You're not alone

Chapter 20 - Can you read something to me?

The Sun Palace isn't good for Moiraine, and Lan would like to save her but can't.

Moiraine followed Alanna inside once Lan had all their saddle bags. The Green Sister grabbed Moiraine's hand and gave it a quick squeeze, then disappeared through the door. It almost seemed like Alanna wanted to apologize for what would happen inside.

The woman of the Blue Ajah swallowed. Would Siuan already be waiting for them? It was late. She probably had already prepared for the night. There's only one way to find out. Although every cell in her body yelled at her to turn around and run, the Aes Sedai stepped through the door.

The palace was as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. Moiraine was relieved that Galldrian hadn't changed that much. Alanna waited patiently in the middle of the hall while Moiraine's eyes moved carefully over the familiar walls.

"You're late."

Both Aes Sedai swirled around when they heard the harsh voice. The Keeper of the Chronicles, Leane, stood in the corridor, wearing a beautiful blue dress, though it seemed she had hastily thrown it over herself. She only looked at Alanna, not at Moiraine. "Where have you been?"

Alanna bowed formally. "I apologize for the delay. I didn't intend to leave the Amyrlin waiting. We needed longer than I expected."

"Perhaps the next time, we make sure you know the shortest way to your destination. Or we find a Novice who can hold your hand to guide you."

Moiraine winced at Leane's biting words. Light, it wasn't Alanna's fault they had been late! Determined, she stepped beside the Green Sister. "It wasn't Alanna's fault, Leane. I was-"

"The Amyrlin will think about a proper punishment for you, Alanna Sedai."

The Cairhien woman felt like Leane had slapped her in the face. Not only had she interrupted Moiraine rudely, but she also didn't take her eyes off Alanna like Moiraine wasn't even there. Because she isn't allowed to. I was exiled, and my sisters can't talk to me. Yet, Leane's reaction hurt more than she had imagined. They had been good friends back in their times as Accepted, and though Moiraine had mainly been traveling all the time after she had been raised to Aes Sedai, she had liked Leane – especially since she knew the woman was a close friend of Siuan.

"I understand," Alanna said calmly, bowing again. Why wasn't she blaming Moiraine? Why would she accept a punishment for something she had no say in?

Moiraine hoped she could talk to Siuan first tomorrow. She couldn't let Alanna get punished because she and Lan had taken a day off.

Leane nodded. "It's late, sister, and you must be exhausted. Go to bed. The Amyrlin awaits you in the throne room tomorrow morning. Don't be late again!"

For a heartbeat, Leane's eyes flickered to Moiraine. So, the message was for her, too, even though the Keeper of the Chronicles couldn't address Moiraine directly.

"Good night."

"Good night, Leane Sedai."

Without another word, the Keeper of the Chronicles turned around and left. Moiraine watched her leave. Would she tell Siuan that Moiraine had arrived? What would Siuan do? Would she send a message?

"Maksim. Ihvon. Let's go. I'm tired." Even Alanna played her role by ignoring her exiled sister. The trio left Moiraine and Lan behind in the hall. The woman of the Blue Ajah didn't know where Galldrian had gone but was glad he wasn't anywhere near her. She wouldn't mind not seeing him again for the rest of her stay.