Page 124 of Bloom

Page List

Font Size:

They’d certainly be talkingabouthim, 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.