Father just didn’t get it and thought Gautier was a stand-up man for being polite and pleasant to Aleric despite his nastiness. Even with someone trying to kill his son, he didn’t get that the one responsible was a friend and in plain sight. After all, Gautier had even gone for a little while to find Andy and the other thugs who were far away by then and likely quite happy with whatever they’d been paid.
At that very moment, Father was likely running through the court in his head: which family member had been less talkative? Had any been acting off? Did any of those who weren’t related seem different? Could any of them be plotting? Did anyone have a grudge against Aleric?
Meanwhile, he’d talk to Gautier who’d nod and appear sympathetic while cursing the fact that Aleric was still kicking.
He should have gone to Father that night with the evidence and showed him everything while it was fresh. He’d been too terrified and humiliated. Clementine didn’t know either because he hadn’t been able to bring himself to tell her. There were other ways to hurt a man that didn’t involve rape.
The stableman said Mighty was doing better. Riding her might not be a good idea.
“She may remember the pressure of the saddle and you on her back. We can’t say how she’d react if you mounted her. Horses remember things, and if she equates riding with pain, she’ll toss you or be nearly impossible to control. If you want to try, I’d say to wait a while.”
“I just want to see her for now,” said Aleric.
“I heard they didn’t catch Andy.”
“Hmm.”
“I thought he was a nice kid and decent enough with the horses.” The stableman scratched his arm. “How do you get mixed up in that shit at the age of fourteen?”
By being poor or just greedy for more money than a common job would pay. A few threats might have made Andy compliant too. The stableman was likely hoping for gossip from the source. Aleric ignored him and continued to the stall where Mighty was waiting. Once he was close enough, she put her head over the stall door, and his chest tightened as he stroked her nose. Mighty wasn’t mad at him.
She was a horse. An innocent, sweet creature who’d done nothing wrong, and a bastard had rubbed poison all over her back in the hopes that she’d grow uncontrollable, toss Aleric, and kill him. It wasn’t fair that she’d suffered and now had a couple of bald patches on her back.
“Poor baby.” He’d snuck a couple of sugar cubes intended for tea at the High Table, and he let her eat one from his hand. “Even if your hair doesn’t grow back in those spots, you’ll still be a pretty girl.”
If he could, he would skin Gautier’s back before killing him. Let him see how he liked it. After she’d eaten her treat, he planted his hands on the wide, flat top of the stall door and boosted himself up.
“Uh, what are you doing?” asked Jaime.
Aleric adjusted himself. “Sitting.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m tired, and I want to sit with Mighty. Feel free to fuck off since I doubt Mighty plans to off me.” She nuzzled his hand, looking for more goodies. “Then again, she might unless I produce more sugar.”
She snorted at him.
Jaime rolled his eyes and glanced at the stablemen who were both leading out two horses to exercise. Despite them being alone, he kept his voice low. “Can you cut the attitude since I’m trying to help you? I’m not Gautier or one of his lackeys.”
For how long? Aleric knew he was nasty, and he acted like a piece of shit nowadays, but what else was he supposed to do? One, he was angry at his predicament. Two, it was better to keep everyone at arm’s length for more than one reason.
Besides being in danger, everyone would think he was eligible again soon. Since Clementine had already remarried, some would say he still had to wait for the four years to pass. Others would say he was available right now. Either way, Father would eventually try to get Aleric to marry again so he could have an heir.
Plenty would view it as hunting season.
He’d heard enough over the years to know people thought he was good-looking. He could bear a child, and plenty of men would like that. No need for a consort with him. Combined with riches and a title, he’d have suitors hoping to head to the Temple with him. It’s not always easy to separate the shit from the good, and he wasn’t taking chances. It didn’t matter that he wanted to marry a big man who could fuck him like an animal, do all of the naughty things he loved, and raise a family with him. He’d never feel safe with a man who could also easily hurt him.
He didn't even want it if he was the top. Any man he permanently brought into his life and bed could turn on him. He liked women too, but he couldn’t see himself spending the rest of his life with one. He’d always preferred men more, and for sex, being dominated by a woman just wasn’t the same to him. Besides, a woman might only like him for his money and title the same as a man.
It wouldn’t be like with Clementine who only saw him as a friend. He knew she hadn’t cared for his money or position, and they’d been friends before either fully grasped the concept of money and class.
“Lord Gautier wants you dead, so I shouldn't leave you alone,” Jaime finally added.
“I don’t discount things, but the chances are a bit slim right now. It wouldn’t be smart to kill me in here unless he’s trained a horse, and they have daggers hidden in the hay.”
“I asked you to cut the attitude. I’m here to help. Stop treating me like I’m just another traitor ready to stab you in the back.”
Aleric held back a frustrated noise. Lucky Jaime, not knowing what it’s like to have those closest turn into traitors.
