Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R. Miller

“And I have no clue what I’m doing. Marcelline’s supposed to be reading the
Wikipedia page, but...”
She rolls her eyes around to look at my housekeeper, who shrugs, sipping
her tea. “But gardening is not part of my job description.”
Elena huffs. “Neither was helping Kal kidnap me, was it?”
My insides churn at her flippant use of the word, and I wonder what all
her sisters told her about what the news says back home. If it changes the
way she views all of this.
Clearing my throat, I drop my hand and stuff it inside my suit pocket.
“I’ve got a few meetings keeping me busy the next few days, but I could
probably help you this weekend.”
“Really?” Her eyebrows raise, and she nods at the rectangle she has
marked off with driftwood. “Do you know anything about planting flowers?”
“I assisted on a successful triple bypass during my residency, and have
stitched up more open wounds than you’ll likely ever see in your lifetime.
I’m sure I can handle plants.”
Leaving the two of them outside, I return to the Asphodel and hunker
down in the library, trying to rid myself of the strange feeling curdling in my
stomach. It’s not quite painful—almost a nauseating wave that crashes
against the shore over and over, without ever fully receding.
Unscrewing a bottle of fifty-year-old scotch, I pour three fingers into a
tumbler, pick up the first book my hand lands on, and flop down in one of the
two leather armchairs in front of the dormant fireplace.
Opening the book, I balance it on my knee, my eyes glued to the page
without actually reading. My heart beats rapidly, repulsed by the way my
stomach burns with awareness, trying to ignore the fact that the Riccis once
again played me.
Because that’s what all of this boils down to; if not for the friendly
guidance and promise of luxury Rafael gave when we met, my entire life
would likely be different.
I might have a shot at a relationship with my sister.
Might be married for love, and not because I needed a queen on my side
of the board.
Might still have the medical career my mother wanted for me, without
ever feeling like I needed to give it up to make up for all the lives I’ve ended.
Minutes later, the library door creaks open, Elena slipping inside. She
shuts us in together, tiptoeing over to stand directly in front of me.