Excerpt: Jurisdiction (working title)

“Wait here, please, while I announce you.”

Lexa looked around the small room to which she’d been led. “Small” was a relative term, as she could fit two of the rooms of her own home inside and still have space left over. But it was clearly intended as a waiting area, and one meant to put callers at ease. She stepped across the carpet, noting its soundproofing properties. A glance around the room told her what she’d expected was true – small, marble-like balls were set into the sturdy walls. She, or anyone else waiting here, could be observed, probably from the office, almost certainly by security. The soundproofing, though, was something she didn’t quite understand. She shrugged it off and wandered to a tapestry hung on the wall adjacent to the office door.

“How do you find the art work?” A voice sounded behind her. She jumped, feeling a surge of heat and pressure to her face. Instantly, every fiber of her being screamed for a fight. She just managed to cover her fangs before whirling toward the voice. She stood in quiet observation as she reined in the surge of anger.

Dam Cadagar stood at average height for a Pellan woman. Her dress suggested high ranking position and good taste, as Lexa expected. A simple walk through the grounds and house told so much about a person, and this was no exception. An expression of tolerance, as if she had all day to wait for her guest to compose herself, despite the fact that she’d committed a small transgression in approaching without first ensuring Lexa was aware of her presence in the room. Such behavior created a potentially explosive situation. Less controlled Pellans might well act out…

Lexa suddenly understood the reason for the sound proofing.

Her ruff settled and anger dissipated, Lexa managed a bow.

“I find it elegant and forthright, in subtle contrast to the irregular greeting of my host.”

Dam Cadagar raised long, well trimmed brows. Still, she did not seem vexed.

The two Pellans looked each other over for a space of seconds before the lady of the house inclined her head gracefully.

“My apologies. It is an unworthy act, but sometimes such behavior is necessary. I find the reactions most telling.”

Lexa returned the bow, the more deeply. “I do understand.”

“I appreciate your understanding.”

A small smile punctuated her words even as it revealed her state of mind, for the smile never reached her eyes. In fact, on close inspection – with a clear mind, Lexa thought ruefully – the lady looked wrung out. Her eyes appeared dull, the horizontal slits looking almost dusty rather than a bright and vibrant contrast to the pale green irises. Though well coiffed and elegantly dressed, her mane and ruff appeared dull as if brushed into place hastily, and without benefit of washing. Surely this was unusual for one so fastidious about her home. The son’s situation was taking a toll.