DUNE-A False Haderach (OC X Shishakli) (OC x Alia)

Part 34

Chapter 24

INZAL KAZAB CORRINO

It had been a month since the battle that had won Arrakis its liberation, the city of Arrakeen had been doused in blood, it had taken a month to clear the city of the dead bodies, and even after that the stench of death and blood still hung in the air.

The massive planetary shield still shimmered in the skies, protecting them from the anger and rage of all of the Imperium.

Not a single speck of spice had left Arrakis in this month, and already many in the Imperium were panicking as the Royal and Harkonnen reserves drained out. According to his estimation, they would last another month, yet the desperation had forced the Emperor to make a parley as the Imperium gathered for the congregation.

And now, as he sat inside the palace in the solar often reserved for the Duke, he felt movement in the galaxy beyond as Irulan Corrino set sail towards Arrakis, as a representative of the Padishah Emperor.

He did not miss the Tleilaxu and Saradukar accompanying her. They would soon be dealt with. Yet all that would come later, for he had a more urgent issue at hand.

One in the form of his alliance with the Atreides.

Much had gone according to his plan, much except Duke Leto's injuries. The blast had taken a toll on the Duke, who had yet to wake up from his injuries, and though his life was in no danger, he was yet to open his eyes despite their various attempts.

And so, the leadership of House Atreides fell into the arms of the Duke's most treasured concubine, the mother of his only child, Lady Jessica.

"You asked to see me," he began, and she nodded. Much of the worry that had plagued her initially was long gone, as House Atreides's future now remained secure.

"I did. I wished to discuss the terms of our alliance with you," she added, and he frowned.

"And what would that be?" he asked.

"Leto," she began, and he frowned as she saw her lips whisper.

"I wish to have him treated by an Imperial Physician," she began, and he shook his head.

"We have no Imperial Physician on Arrakis, and you know as well as me that if I were to ask something like that of the Imperium, they would demand something in return, most probably to pull back the date of the congregation," he began.

"Then we will do just that," she added, yet it was not all so simple.

"But I cannot do that. I would need a Reverend Mother to convince the Emperor of my identity. Our Reverend Mother is on the death's door and cannot perform that duty. The only one who can ,is you and you are in no position to go through that trial," he asked.

"I will take that trial," she spoke firmly, her eyes much bluer than they had been when she had first come to Arrakis, and already she had put her child at risk.

"Do you know what that trial would do to the child in you?" he asked, for he had told her already of what had happened to him and what would happen if she drank the water of life.

And she looked down, her hand on her belly.

"I know," she said as she bit her lip,

"...but for Leto, I will take that risk," she said as she looked him in the eye.

"You will not be able to forgive yourself," he spoke, understanding the dilemma she faced.

"To subject a child to that, it is cruel. There is a reason that the Bene Gesserit fears the Abominations and prohibits any actions that would lead to the birth of one because it is cruelty, absolute cruelty," he warned her, and she, of course, must have known that.