Page 4 of Bloom

Aleric ignored the proffered arm.

“Do you have to be so rude?” Father muttered before he stood with Zacharie who wrinkled his nose like there was a bad smell.

Someone called for Lord Monet, and a few who’d noticed Aleric’s rudeness showed their distaste. Everyone knew of Aleric’s dislike for Gautier, and the more he let it show, the more of an ass he was considered even if they wouldn't directly say it to his face.

Oh, well. The damage was already done and couldn’t be fixed. Letting Lord Gautier touch him would feel like a loss. He’d rather eat the chess pieces.

With the noise and people’s attention drifting to other matters, Gautier took the opportunity to lean in a little with a pleasant smile as though nothing offensive had been done.

“I taught you just about every position you know. Don’t forget.”

Aleric gave him a bland look without meeting his eyes while his insides twisted. Judging by his expression, he wasn’t thinking of chess positions. Gautier, since Aleric refused to think of him with his damn fake title, sometimes had a way of looking at him as if he were remembering past games of a different sort.

The thought was enough to make him sick.

Gautier went away to catch up with Zacharie. Aleric caught the word Rowland, and Jaime suddenly spoke.

“I’m not from Rowland.”

“You look like it.”

“Pfft. I’m Morian with a little South Forest and Finkin in my family.”

The lady let her eyes rove up and down his body before wrinkling her nose. “You sound Morian, but I think you look Rowland. I saw one once, and you remind me of him.”

“Wow, you saw a person from Rowland once. Congratulations. You know what? I think you look-”

“Jaime, be quiet,” Aleric snapped, and the woman glared at Jaime before turning away to leave.

The war hadn’t been over for that long. Citizens from Soleil and Rowland still didn’t get along well unless business was being done. Money talks. Other than that, anyone from Rowland was a barbaric savage. Aleric’s Mother had been from Rowland, and while no one would say it to his or Father’s face, not everyone approved of that anymore thanks to the war. It was ridiculous. One war and the other side might as well have been monsters who ate babies for breakfast.

Across the room, Gautier gave Zacharie a kiss. Aleric wobbled between hating his younger brother and feeling sorry for him, although the sorrow was still tinged with hate.

As far as he could tell, nothing bad had happened between Zacharie and Gautier. Aleric had carefully observed his demeanor to see if changes were apparent. Zacharie seemed no different, but he couldn’t entirely rely on that either. A man can hide behind a facade. At the same time, they were still together too.

Zacharie wasn't the best at keeping his mouth shut either.

Aleric had no idea if his brother knew of certain things and was plotting or if he was simply an unwitting pawn and a fresh arse to poke. Perhaps nothing had happened since he was Gautier’s last chance. That was far more likely since Gautier needed to keep his ticket happy and in good shape.

Zacharie looked at Gautier like the sun shone out of his ass. What a fool.

He left his half-finished drink on the table and stood. “You’ll stand against the wall behind the High Table at lunch.”

Jaime made a derisive noise. “Why? In case you decide you need me to spoon-feed you?”

Aleric narrowed his eyes. “Ha. Aren’t you hilarious?”

“I try.”

Aleric had to make an effort to not clench his jaw. “I won't need you. You can spend the time learning to stand still and thinking about how to speak respectfully instead of insulting your betters.”

“She started shit first.”

“I don’t care.”

Jaime looked like he had a couple of choice insults for Aleric but decided to keep his mouth shut. “When do I get to eat?”

“When we return to my rooms. A servant will leave a tray for you. Follow.” Aleric snapped his fingers. Maybe he'd see if Jaime would suck his dick later.

He lagged a bit to let Zacharie and Gautier get ahead in the group. It was hard to keep from glancing over at Jaime. Even though he was being annoying, he was damn good-looking in his coat. He’d probably looked even better with nothing on.

“So you can’t clasp arms after you beat someone?” Jaime asked in a low voice as he followed.

Aleric focused ahead, trying not to picture him naked. “Shut up.”

Jaime wore a huge scowl as he went to stand against the wall behind the High Table. The Hall rang with talk as the courtiers settled, and servants hurried to fill glasses. To his misfortune, Gautier sat at the High Table. That wasn't unusual. It depended on where he was.

He’d been friends with Father for a long time, and since he was with Zacharie now, he usually sat by his fresh ass if he had a meal at the High Table.

Unfortunately, Gautier took Aleric’s usual chair at Father’s right and immediately started a conversation about the current spice trade.

Aleric couldn’t do anything except take the next chair on Gautier’s right. If he told Gautier to move, Father would complain. It was only lunch, and their seating didn’t have to be rigid. Besides, it was a place of honor, and Gautier could have it once in a while at lunch so they could talk without making Zacharie shift over a seat.

If Aleric moved down one seat to put distance between him and Gautier, Father would say he was being rude. If he tried to bring up any past stuff, which he wouldn't dare, he’d be called a liar again.

He couldn’t win. Since he’d beaten the prior lord at a chess match, it was punishment. As much as he’d rather crunch on glass chess pieces than let himself be touched by Gautier, he didn’t always have a choice. It seemed Jaime’s presence wasn’t discouraging either. Damn it. Normally, a person’s knee brushing against another under the table would be an accident anyway.

It wasn’t a mistake.

Aleric knew better by then. He refused to cringe away or reveal his disgust. Gautier had already seen him at his lowest and brought him there too. Aleric wasn’t going to show anything in public, and he couldn’t say anything because Father would disregard it and scold him for lying.

Zacharie would say he was jealous.

“You’re just mad because he liked me and not you. You had years to make a move and did nothing. How was I supposed to know? You’re making up shit so I’ll stop seeing him. You're fucking a pig to come in here with a pack of lies.”

Without Aleric, Gautier had made a bold move when the opportunity came, and his gamble had worked. Zacharie told everyone he’d made the first move. Aleric was pretty sure the Earl had told him to lie.

As soon as he was eighteen, Gautier had surely pursued him. Zacharie was stupid enough to be lost in a few nice words and attention from a handsome, older gentleman who made him feel like he was the most special young man in the world. Having his cherry popped by a man who still had stamina at his age and could fuck like an animal had sealed the deal.

What was truly disgusting was Gautier had surely been talking to Zacharie in secret before he was eighteen and planning to snare him. He had a way of complimenting and making a young man feel like he was older, special, and smart. Aleric would know.

Midway through the meal, he turned to make sure Jaime was behaving. His expression was sullen, and his eyes immediately went to Aleric with something that wasn’t exactly pleasant.

What would he do if approached and paid off? Would he try to stab Aleric or slip something in his drink if the amount of money was just right? Gautier wouldn’t attempt it with Jaime just yet. If a new man appeared like an opportunity, he needed to be allowed to ease into his living situation before anything major was directed. He might not be the type of person who’d take a coin purse and agree to kill a man either.

Aleric went back to his meal while he tried to think of moves he could take to defend himself. If only it were as easy as chess without such a heavy price.

Gautier nattered on about the price of ovi and how he was sure the Windswept Isles were charging Soleil more compared to other Kingdoms like West Bay, Cumbershire, and East Forest.

“Queen Kalani is rather close to King Oriel and his husbands,” said Lord Monet. “King Kalen and Rhys too. They went to war together, so they’re all pals. Of course, the poor crop won't change their prices, and they can have spicy chicken every day. I’m sure Cumbershire cut them a deal for something.”

“They shouldn’t be meddling with prices like that. It needs to be even depending on where it's transported. It's not the same as two pals making a private deal that doesn’t change what the citizens generally pay.” Gautier managed to bump Aleric with his elbow that time.

Besides shutting him up, Aleric wished he could stick his fork in Gautier’s throat and finish him right there. It would be satisfying to watch him gurgle on his blood, claw at the fork, die with his face planted in his lunch plate, and have to be carried out with bits of spinach and chicken stuck to his face.

Unfortunately, Aleric would be arrested for cold-blooded murder.

He’d run over many ways in his mind. The problem was that if he failed, how could he face Father and explain it when he hadn’t been believed before? Father would think he was a killer, and it would gut him.

Gautier might wait ages before trying again. He had time, and he was likely also hoping Aleric would flee. Without the eldest heir, Zacharie would be set to inherit the Earldom.

Gautier would propose. They’d get married. After a while, Lord Monet would be dealt with. Oops. What an unfortunate accident. Gautier would rise to the position of Earl with his young husband and have a few years ahead to enjoy what he’d lost before. If Zacharie had no part in anything, he’d be unwittingly lying with a murderer. He'd also be easily manipulated and swayed into decisions.

Aleric decided to skip dessert when it came even though he liked chouquettes. He needed to get away from Gautier, and he rose to tell Jaime to follow.

“You’re not staying?” Gautier tapped Aleric’s arm even though the question was no fucking reason to touch him.

“Have a couple.” Lord Monet reached for the platter of small, round pastries with pearl sugar. “I might have more than a couple.”

Aleric kept his composure and managed to not jerk his arm away. “No. Jaime, follow.”

“More for us,” Zacharie gloated.

It was a relief to be away from Gautier, although he couldn’t relax yet. The once-Earl likely wouldn’t be caught staring too openly in case Zacharie noticed and grew jealous. His attitude and devotion had to appear immaculate. Aleric still felt as if Gautier’s eyes were boring into his back as he left. The feeling only lessened in the entrance hall.

Jaime was silent until they were back in his rooms. A tray waited for him on the table in front of the couch, and Aleric was about to head to his bedroom when Jaime spoke.

“Can you not tell me to follow like I’m a doggie who needs to amble after his Master when told? Shall I wag my tail too?”

“If you feel like a doggie, that’s your problem. Not mine. Come into my bedroom after an hour.”

“Why?”

Aleric paused by his door. “Why do you think?” Did he have to constantly question? It was pretty obvious why Jaime would be invited to the bedroom, and it wasn’t for tea.

“Why an hour?”

“Because I don’t want you sucking my cock and throwing up in my lap because you just ate.”

“Oh.” Jaime squinted and let his eyes rove down Aleric’s body. “What if I don’t feel like sucking your cock?”

“Then don’t.”

Aleric slammed his bedroom door.

***

The problem with asserting dominance was that the other sometimes didn’t want to be dominated, and they weren’t the type to pretend for a bit. Not easily, anyway.

In other words, people like Jaime.

The other problem was that Aleric preferred men like Jaime and submitting to them, not dominating. He knew it was just the horny, not fully satisfied part of his brain that started thinking of what it would be like if he asked to get pinned down and railed. Jaime would probably jump on the chance, and Aleric could finally have what he’d been missing for years.

He didn’t feel confident when Jaime walked in after an hour since the bedroom door had been left unlocked. He’d rather suspected his aid would come because the prospect of sexual contact would interest him, and he was right.

The problem was whether or not Aleric could assert a little more control so Jaime didn’t do like last night and expect more later. Keeping it like business was one way. He paid, and Jaime would do the job. They wouldn’t get closer, become friends, or mess around in other ways. Just like he wouldn’t grow friendly with anyone at the whorehouse and allow extra liberties.

Jaime’s eyes went to Aleric and then around the room like he expected an assassin to jump out. Considering Aleric’s current life, that might not be much of a stretch. When he saw the glass flower light catchers hanging in the window, he paused.

“Those are pretty.”

They weren’t just pretty decorations, not that Jaime needed to know what they were for. He didn’t need to know anything about Aleric’s private life. Nestled against his pillows on top of his blanket, he lowered his book. “I didn’t bring you in here to gawp at my things.”

Jaime came to the foot of the bed. “Did someone try to rob you?”

He’d noticed the locked doors last night, so Aleric went with his question. “A couple of things went missing several years ago. I take precautions now. I don’t know if a servant did it or if my brother was being an ass. If you ever steal anything of mine, I’ll have you whipped.”

“I’m not stupid. If anything went missing, I’d be the first suspect.” Jaime rolled his eyes.

“I’m still warning you. Get over here and undo my trousers.”

Even though he couldn’t have what he really wanted anymore, at least he could get off. He could take care of himself, but he couldn’t suck his own dick, and it’d be a way to burn off a little stress. Instead of immediately complying like the whores Aleric used to scratch the itch, Jaime simply stood there.

Trying to dominate a top was likely better done by someone more imposing. Or an actual, true top. Aleric only pretended, and Jaime not getting started on his job, like he was paid to do, didn’t bode well for the future.

“Are you deaf?” Aleric snapped as he pushed his heat anyway. “You can’t do anything over there.”

“I heard you,” said Jaime. “You know, usually, I like sucking dick and getting a guy off. Usually, my partners aren't so demanding of me either. Anyway, it’s not fair if I spend a year swallowing your cum while I’m stuck with my hand. So…are we going to do stuff so we can both get off or what?”

“You’re being paid to satisfy me.”

“You can’t get any satisfaction from sucking mine too?”

“I don’t suck dick.” Dear Elira, Aleric missed sucking cock. “Use your wages and find a whore later. You’re allowed to go out with a guard.”

Even though he was sure he’d never feel like a real top, he had something Jaime didn’t: his heat. A blowjob felt better with it, and he was sure herbs to improve a man’s stamina and sexual performance couldn’t quite match up. His face and chest were already warm, and even though Jaime was being a nuisance, Aleric still couldn’t pretend he wasn’t easy on the eyes. The gold embroidery on his coat enhanced his orange eyes, and Aleric wanted to know what he looked like without anything on.

“You don’t suck dick?” Jaime asked like that was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard.

Aleric was ready to feel Jaime’s hot mouth on his cock, not argue. “Again, are you deaf?”

“No, I’m not deaf, so stop asking. I guess I can see that. If you really don’t like dicks in your mouth…” Jaime shrugged. “Are you going to turn over for me?”

“No, I’m not going to turn over for you. I can get pregnant, you idiot.”

“Herbs prevent pregnancy.”

“Did you just come in here to ask stupid questions?” demanded Aleric.

“Did you only bring me here to use my mouth as a cum midden? I was kinda hoping for something a little more exciting, and maybe you didn't want to say it right away last night. We’d just met, and maybe you wanted to keep something back. Even if you don’t like me all that much, sex is supposed to be fun for both involved. I happen to like orgasming too.”

Aleric wasn’t allowing other things that might make him feel close, and he certainly wasn’t going to satisfy a man who might betray him later since Aleric would have to kick him out if he had an inkling of that. He wasn’t going to be anyone’s toy again, that was for sure, and he was pretty sure that’s exactly what Jaime would see him as.

“We could have a lot of fun, we’ll both be satisfied, and you can take herb stuff to ensure you’re not popping out my kid in nine months. I’m not one of those guys that leave the other hanging-”

“No.”

“Or I could do other things to you that don’t involve cumming in your ass. We just met yesterday, so if you’re not keen on letting someone in that fast...” Jaime probably didn’t like the glare he was getting since he looked away. “I’m not bending over for your dick if that’s what you’re thinking.”

The heat was making him desperately horny, and while a blowjob would work, it was tempting to take off his clothes, turn over, and beg to be fucked in the ass. It was being offered. Most men would think another was a fool for rejecting sex. It would feel so much better to cum on a cock. “I didn’t ask to fuck your ass. You-”

“I’m just making sure, and I don’t care if you pay me double. I don’t bottom.”

“I don’t bottom either. Nothing ever goes up my ass. Clear?” Elira, how Aleric missed being fucked. It was tempting to pay a whore to hold him down and pound him into a bed. Or the wall. Or the floor. As long as he was fucked because nothing would ever match up to it. It would be even better with someone of Jaime’s build. He’d always liked big men who could easily take control of him.

Jaime squinted. “You don’t strike me as a top or a dominant. And it’s not because you’re an abundant male. You just don’t seem like that kind of guy, and my gut is usually right. You also let me stick two fingers up your ass, so clearly, your hole isn’t untouched land.”

“I only let you finger me so I could cum quicker. The Madam doesn’t typically like two people entering her place of business and using a room to get off.”

“Mmm.” Jaime clearly didn’t believe him.

Aleric was about to throw the book at him and tell him to get the fuck out. This man was impossible to assert control over. He might as well never ask again and stick to his hand and toy. Jaime could have his damn pay for being a sort of guard. At least Aleric wouldn’t have to hear his damn arguing.

“You know, whenever I’ve gone into a whorehouse, and a few are trying to get my attention to part me from whatever money I’m willing to spend, I’m pretty good at figuring out who prefers to bottom and submit.”

“Get the fuck out if you’re going to stand there and compare me to a whore.” Why did he even try? Even if Aleric was a true dominant and top in bed, Jaime just wouldn’t do it without being maddening about the whole situation. He had an attitude that said he was used to getting what he wanted in bed, and he wasn’t about to stop even for money.

Jaime held up his hands. “I wasn’t trying to compare you to a whore. Can we do something else?”

“Like what?” Aleric asked in a snarky tone. “You fucking off and leaving me alone since you’re being an ass? There’s an idea.”

“Instead of me sucking your dick-” Jaime crawled onto the bed and started undoing his trouser laces with one hand. “We could-”

He moved to get on top, and Aleric immediately drew up a leg to plant his boot on Jaime’s chest. Jaime paused with one hand on the bed and close to Aleric’s hip.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Aleric asked in a low voice as his heart thudded, and he wished he hadn’t left his sword on top of his chest of drawers where he couldn’t reach it so easily.

“Please don’t kick me.”

“If you keep trying to push this somewhere I don’t want, I’ll do far more than kick you.”

Jaime shifted maybe a half inch back, although Aleric didn’t dare move his boot. “I was going to suggest that instead of you simply treating me like a mouth, we could do a little foreplay. You told me to suck your cock, but when I do that with men, I’m used to there usually being foreplay and a little fun before we get to the main event.”

With him in control. Aleric could already see it.

“Kissing? Touching?” Jaime raised an eyebrow. “It’s not like I’m a dirty street whore who may not have washed today. If you were okay with it, we could also rub our cocks together. That’s something I like, and it’d get us both off. I’ll eat your ass too, but only if you ask me very nicely without an attitude.”

“You felt the need to immediately get on top of me without asking?”

Something in Jaime’s expression shifted. Guilt? “For Elira’s sake, it’s not like I’m going to force you or flip you over and do what I want. I didn’t mean it like that. I was going to kiss you to start with.”

Fuck, no. Depending on how one looked at it, that was more intimate than sex, and Aleric didn’t kiss whores. He hadn’t kissed anyone in years even though he missed that too, and he wasn’t about to start intimate actions with a person he had to live with in close quarters.

“I can’t kiss you?”

“Get out.” After a while, it’d be too tempting to go farther and torture because Aleric wouldn’t. He couldn’t let it go that far, and he sure as fuck wasn’t breaking his rule. He’d already danced on the edge the night before by not telling Jaime to stop fingering his ass. He’d enjoyed it too much, and since he couldn’t turn off his heat once he pushed it, he might get a little too desperate and find himself on the slippery slope of allowing more and more until he was practically in the same position as before.

“Fine. I’m not sucking your dick. Don’t ask me again.” Jaime pulled back and got off the bed. “Keep your damn money since I’m just a-whatever. Enjoy having a free servant.”

Aleric said nothing as he watched him fix his trousers. Part of him wanted to ask Jaime to get back in bed, get on top, and rub their cocks together. Kiss and fuck him until he came and forgot all of his problems for a few seconds. Damn it. His hole was soaked, and he could feel the slick that had gotten on his drawers.

Jaime straightened his coat and left the room without another glance. Part of Aleric was beyond relieved. The other half wanted to beg him to come back and do whatever he wanted. He probably thought Aleric was a frigid ice block.

Except he wasn’t.

Combined with all of the other things he’d love to have done to him in bed…No. He couldn’t imagine himself going down the slippery slope. He hurried to unlace his boots and kick them off before practically ripping his trousers and drawers off. The toy in his drawer would give him the thing he couldn’t get from his hand.

It was glass and rather long with a curved, flared base that made it easy to grip and use on himself. He put down a piece of cloth so he wouldn’t end up with a huge wet spot on his blanket, got comfortable on his back, and reached down to work the toy in.

It wasn’t a real penis, but it was enough since his hole needed to be filled. Thank Elira for slick and the heat loosening his passage a little. He had to be gentle at first as he worked in the slimmer head, and it grew easier.

Once he was able to slide it in and out a couple of times with ease, he went a little faster. The glass slowly warmed from his hole. He hadn’t taken off his shirt, but he knew his chest was flushed like his face, and it was quite warm.

He eased against the bed as he fucked himself harder. The toy and his hands were enough. He wasn’t going to break his rule, and he didn’t need anyone. He certainly didn’t need Jaime.

He gripped his cock with his free hand, smeared around the pre-cum leaking from the tip, and stroked himself. The slight curve in the thick phallus was perfect for stimulating his prostate, and he squeezed his eyes shut.

It would be better with someone else, and he couldn’t help but imagine the first courtier he’d gone to bed with. The other guy hadn’t been particularly special, and he’d blown too fast in his excitement since it had been his first time as well. Aleric hadn’t even gotten close to finishing since he needed more than two minutes of stimulation.

Still, Aleric had never forgotten what it was like. He’d finally had his ass filled, and it was so much better than he’d imagined when the guy had held him down on the bed, pinned his wrists behind his back so he couldn’t move, and fucked him like a damn animal.

The orgasm rapidly built with the double stimulation. His nuts were tightening, and he bit his lip to keep quiet.

A fist pounded on the door. “Aleric.”

Fantasy forgotten and right on the brink of orgasm, his eyes popped open as the handle rattled, and through the haze of lust, he remembered what he’d stupidly forgotten to do in his damn desperation to get off.

The unlocked door opened, and absolute panic made him yank out the toy and let go of his cock. Jaime stopped dead in the doorway at the sight of Aleric half-naked and spread like a whore on his bed while slick dripped from his ass. “Uh…”

Aleric damn near screamed as he sat up. “What the fuck are you doing?”

Jaime flushed. “I just came to say-”

“Get out! Get the fuck out!”

Jaime saw him lift his arm and hastily shut the door. Aleric’s phallus hit the frame a second later with a loud crack and landed on the floor where it broke. A couple of pieces of thick glass skittered across the floorboards. The fucking bastard had ruined his impending orgasm! Why hadn’t Aleric locked the door? He made a noise of absolute rage and wanted to hit something. Preferably Jaime’s face.

He’d kill the fucker for barging in right before he was about to cum. Aleric smacked his head back on his bed. Damn it.

A sudden ache started in his midsection, and he grabbed his stomach as he sat up. What the fuck? His uterus was a small unused thing that pretty much did nothing inside him since he’d never had a child and wasn’t about to. It shouldn’t hurt unless he’d conceived four weeks ago, which was impossible since no one had screwed him in years.

The ache turned into a stabbing pain as his face and chest grew hotter. The urge to have his ass stuffed was more intense than he’d ever felt, and his passage was cramping.

He took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself because he was pretty sure about the cause of the sudden pain.

He needed his toy back in him, except…it was in pieces on the floor, and he certainly wasn’t shoving broken glass up his rear.

“Fuck.”

He knew what the problem was, and it wasn’t something he’d ever imagined dealing with. He didn’t have another toy, and there was nothing he could or would use in his room. He was pretty sure his fingers wouldn't work either.

His hole contracted like it needed something inside of it as the pain grew so bad, he almost shouted.

Heat fever. It was rare, and an abundant male could get it if their orgasm was denied at the vital moment. It meant either suffering for hours while his uterus contracted along with his passage, or he’d get fucked until orgasm which would cure the issue. Jerking himself off wouldn't work since it had to be from anal sex.

There wasn’t anyone to fuck. The rule was ironclad…Aleric pictured Jaime who might have still been in the sitting room. He didn’t need Jaime or anyone else. He’d tough it out himself. Heat fever didn’t mean he couldn’t say no. He curled up on the bed as sudden, worse pain lanced through him hard enough to force a short scream from him.

Screw the rule. There was no one else in the Castle he could let up his rear, and he couldn’t endure hours of heat fever if the pain was that severe.