𓆩𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦𓆪 Dark! Paul Atreides x Reader

𝘊𝘏𝘈𝘗𝘛𝘌𝘙 𝘖𝘕𝘌

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

-Swearing-

Unable to transform Dune into a paradise, Paul led his people to a world that was already one. This planet, on the galaxy's edge, had barely crossed his thoughts since childhood. His knowledge was limited, but he knew its lush greenery was unrivaled and its waters so clear they reflected one's innermost self. Aetheria, they called it. Throughout its history, Aetheria had been governed by queens alone, one of whom had visited Caladan to sign a peace treaty when he was a young boy.

He remembered her ship touching down just feet from him and his father, Leto Atreides, who stood proud in his Atreides uniform. When the ramp lowered and the queen stepped out, he was hit with curiosity. Not at the queen, who stood with her hands behind her back and head held high, a beautiful, elegant crown resting on her greying but regal hair, but at the young girl just inches at her side who mirrored the queen's actions precisely.

Her beautiful hair was tied up in a small bun, yet still draped down her back, with strands framing her face like silk. He desperately wanted to reach out and feel those strands with his own hands. Her eyes looked deep enough to tell thousands of stories despite her few years of life. He also noticed how she watched her mother, analyzing her stature and adjusting herself to match her mother exactly. It was the same thing he would do with his father.

The queen then began to walk forward, her daughter trailing closely behind her. The rest of her entourage followed in a precise, disciplined formation, their guards keeping a vigilant but respectful distance. One man, his chest puffed out with pride, stepped forward to announce their arrival.

"Introducing Queen Rina, of house Veridion, Second of Her Name, Peacebringer, Sovereign of Aetheria, Lady of the Verdant Realms, Protector of the Realm, and Guardian of Harmony."

Paul tilted his head slightly at the lengthy title. His first thought was that it seemed excessive, an unwieldy parade of honorifics. But before he could ponder further, he was jolted by the sight of his father bowing deeply. Instinctively, Paul mirrored the gesture, lowering his head in respect.

To his surprise, Queen Rina did not return the bow. Her gaze remained steady, fixed straight ahead, and she held her posture with an air of regal detachment. Paul noted this with a hint of surprise, interpreting it as a slight-a breach of the expected courtesy. However, he kept his thoughts to himself, respecting the protocol and the formalities of the occasion.

As he looked up, he couldn't help but study her more closely. Her presence was commanding, her demeanor unyielding. Throughout the day, Paul observed how the young girl remained glued to her mother's side, her presence a constant shadow to Queen Rina. Whether they moved from room to room or engaged in discussions, the daughter was always there, just a step behind.

During dinner, the arrangement was both formal and revealing. Queen Rina Veridion sat at the head of the table, her regal presence commanding attention. Paul's father occupied the opposite end, his stern demeanor a sharp contrast to the queen's elegance. Across from you, Lord Harland Grey, the queen's hand, was seated. He was a tall, imposing figure whose eyes seemed to be focused on Leto. Directly across from Paul was his mother, Jessica, whose gaze often lingered on you with a curiosity that matched Paul's own.

The evening was a blend of formality and unspoken intrigue. While the adults engaged in serious discussions about the treaty-debating terms and conditions that would shape their futures-Paul found his focus drawn to the princess beside him.

He hadn't had the chance to speak with her yet, but he had heard her name from his mother: Princess Y/N Veridion. It was a name that lingered on his lips, a melody he found himself softly muttering when alone. Her name, with its lyrical quality, captivated him in a way he hadn't anticipated.