The great halls of Castle Caladan were filled with the muted sound of waves crashing against the distant cliffs. Outside, the sky was overcast, the same heavy, gray clouds that had lingered for days now reflecting the weight of the decision that had been made. Paul Atreides stood at the edge of one of the open corridors, his gaze fixed on the sea, but his mind was elsewhere.

He was 20 now, no longer the child being trained for the responsibilities of House Atreides, but a man standing on the cusp of his future. Yet that future was being shaped, not by his own hand, but by the forces of politics and duty. His father, Duke Leto, had arranged a marriage for him with the daughter of another Great House, a strategic alliance that would solidify their position in the Landsraad, just before their move to Arrakis.

Paul had met you—his betrothed—just hours earlier, in a formal greeting, both of you exchanging stiff words in the presence of your families. And now, here you were, walking toward him in the corridor, your footsteps soft against the stone. The wind tugged at your hair, and there was a tension in the air that seemed to grow as you approached.

When you stopped beside him, Paul turned, studying you for a moment in the pale light. You stood together in silence for a moment, the sound of the waves filling the space between you.

Paul broke the silence first, his voice quiet but steady. “My father believes this marriage will strengthen our House,” he said, his gaze shifting back to the horizon. “But I’ve always wondered… can alliances built on duty ever truly bring peace?”

You watched him carefully, noting the way his shoulders seemed slightly tense. You met his gaze, your voice soft but firm. “Do you see me only as an alliance, Paul?”

His eyes flicked back to yours, and for a moment, something like uncertainty passed over his features. “I don’t know what to see,” jhe admitted, a slight frown creasing his brow.* “You are a part of my future now… but how much of that is our choice?”