The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

It stinks of roses

Siuan's study was dimly lit by the sun, candles flickering low, their wax pooled thickly in copper trays. Papers lay in careful stacks, books open and bookmarked. A teacup sat untouched, half-cold.

Siuan sat at her desk, reading an old, creased letter. Her face was still, but her eyes shimmered faintly. She reached out to trace a line of handwriting with her thumb. Moiraine's.

There was a knock.

Siuan quickly folded the letter and slipped it into the safekeeping chest atop her desk.

The door opened.

Elaida Sedai stepped through, regal in red, her posture sharp and eyes cold.

Unseen, Elara slipped in behind her, stepping silently to the corner of the room, her invisible cloak holding firm.

Siuan felt a prickle in her chest—a familiar tug in the bond with her daughter. But she pushed the feeling aside, her attention on the snake in front of her.

"A heavy fragrance, your powdered roses. It enters the room before you do. I remember it from your classes when I was a novice."

Elaida arched an eyebrow. "Hmm." Her eyes scanned the chamber, disapproving. "The most sacred chamber in the most hallowed institution in the world, and you make it look like a fisherwoman's hut."

Siuan's lips twitched. "It wasn't easy getting a private audience. I assume you want to discuss more than my sense of style?"

Elaida stepped further in, the red of her shawl trailing behind her. "You assume your style doesn't matter—but it does, Mother. This Tower used to be a beacon to the world. And now? How many kings and queens have sat in these simple chairs? Felt your rough carpets beneath their feet?"

Siuan gave a sharp smile. "Not everyone wants to be sick with the smell of roses."

Elaida narrowed her eyes. "Where is Elayne? Her brothers are missing her."

"She's on a journey of my choosing. Well protected. I've already let Queen Morgase know."

Elara held her breath. Her chest tightened at the sound of Elayne's name.

Elaida continued, tone sharpening, "And Elara? I've heard she still hasn't taken her test for the shawl. The Reds were hoping to welcome her. No one has seen her for nearly a week now. Where could the little dreamer have gone?"

Siuan's voice was cool. "Elara is always exactly where she needs to be. I don't believe in keeping people on a leash."

Elaida's lips thinned. "Your net is coming apart, Mother. Everyone sees it. I'm calling for a vote in the Hall. To cage the Dragon Reborn—as you should have done already."

"Well," Siuan said evenly, "let's see where the votes lie. I presume you've got a better handle on it than the last time you went against me in the Hall."

Elaida's smile turned cruel. "Where is Moiraine Sedai?"

"She's been exiled."

"Mm." Elaida stepped closer, her voice thick with spite. "I'm sure she still writes you. I remember when you were a novice, fawning over her like a lovesick puppy."

Siuan's expression didn't change. "That was a long time ago."

Elaida leaned in. "People don't change, Mother. You've fooled many, but I know what you are. River trash. Same as the day you walked into this Tower as a nine-year-old girl, barefoot and filthy."

 "Is there anything else? The Amyrlin's day is a full one."

Elaida gave a shallow curtsy. "No, Mother. Thank you for your time."