Page 128 of Bloom
He came forward without the earlier smile and with a tight grip on his sword. Jaime knew the sword would hurt if it hit him, and it would cut his flesh too, but he couldn’t seem to make himself move, and he didn't know what to do. Mother wassuddenly between them and grabbing Jaime to push him back. He lost his balance and fell on his rear.
The diamonds twinkled as the tip of the blade emerged from her stomach.
“Bitch.” The man yanked his sword out of her, grabbed her by the hair, and threw her aside.
“Don’t hurt him-don’t-” Blood trickled from her mouth as Jaime got up. Mother couldn't be hurt. She couldn’t…
Something in her chest cracked when the man thrust his sword into it. Crimson had blossomed all over the bump under her pink dress, and more stained the bodice. She let out a raspy breath and went still when the man planted a boot on her stomach.
Jaime screamed and ran forward to beat the man’s legs with his fists. “Get off her!”
The man grunted and shoved him back before yanking out his sword. Jaime fell again, and the room blurred as the man turned and lifted his blade again. Drops of blood ran along the edge.
Mother’s blood. She was dead, and he was sure the baby in her stomach wouldn’t move again either.
Jed ran into the room with a sword that wasn’t his own. The other didn’t move fast enough, and he cried out as metal sliced through his coat and bit into his side. He stumbled aside, and Jed, while his moves weren’t smooth like Father or the Castle guards who trained outside, brought the sword down again on his back. The man shouted as he fell to his knees and lost his grip. His weapon clanked on the floor.
“Wait-”
Father limped in just as the man collapsed with Jed’s sword buried in his back. Father was covered in blood. One trouser leg was partially soaked from a cut on his upper thigh. Someone had gotten him in the side too, and streaks of red marked hissleeves and face. His pale blue coat was completely ruined, and his sword was dirty as if he too had run someone through.
Father’s eyes found Mother’s body, and he leaned on the doorway as he made a sound like a wounded animal, and his face collapsed. “M-Meredith…”
Jed yanked his sword free and grabbed Jaime’s arm. “Are you hurt?”
Jaime burst into tears. Why wasn’t Father doing anything to help Mother? They needed the physician.
Jed glanced at Meredith. “Fuck.”
Father covered his eyes. “I should have gone with them. Elira…the baby. I thought…”
“Get in. We already lost, and we have to go.”
As soon as the double doors were slammed shut, Jed slotted the sword into the handles. It didn’t look steady, and with enough shaking, it’d probably fall loose.
“Father-the physician-” Jaime finally said.
“She’s dead. She can’t help anyone.” Father clutched his side. “I need you to go with Jed and do exactly what he says. He’s going to take you out, son.”
Jed shoved the couch against the doors and paused. “What-”
“I’ll stay behind and hold them off.” Father held out his sword by the blade. “Take it. Protect Jaime and get him away. If they’re in the city-go to Rhyo and explain to the Baron what happened. He doesn’t know me, so show him the sword-”
“You’ll show it to him yourself, and he’ll help the three of us.” Jed approached and pointed at the fireplace. “You’re not-”
“They’ll figure out the fireplace and try to follow. I can’t lose Jaime too-I won’t even make it to the end, and I’ll slow you down. Take my sword and use that to protect him if you need it. If you can get to the end of the tunnel, you’ll be fine. Head for the woods.”
Jaime understood enough to know they were leaving the Castle. And Father wasn’t coming. He was bleeding, and if the physician was dead, she couldn’t help him or Mother. How could he and Jed leave Mother on the floor while Father continued to bleed? Somewhere, a woman started shrieking, and it cut off.
“Damn it.” Jed snatched the sword and hooked it on his belt.
“F-Father.” Jaime ran to him and grabbed his coat, heedless of the blood. “I want to stay with y-you.”
Father gripped Jaime’s shoulder. “Go with Jed. I’ll catch up later, okay?”
“N-no! Come now!”
“I can’t. Do whatever Jed says. Remember, you’re my son and a Scaliger.” Father leaned down to kiss Jaime’s forehead.
