For a brief moment, the woman said nothing, and Ravyn wondered whether she was considering his request or simply trying to decide how much information she could safely reveal.
When she finally responded, her voice had lost some of its earlier desperation, replaced by a guarded firmness that made it clear she had no intention of allowing a stranger to get close to Battal without his permission.
"I'm sorry, but that will have to wait until he wakes up and approves it."
Her response was polite enough, but there was an unmistakable determination behind it, as though she had already decided that protecting Battal's privacy was more important than satisfying the curiosity of whoever had called.
Before Ravyn could ask another question, she began moving the phone away from her ear, apparently preparing to end the conversation.
However, Ravyn wasn't ready to let her go just yet. "I don't mean to pry, but are you his wife?"
