CHAPITRE IV:
SALTED SECRETS.

"How do we approach the study of Muad'Dib's father? A man of surpassing warmth and surprising coldness was the Duke Leto Atreides. Yet, many facts open the way to this Duke: his abiding love for his Bene Gesserit lady; the dreams he held for his son; the devotion with which men served him. You see him there—a man snared by Destiny, a lonely figure with his light dimmed behind the glory of his son. Still, one must ask: What is the son but an extension of the father?"

— from 'Muad'Dib, Family Commentaries' by the Princess Irulan

      "LOST IN THOUGHT?"

Madhavi startled slightly, her attention drawn to Duke Leto's sudden appearance. He stood nearby, a faint smile playing on his lips as he observed her.

      "And you?" she countered, meeting his gaze with a quizzical expression.

The Duke chuckled softly, acknowledging her deflection before joining her side. A comfortable silence enveloped them as they both directed their gaze towards the horizon, the morning sunlight casting a golden glow upon the rugged terrain of Caladan.

      "Love is scary," Leto remarked, his voice carrying a weight of contemplation as he surveyed the vast expanse of the cliffside, his grey eyes reflecting the deep blue of the ocean below.

She frowned, her gaze shifting from the distant horizon to Leto beside her, his expression stoic yet thoughtful.

      "Okay, and?" she replied, her tone betraying a hint of curiosity as she adjusted her position on the rocky outcrop, the sea breeze tousling her hair.

Duke Leto's lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes lingering on the horizon. "What's going through your mind that you'd come to a cemetery to think?"

The young girl hesitated for a moment, her gaze drifting to the scattered wildflowers that dotted the cliff's edge. With a disinterested gesture, she plucked a handful of herbs, their delicate fragrance mingling with the salty sea air as she watched them crumble in her hand.

      "Everything."

      "Your father will be okay, Madhavi. It is not the first time I've sent him on a mission," Leto reassured her, his voice gentle.

The ghost of a smile stretched her lips as she nodded in acknowledgment, saying no more.

There was a brief silence as Duke Leto watched the young Idaho, his mind preoccupied with the revelation from the Ginaz Swordmaster's one-night confession.

It was a secret he had guarded carefully, at the behest of a trusted ally and friend. But as with all secrets, its lifespan was finite, and the doubts shared by Madhavi to Thufir only hastened its inevitable exposure.

Leto wished he had more time to see the truth revealed, but fate had other plans, dictated by the Emperor himself.

He knew she would accomplish great things.

With a heavy heart, Duke Atreides spoke again, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I sometimes wonder if I made the right choice."

Taken aback by his unexpected candor, Madhavi furrowed her brow, turning her gaze back to him.

      "We both know that Arrakis was handed to me as a poisoned gift. It's all a trap, orchestrated by the Emperor and the Harkonnens, even the Bene Gesserit."

The words hung in the air as the girl's throat knotted. Although no one spoke of it aloud, it had been obvious to many that Duke Atreides had been tricked. And even with all the will in the world, all possible and unimaginable calculations, the situation seemed insurmountable. Madhavi had never felt so useless and powerless since her mother's death.

       "Don't be sad, and above all, don't blame yourself," he urged her, a faint smile gracing his lips. "There's always a narrow way out."

      "Do you really believe that?" she questioned, her skepticism evident.

No.

      "Yes."

The young Idaho simply nodded, understanding the sentiment behind his words, even if she couldn't fully embrace it herself. But dwelling on their dire circumstances served no purpose; she had no power in this game of politics.

      "Why are you telling me all this?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Leto hesitated briefly, averting his gaze before meeting hers with newfound seriousness.

      "I want you to promise me something," he began, his voice grave.

The girl's eyes widened at his request, but she managed a barely audible "Okay."

      "I loved Jessica, and I'll love her as long as I live," he confessed. "But I can't shake the feeling that, at some point, the role of Bene Gesserit will eclipse that of mother."

Madhavi held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for his next words.

      "I need you to protect them," Leto said, his gaze piercing as he locked eyes with her. "Especially Paul."

The weight of his request settled heavily on Madhavi's shoulders, the enormity of the task ahead of her almost overwhelming. She understood the unspoken implication—protecting Paul from the subtle machinations of the Bene Gesserit, from the shadows that lurked within the corridors of power, was no small feat.

      "I promise," she replied, her voice firm with determination.

It was like listening to the last wishes of a dying man in his deathbed. The feeling was unbelievably sickening, and though her whole being repulsed this promise, she owed so much to him—it was the least she could do.

Leto nodded, a sense of gratitude flickering across his features before he turned his attention back to the horizon.

. . .

AS THE SOFT HUES OF TWILIGHT PAINTED THE SKY IN SHADES OF ORANGE AND PINK, Madhavi sat by the window of her room, her gaze fixed on the tranquil scene unfolding outside. The sprawling gardens of the Atreides estate stretched out before her, illuminated by the gentle glow of lanterns that dotted the pathways below. The air was alive with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, mingling with the faint scent of sea breeze that wafted in from the nearby coast.

      "So, are you excited for the farewell party tonight?" Maraya asked, her voice tinged with excitement as she carefully tended to her hair, weaving intricate braids adorned with delicate white pearls.

The young Idaho offered a small smile in response, though her mind was weighed down by the bittersweet reality of the impending departure. The thought of bidding farewell to the familiar comforts of Caladan filled her with a sense of melancholy, overshadowing the anticipation of the evening's festivities.

      "And what about Paul?" Maraya continued, a playful glint in her eyes. "He seems quite taken with you, if you ask me."

Madhavi rolled her eyes at the mention of Paul, her cheeks warming slightly.

       "I wouldn't read too much into it," the young girl replied, her voice carefully neutral as she shifted her gaze back to the gardens below. "He's just weird."

Maraya raised an eyebrow at her friend's response, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Sure," she teased, though her expression softened with understanding.

As the maid skillfully braided Madhavi's hair, the young woman's thoughts drifted to the stunning gown laid out on the bed beside her. Lady Jessica's gift was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its white fabric adorned with intricate gold embroidery glimmered in the soft light filtering through the window. The dress exuded an air of elegance and sophistication, perfectly complemented by the ornate headpiece adorned with delicate black pearls.

Despite the dress's undeniable beauty, a small part of the girl couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. As she glanced at Maraya, she couldn't resist voicing her misgivings.

      "You know," Madhavi began, her tone light yet tinged with a hint of mischief, "Maybe she actually poisoned it."

Maraya paused in her task, her expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Oh, come now, Madi," she chided gently, "that's hardly a joking matter. Lady Jessica wouldn't gift you something so exquisite only to have it be laced with poison."

      "Or that's what she wants us to think," Madhavi chuckled, before conceding. "But I suppose you're right."

The young Idaho slipped into the gown as the fabric cascaded around her in a swirl of elegance. The dress draped perfectly over her frame, the gold shimmering against the pristine white fabric as she adjusted the headpiece.

       "Thank you, Mara," Madhavi said gratefully, turning to face her friend with a warm smile. "You've outdone yourself."

Maraya beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling with delight. "It was my pleasure. You look absolutely radiant."

Before Madhavi could respond, a knock echoed through the room, drawing their attention to the door. The maid excused herself with a knowing smile, leaving Madhavi alone with her thoughts.

As the door creaked open, Duncan stepped inside, his eyes widening in admiration at the sight of his daughter. "Madi, you look... breathtaking," he murmured, his voice filled with genuine awe.

The girl's cheeks flushed at the compliment, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, Dad," she replied.

The swordmaster expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes. "You remind me so much of your mother," he said quietly, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

The mention of her mother brought a wave of bittersweet memories flooding back to Madhavi—the last time she had seen her, the pain of her loss still fresh in her mind after all these years.

      "I saw Stilgar."

      "You did?" Madhavi's voice was filled with nostalgia, recalling the fond memories of her encounters with her uncle during her childhood.

      "Yes, I did," Duncan affirmed with a warm smile. "He's just as you remember him, Madhavi—strong, wise, and fiercely loyal."

The girl nodded, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she reminisced about the times spent with Stilgar in her youth. "I've missed him."

      "I'm sure he feels the same," Duncan reassured her, his eyes reflecting the shared memories they held of Arrakis and their family.

Their conversation turned to the upcoming journey to Arrakis, a prospect that filled the young girl with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. It had been years since she had set foot on the desert planet, and the memories of their previous life there still lingered in the shadows of her mind.

Before leaving, Duncan placed a gentle kiss on his daughter's forehead, a silent reassurance of his love and support. "Enjoy your evening, Madi," he whispered, his voice filled with paternal affection.

Alone once more, the young Idaho took one last look at herself in the mirror, steeling herself for the festivities that awaited her. With a deep breath, she opened the door to her room, only to find Paul standing on the other side, his expression a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.

Caught off guard by the boy's sudden appearance, Madhavi felt a flutter of nerves dance in her stomach. Despite her attempts to maintain her composure, she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that washed over her at the sight of him.

      "Atreides," she greeted him, her voice betraying a hint of surprise. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

Paul's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his eyes taking in her appearance with a mixture of awe and admiration. "You look... incredible," he finally managed to say, his words tinged with genuine sincerity.

      "Thank you," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips "You don't look too bad yourself."

He chuckled softly, the tension between them easing slightly as they shared a moment of lighthearted banter. "Shall we?" he asked, gesturing towards the door.

With a nod, Madhavi fell into step beside him as they made their way towards the grand hall where the farewell party awaited them.

"Prisoner of a stained land, a captive soul"

. . .

AMIDST THE SHADOWY FIGURES OF THE ATREIDES SOLDIERS, Paul stole a glance at Madhavi. Engaged in conversation with Gurney, she motioned for him to look at her hands, a playful gesture that brought a smile to his lips.

      "Don't break your face on the way out."

The young man quipped, earning a puzzled look from his mother.

The day had finally arrived for the Atreides to fulfill the mission the Emperor had given them.

Despite Duke Leto's optimism about the potential of Arrakis and the spice, Madhavi couldn't shake the memory of their previous conversation.

      "Shield," Madhavi murmured under her breath, mirroring the actions of the military personnel around her.

As the spacecraft hatch opened, revealing the harsh sunlight and desert heat of Arrakis, Madhavi felt a sense of familiarity wash over her. Even though Madi had grown up on Caladan, she couldn't help but feel at home on Arrakis, despite the fact that she could only remember pieces of her past.

As Gurney began to recite verses from the little book he held in his hand, the girl rolled her eyes. If he hadn't become a soldier, he clearly could have become a prophet or a charlatan, she thought.

      "You're quite the charmer, Gurney," Madhavi teased, earning an amused laughter from everyone, as the warlord glared at her.

As they stepped onto a green, modishly adorned carpet, Lady Jessica whispered to Madhavi, "Dresses look good on you, you should wear them more."

      "At this point I don't know if I can call it a dress, it shows more skin than it hides."

      "I didn't know you were so prudish," she snapped back in an amused tone.

      "Ask your son, he seems to have very realistic visions," Madhavi replied cheekily, causing the boy's cheeks to flush with surprise at the innuendo.

As they continued on their way to the ornithopters after reviewing security with Thufir Hawat, voices began to rise in the crowd that had gathered around the site.

      "Don't be fooled by the welcome. They followed their old master's rules." informed the Mentat Master of Assassins. Madhavi bit the inside of her cheek to avoid saying what she really thought about this colonisation venture. "Mandatory attendance. That's Harkonnen love out there."

      "Those assholes." she muttered, earning a warning glare from Lady Jessica.

Sitting down, the young girl looked out the window at the review of the troops taking place outside, listening only vaguely to what Thufir said.

      "They were pointing at us. What are they shouting?" asked Paul Atreides at his mother.

Hearing the question, Madhavi plunged into her seat, drawing the young man's attention.

      "Lisan al-Gaib. Voice from the Outer World." Jessica began. "This is their name for messiah. It means the Bene Gesserit have been at work here."

The girl rolled her eyes when Lady Jessica began to speak of the order of the old witches she hated so much. She started to pray to all possible and unimaginable gods that Paul would not ask the question.

      "They were saying something else. What was that? Kaba Shura?"

This time, Lady Jessica didn't answer. Her eyes had fallen into Madhavi's ones.

Jessica Atreides never underestimated the young Idaho, however when the realisation hit her, she found herself dumfounded. The Reverend Mother did warn her.

"Take care of her before she slips away."

. . .

      "LISAN, LISAN AL-GAIB! QALB SUHRAA!"

In a rectangular ditch, pilgrims chanted the same words, their voices echoing against the barren landscape. The sun reached its zenith, casting harsh rays upon the desolate terrain.

Walking side by side, Madhavi and Paul remained silent, the occasional brush of their arms punctuating the quietude between them.

      "Why didn't you tell me who you really were?" Paul's question hung in the air, full of anticipation.

The young Idaho paused, deliberating her response. What could she say to him now that fate had unveiled her truth? She had stubbornly ignored the signs, only to be confronted with her 'destiny' in the most unexpected of ways.

      "I don't believe in prophecies," she replied, her gaze fixed ahead.

Her eyes, which had regained their characteristic blue hue from her Fremen side, had become the new interest of the young Atreides, much to her discomfort. Despite her attempts to conceal it, his fascination with her unsettled her, igniting a sense of unease within her. The flakes of her skin seemed to flare up every time they were before Paul Atreides' eyes.

She inwardly cringed at the thought, feeling as if she were beginning to sound like Lady Jessica or Duke Leto.

The silence in which the two comforted each other was not as disturbing as one might imagine. Each remembered times when danger did not hang over their heads like a sword of Damocles.

      "I don't hate you, your presence is just unbearable to me."

Madhavi raised her head in surprise.

      "I beg your pardon?"

      "That's what you told me three days after you arrived in Caladan," Paul added with a smile.

The young woman let out a light laugh that made the young Atreides' heart miss a beat. Despite the cold, unsettling chuckles she often let out, her laugh was the most beautiful melody that had ever tickled his ears.

      "You should laugh more, it makes you look radiant." he said, trying to catch her eye.

Madhavi merely shook her head, releasing some rebellious locks from her tightly wound hairstyle. She was grateful that the natural matte tint of her skin concealed the blush that threatened to betray her.

      "We should head back; the sun is far too harsh for your delicate ducal skin," she teased, finally freeing her hair from its confines.

Rolling his eyes, the young Atreides obediently followed her back toward the palace.

In the middle of the sky, the sun seemed to be smiling as the two young people gradually drew closer . But every sunny day comes to an end, and when night falls one person's worst nightmare becomes another's best dream.

IZIA'S NOTE

i feel like this chapter sucks, but i still needed it, i'm confused i don't know. anyway, some memes.

madhavi and leto thinking about their lives, and how two fanatic harkonnens make everything so difficult

madhi when she learned that lady jessica gave her a dress for the farewell party (she looked good though)

paul scoring points (he still creeps her out)

paul when madhavi said that he had realistic visions

lady jessica when she saw that the bene gesserit missionaria protectiva didn't do enough

hope you liked the chapter, and don't forget to vote, comment and share!!

thank you for reading and see you soon! ❤️

© ADONYSIAC ― IZIA™