Page 122 of Bloom
“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.”
