Lunise stopped rummaging and turned her eyes up to Areldril, glinting with whatever indignant shout was boiling up in her chest. She silently allowed him and Meesei to continue.

Marod had been more level, though even he raised his brow and frowned at Areldril's willingness to cooperate. "We can't fault him for not thinking this through."

"Whatever authority you think you have, Areldril, forget it," Lunise's low voice warned. "You are not protected by the Dominion here. Nor by your ostentatious display to avoid suspicion. When your business here is concluded, you will be taken back for trial. Do not expect that you can walk onto my jurisdiction and have me cooperate like a sugar-dependent cat." Lunise's eyes turned to Meesei. "Champion, I suggest you take Marod's advice, as loathe as I am to encourage his ego."