Fruit of Misfortune by Nely Cab Page A

counts isn’t a piece of paper. It’s
the promise you make. You see, once you commit to a marriage, it’s
forever.”
    I glanced at the promise ring David had given
me months before. “Forever is a really long time.”
    “Indeed. That’s why we wait for the one that
we know we could never live without.”
    Was she trying to tell me that David wasn’t
the one for me? Not that it mattered, what with me being beheaded
soon—or whatever it was the Council did to Creatura.
    “Good strategy,” I said.
    She stirred her soup, not looking at me. “But
you should also know it’s perfectly normal to find yourself
attracted to other people. Sometimes we can’t help our emotions.
That’s why it’s called being human.”
    “Are you saying you have a crush on someone?”
I asked.
    “No.” She set down her spoon. “I’m saying you
do—on Eros.”

 
     

    I opened my
mouth to deny it, but closed it just as fast, knowing there was no
sense in arguing. Nyx could sense these things. I lowered my head,
my cheeks on fire from embarrassment. She knew that she was right,
and so did I.
    “I’m not judging or reproaching you, Isis.”
Nyx’s porcelain face rested on her fist.
    “I haven’t admitted to anything.”
    Her lips lifted at the corners with a
confidence I had come to relate with deities. “Nor have you denied
it.”
    That was the end of my defense. A crow cawed,
hiding somewhere in the tree branches—mocking me, no less. I traced
the white, scrolled, metal arm on the patio chair, busying my hand
to keep from biting what was left of my nails.
    “Does it make you uncomfortable that I know
this much?”
    “It has since I met you.”
    “Oh.” Nyx looked surprised. “I’m sorry you
feel that way. I don’t know the limit on how intimate mother and
daughter-in-law talks should be.”
    Daughter-in-law? That word was too
awkward to use in this conversation. I felt like an ant under a
magnifying glass, churning under the intensity of the rays of
commitment.
    “I won’t dwell on it anymore, and you can
rest assured that I won’t tell.”
    “What are you two gossiping about?” A voice
came from behind me.
    David’s hand landed on my shoulder and I
tensed. His lips touched the side of my forehead for a moment.
    “Girl talk,” Nyx said. “You should know
better than to ask.”
    “Girl talk. Gossip. Same thing.” David sat
next to me and squeezed my hand. “I’m glad to see you out of
bed.”
    “I’m feeling better,” I said. “Did you get
any sleep?”
    “More than expected. Eryx woke me up when he
called. He and Galen went without me to meet with the doctor
that’ll be assessing your condition. He said they’ve confirmed the
appointment for tomorrow.”
    “What time?” Nyx asked.
    “Early morning. It’ll only be Galen and me
that’ll accompany Isis. We mustn’t rouse Eros’ or the doctor’s
curiosity. Crowds attract attention.”
    “That’s true,” Nyx agreed.
    “I think Nyx should go instead of Galen,” I
said. “She’s much better at reading people. What if this doctor’s a
quack?”
    "According to my father, this man is one of
the most brilliant minds to be born in several centuries.”
    “We’d know that for certain if you came
along,” I said to Nyx.
    “Isis is right. I should be there. ”
    “No.” David shook his head. “Father was very
clear about who would be attending this meeting.”
    “Well, I don’t understand why.” Nyx
frowned.
    “Because this man is a geneticist, and he’s
quick to notice characteristics that set people apart.”
    “I’m not following…” I said.
    “Isis, his studies are based on the theory
that in some humans the genetic coding was altered by a superhuman
or non-human race that lived before recorded time and might live
among humans today. He only lacks proof of such a race to prove his
theory.” He raised his hand, pointing to Nyx. “Exhibit A.” Then he
pointed to himself, “Exhibit B, and Galen would be Exhibit C.”
    “Oh