Page 16 of Bloom
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 toldeveryone 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.
