Undone | Paul Atreides

Chapter 1

Sairose had very few fond memories of Caladen.

 In fact, She could count on her hand how many times she truly enjoyed a day in her youth there, but she could never forget the first time her slipper touched the fresh grass of the lands. Caladen was very different from the home she knew. Her home was filled with water, so much, that her people became known as those with the face of water. The open seas were all she knew, but she felt a sense of peace looking at the rolling hills and mountains that the planet had to offer. The mother reverend had taught her the factual information that regarded Caladen, but her teachings were short as House Atreides requested that his future partner not be trained in the ways of the Bene Gesserit. Nothing could have prepared her for what she witnessed. 

Soon she would call this place home.

She scrunched her nose at the idea. House Atreides was known as the greatest house admired by the emperor and thus the chance to marry their heir was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or at least that’s how her mother described it. She just wondered if it was the right fit for her. Although she shouldn’t question her mother and father’s decisions she knew very little of the heir, Paul Atreides. It was no secret that they kept their precious son away from those of the other worlds and her mind was most curious about his features. She figured if he had his mother’s looks, a child of the Bene Gesserit, he would surely be stunning.

She worried how he would feel about her in comparison. Her mother had her ladies prep her, but there was only so much the pampering of her body could do. She wondered, does he like curly hair? Brown eyes or blue eyes? Tall or short? What kind of lady did he prefer? One who sat pretty and waited for his every command or one that could act as a second voice for his opinion? She hadn’t developed yet, but she wondered what kind of womanly shape he would expect her to have. Would he be like his father and love blondes, because she was certainly brunette.

She sighed trying to push these fears aside. She just knew her mother was counting on her. She knew Irulan was the 1st choice and for some reason, the Duke took a chance on her. She didn’t want to waste it.

“Sairose, please gather yourself instead of gawking at the greenery. You’ll have plenty of time to see it over the next few months. Your mother would be highly upset if you disrespect the Atreides with your lack of punctuality. First impressions are everything!” Eleanor meant well, but she could be as harsh on her as her mother. Eleanor helped load her last bag and ushered her into the aircraft. She knew saying sorry wouldn’t mean anything to Eleanor and would only promote more scolding, so she gathered her dress and boarded. As the aircraft started, Eleanor didn’t hesitate to go over the rules and what was expected of Sairose.

“As we’ve gone over before. All members of the house will be waiting to greet you upon your arrival. You must look your best.” Eleanor emphasized the last part as she pulled on the hems of her dress to ensure there were no wrinkles in the plush fabric. “There is a lot riding on this meeting. You are not wed yet so always be alert and never get comfortable. It is important to impress everyone. If the Duke is not pleased with you, the arrangement will end before it even starts. If the Lady of the house sees you as unfit she will persuade her husband to end the arrangement. If the son is not pleased and voices it enough, his parental figures will eventually cave and give him over to your rival, Irulan. You even need to impress his companions as they’ll have some influence in swaying his opinion too.” She spoke as if it was the easiest task to accomplish. As if Sairose wasn’t stressed enough. This was too much pressure for someone only soon to turn 10, but Sairose did not voice her concerns. It was far too late to turn back now.

She hated that Eleanor always had to bring up Irulan. She knew she was no match for her, but she didn’t like the thought of losing to her and shaming her family. Irulan couldn’t have everything.