Page 24 of Bloom

Jaime took Aleric back into C?te to a stall he’d seen earlier so they could get egg buns to eat while riding. They still needed to see the wise woman.

Aleric seemed all right, although Jaime had a feeling his typical distrust wasn’t fully gone. Muted was likely a better word. It might rear its head again after a bit even though he’d enjoyed what they did.

Jaime kept wanting to touch him as they rode through the woods. The time of holding Aleric and making him feel good had been too short. Combined with seeing him let loose a little, it had been like a blink.

Not receiving an orgasm in return had made his balls ache. It was worth it to see Aleric free for a few minutes and to give him something he wanted so badly after years of being afraid to say so.

“I’m not feeling this.” Aleric handed over the uneaten half of his egg bun. “I’m not hungry, and it’s such a chore to eat it.”

“Are you craving anything?”

“Not particularly. I think it’s a bit early for that.”

“We’ll get you something when we go back to the Castle.” Jaime wanted to ask the wisewoman too if his lack of appetite was a serious concern even though Aleric didn’t seem worried.

Delphine had just let them in when Foofy let out a chirpy purr from across the room. He hurried to Aleric.

“There’s his favorite pregnant fairy.” Delphine tried to pry off Foofy who was climbing up Aleric, and the minky smacked away her hands.

“Let him. He’s obsessed with my stomach.”

“Why?” asked Jaime.

“I guess he’s got a sixth sense about babies,” said Delphine.

Aleric sat at the table with Foofy wrapped around his torso. Seeing he was settled, the minky shifted and started rubbing Aleric’s belly while making little noises.

Delphine didn’t look thrilled about being asked to work at the lord’s Castle.

“I’d rather not,” she said, and Aleric’s expression immediately grew closed off. Jaime could imagine him faintly panicking inside about finding a new physician and letting someone he didn’t know at all touch him in the months to come.

“The pay is a lot more,” said Jaime. “You could have a large workroom too.”

“It’s not about the pay or a workroom. I didn’t get into this sort of work for the money. I do it because I want to help people. My husband died from wasting disease when we were young, and there’s no cure for it, so no one could have saved him, but perhaps I can save a few others and help them. I don’t want to work for a lord who can afford anyone. I’d rather help locals who might not be able to afford a physician in C?te. They're a bit pricey, and most won’t halve a fee or waive it entirely. That’s not a problem for most courtiers.”

Aleric patted Foofy. “What if you came for a while and returned to your home here? Father would send elsewhere for a physician if I asked. I don’t want a total stranger in my home or possibly touching me. I’d also prefer a female during my pregnancy and when I give birth.”

“Wouldn’t you prefer a man since you’re one?”

“No. Not in this case. I don’t know you well, but you’re not entirely a stranger either. If you came for a while, you could save the money I’d pay you. Use it to expand your stock. Have a bigger house built. Move into the city if you want to take on more people who can’t afford expensive care. Do whatever you want with it.”

“Or save it for a rainy day,” added Jaime. “If you’re willing to accept a low fee or nothing, there might be a time when you wish you had more savings.”

She frowned as she thought. “I see, but I have a couple of people who come to me regularly for certain herb mixtures, and a woman from a nearby farm is due in a few weeks. I said I’d act as her midwife, and I can’t go back on my word, especially when I’ve been the one seeing her throughout her pregnancy.”

“You could still give them whatever they need,” said Aleric. “You’d be given free use of the spare horses in the stable if you want to ride to see anybody or even to simply go out by yourself. You could also have a guard come along if you want. What if the woman needs you at night? You could take a guard to ensure your safety. I’d like you to stay for the first year to make sure my child is healthy and growing as they should. You could leave afterward. Of course, I only ask that when my time comes, you stay with me.”

She stared out the window for a few seconds. “Of course, I wouldn’t leave you in the middle of labor to go anywhere. Fine. I’ll do it, but make sure your Father knows I’m not staying forever.”

“I will. My Father wants you to take a test.”

“A test?”

“It’s the one the physicians take in Finkin when they graduate from the College there. He has a copy of the appropriate answers. It makes him feel better since he’d rather not hire someone simply on their word. The last one had to take it too. You told me before that you're the third wise woman in your family, and your Grandfather was a physician, right?”

“He was. My Mother started teaching me as soon as I could walk, and we still had Grandpa’s books too. I read them all.”

“I think you could pass the test. Some physicians have no training until they step foot into Finkin College. You’ve been studying for years.”

“If I come, Foofy does too. He’s my pet, and I can’t leave him.”

Jaime had to hold back a chuckle as the minky kept stroking Aleric’s stomach even though his eyes were drooping. “He’ll stay with you all day to make sure the baby is fine.”

Aleric frowned. “I’m not sure how Father will feel about him. Try to keep him under control so he’s not climbing all over the place. I don’t know if a minky will make him sneeze like cats and dogs do.”

“He can barely tear himself from you,” said Jaime.

“He also can’t do this to me all day,” said Aleric.

She snorted. “All right. I want a set of big rooms so he has room to run around. And he needs access to the grounds. He likes to go outside. And I'll need a couple of days to pack my things.”

“That’s fine.”

“I wanted to ask you if Aleric’s lack of appetite is dangerous,” said Jaime.

“I’m fine,” said Aleric.

“If eating has been feeling like a chore, I don’t think that’s healthy for more than a meal or two.”

“Are you throwing up excessively or feeling any pain?” she asked.

“I haven’t been sick at all.”

“A lack of appetite is sometimes normal early on. You might not want much, or perhaps only a couple of foods are appetizing. I’d ask the servants for whatever you think you can manage. It’s only a concern if it continues or you find yourself completely unable to eat for more than a few days in a row. If low appetite continues, I could make you something. You’re likely fine now.”

“See?” Aleric shot Jaime a look.

“I’m just checking.”

“Do you feel overly stressed?”

Stressed was an understatement, not that Jaime would say so out loud. Aleric gave a vague shrug. “The baby wasn’t planned. Other than that, life is…fine.”

Delphine glanced at Jaime. “Are you the Father?”

“I am.”

“I don’t know what kind of relationship you two have. Are you marrying him?”

“Yes.”

“Try to keep his stress down to help his appetite if you’re able to. You’re both going through a big, unexpected change, but he’s taking the physical brunt of it, so keep that in mind as the months go on even if you’re not particularly close now.”

“I will. Is there anything I should know or be concerned about right now?”

“I don’t think so. Try not to worry a lot yourself.”

***

Aleric seemed a bit stiff when they got into bed that night. Jaime wasn’t sure if it was because Lord Monet would announce their wedding tomorrow, and Delphine would be coming over in the afternoon to take her test, or if it was something about their earlier time in the woods.

“Are you all right?”

Aleric was sitting up, probably so he could read. Jaime had gone earlier to the library to find a couple of extra books on pregnancy, and Gautier hadn’t come around.

“I’m fine.” Aleric took the book from his bedside table.

“Hey.” Jaime shifted more to face him. “I have a feeling that's your typical response, but you can be honest with me.”

Aleric set the book on his lap and tucked a few strands of hair behind one ear. “I made a promise, broke it, and I’m not even feeling as guilty as I should. Or think I should. In the back of my mind, I guess I’m still expecting something bad later. You’re not doing anything to make me think that. It’s just there, and at the same time, I want to go further with you. A lot further. I promised myself I'd never let anybody have control over me again, and I almost can't wait to be in your lap again while you call me a slut. I don't mean right this second.”

“I figured. You know, if it makes you feel better, we don’t have to do anything like earlier. Sex also doesn’t have to be with one as the dominant. If you don’t want to be made to beg or do something, a person can simply suck off another.”

Aleric let out a small laugh. “I don’t think you quite understand. I crave that kind of treatment in bed. I can do basic sex, but I want the other to take control and dominate me. I’m not a top, and submitting is a thing that’s almost like a need for me. It’s an itch I can’t properly scratch by masturbating or using a toy. Topping a whore and leaving afterward doesn’t do it either. Gautier’s a piece of shit, but he had one thing right. I’m a true submissive in bed.”

Jaime had never thought too much about if he was a true dominant in bed. Submitting or taking the receiving role had never interested him, and he’d gone for what he did like. If he wanted something from a man, he was usually blunt with what he expected. If the other didn’t like submitting or wasn’t into a particular thing, he didn’t make them do it.

“When you’re the submissive, you have to think about safety more,” Aleric added after a moment. “If you tie me up, nothing’s going to happen to you. While you may not intend to harm me, I could end up with a damaged wrist. You’ll be fine later. Since I’ve dealt with worse…The promise is stupid, but I had to make it to myself.”

“It’s not stupid. You were looking out for yourself. I think I’d feel the same way.”

“I knew if I broke it-it’s like a slippery slope. You do one thing, and you want more. Next thing you know, you’re on your back with your legs in the air and trusting the other overall. You’ve let them get close, and a closer person can hurt you worse. If we’re going to try to get along and be a proper couple, sex is a part of that. You’re not a guy I’m simply fooling around with, so I haven’t thrown away my promise only to get laid. It still feels as though I’m being stupid and following my lust even though we’re going to be husband and husband soon.”

“You know, if I tied your wrists, I’d make sure it’s loose to start with-”

“We’re not doing that tonight. Tempting, but it's a little too fast.”

“I know we’re not. I’m making a point. If I accidentally hurt you, I wouldn’t be fine with it later. I’m not saying this to minimize your suffering either, even though this situation is hypothetical. I’d be miserable and kicking myself in the ass if I ever hurt you. I’d feel guilty and do what I could to make sure you’re alright, which includes a physician so you’re not stuck with lasting damage. Gautier didn’t feel guilt. I’d also make sure the accident didn’t happen again. He wouldn’t care overall as long as you kept getting naked for him.”

“True.”

“If you want to wait to do anything else, don’t feel like there’s a time limit or anything. I want you to be comfortable.”

While taking a bath earlier that evening, Jaime had jerked himself off with his head full of what he’d done to Aleric earlier. Masturbating didn’t quite cut it when the man he wanted to be buried in was so close, but it might have to do for a while.

“Can we talk about something else?” asked Aleric.

“Yeah. I wanted to ask what you’re going to do about your brother.”

“What about him?”

“You didn’t tell him yet.”

“I didn’t want to go find him earlier. I don’t want to talk to him either.”

Jaime figured that was also partly because Zacharie was likely often with Gautier. “I could come with you in the morning, you can ask to speak to him in private, and I’ll hang around somewhere in the hallway or whatever. You’ll be safe.”

“No. He can find out whenever. I don't care.”

“Some might guess you’re pregnant tomorrow. If your brother figures it out, he might get mad at you. With the rest of the court gone, he’ll probably start eating at the High Table, and he’ll have an attitude-”

“Pfft. Fuck Zacharie. He won’t care that I’m having a baby. He’ll probably say it’s gross or call me a whore. After I give birth, he’ll ask if my ass is ruined and forever stretched from pushing it out.”

“Charming,” Jaime said dryly. “Wait, he can’t actually believe that, right? Your body is meant for it.”

“I don’t know. Zacharie was still making fart jokes every damn day at the age of seventeen and laughing at them, and he’s not exactly the brightest penny in the coin purse. He once asked me what would happen if I used my heat and had to fart at the same time. He said he bet it makes a slick bubble. Do you see why I don't care to talk about my body with him?”

Jaime almost laughed because that was sort of funny in a gross way. “Wow…the imagery that came to mind.”

Aleric’s expression said he was not amused by his younger brother’s jokes.

Jaime cleared his throat. “After a bit, we can suggest Zacharie and Gautier go away. Your pregnancy makes a perfect excuse, and you won't have to hear stupid comments about your ass. If Zacharie doesn’t care to be an Uncle, he might like going away with his lover to play Baron.”

Aleric scratched his chin. “All right. That might work.”

***

Aleric’s smile appeared convincing the next morning even though a few family members didn’t seem pleased about the announcement. As far as Jaime noticed, the distant cousins scattered around the tables didn’t talk to Aleric that much. He had said they were leeches, so they hung around to have the name and the finery of an Earl’s court.

They’d certainly be talking about him, and they were already unhappy since they’d have to leave soon. Despite being leeches, a few kept glancing at Jaime as if he weren’t good enough.

They could whine among themselves later if they were arrogant about bloodlines. Jaime didn’t give a shit. He was from higher-up blood even if he didn’t have the position. Gautier looked appropriately pleased, and Zacharie had his forehead scrunched up as he watched his Father speak.

“It hasn’t been four years,” a woman called.

Lord Monet frowned. “I understand. As you know, Clementine remarried already. She broke custom, and since she did so, Aleric is technically free to remarry.”

“I don’t think it’s right. It should be four years for him too even if she already remarried. Why don’t we let everyone divorce when they please and get married a week later or-”

“Who cares?” another woman demanded of the first. “The Goddess knows what’s in their hearts. Clementine remarried. That freed Aleric even if they went about it the wrong way. I don’t see why one should stay single when the other breaks the rule.”

“If you say so.” The first rolled her eyes.

“I do say so.”

“That’s enough,” Lord Monet. “They made their decision. They’ll get married next week-”

“Are you pregnant?” Zacharie suddenly asked. “I bet you’re pregnant, and that’s why you’re getting married all of a sudden.”

Jaime wanted to throttle him. If he was smart enough to guess, he should have kept his damn mouth shut. Didn’t he know basic etiquette? Others had surely guessed, and they weren’t openly blabbing.

Lord Monet fidgeted with his cane. “Zacharie, be quiet. As I was saying-”

“Jaime hasn’t been here for long, and Aleric’s a cold fish. I bet Jaime got him up the stick.”

A few giggles burst out, and someone told Zacharie to stop being so crass, especially in the middle of breakfast. Jaime clenched his fist, and Aleric touched his arm.

“Well?” demanded Zacharie.

“For fuck’s sake,” muttered Aleric. “It’s none of your business, and how can you call me a cold fish and say I’m up the stick in the same breath?”

Gautier touched Zacharie’s arm and muttered to him in a low voice.

Zacharie pulled away. “No. I don’t care how he feels.”

“Let your brother have his day.”

“I’m sick of his bullshit, and my nephew or niece is supposed to be raised by that with some commoner Aleric dragged off the street as a slave-”

“He’s not a slave. He’s Aleric’s aid. He’s barely even that.”

“Everyone needs to be quiet, and that goes for you too, Zacharie,” Lord Monet said in a tight voice.

Zacharie glared at him. “Aleric’s a whore, and he just wants-”

“I thought you said he was a cold fish.” A young courtier laughed.

Aleric suddenly pushed back his chair and threw his linen napkin on the table. “I’m done. I’m not listening to this nonsense.”

“Son, please-” started Lord Monet.

“They can sit and talk shit about me all they want. I’m going upstairs. Jaime?”

He was already standing. As if he’d let Aleric walk out alone while his brother caused a scene like a spoiled brat. Lord Monet swore in a low voice and heavily sat. So much for announcing a happy event.

“Slut!” Zacharie shouted after him.

“If I hear one more word,” Lord Monet said before the Hall started buzzing with talk.

“You’re going to hear a lot more words!” Zacharie shouted.

A few started eating as though they’d rather pretend nothing was happening. Jaime put a hand on Aleric’s upper back as they stalked toward the door. Lord Monet lost his composure and started yelling at Zacharie. A hunched old lady pushed up her spectacles and asked why everyone was so upset.

“I guess you’re pissed you can’t have my future husband,” Zacharie yelled as he stood.

Aleric paused and made a move like he was going to march over there to make him shut up the hard way. Jaime slid his arm around him. “Nope. Come on. Let’s go.”

“If you can’t have Gautier, you’ll take his son. That’s how much of a whore you are.”

Jaime almost paused that time as Gautier yelled at Zacharie, and the Hall practically exploded. The young courtier from earlier shouted.

“What kind of insult is that?”

“He’s insane.” Jaime pulled Aleric immediately to the right in the entrance Hall toward the stairs. He didn’t expect Aleric to suddenly pull free. “What?”

Aleric backed away as he squinted at Jaime.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Why would he suddenly say you’re Gautier’s son?”

Jaime’s mouth almost dropped. “Are you serious? There is no way you can be suspicious-”

“I didn’t think about it before, but you have orange eyes like him.”

“I know who my Father is, thank you very much, and it’s not that sack of shit sitting by Zacharie. You could go into the city right now and find a bunch of fairies with orange eyes.”

“You’re too-” Aleric cut off.

Jaime hated the guarded look. It was Zacharie’s fault for spewing bullshit that Aleric’s doubting mind would immediately latch onto, although in their case, it was a bit extreme.

“Tell me right now,” he demanded in a low voice that Jaime had to struggle to catch with all of the racket from the Hall. “Are-”

“For Elira’s sake! Zacharie’s being absolutely ridiculous, and you immediately believe him? I know you’re used to expecting the worst, but I know who my parents are!”

“Did you run away from home, or are you a higher-up who was set aside by his Father?”

“No!”

“You don’t act like a commoner at times. You barely ever called me or Father m’lord or anything. You’ve pretty much been comfortable from the start, and…were you born as a commoner in a village with two common parents?”

Fuck. Jaime swallowed as he tried to think of how to admit it. He’d lied about his past like before to many. With his future husband staring at him and directly asking, he couldn’t bring himself to say yes. Aleric had even worded his question a certain way, showing he suspected something wasn’t quite right about Jaime’s earlier story. How could he say yes to his face and tell him an entirely different thing later?

At Jaime’s hesitation, something in Aleric’s face broke. “You lied to me. Didn’t you?”

“I swear, I was going to tell you.”

“Fuck this.” Aleric hurried for the stairs.

“Aleric! I wasn’t born in a village, but I swear to Elira I’m not Gautier’s son.”

“I don’t need to hear more shit while you’re trying to cover up whatever.”

Jaime went after him. “Aleric, please! I’ll show you my sword. You’ll see it’s not Gautier’s name on the hilt.”

Aleric paused on the first landing and glanced at the wrapped hilt as a muscle in his jaw twitched. “You told me you grew up in a village, and your parents died of fever.”

“I grew up in a village from seven onward. A couple raised me. My parents are dead, and they were both murdered.”

“Is your name even Jaime?!”

“Yes, it’s Jaime.”

“I don’t know if I can believe that either. You lied to me.”

“You left out a lot and twisted shit at first,” Jaime snapped in a low voice. “You lied to protect yourself, and that’s why I lied too. You’re not the only one whose life has been on the line, and I had to keep my story straight from the age of seven . You wouldn’t have said anything either if it had been you. I’ve never told anyone, and I had no idea I’d be marrying you, or that you’d get pregnant when I came here. I was going to tell you.”

He caught movement out the corner of his eye and noticed a few courtiers staring from the entrance of the Hall.

“Your brother’s gone mad,” said one.

Lord Monet yelled at Zacharie to shut his damn mouth from behind them, and Jaime turned to Aleric to hiss at him. “Please. I’ll show you my last name. This was my Father’s sword.”

“Fine.” Aleric turned to rush upstairs.

“M’lord,” called a man. “Calm your brother-”

“He’s not my responsibility!” Aleric shouted down.

Jaime hastily followed him, and the voices faded the higher they went.

Aleric stopped a few floors down from his. “Show me. Now.”

“Not out here on the damn stairs.”

“Show me your fucking hilt. Or is that a lie too?”

“How the fuck do I know if anyone here was a part of that night? I doubt it, but I’m not taking stupid chances and bandying my last name about.”

Aleric narrowed his eyes and continued. “That leather better be off when we get to my room. If you’re lying, I’ll have you thrown out.”

Jaime shouldn’t have waited to tell him. He bit back a swear and unsheathed his sword as they made their way down the hallway. Aleric’s sword hand twitched like he wanted to draw his weapon, and his posture was one of a man who expects to be attacked.

Jaime hastily started unwrapping the leather strips, and he had the first off when they entered Aleric’s room.

Aleric locked the door and turned to him. “Show me.”

“It’s almost off.” Jaime undid the second strip and held the sword out so Aleric could see the inscription. “It’s not Gautier. This was my Father’s sword. Your little brother’s a fucking idiot who pulled a wild accusation out of his ass.”

Aleric stared at the curly letters set in the pristine, silver handle that hadn’t seen the light of day in years. Jaime had often been tempted to unwrap the leather and see his Father’s name, knowing he’d probably never hear or see it anywhere else again.

“Scaliger-they're all dead,” said Aleric. “None survived, and a good deal of the bodies were burned.”

“I know how everyone died and what happened,” Jaime said curtly. “I didn’t steal this either if that’s what you’re thinking. I’ve had it since I was seven, and Jaime is my real name. I went by Theo for a time until I moved on. I decided to go by Jaime because it’s common enough, and it’s the only thing I have from Mother. I’m not a secret baby of Gautier’s or whatever Zacharie’s implying. Maybe Gautier told him to say that to stir up shit or-I don’t know, but it’s fucking sick.”

Aleric’s dark blue eyes weren’t so cold when they returned to Jaime’s sword. “They said the son was dead too. They found little bones in-in the pile they burned, and only a few were left inside. I was young when I heard about it. I didn’t understand it, and I learned about it a little later. It was supposed to be revenge.”

“I lived.”

“How did you survive?”