When The Sun Goes Down :; Paul Atreides

I

I don't remember much about my home planet. In fact, I have little memories of it. That also includes my family. I'm the last member of House Veridian. The name that roared so fiercely now became a mere whisper. Without a warning, my planet erupted with chaos. The once green planet became a red and fiery one. Inhabitable. I was lucky enough to make it out alive. My parents used their unique powers to help me escape before they met their demise. Our purple eyes are unique to our family. We have the gift of adapting to our environments. Of course, this takes a span of a couple of days. This is why my family had died. If the planet didn't betray us in minutes but instead of days, House Veridian would have survived and found another planet. But now, only I remain.

"Lady Eleanor, it is time for you to wake up." My handmaiden said, waking me from my slumber. "The Atreides wait for you in the dining room."

House Atreides and House Veridian were close. My father and the Duke Leto were close too, dare I say even friends. My family knew that I would remain safe with the Atreides on Caladen. I was not a fool either. I know why they sent me here : to mix Atreides blood and Veridian blood. My family might be gone, but I remain still powerful in the game of politics. I'm to marry the duke's son, Paul Atreides. In fact, our marriage is tomorrow. A couple of weeks before we leave for the desert planet Arrakis

"Hurry m'lady, before your food gets cold." My handmaiden reminded me.

I groaned as I sat in upwards in my bed. The weather on Caladen was changing. It was becoming cooler and I felt it. My body was beginning to change due to the environment. When I first got here as a child, the transformations were harsher and more difficult for my body. I would get violently sick as the weather became cooler or warmer as time went on. I couldn't leave my bed for days and I could barely keep my food in my stomach. Since I am now 19 years old, I have gotten used to the transformation and I am not as ill as I used to be, at least here on Caladen. I have no idea what Arrakis will put me through.

I quickly brushed my hair and made my way towards the private dinning room. I should've brought a robe with me before leaving my chambers. The chill is penetrating my bones. A servant beside me wouldn't even notice the chill, this is only part of the transformation process. The private dinning room is lit by the natural light of Caladen. In the center of the room were the table and chairs. Various decorations gave life to the room. There sat Lady Jessica and Paul Atreides. The Duke Leto must have had breakfast early due to his duties. Once they noticed my arrival, they both looked up at me.

"Good morning." Lady Jessica greeted. She is a serious lady. I've barely seen a smile from her oval face. The only time I've seen a genuine smile from her is when she's with the Duke.

My eyes met Paul's green ones. My heart skipped a beat like it always did when I saw him. A smiled appeared on my face and so did his. "Good morning." His soft voice welcomed.

"Good morning." I replied to him and his mother.

I sat across from him, beside Lady Jessica. The woman studied me with her deep green eyes.

"You're looking pale," she noted. "I suppose our summer came to an early end. Will you be alright for tomorrow?"

The mention of the wedding made face warm up. "Yes, I'll go see Dr. Yueh later on today." I told her.

"Mind if I join you?" Paul asked.

"Yes, you may join me." I answered him, taking a sip of my lukewarm tea.

I helped myself to the food on the table. I mostly filled my plate with the native fruits of Caladen instead of what was made in the kitchen. It makes my stomach upset and I want to keep my food down today. For a moment, we all ate in silence.