"Where is Charles?" Shirin asked over the phone. Her voice sounded lighter than usual.
"He isn't here at the moment. I hear he's off searching far and wide for a gift for you," Sofia replied. She heard a soft, joyful chuckle on the other end, but Sofia's expression remained cold.
"And how have you been?" Sofia continued, trying to keep her voice steady. "I heard you were entrusted with a task quite dear to my brother."
There was a pause. Shirin clearly sensed the shift in Sofia's tone. "Did your brother tell you about it?"
"No," Sofia lied. "But he is glad you're handling it. He trusts you and thinks very highly of your capabilities."
"I'm glad to hear it. If there's nothing more, I shall talk to you later," Shirin replied. "Oh, and Sofia? There's no need to send secret letters to Zaid. You can use the usual courier route."
