Dune_ House Atreides - Brian Herbert [241]
In front of him, Margot’s gaze intensified. “You are now the most powerful man in the universe, Sire, but your political rule is balanced between yourself, the Landsraad Council, and the powerful forces of the Spacing Guild and the Bene Gesserit. Your marriage to one of my Sisters would be . . . mutually beneficial.”
“Besides, Sire,” Fenring added, his eyes even larger than usual, “an alliance with any other Great House would bring with it certain . . . baggage. You would join with one family at the risk of spurning another. We don’t want to trigger another rebellion.”
Though surprised by the suggestion, Shaddam rather liked the sound of it. One of his father’s adages about leadership indicated that a ruler needed to pay attention to his instincts. The haunted cloak hung heavy on his shoulders like a crushing weight. Maybe the witching powers of the Sisterhood could ward off whatever malevolent force inhabited the garment and the Palace.
“This Anirul of yours does have an appealing look to her.” Shaddam watched as the proffered woman stepped forward and stood at silent attention, eyes averted, five paces from his royal person.
“Then will you consider our proposal, Sire?” Margot asked and took a respectful step back, awaiting his decision.
“Consider it?” Shaddam smiled. “I already have. In my position, decisions must be made quickly and decisively.” He looked at Fenring, narrowing his eyes. “Wouldn’t you agree, Hasimir?”
“Ah-hm-m-m, that depends upon whether you’re choosing a new garment or a wife.”
“Wise counsel on the surface,” Shaddam said to Fenring. “But disingenuous, I think. You are obviously Sister Margot’s friend, and you arranged this meeting, knowing full well the request she would make. I must, therefore, presume you concur with the Bene Gesserit position.”
Fenring bowed. “The decision is yours, Sire, no matter my personal opinion or feelings toward this beautiful woman beside me.”
“Very well, my answer is . . . yes.” Hearing this from where she stood, Reverend Mother Anirul did not even smile. “Do you believe I have made the right choice, Hasimir?”
Unaccustomed to being caught off-balance, Fenring cleared his throat several times. “She is a fine lady, Sire, and will no doubt make a superb wife. And the Bene Gesserit should make excellent allies, especially in these difficult transition times.”
The Crown Prince laughed. “You sound like one of our diplomats. Give me a yes or a no, without equivocation.”
“Yes, Majesty. That is, I give you a yes, without hesitation. Anirul is a woman of fine breeding and disposition . . . a bit young, but she has a great wisdom about her.” With a glance at Margot beside him, Fenring said, “You assured me that she can indeed bear children?”
“Royal heirs will flow from her loins,” Margot quipped.
“What an image!” Shaddam exclaimed, with another hearty laugh. “Bring her to me so I can meet her myself.”
Margot raised her hand, and Anirul hurried to the Crown Prince’s side. The rest of the Bene Gesserit entourage buzzed with conversation.
Shaddam looked at the woman closely, noted that Anirul—his wife-to-be—had delicate features. He noted tiny lines around the doe eyes, though her gaze was youthful and her movements lithe. At the moment she continued to lower her head with its ruffled bronze hair. As if being coy, she looked at the Crown Prince and then away again.
“You have just made one of the best decisions of your life, Sire,” Margot said. “Your reign will have a strong foundation.”
“This is cause for celebration, with all the pomp and splendor the Imperium can muster,” Shaddam said. “In fact, I plan to announce that the marriage will take place on the same day as my coronation.”
Fenring beamed. “It will be the grandest spectacle in Imperial history, my friend.”
Shaddam and Anirul exchanged smiles, and touched hands for the first time as he reached out to her.
When the center of the storm does not move, you are in its path.
—Ancient Fremen Wisdom
The Atreides frigate departed from Cala City Spaceport for the Padishah Emperor’s coronation, loaded with