Page 47 of Bloom
“I’m just making sure,” Father said while patting Aleric’s face with the sponge. “Alex and the men searched. I've got a web of them out, and they found tracks farther out in the woods from where you came from, but the trail ends. Anyway, he came back. The only lead they have is three men who stayed at an inn in the village of Galway. All three wore grey and kept to themselves. The innkeeper said he didn’t like the look of them, and he never got to see their faces. That was the day before we went hunting.” He sighed and dunked the sponge in the basin. “Nobody saw them leave, and they haven't returned.”
Even if anyone had seen them, Gautier could have said anything. How nice of him to go out and help the men a little bit. Aleric bit back a scoff.
“I'm cold.”
“Let's get you into fresh sleep clothes.”
***
Aleric woke from another nap in the evening so Jaime could give him the actual medicine. The crap was dumped out again.
“I wouldn’t say you look better, but you don’t look as bad, and you're not sweating like a pig. Sit up. I want you to drink more juice.”
“I’d rather sleep. Father gave me more water after he changed me.”
“You need the fluid and sugar. Don’t argue.”
“You’re not my Father.”
“If the attitude is coming back, you must be a tiny bit better. How does your breathing feel?”
“It’s not good, but it’s not quite as hard.”
Jaime helped him to sit up against the headboard and gave him a cup filled with juice and honey. He still ached. He didn’t feel as deathly ill like that morning. Being in dry clothes with clean bedding felt better too.
Whatever was in his system was slowly wearing off. He could hold the cup without shaking and fearing he’d spill it all over himself. Jaime gave him a look like he wanted to demand answers and was holding back. Thank Elira. Aleric didn’t feel like fending off his questions.
“Father’s in the sitting room?”
“I think he went to his rooms. He probably wants to wash up. He said you don’t look quite as bad. Do youfeelany better?”
“A bit. I want to go to sleep.”
“I’ll stay tonight. In here, I mean.”
“Why?” Aleric likely wouldn’t croak now unless the poison had lasting effects that weren’t immediately apparent.
“You’re alive,” said Jaime. “Some might find it unfortunate. Right?”
Aleric gave him a look.
“Do you remember what you said this morning?”
“Yes. It was all true.”
Jaime’s expression dropped. Had he been hoping Aleric had been stuck in a fever dream and imagining insane things? He’d surely figured out that Aleric had brought him there knowing he wasn’t entirely safe.
“I’ll still stay, just in case.” Jaime turned away. “I’ll have dinner and be back in later. I won’t be far away.”
Aleric watched him go. He’d done as asked. Why care more?
Father had to cajole him into eating a little custard before bed. Aleric wasn’t able to finish the bowl since it made his stomach feel off. He was pretty sure it wasn’t poisoned. His stomach simply couldn’t handle much even though the food was soft.
Olivier came in, and when Father asked if everything was all right, the physician huffed.
“She's going home. Probably to ignore all the dietary instructions I've been giving her.”
“Problems?” Aleric asked him in a droll tone.
