When I read it I assumed Jordan simply wanted to establish the grounds for Elaida's animosity towards Siuan. Elaida tries to help her, gets punished for it and assumes Siuan betrayed her. Why Elaida wanted to help Siuan is not really relevant to the plot, Jordan couldn't think of any good reasons, so he didn't bother explaining it.
New Spring: Elaida & the girls
in Wheel of Time Books
Posted
When I read it I assumed Jordan simply wanted to establish the grounds for Elaida's animosity towards Siuan. Elaida tries to help her, gets punished for it and assumes Siuan betrayed her. Why Elaida wanted to help Siuan is not really relevant to the plot, Jordan couldn't think of any good reasons, so he didn't bother explaining it.