“I-”
“What would you have done if your wife had been stressed while pregnant, and someone was saying things to upset her? Your grandchild is about two feet away from you.” He pointed at Aleric’s midsection.
“I can’t tell Zacharie to move out.”
“Why not?” asked Aleric. “How am I supposed to give birth and deal with this?”
“I’ll talk to him, and things will be fine. How do you expect me to ask my other son to go away? If you’d like, I can make the court leave tomorrow. We can hire carriages from the city for anyone who doesn’t have one or a horse. The Castle will be much quieter.”
“I’d rather Zacharie go too. If he’s this mad, what about when I’m showing? What about when the child is here? Shall we be confined to my rooms? I’m already stressed, and this didn’t help. He doesn’t even know for sure that I’m pregnant. He guessed, and if he yelled like that at breakfast, I don’t know what else he’ll do. He’s not going to give a fuck if you talk to him.”
Father furrowed his brow. “I don’t want you to be stressed out, but-”
“Send him to Narter,” Aleric said firmly. “Let him play Baron and have the home to himself.” And he could take the bastard, Gautier, with him too. “Nothing happens there, so he can’t mess it up.”
“He’ll say I’m putting him in a fish hole. When can he come back later? Shall I banish him for life?”
“No.”
“If you don’t do something, I’ll take Aleric and go,” Jaime suddenly said. “That’s my son or daughter in there, and I’m not sitting around while he’s treated like rubbish.”
“I’m not leaving home where my Mother and the twins are buried, or my Father-” Aleric started.
“To keep you safe and healthy, perhaps it’s best for a bit. It doesn’t have to be forever.”
Except if Gautier was around later, Jaime would never bring him back. He’d see it as dragging Aleric into a bear’s den.
Father made a frustrated noise. “You’re not taking my son Elira knows where.”
“You think I can’t take care of him? Maybe I can’t buy him silk, but I can work and keep him fed. He’s not asking you to turn your back on Zacharie forever. Do something for your oldest.”
“Jaime, maybe we should go on a long holiday,” said Aleric, seeing a spot to jab since Father’s resolve on keeping the family together might have been weakening. “I’m not traveling with a newborn, so you can see him or her later, Father. A couple ofyears or so. In fact, maybe we won’t ever return since I don’t want my shit brother being a shitty Uncle to our child.”
Lord Monet’s expression grew hurt. “Aleric, please.”
“I’d never put our child through that.”
“Fine, I’ll-I’ll tell him that maybe it’s best if he goes.”
“Not maybe,” argued Jaime. “He needs to be gone for a while so Aleric can rest and give birth. He also needs to recover and feel safe at home with a newborn. Zacharie needs to learn to grow up and not start shit in the Hall.” He jabbed a finger at the floor. “I will not have my husband and the other Father of my baby treated like that, and you know damn well this isn’t the end because Zacharie thinks he can get away with whatever.”
“You let him get away with shit as a kid,” said Aleric. “I had to go to bed without argument, but he’d wheedle you to stay up a bit longer, and you’d let him. Or you’d let him slack off on training because it was hot outside or whatever. Even though I’m the future lord, that wasn’t good for Zacharie. Besides, if he goes to Narter, he won’t even care after a while as long as he has Gautier. He can lord it over the villagers, and if he does anything stupid, step in. You’re still the Earl. I know you want to keep both of your sons at home with you, but this isn’t working out.”
“Fine.”
“We’ll all speak to him alone. Without Gautier.” Aleric could step in if Zacharie prodded Father to let him stay.
“This afternoon, or whenever Aleric feels comfortable enough. Tomorrow-”
“I’d rather do it right now.” Aleric stood.
“Can we wait-”
“No, we can’t wait. I’m tired, and I don’t feel like dealing with this shit after lunch. I want it done now.”
“Aleric-”
“Now. I don’t even want to go to lunch or any meal after he just embarrassed me in front of everyone. If you have time, you’ll change your mind, and you’ll take his side.”
