WIP Wednesday – Clans of Kalquor 9: Alien Indiscretions

                The man spoke, his deep voice delivering yet another version of the same thing Cissy had heard for what she thought must be the thousandth time.  “Matara Cecilia, welcome to Kalquor.  I am Councilman Dramok Diltan.  We are most delighted that more of our beloved empress’ family has been found.”

                It was a voice made for speeches, beautifully modulated, deep without sounding thunderous, spoken with an air of the educated man.  It tickled Cissy’s eardrums, sending a shiver of pleasure down her spine. 

                He’s too damned handsome.  I know the type.  This Diltan knows he’s hot and probably uses it to get whatever he wants.  I bet I’d see the arrogance within one minute of conversation.

                Keeping her tone offhand so Councilman Eye Candy wouldn’t think she’d been affected by his insane amount of gorgeousness, Cissy said, “It’s nice to meet you.  Thanks for taking the time to say hello.”

                As she spoke, a movement behind Diltan caught Cissy’s eye.  She looked past him to see Lindsey standing several feet away.  Her cousin was shaking her head, a note of warning in her eyes as she surreptitiously pointed at Diltan.

                Meanwhile, the councilman regarded Cissy with a slight frown.  He started to turn his head to see what she was looking at.  Lindsey moved away, walking behind a group of conversing councilmen so Diltan couldn’t see her.

                He turned back to Cissy, clearly puzzled.  His ingratiating smile returned as he spoke to her again.  “If there is anything at all—” 

                “ That you can do on our behalf, just let you know,” Cissy interrupted, her tone going cold.  “Thanks, Diltan.  Tasha, this is Diltan, another councilman.  Say hello so he can go do something important.”

                Tasha scowled at her as the councilman gaped in shock.  In her most disapproving tone, her twin said, “Cissy, stop being so grumpy.  Just because you’re tired is no excuse for bad manners.”

                With that verbal spanking, Tasha turned her sweet smile on, bestowing it on the speechless Diltan.  “Thank you so much for coming to greet us, Dramok.  We are delighted to be a part of your empire.”

                Diltan didn’t respond immediately.  Instead, he looked at Cissy, his eyes roaming over her casual trousers and blouse.  His lips pursed in an expression that verged on distaste.

                Cissy glared.  So he found her clothes wanting, did he?  Just as she’d figured, Diltan was an arrogant jerk.  He didn’t even have to say anything to verify that assessment.  The look said it all.

                He turned back to her sister, bowing deeply and smiling as he took in the other woman’s much more appropriate attire.  Real pleasure lit his stupid-perfect face.

                Diltan said, “The honor is all ours, Matara Natasha.”

                “Tasha, please.”  She returned the dazzling smile with interest.

                “Yes.  Tasha, please,” Cissy parroted, her tone oozing sarcasm.

                At her twin’s warning glare, Cissy decided it was high time she wandered off.  Talking to Lindsey suddenly seemed like a wonderful idea.  At the same time, she decided she would keep a close eye on Tasha, especially since Lindsey had given her that warning look. 

No release date set.