Page 48 of Bloom
“One of the courtiers-don’t stress yourself.” He waved a hand as Jaime slipped in with a nonchalant expression.
One of the women at court who wasn’t related always had terrible issues with her stomach, and Aleric figured she was the one going home. She was lucky in a way because the physician wouldn’t try to murder her.
“You must not be quite as bad if you’re sitting up.”
“Thankfully.”
“He’s definitely not better,” said Father. “At least he’s not as hot.”
“My breathing is a bit easier too.”
Olivier’s eyes widened a little. Aleric almost wanted to laugh as he imagined the man’s thoughts. Who drank poison and grew better? He’d been hoping for Aleric to die in the night whilesuffocating. Fucking bastard. Aleric wanted to bash the juice jug into Olivier’s head.
“Jaime’s been giving you your medicine?”
“Of course.”
“You drank it?”
“No, I snorted it up my nose.” Aleric rolled his eyes. “How else do you think I fucking took it?”
“Aleric, please,” said Father.
“He’s still not well, so that’s to be expected.” Olivier approached the bedside to eye the bottle and the jar. The level had gone down a little with Jaime tossing each dose down the privy.
“I’m sure I’ll be even better tomorrow.” Aleric gave him a placid smile. “I’d like to sleep if you don’t mind. Jaime’s to give me my medicine tomorrow morning too.”
“You’re not out of the woods yet, so an early night is good,” said Father.
Olivier looked over at him. “You’re staying?”
“I’d rather stay one more night.” Father shifted on his two armchairs. “For peace of mind.”
“You could get in the bed and be comfortable,” said Aleric. “I’m not contagious.”
“No. I’ll end up stealing the blankets and waking you up. I can take the floor if you want the armchairs, Jaime. You said you’d rather sleep in here, right?”
Jaime shook his head. “You can keep the chairs, and I’ll sleep on the floor. It’s fine for a night.” Someone knocked, and he glanced at Aleric just as Zacharie spoke.
“Come in,” called Father.
Zacharie shuffled in with a glower on his face.
“Have you got a stick up your ass?” snapped Aleric.
“I came to see you.”
“About time you remember me.” Aleric was tempted to say he must have been taking a short break from Gautier’s cock.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Olivier strode out with a stiff back like he too had a stick up his bum.
Zacharie let him pass and paused with his hand on the knob. “Um, see you.”
“Byyyye. I feel so loved. What a caring little brother you are. Father’s hardly left the room, but you can barely grant me three seconds from your busy schedule.”
Zacharie scowled and left.
Jaime waited a few seconds to break the uncomfortable silence. “That’s it?”
