Page 72 of Bloom
“I’m Aleric’s aid, and I’m trying to look out for him the best I can,” said Jaime. “Lord Gautier could have gotten between them instead of immediately snapping and slugging Aleric in the face, especially when he's not fully recovered either. Lord Gautier is also as big as me. Aleric’s gotten on my nerves, but you don’t see me breaking his nose, do you?”
Jaime had a point, and Lord Monet seemed to know it although he wasn’t expecting a commoner to stand there and argue with him. Gautier put on a pleasant smile that made Aleric’s stomach drop.
“He’s right. I was afraid for Zacharie, but I overreacted. I shouldn’t have struck him. Aleric, I apologize for hitting you.”
He’d be sorry when pigs talked and hydropixies learned to read.
Lord Monet sighed. “Fine. Everyone needs to apologize.”
“I’m sorry for what I said about Pearl,” muttered Zacharie.
“I’m sorry that I was going to hit you, and I forgive you.” Hitting was putting it mildly.
“I apologize for breaking your nose.” Gautier didn’t look very remorseful, and Aleric immediately disregarded his apology.
Lord Monet approached Aleric. “Kneel so I can forgive you.”
Aleric got down on one knee so Father could do the typical Soleilian blessing done among families. Regardless of the reason, Gautier probably liked the sight of Aleric on his knees. Anything to get on his nerves. Aleric kept his gaze averted as Lord Monet touched the top of his head.
“I forgive you, son. Think before you act in the future.”
Aleric stood, and Lord Monet repeated the action with Zacharie who actually appeared quite sorry over the whole thing.
“I forgive you too, Alex. We won’t speak of this again.” Lord Monet headed for the door, and the other two followed.
Jaime waited until their footsteps faded down the hall. “They’re probably both crossing their fingers behind their backs right now.”
“Huh?”
“In Moria, it means you’re lying.” Jaime reached behind himself as though he were going to scratch or rub his lower back. “That’s a lovely vest you’re wearing.” He turned his back to show he’d crossed his pointer and middle fingers.
“What’s the point of it?”
Jaime laughed. “I’ve seen it used in a couple of street plays. The liar’s back faces the audience, and if he does that, everyone knows he’s lying to the other character. For kids, it’s also a way of negating the consequences of a lie. It doesn’t matter.”
Aleric furrowed his brow. “You can’t do that. It’s still a lie.”
“I know. I guess it’s a Morian thing. I didn't mean your vest is ugly either.”
Aleric had never heard of it in Soleil. “Anyway, Gautier knows you have a key.”
“I didn’t want to stand out there in the hall like a lump while your Father banged on the door.”
“It better not find its way to Gautier’s hand.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” said Jaime.
“I’m still warning you. You better not leave it lying around anywhere either.”
“I’m not stupid.” Jaime took one of the plates from the table. Aleric hadn’t even noticed that he’d fetched two. “Here. You said you weren't hungry…if you want to eat in your room later, it’ll still be passable in an hour or two.”
Aleric took the plate. “Thanks…and thanks for sticking up for me.”
“Someone has to since Lord Monet has his head shoved in the sand.”
***
“I don’t think you should be going out,” said Lord Monet.
