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"The rains have been dreadful, Berelain," Faile said "But I’m not here to talk about theht, but the woy by coe, her bosom too small Her voice wasn’t nearly as melodic as Berelain’s Why had the Creator made people as perfect as Berelain? Was it mockery of the rest of them?

But Perrin didn’t love Berelain He loved Faile Remember that

"Very well," Berelain said "I assumed this discussion would come Letinappropriate happened between myself and your husband"

"He has told me that already," Faile said, "and I trust his word over yours"

This made Berelain frown She was aa skill and subtlety that Faile envied Despite her youth, Berelain had kept her tiny city-state free frouess howand sheer cleverness that must have required

"So why have you co down "If your heart is at ease, then there is no problem"

"We both know that whether or not you slept with my husband is not an issue here," Faile said, and Berelain’s eyes widened "It isn’t what happened, but what is presuers athered," Berelain said "Particularly where ossip"

"Such strong, persistent rue the refugees sworn to me--assumes that you bedded my husband while I ay This not only makes me look like a fool, but casts a shadow upon Perrin’s honor He cannot lead if people take him for the type of man ill run to the arms of another woman the moment his wife is away"

"Other rulers have overcome such rumors," Berelain said, "and for many of them, the rumors weren’t unfounded Monarchies survive infidelity"

"Perhaps in Illian or Tear," Faile said, "but Saldaea expects better of its monarchs As do the people of the Two Rivers Perrin is not like other rulers The way his men look at him rips him apart inside"

"I think you underestimate him," Berelain said "He will overcoain That will er as a man and a ruler"

Faile studied the woman "You don’t understand him at all, do you?"

Berelain reacted as if she’d been slapped, pulling back She obviously didn’t like the bluntness of this conversation That e

"I understand men, Lady Faile," Berelain said coldly "And your husband is no exception Since you have decided to be candid, I will return in kind You were clever to take Aybara when you did, welding Saldaea to the Dragon Reborn, but do not think that he will remain yours without contest"

Faile took a deep breath It was time to ed by what you have done, ht have been able to forgive you But not for his"

"I don’t see what can be done"