09 - Sparring

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A week later, on Feyd-Rautha's name day...

"So," Eliana began, her voice gentle as she reclined beside Feyd in their bed, the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. "Since it's your name day, I've arranged something special for you."

"Hmm, and what might that be?" Feyd inquired, his curiosity piqued by her words.

"It's not here, but rather in the combat room. You'll recognize it immediately—it's packaged in an exquisite box," she explained, her tone soft and deliberate, a smile gracing her lips.

"Ah, you always have a flair for presentation," Feyd remarked with a chuckle. "Thank you."

"You'll adore it, I'm sure of it," Eliana assured him, her voice filled with warmth and anticipation.

They rose and prepared for the day, indulging in breakfast before making their way to the combat room.

Upon entering, Feyd's gaze was immediately drawn to the gift. Wrapped in soft white cloth with a delicate bow, it exuded an air of elegance. Unwrapping it revealed a stunning dagger, its craftsmanship exquisite. As Feyd examined it, Eliana observed his reaction with anticipation, standing beside him.

"What do you think?" she inquired, her voice filled with eagerness.

"It's exquisite. I've never seen one quite like it. Thank you," Feyd replied softly, his eyes meeting hers with appreciation.

After a moment, he motioned for a servant holding a tray of drinks to approach. Eliana understood the implication immediately. As the trembling servant girl stepped forward, Eliana intervened, grasping Feyd's hand that held the dagger.

"I know you're eager to test it, but perhaps it would be more fitting to do so in the gladiator field later today, don't you think?" she suggested carefully. After all, the Baron had promised Feyd-Rautha a spectacle in the arena, with spectators and opponents to challenge. And those opponents, labeled as the 'last of house Atreides,' were merely hapless soldiers.

He regarded her, mulling over her words. "Fine," he relented, his response diffusing the tension in the room.

"Thank you," she murmured softly, releasing his hand with a sigh of relief.

"But what if it's not sharp enough, and I embarrass myself in front of everybody?" Feyd voiced his concern, his tone laced with uncertainty. In a swift motion, he slashed the unfortunate girl's throat. "It needs a little more sharpening," he remarked casually.

Eliana sighed in resignation, inwardly chiding herself for not anticipating this outcome. She watched as Feyd inspected his other combat weapons, her mind racing with an idea.

Turning to the servants in the room, she instructed them firmly, "Leave us."

Feyd glanced at her briefly, curiosity flickering in his eyes, before returning his attention to the weapons arrayed before him. Once they were alone, Eliana seized a random dagger and strode to the center of the room.

"Come fight me," she challenged him, her tone firm. "I want to see if you're truly as capable as you claim."

"I don't want to hurt you," Feyd replied softly, his expression gentle.

"Then you're a coward," she baited him, knowing exactly how to push his buttons.

"Careful now. You don't know what you're getting yourself into," he warned, his voice low and measured as he approached her, dagger in hand. Despite his soft words, his demeanor radiated a subtle intensity.

"Come on, show me what you've got," she goaded with a playful glint in her eyes.

He hesitated for a moment, assessing her stance, before lunging forward. But she was quick to parry his attack and counter with her own swift movements. With surprising agility and precision, she deflected each of his strikes, gradually gaining the upper hand in their impromptu duel.

As he found himself momentarily disarmed and off balance, she seized the opportunity to press her advantage. With a deft maneuver, she disarmed him and held her blade at his throat, a victorious smirk playing on her lips.

"Looks like I won this round," she teased, offering him a hand up. He accepted it with a mixture of admiration and amusement, realizing he had underestimated her combat prowess.

"You've got me this time. But I won't let you win next time, sweetheart," he declared with his usual deep, formal tone. She couldn't help but chuckle at his competitive spirit.

Undeterred, he lunged at her once more, catching her off guard and causing her to stumble and fall. Before she could regain her footing, he swiftly pinned her down, his strong hands holding hers firmly above her head.

"This is not fair," she protested, furrowing her eyebrows in mock frustration.

He smirked down at her, his face hovering inches from hers. "I think quite the opposite," he countered, his voice low and playful, before brushing a gentle kiss against her nose.

Despite her frustration at losing this round, she couldn't help but smile at his small gesture.

"You should go and prepare for the battle-gift from your uncle. You'll be facing my 'brother' and others..." Her voice softened as she mentioned her family, the weight of their complicated ties evident in her words.

He nodded slowly, his gaze locking onto hers, his hand still firmly holding hers. "After Paul is dealt with, Caladan is yours, my love," he assured her in a tone that resonated with a deep sense of conviction.

A shiver ran down her spine at the gravity of his words, tinged with a hint of something darker that she rarely saw in their private moments. Despite herself, she couldn't deny the magnetic pull of this side of him, drawing her in with its raw intensity.

A fleeting smile danced across his lips, mirrored by hers, but beneath the surface, their smiles held a simmering determination, a shared understanding of the path they had chosen.

Their union, while far from the stuff of fairy tales, was steeped in a fierce resolve to carve out their own destiny, unbound by convention or expectation. It was a pact forged in the fires of ambition, a testament to their unwavering commitment to conquer whatever obstacles lay in their path.

The memory of why she married him lingered with Eliana, a constant reminder of the injustices she endured at the hands of her own family. In Feyd, she saw not just a husband, but a key to unlocking the doors to retribution and vindication. Their union paved the way for her to pursue the justice she sought, a path fueled by her unwavering determination.

And in Feyd, she found an unexpected ally, equally committed to her cause. For him, her success was paramount, his own ambitions taking a backseat to her quest for redemption. Together, they stood resolute, united in their shared goal of triumphing over the injustices of their past.

She took his hand in hers and spoke quietly "Win. For me."

"I'll win all of the battles for you."

-----Author's note-----

So, uhm, no more romance but more war and politics, yayy!! (im being sarcastic)

There will be romance buttt I'll focus more on the war between Eliana and Paul. Like I've got some pretty crazy shit planned and y'all are not ready- But all that aside there will be much of Feyd's and Eliana's dynamic.

Leave your thoughts in the comments please because I'm dying to know your thoughts, reactions etc!! Love yall <3


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