Bloom

Chapter Twenty-Nine

“Gautier didn’t say to call Pearl a whore,” Zacharie told Aleric. “I said it because-” He cut off.

Aleric was used to not giving a shit when Zacharie was upset. He hadn’t seen his brother cry in years, but he looked ready to start right there, and he suddenly regretted all the times he’d told his little brother to go away and stop pestering him. He’d thought Zacharie would immediately say something if anyone ever struck him, and he hadn’t. If their relationship had been better, he might have felt comfortable coming to him to say something.

Or it wouldn’t have happened at all.

“What?” pressed Aleric.

“I slipped a note between the cards that said I wanted to talk to you because Gautier had said some things, and I was scared. You told me you looked, but you still threw the damn cards out the window.”

Aleric’s gut pinched as he remembered how Zacharie had looked at him after he said he had looked. He’d tried to ask for help and probably felt like he’d been spit on.

“I didn’t,” admitted Aleric. “I mean, I opened the box and saw the top card. I didn’t look through them. I had no idea there was a note, and I threw the box outside. I didn’t even watch the cards fall…”

“Gautier helped me pick them up. I said I’d do it myself, but he insisted, and I think he might have spotted the note and knew I’d written to you in secret. They were all over the front yard, and I was hurrying to snatch them up. The note was small. He might have seen it, tucked it in his pocket, and opened it later in secret.”

“What all has he said?”

“He said the three who might have attacked you might have been intended for me, but they fucked up.”

Aleric shook his head. “That doesn’t make sense. We don’t look alike.”

“Hits are often paid in full after the job is done,” Zacharie said in a rush. “They meet somewhere and get the rest of the money, often through a middleman who brings the coin. He might not even know what it’s for, and he’s not specifically involved in the plot.”

“Okay?”

“I went with several courtiers, and it would have been impossible to get to me without witnesses. Only a fool would have risked it. No kill, no money. They would know they’ve wasted time, and if someone’s morals are black enough to kill for money, who can say they didn’t decide to turn on you? They could have taken your horse and sword.”

He had a point. Men hired for a quick job to kill aren’t necessarily loyal to the payer.

“Gautier said it made sense because he didn’t believe anyone at court had a reason to kill you.”

“But Mighty-”

“You paid the stableboy to spread something on her. If I died, someone would think both sons were a target, and you were lucky enough to live. At most, Mighty would have thrown you.”

“I wouldn’t poison my own horse!”

“You would if you were trying to get rid of me because you’re afraid I’ll take your spot,” Zacharie snapped. “This is what Gautier told me. It turned out they couldn’t get me, so they went after you. It made sense because a plot might involve something to hurt the perpetrator. They need to look innocent, and if they can appear like a victim to a point, it’ll throw off suspicion. Those guys simply decided to kill and rob you to get paid despite not finishing the actual job. Gautier said we couldn’t tell Father, and it didn’t make full sense. I know you hate me, but you’re not a killer, and I kept thinking about what you said…I started to wonder if Gautier had plotted. At the same time, I couldn’t imagine him doing so because...I love him.”

Love didn't mean a person was good. Zacharie had stumbled onto the truth, although in a broken way.

“When you threw the cards, I was mad, and I wanted to hurt you back. It felt like you'd abandoned me, and that’s why I insulted your Mother. I thought Gautier might be right, but I don’t want you to die, and he’s saying I’m in danger.”

Aleric took a deep breath as Jaime came to the bedroom door, holding his sword. “Gautier knows I like Winter’s Edge sherry from Iceland,” he started since that was the first thing Zacharie had told him. “It’s expensive to buy and transport across the realm, and most of the courtiers don’t like it, so we don’t often get any.”

“Okay?”

“Gautier said I was supposed to bring a bottle of it and two small cups to him a couple of nights ago and try to make up,” Zacharie added. “He picked a drink Aleric would love.”

Jaime stepped back to look at Aleric’s sideboard. He only had a few glasses and sealed bottles of wine that he hadn’t touched in a while. He didn’t have any sherry glasses since he rarely drank it.

“The sherry would be poisoned.”

Zacharie shook his head. “No, the glasses would have poison rubbed on the rim. I’d have to drink the sherry too. If not, he’d suspect.”

“He told you to do this?” asked Jaime.

Zacharie nodded. “I was to drink out of the one with a blue band around the bottom because it’d be the safe glass. The strong mint in the Winter’s Edge would hide anything. I refused to take the glasses to him that night, and the next morning is when I started everything in the Hall. I knew if I pissed Aleric off enough, there was no way he'd drink anything I offered.”

“Where are the glasses and the sherry?” asked Aleric.

“In Gautier’s rooms. He tried to get me to go last night too, and I told him I was too scared. He’s furious, and I’m afraid to go away with him. I think he found the note, and he knows I didn’t believe him at first.”

“Wait, why the outburst?”

Zacharie’s face pinched. “Aleric’s not going to drink sherry with me and hear apologies after I just shamed and embarrassed him a second time. Father announced Aleric’s marriage, so I went with it. Gautier hit me for it, and he still wanted me to try. He’s said Aleric’s trying to have me killed so his position is safe.”

Damn it. Zacharie had tried to protect him, although he’d gone about it in a very brattish way.

“I don’t think Gautier’s in the hallway,” said Jaime. “I don’t know where he went or what he’s doing. We need to go to Lord Monet, get him up, and tell him what’s happening.”

“He might have guards on his side,” said Aleric. “There’s usually eight on duty at night. We’ll go to the city and get those. Come on.”

Zacharie hesitated. “I killed Olivier. I had a feeling he’d tried to poison Aleric because he was too sick after his injury. I found something to slip into the herbs he always had for tea in the morning. It strained his heart.”

“It was defense,” said Aleric. “He won’t do anything to you, and I won’t let him. I know you’re scared, but there are three of us right here. Come on.”

Aleric gave Zacharie his dagger before they went to the sitting room door. Jaime went first by throwing it open and entering the hallway with his flaming sword.

“It’s clear.”

The Castle had never felt so empty and abandoned when they hurried to Father’s rooms. Aleric didn’t knock, and Father damn near jumped out of his armchair when they entered with weapons drawn.

“What the fuck?” He sleepily blinked at his sons and Jaime. “Why are you locking the door?”

“Zacharie can tell you the whole thing later,” Aleric said as Father rubbed one of his knees and reached down for the book that had fallen out of his lap. He must have dozed off while reading. “I wasn’t lying, Gautier beat me, and he tried to drug me that night. Olivier poisoned me, he’s harmed Zacharie, and he wants me dead.” Father stared at him like he’d lost his mind. “Show him.”

Zacharie lifted his shirt to show the bruising. “Everything he said was true. If Alex hit me, why not Aleric? There’s other stuff too.”

Anger flared for a moment in Aleric as Father gaped at the bruise. “If you’d fucking believed me earlier…I wasn’t lying. He beat me with a belt and left me on my bedroom floor.”

“I don’t know what Gautier’s doing now,” said Jaime. “He needs to be locked up.”

“Even if you don’t believe me, at least lock him up for beating your youngest,” snapped Aleric. “If you think Zacharie’s lying too, I’ll take him right out of here, and I don’t know if we’ll ever come back.”

No heirs, no chance to be the lord. Father might not be a target with no way for Gautier to get his position, and Aleric wasn’t going to stick around if Father wasn’t willing to believe the evidence right in front of his face.

“Fuck.” Lord Monet grabbed his cane leaning against the armchair and stiffly stood. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you can explain it later. Where is he?”

“I don’t know,” said Jaime. “He was trying to get Zacharie to stop talking to Aleric, and we’d locked him out. He argued with me and walked away. Why don’t we leave and go to the city guard? It’s less likely that Gautier’s too friendly with them, and they can scour the Castle. We don’t know if he’s got any of the Castle guards on his side.”

“We could fight him if needed,” said Aleric. “Four against one.”

“You’re pregnant, Zacharie’s a lot younger, Lord Monet has bad knees, and I’m one person,” said Jaime. “Delphine’s not here to heal injuries. Too risky. Let’s go. The sooner we’ve got guards after him, the better I’ll feel, and if you think I’m letting you fight with our baby in your stomach when we might have better options, you’re insane.”

“He’s right,” said Father. “Get my sword belt. It’s in the bedroom.”

Aleric ran to fetch it. Lord Monet buckled it on and grabbed his cloak. If anyone had come in, the group of four in their nightclothes hurrying down the stairs would have been beyond strange. Higher-ups don’t go out when they’re not properly dressed.

Father had to be burning with questions. Aleric and Zacharie could talk to him later. Aleric wanted to kick himself because he’d thought Zacharie would immediately run to say something to Father if anyone ever laid a hand on him. He couldn’t even handle being picked on as a kid without blabbing.

They were halfway across the entrance hall when the main doors opened, and Gautier stood there in sleep clothes like them, although he’d put on his cloak, and he had his sword belt strapped on. He’d drawn his weapon like the eight guards behind him. The new Commander of the Castle guards, a man Aleric didn’t trust, stood closest to Gautier.

They were too late.

“Arrest Aleric and bring him into the Hall,” Gautier said as if he were the lord and in control.

Father stepped forward. “You don’t command anyone here, and Aleric’s not being arrested. Commander Smith, arrest Alex and take him to the city prison. He-”

“Why would I do that?” asked Smith.

Lord Monet blinked at him. “Excuse me?”

“You don’t know what’s going on.”

“Move, or I’ll make you move when I put my fucking sword through your gut,” snarled Jaime.

“You’re going to fight all of us?” Smith moved forward, and three others immediately followed. The other four appeared rather confused. “From what I’ve heard, Aleric’s a good liar, and if we don’t get this under control, Lord Monet won’t be alive for much longer.”

Jaime pointed his flaming sword at Smith. “Get the fuck away.”

Lightning crackled around Aleric’s. Zacharie only had a dagger, but he summoned fire to his hand since he didn’t need to channel.

“M’lord,” said one of the guards who clearly wasn't a part of things. “Maybe we should put away our weapons and calm down for a moment. Lord Gautier, I think there’s a misunderstanding.”

“Are you going to listen to the man who’s trying to protect his best friend, or an aid whose head has been filled with lies, and a Father who’s too blind to think his oldest son would ever do a thing against the family? Arrest Aleric and bring everyone into the Hall because I have to show Lord Monet a few things to prove what’s going on. Aleric needs to be executed for treason.”

“Put your weapons down,” commanded Lord Monet. “No magic either. All of you better stand back, and no one’s touching my sons or Jaime.”

If they went to the city guard, those with Gautier might flee. William was the Commander of the city guard, and he’d likely obey the order to walk off of a cliff if Father said so.

They'd pretty much lost their chance to get out.

“He knows nothing,” Gautier hissed at the hesitant ones. “Commander Smith knows, but he hasn’t been able to do anything yet. Aleric’s conniving and you have no idea how long it’s taken me to gather proof.”

“What’s the proof?” asked another.

“You don’t need to know everything.” Gautier looked at the group. “Put your weapons down. Unless you want to watch your son die right here.”

Smith immediately went for Jaime, and the three who must have been Gautier’s lackeys followed with weapons drawn. Fire flared around one’s fist as he eyed Aleric, and Lord Monet drew his sword as he yelled at the guards. The remaining four finally entered with their weapons and magic ready since the Commander wasn’t listening to Lord Monet.

In their eyes, Aleric might truly be plotting against his Father and brother.

“Fine.” Jaime threw his sword down, and the fire vanished.

Aleric practically wanted to scream at him. He and Jaime were the best fighters, and while four against eight, nine including Gautier, wasn’t good odds, it would be worse with three.

Jaime glanced over his shoulder. “Drop your weapons. All of you.”

“Are you fucking insane?!”

Jaime turned to Commander Smith. “We haven’t announced it yet, but Aleric’s more than a month along, and if you harm him, you’ll harm a baby who’s done absolutely nothing wrong. You can’t execute him and a child.”

Smith paused and frowned. The innocent four mumbled to each other. While the court had likely gossiped nonstop, not all of the guards might have heard anything about Aleric’s condition.

“He is pregnant,” Lord Monet hastily said. “That’s why I sent the court home. Aleric wants peace so he can rest and give birth later.”

“So?” demanded Gautier. “I said to arrest him. You can do that without killing him.”

Jaime shot him another look. Aleric could think of a few ways surrendering would work, but that would depend on everyone else playing fair. They wouldn’t. Gautier wouldn’t let Aleric end up in the city prison to await a trial. He’d run his mouth and admit everything along with Zacharie.

Gautier wasn’t going to let him see the next sunrise if he could help it.

If he fought, Jaime would pick up his sword and try to defend them, but he’d put himself at a disadvantage. Zacharie wasn’t enough, and Lord Monet might bear worse injuries from a weapon or magic because he couldn’t move very fast with his poor knees.

Putting up a stand right there wasn’t going to end well. Aleric dropped his sword and let it clang on the marble before nudging Zacharie who was shaking. “Put the dagger down.”

Lord Monet started to say something as Zacharie obeyed, and Aleric interrupted. “Just do it.”

Father gritted his teeth and dropped his sword before letting his fire vanish. Smith immediately moved for Jaime, probably judging him to be more dangerous due to his size. Two more headed right for Aleric, and he stepped back, thinking they might immediately kill him and turn the entrance hall into a slaughter.

“I wouldn’t hurt a pregnant man and deal with Elira’s wrath if you harm an unborn baby.” A vein stood out in Jaime’s forehead, and he’d clenched his fist.

“If he doesn’t fight back, he'll be fine,” said Gautier. “Into the Hall.”

Zacharie grabbed Aleric’s arm. “We’ll go in. You don’t have to touch him.”

Father had gripped his cane so tightly, his knuckles were white as he led them into the Hall. A few lanterns sat on tables for the ambiance. Gautier clapped twice with a piercing whistle, and the magic light that came from nowhere brightened the room. It was almost like they were about to have dinner or a party, except there weren’t enough people. Every damn thing was wrong, and Aleric wasn’t sure if he’d ever have another meal with his family and Jaime.

He wouldn’t have a chance to fix all the damage he’d done with Zacharie.

Gautier came with Smith into the Hall. Three closely followed, and Aleric knew all their names. They’d worked at the Castle for six years, and like almost everyone, he hadn’t trusted them although they’d never done a single wrong thing. Tim, Johnson, and Gregory. Gregory was the only one who stood out since he had reddish hair, and small, white horns.

The other four followed with unsure expressions. Gautier stopped and held up a hand to them. “You can stay out there.”

“Uh, Lord Gautier-”

“I need to discuss a few things with Lord Monet. Only a few of the guards know what’s fully going on and what Aleric has been doing. This is a sensitive matter.”

“But-”

“I couldn’t risk bringing everyone in on this in case anyone betrayed us. I needed to acquire proof to show Lord Monet, and it took time. Surely you can understand. Since you came when I said so, Lord Monet will reward you once he’s been filled in. He’ll understand your loyalty and that you’re only trying to do your best.”

An older, blond man pursed his lips slightly. “Shouldn’t we get the city guard since this is a serious matter?”

“Absolutely not. Lord Monet can decide who is permitted to know the full truth after I’ve told him everything. If you ruin this, you’ll be lucky if he only sacks you. I’m not the lord, but you have to listen to me. I’m the one who has been working behind the scenes to aid Lord Monet for quite a while now.”

What a snake. He was making it sound like he’d had a little spy network, and if anyone had whispered to Lord Monet, it would have ruined everything.

“Wait outside on the steps until I relieve you,” commanded Smith. “Now.”

The four moved to obey the order of their superior, and Gautier hastily shut the double doors.

Maybe Jaime had been onto something. Gautier had just split his forces, although the odds still weren’t good. They’d left their weapons, and only a couple of things could be used in the Hall. Getting to them would be a problem. Jaime and Aleric could only channel, and he wasn’t sure if Zacharie could fight. He looked like he was about to piss himself.

Gautier sighed and motioned at them. “On the dais.”

They’d be farther from the doors. Smith was already stalking toward the metal, folding lattice screen to the right of the High Table if one sat there. It hid the entry for servants to come and go from the kitchen. The door was likely locked, and when Smith went around the screen, he reappeared quite quickly.

“It’s locked,” said Smith.

“Good.” With the family on the dais and the space likely making him feel safer, Gautier smiled at Jaime who was looking rather murderous. “Do you remember what Zacharie said?”

“I don’t care what he said. I know you’ve just failed to get yourself a hold, and you’re scrambling to fix everything since it was fucked up tonight. There aren’t any more brothers for you to chase after.”

“Zacharie’s turned out to be rather stubborn. He’s very much like his half-brother in some ways. I knew he’d run to blab when I came out of the privy room to find him gone.” Gautier removed his cloak and flung it on a table. “What a sneak.”

“You scared me,” said Zacharie. “Why don’t you just…go?”

Gautier raised an eyebrow and laughed. Despite standing on the dais and having some height against those in the Hall, Aleric didn’t feel big, and Zacharie practically looked pitiful as he gave his lover a weak smile.

“I figured out you were committing treason, and I get why. You lost something, and you want it back, but I’d rather you go. We’re not getting married, and you’re not going to get your old position back in a new hold.” Zacharie plowed on when one of the men snorted. “Even if you don’t love me, I’ve loved you, and I don’t want to see you hang. You’re better off running right now with them.” He glanced at the men-at-arms. “You could get far away.”

“And live like an outlaw or a bum while you go on with your lives like nothing happened? Shut up. You’re not very smart, especially since you fell for me.” Gautier turned to Jaime. “I’ll give you a chance to live and join my side. You are my son, and I’m willing to allow you to be my heir.”

The Hall went silent for a moment, and Smith shifted. “What?”

“I wasn’t talking to you,” said Gautier.

Jaime flushed. “I’m not your fucking son. Do you think I’m that stupid? Is every other orange-eyed fairy your kid too?”

He stepped down from the dais and approached him. The other four tensed, but Gautier held up a hand as Jaime squared up to him.

“You’re a fucking liar.”

“If you’d seen portraits of me when I was about your age, you’d see a little more of a resemblance.” Gautier gestured at Jaime and turned a little. Jaime turned to keep facing him with his fists clenched as Aleric looked between their faces. “You’d see it too Aleric. You had no idea you were fucking my son.”

Aleric’s face grew hot. Besides orange eyes, they were more similar in build. Both were muscled and tall. Aleric wasn’t sure if they had the same chin or not, and he didn’t know Jaime’s Mother, so he couldn’t say if he’d gotten more of her features. The men seemed doubtful, and Smith leaned against the table as he rolled his eyes.

“Every time I look in the mirror, I see bits of the man I knew for seven years until he died,” Jaime hissed. “He had orange eyes too. Are you going to tell me you went to a random village and had a night there with my Mother? Huh? Did you stick around for nine months in secret to see the results? Or have you got some other story to pull out of your ass?”

“Your Mother was Countess Scaliger, and you were an accident. Don’t feel bad. You’re not the only accident in this room. Zacharie knows he’s one too.”

Jaime’s mouth opened slightly, and Zacharie tensed beside Aleric.

“Why would you ever tell him that?” demanded Lord Monet. “I told you that in confidence.”

“Be quiet. Zacharie deserved to know.” Gautier barely glanced at Lord Monet before focusing on Jaime who seemed to have lost his words. “You’re not originally from a village like you tell people. You were born in Hemshire.”

Aleric remembered Jaime saying he was an accident. Someone had called him a lucky accident, and Meredith had confirmed it when he asked what that meant. She said Jaime had been dropped off by a stork before she married Federico. Without giving him actual details at that age, the explanation sounded like she and the lord had been fooling around as many young couples might. Once pregnant, they’d hastily married.

“Did you tell Aleric your real last name?” asked Gautier. “Or what you thought it is? You’re not a true Scaliger.”

Dear Elira…Aleric could barely think. If he wasn’t lying…

“You’re Jaime Gautier, and you were the only living person that night. I suspected you might have perished somewhere. Nobody found your body. Who knows what would happen to a little boy? I told the men to try and get you if possible. Even though I didn’t know you, and only of you, I figured I should take my son and spare you. I could have made up a story about a Mistress on the side and her deciding to leave you with me. Something like that to explain my sudden child.”

Jaime’s jaw worked. “My Mother wouldn’t have slept with a scumbag like you. You know my name and guessed somehow-you’re lying. You-”

The man who’d come after Jeb had said to give him the child if Aleric correctly recalled. He hadn’t been hoping to kill Jaime. He would have taken him away. The man who’d turned to Jaime after killing Meredith might not have intended to strike him down. Maybe he would have hit Jaime again for daring to strike his leg. A few slugs to shut him up would have worked, and an adult could have easily carried him out.

Gautier frowned. “Your Mother didn’t cheat. She was in love with Federico even though I’d pursued her. Her parents would have allowed her to marry me, but she refused. She came to a party I held one night with a few others. I tried again. I had a larger hold, and I would have built her Castle bigger than the one Lord Scaliger owned. Anything she wanted. She got rather nasty when I gave her a last chance. She said she’d already made her decision, and I couldn’t offer her anything.”

Aleric’s stomach clenched as something broke in Jaime’s eyes. “You’re lying…” The statement came out weak.

“You weren’t intended. She ran off to be with Lord Scaliger, and I heard they’d had a baby a little over seven months after marrying. The timing lined up perfectly, and I have a feeling Lord Scaliger, being the gentleman he was with ladies, hadn’t gotten into her bed yet. Your Mother was also the sort of woman who’d prefer to wait until marriage. Since she decided to keep you, it’s obvious Lord Scaliger decided he could pass you off as his.”

“I look like him-”

“You have orange eyes. As for seeing bits of him in your face in a looking glass, you think of him as your Father and your mind fills in the memories of his appearance. There’s nothing of him in your face. I used to be friends with Federico before either of us knew Meredith. I remember what he looked like.”

Jaime was a secret rape baby who’d been living more than one lie his whole life without even knowing. Aleric was carrying a rapist’s grandchild.