Dune_ House Atreides - Brian Herbert [253]
“We must have Atreides genes in the next generation!” Anirul said, echoing the agitated voices in her head. “People are afraid to support Leto in this matter, and we all know why. Some of the key magistrates can be made sympathetic to his cause for political reasons, but no one truly believes in Leto’s innocence. Why would the young fool do such an unwise thing? It goes beyond comprehension.”
Margot shook her head sadly.
“Although Shaddam has publicly expressed his neutrality, he speaks against House Atreides in private. He certainly doesn’t believe in Leto’s innocence,” Anirul said. “Yet there could be more to it. The Crown Prince may have some relationship with the Tleilaxu, something he isn’t revealing to anyone. Do you think it possible?”
“Hasimir has said nothing to me of it.” Margot realized she had used the familiar name, and smiled back at her companion. “And he does share some secrets with me. In time, your man will share them with you as well.”
Anirul frowned, thinking of Shaddam and Fenring with their never-ending schemes, like games of politics. “So, they’re up to something. Together. Maybe Leto’s fate is part of their plan?”
“Perhaps.”
Anirul leaned forward on the stone bench to be more sheltered by the rose hedge. “Margot, our men want House Atreides to fall, for some reason . . . but the Sisterhood must have Leto’s bloodline for the culmination of our program. It is our best hope, and the work of centuries hangs on this.”
Not entirely understanding, Margot Rashino-Zea gazed at Anirul with her gray-green eyes. “Our need for Atreides offspring is not dependent on their status as a House Major.”
“Isn’t it?” Anirul patiently explained her greatest fears. “Duke Leto has no brothers or sisters. If he fails in his gambit—the Trial by Forfeiture—he could very well commit suicide. He’s a young man of tremendous pride, and it would be a terrible blow to him so soon after the loss of his father.”
Margot narrowed her eyes skeptically. “This Leto is exceptionally strong. With his character, he’ll fight on, no matter what.”
Kitebirds flew overhead, their songs like broken crystal. Anirul looked up into the cloudless sky and watched them. “And what if a vengeful Tleilaxu assassinates him, even if the Emperor pardons him? What if a Harkonnen sees an opportunity to create an ‘accident’? Leto Atreides can ill afford to lose the protection of his noble status. We need to keep him alive, and preferably in his position of power.”
“I see your point, Anirul.”
“This young Duke must be protected at all costs—and to begin, we must protect the status of his Great House. He cannot lose this trial.”
“Hm-m-m, there may be a way,” Margot said with a tight-lipped smile. She spoke in a low, musing tone. “Hasimir might even admire my idea, if he learns of it, despite his instinctive opposition. Of course we don’t dare breathe a word of it to him, or to Shaddam. But it will throw all the players into complete confusion.”
Anirul waited in silence, but her eyes burned with bright curiosity. Margot moved closer to her Bene Gesserit companion. “Our suspicion of . . . the Tleilaxu connection. We can use that for a convoluted bluff within a bluff. But can we do it without harming Shaddam or House Corrino?”
Anirul stiffened. “My future husband—and even the Golden Lion Throne itself—are secondary to our breeding program.”
“Of course you’re right.” Margot nodded in resignation, as if shocked at her own gaffe. “But how should we proceed?”
“We begin with a message to Leto.”
Truth is a chameleon.
—Zensunni Aphorism
On the second morning of Leto’s confinement in Landsraad Prison on Kaitain, an official arrived with important documents for him to sign—the official demand for a Trial by Forfeiture, and Leto’s formal surrender of all property held by House Atreides. It was the moment of truth for him, the point at which he had to certify the dangerous course of action he had demanded.
Though undeniably a prison, the cell had two rooms, a comfortable sling couch, a desk made of polished Ecaz jacaranda, a filmbook reader,