had ended the possibility.

Lord Monet frowned. “Do you have…anybody at all?”

“No. Everyone died a while back. A fever…My Aunt died in her sleep later. She was older.”

“Ah. I’m sorry. The past couple of days must have been especially hard for you. I wanted to apologize again for what I said.”

“It’s fine. It’s not like you really know me anyway. I would have suspicious thoughts about a new man too.”

“If you need anything, let me know. And try to see if you get Aleric to relax. I suppose he’s restless, but he shouldn’t be running around or doing much after so much blood loss and the fever. I know he probably won’t listen to me if I tell him to get back in bed.”

Like Aleric cared what Jaime had to say either.

“I don’t know how to find who’s responsible. Andy and those men seemed to have vanished into thin air.” Lord Monet rubbed his forehead. “I have men out searching and questioning locals in the surrounding area…I know it hasn’t been that long, but I’m afraid we’ll end up empty-handed. Will you try to stay with him, and make sure he’s safe?”

“I will.”

“I’ll see you at breakfast.”

Was Aleric going to have a fit in the Hall if he showed up to stand by the wall like before?

***

Aleric was paler. It may have been because of the sunshine pouring in through the windows of the Hall. Or the trip downstairs had taken too much energy. A few courtiers looked up as Jaime entered. Some were just starting on their food, and others were finishing since breakfast is often less formal with people coming and leaving over an hour or so. The servants simply kept an eye out for anyone coming in and sitting.

At the High Table, Lord Gautier was talking to Lord Monet with a hand firmly clamped on Aleric’s shoulder.

He looked utterly miserable and stiff in his chair. Perhaps it wasn’t the sunlight or lack of energy making him appear paler.

Why the fuck was the lord touching him like that? Lord Monet wasn’t paying attention, and he kept looking at Zacharie who was talking. Aleric’s dark blue eyes flickered to Jaime. Pure shame flashed before he quickly looked away.

If he shrugged the lord off or told him where to stick it, his Father might say he was being rude and grow angry.

“The new stableboy is beyond incompetent,” Jaime heard from Zacharie as he stepped up onto the dais. “He’ll probably put the saddle on your horse’s head and the tack on his arse. I watched him trip over nothing yesterday. I don’t even know how he managed to make it to the age of thirteen considering how stupid he is.”

“He just needs to learn a few things,” said Lord Monet. “He’s not that bad, and you don't need to be so critical and insulting. For Elira’s sake, son. He's also likely nervous about his job. Yesterday was his first day.”

“I’m still pissed we didn’t find the other-Andy,” said Lord Gautier. “He was young. Fifteen, I think?”

“I thought he was fourteen,” said Lord Monet. “Either way, he's a damn traitor.”

“I’ll take a stupid stableboy over one who’s already a snake at that age and would prefer treachery to make coin instead of an honest job. We might never know who paid him off.”

Lord Monet frowned at his plate. “If you hear people talking about it, try to quash the gossip. The whole court knows now, but I’d rather they not start making up ridiculous rumors. You know how things can be twisted. And keep an ear open just in case anyone here seems…suspicious.”

“Of course.” Lord Gautier turned a little and jumped slightly since Jaime was standing right there behind Aleric. “Oh, you startled me.”

“You didn’t see me come up? My apologies.” Jaime managed a stiff smile.

“I thought you went to stand by the wall. I’m just checking on Aleric here.” Lord Gautier patted Aleric’s shoulder before finally letting go. About damn time. Jaime could be rather forward at times, but he didn’t stand right behind people and grope their shoulders like a creep even if he’d had a bit too much to drink in a tavern and was hoping for a night with a man in his bed.

“He should be resting in his room,” added Lord Monet.

“I’m fine,” Aleric said stiffly.

“Take Jaime with you if you go see Mighty.”

“I don't need him pasted to my hip to see my horse.”

“Aleric, don’t argue. We don’t know who is behind the incident. Andy didn’t orchestrate it all.”

“Do you think the other stablemen are going to attack me as soon as I step in? Perhaps the cat who lives there will jump from the loft to gut me with his nails.”

“I’ll feel better if you do what I say,” Lord Monet said as Gautier moved around to sit by Zacharie. “It’s not like I’m demanding you hide in your room for the rest of your life.”

“Do you still feel all right enough to sit up here?” Jaime asked, trying to offer an escape route to Aleric if he wanted it.

“I’m fine,” Aleric repeated.

Jaime finally went to stand by the wall. Aleric hadn’t snarled and told him to fuck off, so maybe that was a good sign. Aleric knew he’d seen something, and if Jaime could get him to admit anything…

Breakfast dragged on with Aleric picking at his food, sipping juice, and Lord Monet pushing pastries on him because the sugar would help his blood. It was forever before Aleric finally stood, and his Father frowned at the plate he hadn’t finished.

“Eat a snack later and drink more juice. Make sure you stay hydrated.”

“I know.”

Jaime followed without a word and stayed a couple of steps behind him as they entered the entrance hall. Aleric didn’t look at him or speak as he headed for the double doors leading outside.

“Aleric, can you give me five minutes? Please?”

“Why are you still here? You’re like a parasite.”

Nobody had ever called Jaime a parasite, and he wasn’t sure if he should laugh or feel insulted as he followed Aleric outside. “Is it him? Can you tell me that at least?”

Aleric paused halfway down the steps. ”Why?”

Jaime went down another step so he wouldn’t be towering over him, and he glanced around to make sure no one was close. The guards on the wall and by the gate were too far away to hear anything. “You wanted me here. I guess you didn’t expect anything to happen so fast, or not anything so drastic because you didn’t want me to figure shit out too quickly. I’m clearly here as a sort of guard for your sitting room because you don’t feel safe at night or in general. I guess my presence wasn’t enough to dissuade anyone, and the plot was likely worked out before I got here. You wouldn’t clasp a certain person’s arm, and you looked absolutely miserable at breakfast with him touching you. I’ll believe you.”

Aleric’s face remained blank. “Again, why are you still here?”

“Because…” Jaime couldn’t admit his past or who he was. He’d kept those two things so buried, speaking about them was almost unimaginable. His Aunt and Uncle had reminded him over and over to never reveal his true last name or where he came from. “What kind of man would I be if I walked away? It’s pretty shitty to leave another when his life is in danger, and if you won’t tell your Father…I guess you could also argue that I owe you.”

And after last night, he was wondering if Aleric felt like he’d been violated after they had sex. Jaime had only done it to spare him the agony of the heat fever, and Aleric had been begging for it, but once the pain was gone, it might have dragged up memories he didn’t want to think about. He said he didn’t bottom, but there hadn’t been much of a choice then. Receiving was required for the anal orgasm.

Aleric raised an eyebrow. “You owe me? You think I’m a prick.”

“If things had gone differently, and I’d been arrested instead, the jackass who owns The Salty Blower could have made up a more elaborate lie-one where your Father would have sent me to prison without a second thought. I know I’ve called you a prick, and you do get nasty, but you might have a good reason. I guess I’d be a dick too if I didn’t feel safe and had to wake up every morning while-”

He wasn’t sure how to ask with tact. He’d never dealt with anything like it.

“I’ll stay and do what I can. Just tell me who it is, and don’t lie. I should know who to look out for, right? Instead of just being a presence that may or may not dissuade certain people. Also, if you trust me enough with at least a little bit, and we can stop bitching at each other, it would kind of make us look united. Alone, you’re like…” Jaimie thought of Soleil’s crest. “You’re like a mouse hunted by a lynx.”

With Aleric’s stoic expression and drawn-out silence, Jaime expected another snarled response to go away.

“It is him.”

Aleric went around him and down the stairs. Jaime almost didn’t know what to say at the sudden admission. Part of him wanted to hug Aleric because maybe his thoughts last night were all true. He also wanted to go inside with his sword and hack Lord Gautier to pieces. The words flew out before he could think twice.

“Do you want me to kill him?”

Aleric stopped again and laughed. “Are you stupid?”

Jaime turned to him. “I’m serious.” All he could think about was gutting the fucker if he’d touched Aleric that way. It was beyond disgusting, and no man should wake up in his own home while forced to live with his rapist.

Aleric glanced up at him before stepping down and backing away. “If it was so easy, I’d wait until he doesn’t have a certain someone stuck on his cock one night, and he’d never wake up again.”

“I don’t mean to attack him in his sleep.” Jaime approached. “I could make it seem like I’m striking up a friendship and maybe ask if he’d go riding with me. It might take a little time, but he’s rather approachable. If I can get him out and alone, you’ll never see him again, and I’ll run. I don’t have roots anymore, so who’s your Father going to ask? Where’s he going to look? I’ll vanish. Plenty of outlaws are never found.”

He was pretty sure he spotted a note of longing in Aleric’s eyes. The prospect of Lord Gautier disappearing so easily-poof. Dead and gone.

“Gautier might be older, but he’s still a decent swordsman with more experience than you. I think he’d be suspicious, and if you got him out alone, a hundred things could still go wrong. You might end up dead.”

“Or I’ll succeed and live. You’d be safe then. The physician’s a problem. He might not act alone with nobody to give or promise a reward, and you could find a way to have him sacked and out of here.”

“Or he’ll find a way to poison me as a ‘fuck you,’” said Aleric. “What if there's another? Do you think of consequences or always blunder right toward the most violent option?”

“I do think of the consequences. This is…different. So what’s your plan?”

Aleric opened his mouth and paused. “I’m working on it.”

“Which means you haven’t made enough headway.”

“Where’s your brilliant idea? I don’t even know if anyone in court is on his side besides the physician. Is it just the one we know, or are there others? The family here are all cousins, and they’re leeches. If Father dropped, they'd shed a tear or two to be polite and get over it in a week. I can’t even say if my half-brother is a part of this. If he is, he’ll know what happened when his lover is found dead, and you’re gone.”

Zacharie not knowing what was going on sounded reasonable. Still, killing Lord Gautier seemed like a better idea in some ways because if he was a rapist, he needed a sword through the gut. The realm was better off without such filth, but Jaime tried to see it from Aleric’s point of view instead of simply imagining the lord dead in a puddle of his own blood.

“Can you answer a question without getting mad? I won’t think you’re lying. If your Father doesn’t believe it-I’m not him. I don’t care what anybody else says. I want to hear it from you. And yes, I know it might be hard, but I need a yes or no. I won’t tell anyone either.”

Aleric squinted. “What are you talking about?”

“Did Lord Gautier get you alone and-he has a rape accusation pinned on him from a past lover in Moria-”

“He didn’t rape me.”

“I’m not going to call you a liar-”

“I’m not lying. Neither he nor anyone else has ever raped me. I now suspect that the charge against Gautier was true, and we were stupid to believe him. I don’t think he’s done anything here in Soleil. Not to my knowledge.”

“You were quite insistent you’re not a bottom.” Jaime had figured last night that after an incident, someone might never put themselves in that position again because they’d feel too vulnerable. When Jaime had entered him, he’d said it had been too long. He might have missed sex in a particular way even if he wouldn’t do it again in most cases.

“Like I can’t decide what I am?”

“I’m not saying that. I just thought you’re afraid to do it or-”

“He didn’t rape me,” repeated Aleric.

“You were nasty after we fucked, and I didn’t do that to violate you. I thought last night maybe you sort of felt that I kind of did because an abundant male has to bottom during sex for the heat fever, and you only did it because of the fever, but you wouldn’t do so normally. You could have also been pissed for telling me you’re a top and then begging and acting…er, a bit different toward me.”

A bit different. That was the understatement of the century, and Aleric knew it since a little pink touched his cheeks.

“You also wouldn’t tell me anything last night,” added Jaime.

“I’m telling you now because you won’t go away. I don’t feel like you raped me because you didn’t. I had heat fever, and you dealt with it. It was humiliating because I threw my phallus at you and-Nobody has ever raped me, including Gautier. Okay? Just because he may have done that to another man doesn’t mean it happened to me. Do I need to swear on my Mother’s grave for you to believe me?”

“No.”

“Then stop asking.”