Dune_ House Atreides - Brian Herbert [156]
Helena recognized the movements of the courtship dance, as intricate as any swordplay. “See how they look at each other?”
The Old Duke shook his head sadly. “At one time the daughter of House Vernius might have been an excellent match for Leto.”
It saddened him to know how his friend Dominic Vernius was being hunted down by Imperial decree. Emperor Elrood, seemingly irrational, had branded Vernius not only a rene-gade and an exile, but also a traitor. Neither Earl Dominic nor Lady Shando had sent any word to Caladan, but Paulus hoped they remained alive; both were fair game for ambitious for-tune seekers.
House Atreides had risked a great deal by accepting the two children into sanctuary on Caladan. Dominic Vernius had called in all his remaining favors among the Houses of the Landsraad, which had confirmed the young exiles in their protected status, so long as they did not aspire to regain the former title of their House.
“I’d never agree to a marriage between our son and . . . her,” Helena said. “While you’ve strutted around with bullfights and parades, I’ve had my ear to the ground. House Vernius has been falling into disfavor for years now. I’ve told you that, but you never listen.”
Paulus said in a mild voice, “Ah, Helena, your Richesian bias keeps you from seeing Ix fairly. Vernius has always been your family’s rival, and they roundly defeated you in the trade wars.” Despite their disagreements, he tried to accord her the respect due a Lady of a Great House, even when nobody was listening.
“Clearly, the wrath of God has fallen upon Ix,” she pointed out. “You can’t deny that. You should get rid of Rhombur and Kailea. Send them away, or even kill them—it would be a kindness.”
Duke Paulus smoldered. He’d known she’d get back around to the subject before long. “Helena! Watch your words.” He looked at her in disbelief. “That’s an outrageous suggestion, even from you.”
“Why? Their House brought about its own destruction by scorning the strictures of the Great Revolt. House Vernius taunted God with their hubris. Anyone could see it. I warned you myself before Leto went to Ix.” She held the edge of his robe, trembling with her passion as she tried to make a reasoned plea. “Hasn’t humanity learned its lesson well enough? Think of the horrors we went through, the enslavement, the near extermination. We must never stray from the correct path again. Ix was trying to bring back thinking machines. ‘Thou shalt not make a machine in the—’ ”
“No need to quote verses to me,” he said, cutting her off. When Helena dropped into her rigid and zealous mind-set, no rebuttal could penetrate her blinders.
“But if you would just listen and read,” Helena pleaded. “I can show you the passages in the Book—”
“Dominic Vernius was my friend, Helena,” Paulus said. “And House Atreides stands by its friends. Rhombur and Kailea are my guests here at Castle Caladan, and I will hear no more of this talk from you.”
Though Helena turned and vanished back into the bedchamber, he knew she would try to convince him again, at some other time. He sighed.
Gripping the balcony railing, Paulus looked back down to where the boys continued their exercises. It was more like a brawl, with Leto and Rhombur battering at each other, laughing and running around and wasting energy.
Despite her self-righteousness, Helena had made some valid points. This was the kind of opening their age-old enemies, the Harkonnens, would use to try and destroy House Atreides. Enemy legal minds were probably already working on it. If House Vernius had in fact violated Butlerian precepts, then House Atreides might be considered guilty by association.
But the die was cast, and Paulus was up to the challenge. Still, he had to make sure nothing terrible happened to his own son.
Below the boys fought