Page 54 of Bloom
“If you need anything, let me know. And try to see if you get Aleric to relax. I suppose he’s restless, but he shouldn’t be running around or doing much after so much blood loss and the fever. I know he probably won’t listen to me if I tell him to get back in bed.”
Like Aleric cared what Jaime had to say either.
“I don’t know how to find who’s responsible. Andy and those men seemed to have vanished into thin air.” Lord Monet rubbed his forehead. “I have men out searching and questioning locals in the surrounding area…I know it hasn’t been that long, but I’m afraid we’ll end up empty-handed. Will you try to stay with him, and make sure he’s safe?”
“I will.”
“I’ll see you at breakfast.”
Was Aleric going to have a fit in the Hall if he showed up to stand by the wall like before?
***
Aleric was paler. It may have been because of the sunshine pouring in through the windows of the Hall. Or the trip downstairs had taken too much energy. A few courtiers lookedup as Jaime entered. Some were just starting on their food, and others were finishing since breakfast is often less formal with people coming and leaving over an hour or so. The servants simply kept an eye out for anyone coming in and sitting.
At the High Table, Lord Gautier was talking to Lord Monet with a hand firmly clamped on Aleric’s shoulder.
He looked utterly miserable and stiff in his chair. Perhaps it wasn’t the sunlight or lack of energy making him appear paler.
Why the fuck was the lord touching him like that? Lord Monet wasn’t paying attention, and he kept looking at Zacharie who was talking. Aleric’s dark blue eyes flickered to Jaime. Pure shame flashed before he quickly looked away.
If he shrugged the lord off or told him where to stick it, his Father might say he was being rude and grow angry.
“The new stableboy is beyond incompetent,” Jaime heard from Zacharie as he stepped up onto the dais. “He’ll probably put the saddle on your horse’s head and the tack on his arse. I watched him trip over nothing yesterday. I don’t even know how he managed to make it to the age of thirteen considering how stupid he is.”
“He just needs to learn a few things,” said Lord Monet. “He’s not that bad, and you don't need to be so critical and insulting. For Elira’s sake, son. He's also likely nervous about his job. Yesterday was his first day.”
“I’m still pissed we didn’t find the other-Andy,” said Lord Gautier. “He was young. Fifteen, I think?”
“I thought he was fourteen,” said Lord Monet. “Either way, he's a damn traitor.”
“I’ll take a stupid stableboy over one who’s already a snake at that age and would prefer treachery to make coin instead of an honest job. We might never know who paid him off.”
Lord Monet frowned at his plate. “If you hear people talking about it, try to quash the gossip. The whole court knows now, butI’d rather they not start making up ridiculous rumors. You know how things can be twisted. And keep an ear open just in case anyone here seems…suspicious.”
“Of course.” Lord Gautier turned a little and jumped slightly since Jaime was standing right there behind Aleric. “Oh, you startled me.”
“You didn’t see me come up? My apologies.” Jaime managed a stiff smile.
“I thought you went to stand by the wall. I’m just checking on Aleric here.” Lord Gautier patted Aleric’s shoulder before finally letting go. About damn time. Jaime could be rather forward at times, but he didn’t stand right behind people and grope their shoulders like a creep even if he’d had a bit too much to drink in a tavern and was hoping for a night with a man in his bed.
“He should be resting in his room,” added Lord Monet.
“I’m fine,” Aleric said stiffly.
“Take Jaime with you if you go see Mighty.”
“I don't need him pasted to my hip to see my horse.”
“Aleric, don’t argue. We don’t know who is behind the incident. Andy didn’t orchestrate it all.”
“Do you think the other stablemen are going to attack me as soon as I step in? Perhaps the cat who lives there will jump from the loft to gut me with his nails.”
“I’ll feel better if you do what I say,” Lord Monet said as Gautier moved around to sit by Zacharie. “It’s not like I’m demanding you hide in your room for the rest of your life.”
“Do you still feel all right enough to sit up here?” Jaime asked, trying to offer an escape route to Aleric if he wanted it.
“I’m fine,” Aleric repeated.
