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

Part 43

Chapter 43

SHISHAKLI

The Shields going down was the first to her that the battle had begun. Though many were surprised at the suddenness of the event, she was not and only stood there praying in her heart for Inzal's victory.

This information was known to only a select few because, in their enemy's hands, it could be valuable intelligence, allowing them to plan a quick excursion into the planet and take a worm, and so this had been kept under wraps, and so many began to panic at the suddenness of the shield's collapse and yet she assured them that this was normal, that the battle had begun.

The air in the castle was tense, as everyone waited with baited breaths, their eyes trained on the castle doors, as they waited for the victor to walk in. She had been a bit shocked when Inzal had not chosen her as her second, and yet he had explained that in the worst-case scenario, she must lead the Fremen in his place, lead them so that they may never be enslaved like before.

Minutes passed, while she simply stood there with eyes of hundred of Fremen warriors rooted to her back, for she was their leader, their Naib. Inzal's successor and the burden felt heavier than ever.

She was always well known as Inzal's second in command, his stand-in whenever he was not available, and yet it had always been him leading them, him taking the bold step, him putting his own life in jeopardy for their sake, and now it was her turn. Her burden to carry, and though she had held it for only a few days, it was not something she liked.

And then it happened. She felt it, the flick of power and energy, as she saw the characteristic blue envelop the skies once more, and her heart rose in delight as she saw the shield once more envelop the skies of Arrakis.

"YEAHH! "FREEEDOM!" "INZAAAAAL"

"KAZAAAB!"

The Saradukar joined in the cheer as well, as the Atreides guard lowered their faces in shame and guilt, for they were supposed to be a part of this victory, and yet their heir, their beloved Paul, had lost.

Shishakli herself nearly collapsed to the ground as she gasped and held her face, tears dripping down her eyes. She looked towards the throne room's gates, which were suddenly flung open.

BOOOM!

And the people parted, making way for the victor, for their Emperor, for Kazab, and yet as she saw his face, she stilled, and so did everyone in the throne room as a shush spread across the room.

For there he stood, the victor, the Emperor, the Kazab caked in blood from head-to-toe, his face devoid of any emotion as he looked forward, while in his arms lay the bloodied form of one Chani Kynes.

"Chani," she gasped as she saw her friend's unconscious form, the bandages covering her face as Inzal stepped into the room, walking towards the throne, the sound of his steps echoed through the Hall, while Lady Jessica and Princess Irulan followed behind him, the former sobbing lightly yet held her head high while, the Princess, white Dress was covered in blood as well.

Something had happened during the kanli.

They walked past them, and the people continued to kneel as the Emperor moved past them. She stood at the edge of the column of people, and Inzal strode past him as he rose the steps and walked towards his throne.

"The dispute stands resolved," Lady Jessica announced as she took her position as the truth sayer, and she could scarcely imagine what was going through her head standing there announcing the death of her own son.

"House Corrino stands victorious. All Hail Emperor Inzal Kazab Corrino," and yet none clapped, and all continued to kneel as he stood there, his blue eyes glistening as he looked at them all.