Page 13 of Bloom

Aleric almost wanted to shake Jaime. Luring Gautier out to permanently take care of him was ridiculous. He’d have a good chance to flee over the border into Moria and escape. It didn’t mean Aleric would be entirely safe.

At least Jaime finally seemed to believe him and stopped nagging. In fact, it was almost sweet that he’d offered to fuck up a man for hurting Aleric. Not that it mattered. If Jaime knew the real truth, he’d stop giving a shit at all.

Aleric had only told him anything because Jaime was right about one thing: he was new. Since he didn’t know everything and barely knew anyone at court, it was quite likely he’d listen. He’d even figured out the question of who on his own despite Aleric dancing around the answer and refusing to reveal it. If Jaime was going to be stubborn and stay, he did need to know.

He believed Aleric. For now. He’d see how long that lasted. Gautier might try to get to him.

If Jaime knew the full truth, he’d latch onto a certain part, and that would definitely change his attitude. Aleric still remembered Father’s disappointed expression as if he'd pulled the wildest tale out of his ass.

Father’s expression had hurt worse than Zacharie yelling at him and calling him a pig. Selfish. Asshole. Liar. And also fuckingselfishlyingpig all in a single run-on word because Zacharie had practically worked himself into a froth and hadn’t been able to pour out the insults fast enough.

“You need him too?!”

Jaime started to speak as they headed for the stables, and Aleric shushed him. He’d tell Jaime to go away and find something to do with himself, but he’d be a pain in the rear about it and hang around anyway.

He wished he’d forced down more of his breakfast since the short walk was making him tired. After the long trip downstairs, Gautier clasping his shoulder like they were old pals had ruined what appetite he had. It was absolutely disgusting every time he touched Aleric, and he damn well knew it too.

Father just didn’t get it and thought Gautier was a stand-up man for being polite and pleasant to Aleric despite his nastiness. Even with someone trying to kill his son, he didn’t get that the one responsible was a friend and in plain sight. After all, Gautier had even gone for a little while to find Andy and the other thugs who were far away by then and likely quite happy with whatever they’d been paid.

At that very moment, Father was likely running through the court in his head: which family member had been less talkative? Had any been acting off? Did any of those who weren’t related seem different? Could any of them be plotting? Did anyone have a grudge against Aleric?

Meanwhile, he’d talk to Gautier who’d nod and appear sympathetic while cursing the fact that Aleric was still kicking.

He should have gone to Father that night with the evidence and showed him everything while it was fresh. He’d been too terrified and humiliated. Clementine didn’t know either because he hadn’t been able to bring himself to tell her. There were other ways to hurt a man that didn’t involve rape.

The stableman said Mighty was doing better. Riding her might not be a good idea.

“She may remember the pressure of the saddle and you on her back. We can’t say how she’d react if you mounted her. Horses remember things, and if she equates riding with pain, she’ll toss you or be nearly impossible to control. If you want to try, I’d say to wait a while.”

“I just want to see her for now,” said Aleric.

“I heard they didn’t catch Andy.”

“Hmm.”

“I thought he was a nice kid and decent enough with the horses.” The stableman scratched his arm. “How do you get mixed up in that shit at the age of fourteen?”

By being poor or just greedy for more money than a common job would pay. A few threats might have made Andy compliant too. The stableman was likely hoping for gossip from the source. Aleric ignored him and continued to the stall where Mighty was waiting. Once he was close enough, she put her head over the stall door, and his chest tightened as he stroked her nose. Mighty wasn’t mad at him.

She was a horse. An innocent, sweet creature who’d done nothing wrong, and a bastard had rubbed poison all over her back in the hopes that she’d grow uncontrollable, toss Aleric, and kill him. It wasn’t fair that she’d suffered and now had a couple of bald patches on her back.

“Poor baby.” He’d snuck a couple of sugar cubes intended for tea at the High Table, and he let her eat one from his hand. “Even if your hair doesn’t grow back in those spots, you’ll still be a pretty girl.”

If he could, he would skin Gautier’s back before killing him. Let him see how he liked it. After she’d eaten her treat, he planted his hands on the wide, flat top of the stall door and boosted himself up.

“Uh, what are you doing?” asked Jaime.

Aleric adjusted himself. “Sitting.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m tired, and I want to sit with Mighty. Feel free to fuck off since I doubt Mighty plans to off me.” She nuzzled his hand, looking for more goodies. “Then again, she might unless I produce more sugar.”

She snorted at him.

Jaime rolled his eyes and glanced at the stablemen who were both leading out two horses to exercise. Despite them being alone, he kept his voice low. “Can you cut the attitude since I’m trying to help you? I’m not Gautier or one of his lackeys.”

For how long? Aleric knew he was nasty, and he acted like a piece of shit nowadays, but what else was he supposed to do? One, he was angry at his predicament. Two, it was better to keep everyone at arm’s length for more than one reason.

Besides being in danger, everyone would think he was eligible again soon. Since Clementine had already remarried, some would say he still had to wait for the four years to pass. Others would say he was available right now. Either way, Father would eventually try to get Aleric to marry again so he could have an heir.

Plenty would view it as hunting season.

He’d heard enough over the years to know people thought he was good-looking. He could bear a child, and plenty of men would like that. No need for a consort with him. Combined with riches and a title, he’d have suitors hoping to head to the Temple with him. It’s not always easy to separate the shit from the good, and he wasn’t taking chances. It didn’t matter that he wanted to marry a big man who could fuck him like an animal, do all of the naughty things he loved, and raise a family with him. He’d never feel safe with a man who could also easily hurt him.

He didn't even want it if he was the top. Any man he permanently brought into his life and bed could turn on him. He liked women too, but he couldn’t see himself spending the rest of his life with one. He’d always preferred men more, and for sex, being dominated by a woman just wasn’t the same to him. Besides, a woman might only like him for his money and title the same as a man.

It wouldn’t be like with Clementine who only saw him as a friend. He knew she hadn’t cared for his money or position, and they’d been friends before either fully grasped the concept of money and class.

“Lord Gautier wants you dead, so I shouldn't leave you alone,” Jaime finally added.

“I don’t discount things, but the chances are a bit slim right now. It wouldn’t be smart to kill me in here unless he’s trained a horse, and they have daggers hidden in the hay.”

“I asked you to cut the attitude. I’m here to help. Stop treating me like I’m just another traitor ready to stab you in the back.”

Aleric held back a frustrated noise. Lucky Jaime, not knowing what it’s like to have those closest turn into traitors.

“You said you were drugged. What happened? Did he poison your food?”

“No.”

Aleric pulled out another sugar cube for Mighty. He might as well tell Jaime in case Gautier decided to go that route again, although he wouldn't be leaving his drinks unattended again.

“One of the lords from Moria was going home to be married to a woman he met here, and he had a party for his friends in the Hall. I was invited too. It was so the men could drink and play cards, and everyone kept joking he'd never have fun again once the shackles of marriage were clamped on his wrists. The bride and her friends were celebrating out in the back garden. I didn’t drink a lot.”

He’d still been on his first whiskey after he’d lightened a few coin purses. It was easy with the other men drinking a lot more and making stupid decisions at cards. Luck helped too. Gautier had been there that night, and Aleric had ignored him like usual.

He’d gotten up to grab a bit of food from the snacks laid out and left his second, fresh whiskey unattended without thinking. Gautier hadn’t come close to him so far that night, but he’d been waiting and hoping for the right moment. Somehow, he’d managed it without anyone seeing.

When Aleric had finished his second drink, and everyone was quite loud and rowdy, he’d started feeling too light. By the time the room was spinning, which hadn’t taken long, he’d figured it out, although it was too late then to do anything about it.

Poison had been added to his drink because two wouldn’t have him slurring and weak in the limbs. One of the men had asked him a question, or that’s what he’d thought. He hadn’t been able to string enough coherent words together to ask the man to repeat himself. Another had laughed and said Aleric needed to slow down.

“Gautier took my arm and said I had to go to bed. He’d take me.”

Jaime’s eyes widened. “He got you alone?”

“No. If he’d taken me upstairs to my room, he could’ve put a pillow over my face or forced me to drink another poison. I wouldn't be here now. It’s not like I was in any state to fight back. Whatever he slipped into my whiskey, it wasn’t intended to kill me right there. He just needed to incapacitate me.” Aleric waved a hand. “They would have found me in the morning dead with no marks, and the cause likely would have been marked as alcohol poisoning. Or if another poison made me puke, they’d say I vomited while drunk and choked on it. What an unfortunate accident. Nobody would be blamed because most of the men were ripped. If anybody remembered Gautier hauling me out, they would have said I could barely walk, and it was clear I’d gotten myself utterly trashed. He’d merely put me to bed so I wouldn’t shame myself worse in front of everyone.”

“What happened?”

“I tried refusing him, and he managed to get me into the entrance hall since I couldn't fight him off. Thank Elira, Father happened to be coming downstairs. He hadn’t intended to join the party, and he’d changed his mind later, thinking he’d play a couple of card games. I managed to stumble over to him and loop my arms around his neck. I had enough sense to be terrified, and I tried telling Father my drink had been tainted. I’m pretty sure he only heard slurred nonsense, and since he thought I was drunk, and that's why I was clinging to him, he took me upstairs. I don’t remember that part.”

“Why didn’t Gautier go to your room later? I don’t think Father would lock your doors, right?”

“He put me in his bed and stayed up all night to watch me. He was afraid I’d puke in my sleep and choke on it.”

“Oh.”

“That’s why I got mad when you asked if my Father is a part of this,” Aleric said with a slight edge. “He’s blind about certain things, and he won’t listen at times, but he’s not a bad man. He loves me, and he truly wants what’s best. I’m not going to listen to anyone insult him.”

And while he was no longer the hero Aleric thought of him back when he was a child, Father was all he had left.

“I’m sorry. I won’t.” Jaime leaned on the door of the next stall which was empty. “Did you say anything?”

“I said my drink had been tainted the next morning. He told me I’d had too much, and I needed to take responsibility instead of lying and pretending I only had two. I said Gautier had slipped something into my drink, and why else would he haul me out? I don’t know what it’s called, but I’ve heard there’s a poison you can add to alcohol, and when the victim can’t walk or talk, the other can rape or kill them. Anyway, Father grew angry at my ‘wild tale.’ Oh, and at my age, I need to know how to pace myself instead of acting like a teenager on his first night out at the tavern. I’ve never been the sort to get sloppy drunk, and he thinks I fucked up.”

“Where was Zacharie?”

“At the other end of the Hall as far as I remember. He didn’t appear to be paying attention to me since he was playing cards with a few young courtiers and losing.”

“Has Gautier tried to kill you any other way?”

“No. Gautier has no real position anymore since he was accused of rape and sacked. Nobody here believes he’s guilty, and he’s never done anything untrustworthy in the eyes of the court. Every time he came to visit before he was sacked, he’d been nothing but pleasant. After living here, he saw the way to an Earldom. He went after Zacharie and snagged him because my brother is an idiot.”

Aleric was an idiot too.

“If he gets me out of the way, he’ll be the Earl with Zacharie later. It won’t be his old hold, but it’ll be good enough.”

“That might be a while. Your Father could pass in ten years, Elira forbid. Or he could live for another thirty or whatever. He seems well. I’m sure he’ll abdicate in fifteen or twenty, and shit happens. Lord Gautier might not have much time to enjoy his position. What if he ends up feeble or sickly? It’s not much fun being the lord when you can’t walk or get out of bed. Oh, and if Zacharie doesn’t like being around sick people, I’m sure that’ll put a giant crack in their relationship unless he grows up.”

Aleric stroked Mighty’s nose. “Except for his knees, Father is fine. A little time is better than nothing, and if Gautier marries Zacharie in a couple of years, he’ll have power and influence. And who’s to say Father won’t have an accident later? It’d be a while because if I die, Father can’t die too quickly afterward. It’ll appear suspicious.”

Jaime cast him a look before focusing his gaze elsewhere. “An older man who manages to dazzle a younger one and snare him would have quite a bit of control. As long as Lord Gautier keeps up the sweet attitude, and Zacharie remains pliable, he’ll probably end up making most of the decisions later.”

If Jaime thought something else lay behind Aleric’s words, he was right. Aleric couldn’t reveal it because the second the words came from his lips, he could imagine Jaime’s thoughts.

He’d start thinking along the lines of Father and Zacharie even if he didn’t use such harsh words. He’d question every damn thing Aleric had just said.

“So he touches you?” asked Jaime. “To fuck with you?”

“Yes. He’s been doing that for a while, and I had a feeling once he got with Zacharie and started the sly touches, he was plotting. It was a gut feeling that wouldn’t go away. I told Father he’d snagged himself a fresh ass and a way to being a lord again. He didn’t believe me and said I was being nasty. If Gautier can’t have his old position, he’ll take a new one by force. As you saw recently, I’m right. He took things up a notch a few days ago and made himself appear entirely innocent.”

“Why can’t you tell your Father what happened, lay out the facts, and explain it all like you just did for me?”

Because when he’d tried before, it had all gone wrong. Aleric had kept certain things a secret before, and they’d returned to bite him in the ass. He’d had no evidence of another event, and he’d sounded like a bitter man who’d thought of a terrible tale and tried to use it to discredit someone out of jealousy.

“I told him about the drink, and I tried to get him to see that he’s with Zacharie to manipulate him. He doesn't believe me, and nothing I say now will change it. I don’t think he’s hugely thrilled that his youngest son got with a man who’s so much older, but they're both consenting adults, and he’s gotten used to it. Zacharie’s head over heels because Gautier practically seems like a god to him, and he’s too stupid to look beyond that. He’s spoiled, no one’s ever truly hurt him, and he’s never had any real responsibility or the prospect of it, so he thinks nothing will ever really happen to him. He’s also jealous that he has to share me with Father.”

Even though it was more the other way around. Aleric had to share Father. Zacharie had been planned, and the idea was that he would go back and forth between Father, and his other Dad, Honoré, who’d lived in C?te. Honoré had died in childbirth, and of course, there hadn’t been any other option in Father’s mind besides bringing his new son to live at the Castle.

Seven-year-old Aleric hadn’t been particularly happy with the squalling new addition that would never leave. He’d thought he’d get a little brother who could be sent to his other home once he grew too annoying, not one who cried all day and took up so much of Father’s attention. It wasn’t like when the twins had been born. Aleric had been enthralled with them, and they’d been a sort of comfort with Mother sick and after she’d died.

“How long has he been with Zacharie?” asked Jaime. “Two years, right?”

“Almost two years, yes.”

“When did you grow suspicious?”

“Right away.” That was true.

“But why right away? Even with a gut feeling…It seems like Lord Gautier waited a long time to do anything. Even if he touched you, why didn’t you think perhaps he was sexually interested in you or…I don’t know. Why didn’t you think he was simply a pervert?”

“Of course, he waited. You don’t get with your goal and immediately try to remove the obstacles. He needed to look trustworthy, and since they’re both so happy nearly two years later despite the age difference…After losing his last hold, especially before the King's court, he had to wait before eyeing another. If you move too fast, you can fuck yourself over. He’s also careful to never touch me sexually because that would be too much. If anyone noticed, they might say something. He needs to appear devoted to Zacharie, but he can do things to make me feel uncomfortable and unsafe. If I said anything, he can claim he bumped me by mistake, or the touch was innocent, and I’ll look like I’m overreacting and complaining about nothing.”

Jaime tilted his head. “Okay. Lord Gautier can’t get rid of your Father first because you’d take the Earldom, kick him out, get rid of Olivier too, risk your brother never speaking to you again, and deal with the court thinking you’re a cruel asshole. You could send the whole court away too, only hire people you trust, and protect yourself. For the most part, your Father is safe for now.”

“You’ve got some brains.”

“Wow, thanks.”

“That’s quite a leap from your earlier suggestion.”

“Because if someone is a rapist, they deserve to die, and a victim shouldn’t have their abuser living in their home. I focused on that and getting you away from him first. I’m sorry, I didn’t look at the whole picture. I came in and saw him touching you, and you looked miserable, so…”

For several moments, Aleric ached to spill the rest and unload what actually had happened. He pressed his lips together and straightened a few strands of Mighty’s beautiful black mane.

“What’s your plan?” asked Jaime.

“Mm?”

“What’s your plan?” Jaime pushed himself away from the stall door and spread his arms. “To stay alive?”

“I don’t have one.”

Jaime blinked at him. “You have nothing? Not even a half-cooked plan you could refine?”

“Not really. I thought that was clear.”

“You’re honestly just coasting along? You don’t even have a rough idea or something secret? If you don’t want to spill every last detail right this second, that’s fine-”

“I think it’s obvious I’m stuck. You believe me, but that means little in the long run. I can’t kill him and Olivier. Not easily and without possibly implicating myself. Yes, I’ve thought of poison and accidents, but I can’t figure a way to work it out, especially if there’s anybody else in the court who knows and is simply staying back to avoid suspicion. Even if there isn’t, it’s not that easy to work out a plot. Especially when you’ve got no real friends. Gautier has the advantage since he’s spent years here and likely started planning as soon as Father let him move in. Besides Olivier, I have no idea who else he’s spoken to, what he’s said and done, or what he’s done ahead of time because I didn’t suspect him until a couple of years ago. He’s far ahead of me. He had a stableboy on his side too. If I tried plotting with others, I might pick someone who’s already working with him, and they’ll tattle. For all I know, there could be a half dozen others in the Castle right now who are simply biding their time until they’re told what to do. It’d be easy to fuck myself over.”

Jaime glanced at the doors to make sure no one was coming. “Do you want to run?”

“No!”

“If you feel there’s nothing to be done here, then go. We could plan it together, and I’ll help you get far away.”

“Do you think my Father wouldn’t look for me if I suddenly vanished? He’d turn Soleil upside down to find me. Moria too. Eveningwood, Rowland-”

“He can't search the whole realm. Leave a note so he doesn’t think you were kidnapped.”

“I don’t think he’d listen. He’ll still look for me. He’d think I’ve lost my mind or you kidnapped me for less than pure reasons.”

“At least you’d have a chance out there,” said Jaime. “Your Father will be in danger later, and if you haven’t got a plan to save him either, you can at least save yourself.”

If they both had limited time left, Aleric would rather spend it with him.

“You’d have to learn to live like a commoner, but it’s entirely doable. You change your name, get a job…”

It wasn’t happening. Aleric peered at Jaime as he talked. He’d heard enough of the Morian accent to recognize it, and Jaime certainly sounded Morian. A little of the southern Soleilian accent like Aleric’s was there too, although the melodic sound wasn't nearly as pronounced.

He’d said he came from northern Moria. Their northern people didn’t sound like the south and southeastern people. Like Soleil, there was a minor difference. Beyond that, it wasn’t quite posh, but it wasn’t exactly like that of a commoner who’d grown up in a village.

“What?” asked Jaime. “I promise it’s not that hard. You know, most of the realm’s people are commoners, and they’re making it. I've been drifting.”

“If I’m going to die, I’d rather be buried out back next to Mother and the twins,” Aleric stated in a firm tone. “I don’t want to move into another town or city and end up in a random graveyard decades from now. I'm also not abandoning him either. He’s already lost two children. I don’t want to vanish, and I can't leave him to die not knowing where I am. If I have to, I'll go the poison route and pray he doesn't suspect me.”

Jaime furrowed his brow. “Okay, but I think your Father would prefer you live. In fact, I know he would, because if he cares that much about you despite not believing you-if he was presented with the option to save himself or you, and he could only pick one, he’d choose for you to live.”

“I can’t leave. If I do see a way out of this for him and me, I have to take it. I can’t if I’m not here. I'm also afraid to move because if I’m not smart about this, and I end up looking like a murderer, it would gut Father. That’s another reason why I can’t simply kill Gautier or Olivier. If Father thinks I'm a killer…Besides that…”

“What?”

“Part of me loves my brother, even though I hate him too. I honestly don’t know if he’s in on this. He’s the second-born. Having my position would be pretty tempting. In a way, I don’t think he’s smart enough or that shitty to go so far. We don't get along, but that doesn’t mean he’s willing to murder me. At the same time…” Aleric threw up a hand and shifted on the stall door which was getting to be a bit uncomfortable. “He’s never said or done anything I can point at and say he’s completely innocent or guilty. If he's innocent, I don't want to abandon him. He shouldn’t be ruling and living with a murderer later even Gautier never harms him.”

“He didn’t visit you while you were sick.”

“True, but he also doesn’t like seeing sick people. He never has, and he tries to avoid it.”

“He should have visited you. You could have died.”

“That’s not his way. If Father grew old and was on his deathbed, I don’t see Zacharie visiting him. Perhaps it’s because his Dad died, and he knows how my Mother and the twins died, and that scared him. Or maybe he was counting the seconds until my death and pissed that I grew better. I honestly don’t know about him. I can barely talk to him, and I can’t fucking stand him anymore. He’s turned into a nasty little shit, and he was a nuisance before Gautier.”

That was Aleric’s fault. Once Zacharie had grown old enough to be more like a brother, and not just a baby who ate, puked, pooped, and slept all day, and not necessarily in that order, they’d gotten along at times. They’d never been the sort of brothers who’d go to the edges of the realm for the other, share all their secrets, and were practically inseparable.

Aleric had also been growing older and hadn't cared to spend much time with a younger boy. As a teenager, he certainly hadn’t wanted an embarrassing little brother tagging along all of the time when he was with his friends, and they’d grown further apart. Sometimes, Father had been a bit too easy on Zacharie, likely out of guilt, and that hadn’t exactly done wonders for his younger son’s attitude.

All the good had vanished with Zacharie screaming at Aleric and telling him he was a selfish, jealous pig who was trying to ruin his relationship.

“You can go if you want since I was less than forthcoming when I brought you in,” said Aleric. “I brought you here as a sort of guard to discourage anyone from trying to get to me in my rooms. You were to be an extra set of eyes and ears because I think if you saw or heard anything suspicious, you’d say so, even if it was more for your own safety. You saved me, but your presence might not be discouraging enough forever. You saved my life, and I thank you-”

“My Father didn’t raise a coward. I don’t think he’d like me running away from someone in need.” Jaime folded his arms.

Commoners often made a few mistakes when they dressed. It wasn’t hard to learn, but actually doing up laces and knowing how to wear a coat was an area they often messed up on at first, or they looked too uncomfortable. The laces on Jaime’s coat were perfectly done as if he was about to go to dinner with the Regent and Crown Prince of Soleil. He’d tucked and wrapped the ends on the hidden button inside the cuff so the ends didn’t come loose. He’d worn a coat with toggles to close the front on his first morning there, and he hadn’t left any to dangle open. He also appeared at ease like silk and gold trim were nothing new to him.

Even his posture was a bit different, and he tended to speak as if he were equal to everyone else at court. He also ate quite neatly without the mistakes that a commoner might make.

There was something rough about the edges too.

“Your Father didn’t raise a coward?” Aleric finally asked.

“No.”

“What did your Father raise you to do?”

“He was a woodcutter. I would have done that too if he hadn’t died. I lived with my Aunt and ended up working at the local general shop until she died.”

“Hm. You’re a bit neat for a village boy and a drifter.”

“Did you expect me to be a slob?”

“No. You don’t quite talk like a northern Morian either.”

Jaime shrugged. “I’ve been around. Accents change. I’ve spent more time in the south in the past few years, and I’ve had eleven years to roam.”

True. Perhaps that was it. A man could also observe how others dressed and copy it. Then again, perhaps he was fibbing, and he’d been the son of a rich merchant or something like that, and he’d run away. Perhaps the reasoning was too embarrassing to say outright, and he didn’t want to talk about it. Or he was telling the truth and just a bit odd in Aleric’s eyes.

“I used to play with the Baron’s son quite a bit,” said Jaime. “I wouldn’t say their accent was refined because we were just a little place in the middle of nowhere by the river, but I think I picked up a lot from them. I used to eat meals with them and watch what they did too.”

“What have you planned to do with your life overall?”

“I’ll settle with an abundant male and have kids. I’m not sure what job I’ll do, but I’ll make sure I can support us.”

“Only an abundant male?”

“I’m not into women, and I really want kids. If I don’t find one to marry, I guess I won’t have kids or we’ll think about adoption.”

“You could get a consort for a child.”

“I won’t sleep with anyone else once I’m married, and neither will my husband. I couldn’t stand the thought of him doing it even for a kid, and my dick won’t be going near anyone except my spouse.”

Having a consort for children was considered fine in society, and it was usually women who did the job. Not every couple was all right with it, and that was all right too. Some people simply can’t fathom sex with another after marriage. Aleric didn’t care either way since he figured he’d never get married. He used to want marriage and kids.

“For the matter at hand, are you just going to coast along until you end up dead? Lord Gautier isn’t going to stop. I don’t want to leave and later find out through gossip that you’re dead.”

“If I figure out something…” What was he supposed to do? Everything had risks, and he couldn’t imagine things going wrong and trying to explain to Father that he wasn’t a murderer. He wasn’t jealous. It was self-defense, and if Father had only fucking listened…

“What if we both talk to your Father?” pleaded Jaime. “I’ll stick up for you.”

“No. He’ll say I’ve filled your head with rubbish. I don’t need to hear shit about that too.” When it came to Gautier, Aleric was firmly considered a liar, and that wasn’t going to change anytime soon even with another trying to back him. He’d fucked up before and was paying for it now.

Maybe he should run, but he didn’t want to later hear Father had died either and know he’d completely abandoned him.

He gave Mighty a few last pats and slid down. Jaime’s expression said he was struggling to come up with a plan to solve the problem right there. Aleric was tempted to tell him good luck with that.

“Well, I’m staying, and you’re not making me leave unless you drag me outside and lock the gate.”

Great.

“Since that’s settled, you need to be nicer to me and not treat me like crap on the bottom of your boot.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Aleric said snarkily. It irritated him because Jaime was entirely right, and Aleric should stop treating him like shit. He should thank him again too. “Thank you for getting me medicine and dumping Olivier’s shit.”

“No problem. Also, I guess you want the coin purse back?”

“I said it’s your wages.”

“It’s all lans and quite a bit considering I only sucked your dick one time. The sex doesn’t count since that was rather critical for you, and I wasn’t hoping to be paid for it. The medicine and juice didn’t make much of a dent in that bag.”

“Keep it.”

“Am I still supposed to suck your dick like a street whore without even so much as a kiss or foreplay?”

For Elira’s sake. “No more of that. I’ll still pay you. I’m not going to withhold money to make you blow me.” Clearly, they weren’t going to align in bed, and considering the thoughts that had kept slithering through Aleric’s mind, he needed to keep Jaime’s mouth away from his cock.

“Why did you offer to pay me for that anyway? You can go to any whorehouse and have whatever. You could have five men suck you off if you wanted. My mouth isn't gold.”

Aleric stopped and turned to him. “I offered to pay you because I can’t go to the whorehouse anymore unless I go alone. I’ll hear it from Father because he doesn’t like me going out in the city at night by myself. I’m not fucking anyone here either. The last thing I need is to find I’ve got a secret snake of Gautier’s in my bed.”

Jaime furrowed his brow. “Why can’t you go out anymore at night?”

“Do you remember the three guards from that night?”

“Yeah.”

“The younger one was a bit newer. The oldest is now the Commander of the City Guard, and the other retired.”

“I remember them talking about it.”

“I trusted the two older ones enough to guard me in the city because they’ve been loyal to Father for a long time. I wouldn’t tell them my secrets, but they were all right to a point. William was the sort who’d probably announce his intentions before committing treachery, and that’s if anyone was even capable of getting him to do it. With the rest who are younger or newer, I don’t trust them at all. It wouldn’t be impossible for Gautier to pay off a couple. I’m not going down dark city streets at night with men who might stab me in the back and flee with the job done.”

“Oh.”

“I’m not going with you either because I’m stuck with you. It’s a bit awkward with an aid, and I doubt you want to sit and wait while I'm fucking.” Aleric started walking.

“You know what I think?” asked Jaime.

Great. Here came an insult or shitty comment. Aleric wanted to go to his rooms and rest in his bed. He’d probably take a nap.

Jaime slung an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. “I bet if you weren’t in danger and dealing with this shit, you’d be a lot different. In fact, you’d be a sweet little thing-”

“What are you doing?”

“-without such an attitude-”

“I’m not little!”

“You’re shorter than me. And since you’d be much sweeter without all this shit weighing you down, you’d be happily gagging on my cock. Or riding on it.”

“No, I wouldn’t!”

“‘It’s been too long.’”

Aleric’s face burned. Why couldn’t Jaime have forgotten that bit? Aleric had stupidly blurted it out because it had felt so damn good to finally have a real cock in his ass.

“I bet you’re a cuddler too. You just won’t say it.”

“Knock it off.” Aleric pulled away, but not before Jaime kissed the top of his head.

“Everybody thinks you’re cold and a liar, and you just act like a dick so no one gets close and tries to put a knife in your back.”

“Screw you.”

“Anytime. Anywhere. We can cuddle afterward.”

Aleric stepped back as a horse snorted like it was laughing. “Are you always so pushy?”

“I’m not that pushy.”

“Yes, you are. I bet you’re used to getting whoever you want in your bed, and you’re just pissed because I’m not bending over for you.”

Jaime frowned and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’m not going to lie. I’d love it if you let me fuck you again without a heat fever being the only purpose. I think you can tell I’m not going to kill you because your guard is down. That’s pretty obvious. I’m not going to get angry if the answer is no or force you. I'm not pissed.”

“You think you can just grab me to hug while talking about how you think I’d like to be gagging or riding on your cock. That is pushy, and I don’t like it.”

Jaime’s expression grew pinched like he truly regretted his action. “I’m sorry. I won’t do that again.”

“You also got pissy because I wouldn’t kiss you and let you get on top of me in bed before the heat fever.”

“I don’t like being treated as if I'm a dirty street whore or…or like I’m a guy you picked up at a tavern before closing and regret waking up next to in the morning. I did get pissed because you gave me a huge attitude and made me feel disrespected. I don't think any man wants to be talked to like he’s an object in bed.”

Aleric’s face burned because he hadn’t always been like that, and he had been extremely disrespectful to Jaime. “Just because we fucked for my heat fever, it doesn’t mean I have to do anything else ever again with you.”

“I thought if you trust me and want to play around, I wouldn't say no as long as you don't treat me like an object. I’m not saying you’re obligated.

“I don't want to.”

“Okay. I promise I won’t grab you and make jokes like that again.”

He better not. Aleric didn’t need all that crap even though he missed affection. If he allowed Jaime to be huggy and make jokes, he’d be tempted to allow other things and even want to instigate it himself.