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Nazar looked like he would object, but Lan silenced him with a stern look One by one, they swore

The five had become dozens, but it would stop there

Chapter 24

To Make a Stand

"Bed rest," Melfane announced, taking her ear froainst Elayne’s chest The midas a short, ample-cheeked woman who today wore her hair tied back by a translucent blue scarf Her neat dress was of white andsky-blue, as if worn in defiance of the perpetually overcast sky

"What?" Elayne asked

"One week," Melfane said, wagging a thick finger at Elayne "You aren’t to be on your feet for one week"

Elayne blinked, stunned, her exhaustion fleeing for the ned Elayne to this iitte stood in the doorway, Mat in the room beyond He’d stepped out for Melfane’s inspection, but otherwise he’d hovered near her alitte You’d never know they cared for her by the way they spoke, however--the two of the to top the other Elayne had learned a fe ones Who knew that hundred-legs did those things?

Her babes were safe, so far as Melfane could tell That was the important part "Bed rest is, of course, impossible," Elayne said "I have far too much to do"

"Well, it will have to be done from bed," Melfane replied, her voice pleasant but coone a great stress They need ti certain you maintain a strict diet"

"But--"

"I won’t hear any excuses," Melfane interrupted

"I’m the Queen!" Elayne said, exasperated

"And I’m the Queen’s midwife," Melfane replied, still calm "There isn’t a soldier or attendant in this palace on’t help me, if I determine that your health--and that of your child--is at risk" She met Elayne’s eyes "Would you like to put ining her own Guards forbidding her to exit her chaitte, but received only a satisfied nod "It’s no more than you deserve," that nod seemed to say

Elayne sat back in her bed, frustrated It was a massive four-poster, decorated in red and white The roo with various creations of crystal and ruby It would ht! This wasn’t fair! She did up the front of her gown

"I see that you’re not going to tryup froitte "I will allow you a ’s events But noyourself!"

"But--"

Melfane wagged that finger at her again "A half-hour, Your Majesty You are a woman, not a plow beast You need rest and care" She turned to Birgitte "Do not upset her unduly"