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Kaitain, Homeworld of the Imperial House
Year 10174
The Corrino jet zooms over Kaitain, the greens and golds of the cities passing in a blur as the aircraft carries them closer to the emperor’s royal estate.The Atreides ship had docked as one of the last, or so Leto hopes, having wanted to put their arrival off for as long as he could.This was his second time visiting the planet, the first was with his father many years ago and he barely remembers it now. From what he can recall and what he’s seen since arriving, it’s beautiful, though somewhat more crowded than home.Leto looks out as they fly over the ocean and feels a sudden longing for Caladan, already homesick and ready to turn back around.He sighs, willing himself to toughen up and get through these next few months, closing his eyes and imagining himself on himself back home on his favourite beach.Just twelve weeks, that's all, he reminds himself as they descend over the palace.The emperor had sent out an invitation to all the Great Houses a month ago, requesting the presence of all their heirs for a royal programme to teach diplomacy and how to navigate politics in a way befitting of royalty.Leto was content to sit it out, considering he'd be getting sworn in next year and had already started his duties, he wasn't technically considered an heir anymore. He’s already had to navigate more politics than any of the others to be sure.His mother insisted on the idea, though, siting that it would be rude to decline the emperor and that he might learn a thing or two before taking the reins.Leto had begrudgingly agreed, especially after his soon-to-be advisor and Mentat, Thurfir Hawat, had aligned with her on the idea.Along with being housed at the palace, they were each only allowed one personal aid to guard them as they would be protected by the emperor's Sardaukar at all times.He had naturally selected Gurney, his closest friend and most trusted soldier, and as he is also almost seven years Leto's senior, he trusted Gurney as an advisor during this time too.Leto finds the whole thing silly, as if three months of playing nice is going to stave centuries of feuds or future wars.His thoughts are interrupted by the gentle jolt of the machine as they land in one of the palace hangars, and Gurney removes the buckle of his seat as they start unloading.He goes ahead of Leto, scanning any threats before signalling an all clear to Leto, who only considers now how truly dangerous this whole endeavour is.All the heirs to the most powerful houses in the Imperium gathered in one place. If that information reached the wrong people, it would mean a full-scale Imperial war.He lets out another sigh as he disembarks the jet, watching as the staff unload his belongings, assuring him they'll be safely taken to his quarters, wherever those might be."Shall we, my lord?" Gurney asks, awaiting Leto's next move, a weariness forming at the frown on the younger man's face.Leto takes a deep breath and gives a nod, moving towards the staff waiting to escort them through the palace.The winding halls of the palace are a warm grey, with silver and gold fixtures and decoration as a signature of the emperor’s standing.It’s much lighter than the dark stone of Castle Caladan, but he will admit that the amount of greenery sticking out amongst the intricate architecture is reminiscent of home which gives him some small comfort.One of the staff stops them just before the next set of double doors before turning to Gurney, explaining that the initial meeting would not require the guests' personal aids.He can see a few of the other aids standing about in the hall, by the looks of it he might be one of the last in."It's alright, Gurney," Leto says, seeing the older man gearing up to protest, "I'll be fine."Gurney eyes him for a moment, catching Leto's subtle hand gesture assuring him that the young duke can defend himself and Gurney inclines his head, "Of course, my lord."The older man moves to stand at attention, glued to the spot just outside the door and Leto smiles to himself as the door is opened and he steps inside.A beautiful courtyard greets him, greenery decorating the space and climbing up the arches and columns, all drawing focus to the large fountain in the middle of the circular stone floor.Leto hears the door shut behind him, but he doesn't venture further into the space, staying just inside one if the archways and remaining unnoticed by the others amidst their chatter.He can see a few familiar faces in the small groups that have already formed; Alastair II, the heir of Ginaz, and Francis, house Vernius's heir who he’d met before are the two most familiar to him.Leto identifies the others, either by recognition of acquaintance or a few by their attire, a visible crest or themed colour present in some of the clothing choices.He's relieved to see there doesn't seem to be some horridly pale Harkonnen clad in all black in the mix, but he remains weary since there is still time for others to arrive.In the shadows to his left, Jessica’s eyes lift from her book to study the newcomer, as she's done with each of them, guessing who they are based on how they look or what they're wearing.Reverend Mother Mohiam had been kind enough to give her a small rundown of all the other attendees before she left for Geide Prime last week.It was nothing much, just names and ages as well as some inheritance details, but no faces, so she started her own little game in her hidden corner since she’d been the first to arrive.Judging by the hawk crest and the deep green of his uniform, he's the Atreides. Lord Leto Atreides to be precise, though she supposes he's soon to be Duke Leto Atreides.Jessica wonders briefly why he's here, he's already inherited his title, why would he need to attend this programme?She doesn't dwell on it and decides it's best to steer clear of him anyway, considering their family history and all. Though she plans on keeping to herself entirely as to not cause trouble for her own sake.Jessica sighs, hating her so called family for how difficult they've made this for her already, there's truly no love lost for the Harkonnens.Leto hears the sound of a sigh to his left and he turns to see a young woman perched in one of the darkened alcoves in the corner.Her sharp features are set in a frown, bronze hair braided neatly as it comes to rest over her shoulder. He's struck by her beauty, unable to place her based on how she looks or her attire, the dark brown of her dress doesn't ring any bells.Leto also doesn't remember meeting or even hearing of a female heir in recent years, so he truly has no idea who she might be.He approaches her, abandoning his quest to muster up the energy to join the others, and Jessica silently wills him away as she hears his footsteps grow closer. No such luck, she thinks as he opens his mouth to speak."What are you reading?" Leto asks and he cringes inwardly at the line, wishing he could have come up with something better."Nothing interesting, just doing some light studying for my father." She swallows the bile that threatens to rise at the last two words, closing her book before she looks up at her interruption.Leto's heart skips a beat as her eyes meet his, the icy blue reminds him of his favourite lake frozen over in the Caladan winter.He's struck by her regal features, and he knows he's definitely never met her before, how could he ever forget her?"You aren't one for crowds then?" He asks, breaking the silence as he inclines his head towards the others.Jessica realises he doesn't know who she is, she's sure no one does because she's never really been associated with her house until now, but he definitely wouldn't have approached her if he knew."I'm better off hidden in the shadows." She answers cryptically as she subtly studies the man in front of her.He looks a bit older than the others, though she knows the two of them are the same age, but she wonders if losing his father and gaining his responsibilities has matured him a bit.He's quite handsome, dark curly hair neatly styled and face clean shaved. His sure steps and rigid posture make her wonder if he's spent time as a soldier.He certainly has the heir of a Duke, that's for sure."I don't think that's true." Leto replies, a small smirk playing on his lips as his grey eyes sparkle.The comment catches her off guard and she smiles, ducking her head as she avoids his eyes. If Leto thought she couldn't get any more beautiful, he was so very wrong."Atreides!" He hears from behind him, Alastair, he curses silently at the intrusion.Leto turns, lifting a hand in a wave of acknowledgement and Jessica schools her features as her turns back to her."You should go join them." She says, perfectly content to keep reading by herself in the corner."So should you, isn't that the point of this little experiment?" Leto argues, a smile playing on his lips. Fair enough."Perhaps I'll make more of an effort once we've officially started." She responds and he chuckles.His name is called again, and Leto rolls his eyes, making Jessica laugh softly and his heart skips a beat at the sound.He can't ignore the others for much longer, but he doesn't want to leave her either, though it seems the decision is made for him when he hears footsteps approaching."Leto, come and join us." Alastair calls as he approaches their side of the courtyard, followed by Francis."I'll be right there." Leto calls back politely, realising he'd completely forgotten his manners before."I'm Leto Atreides, by the way," he introduces himself as he turns back again, extending a hand in greeting to the woman, "and you are?""Jessica." She says, accepting the hand offered to her and her breath catches as their hands touch.Jessica swallows the sudden nervousness that lodges in her throat along with a sliver of hope at someone reaching out to her with no judgement, but she knows it won’t last, not for her.Her hand is softer and smaller than his, yet it fits perfectly in his own and Leto is completely captivated by her touch.He’s so distracted by her hand in his that he doesn't really take note of the lack of surname which Jessica is grateful for.She clears her throat, eyes dropping to their still joined hands and Leto quickly lets go."It's nice to meet you, Jessica, I look forward to our next meeting." And just like that his charm is back and Jessica smiles politely.He definitely won't be feeling the same way after he learns who she really is."Likewise, Leto Atreides." She responds and suddenly he doesn't want to hear his name from anyone else's lips but hers ever again.He comes back to himself quickly as he bows his head slightly before turning away, heading towards Alastair and the others.As Jessica watches Leto greet the other attendees, a sadness creeps into her heart that she doesn't know what to do with.Leto was the first person to even notice her, and after today he'll be the one with the most reason never to acknowledge her again.She sighs, accepting her inevitable fate as she goes back to her reading, praying that these twelve weeks go by in a blur.Leto, on the other hand, steals a glance back at Jessica, seeing her once again enamoured with her book and suddenly thinking the next twelve weeks might not be that bad.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The courtyard's double doors open to reveal four guards and, presumably, the Emperor’s Mentat, a tall man with short grey hair and the signature black stain on his lip who walks forward to greet their small crowd.Leto looks behind him at Jessica who's disappeared from her previous spot in the alcolve and is standing a few steps behind him on the other side. Stealthy.He quickly turns his attention back to the Mentat who announces that they'll be escorted to the Emperor's throne room in the next few minutes as he reminds them of their manners and their rules for this expedition.Jessica expected a more juvenile reaction from most of the others, but she's quite surprised they all seem to be taking it seriously, perhaps being trapped with them won't be so bad.She remains towards the back, mostly out of sight as they make their way through the halls of the palace to the throne room.Leto reaches for his left ring finger, finding no ring there as he remembers he took it off before departing.He wasn't technically meant to have it yet, but his mother gave it to him when he started his duties, something he could use to keep his father's memory close as he prepared to take the reins.He rights himself, taking a deep breath as they enter the throne room, he doesn't know why he's so nervous, but being presented to the Emperor probably isn't helping.Leto has met Shaddam Corrino IV a few times before, the Emperor had been quite close with his father when he was the Duke, but Leto hadn't seen the man since his father died.The Emperor sits on his Golden Lion throne, donned in the scarlet and gold of his house and Leto notices the golden blonde of his hair has faded to a lighter colour as it greys."Presenting the heirs to the Great Houses of the Imperium, your majesty." The Mentat announces as they all come to a stop towards the middle of the room.They all give a bow in reverence to the Emperor who sits a few steps above them and Jessica spies the Reverend Mother Mohiam to his right, feeling a small bit of relief in her familiar presence."Thank you, Saros. Kaitain welcomes you all." The Emperor says, voice strong as he addresses them, rising from his seat as he does so.Leto sneaks a glance at Jessica as Shaddam Corrino goes over the details of the programme, siting its purpose as the fostering of diplomacy and future peace amongst the houses.Jessica can feel Leto's eyes on her, but she keeps her head straight, needing no reason to be distracted as she listens to the Emperor intently.Does he even know his own Imperium? She wonders as he goes on about peace between the Great Houses."The rest of today will focus on making yourselves comfortable in your new quarters and getting acquainted with each other." The Emperor explains, "For now, I would like you to line up and introduce yourself and the house you represent."Fantastic, Jessica thinks, there's no more hiding her familial roots now. She stands at the very end, on the far right, realising her mistake as she'd be the very last to announce herself and therefore pulling more focus than she intended.She takes a steadying breath as the introductions start; the heir to House Fenring goes first, followed by Moritani, and Richese.House Kenric is next, then Vernius before she hears Leto introduce himself as the representative for house Atreides. She feels her heartrate pick up as she quickly calms herself with a familiar axiom.The heir of Ginaz introduces himself, stepping back as the honours finally fall to Jessica. Without missing a beat, she steps forward and speaks with a practiced confidence."Lady Jessica, representing House Harkonnen, your majesty." She says, bowing respectfully as they all did before stepping back to her spot.Leto’s head whips up at her words, surprise replaced by an instantaneous feeling of anger and betrayal. How could she not tell him? How could he not see it? His thoughts reel as he mentally chastises himself for not paying closer attention.Jessica can feel every pair of eyes in the room on her, she suspects they all expected to see some sickeningly pale bald freak and she resists the urge to roll her eyes as she keeps her gaze forward.As the Emperor speaks again, going through the details and rules for their dormitories, everyone seemingly moves on, turning their attention back to him.Jessica chances a glance to her left, eyes meeting Leto's who quickly turns away, a deep frown set on his face and her heart drops as she turns her attention back to the Emperor as well.Oh well, she knew that was going to happen and she easily silences the sadness and disappointment in her heart. At least she didn't get attached to him before he started hating her.Now all Jessica has to do is keep her head down and survive the next twelve weeks to complete the deal, once it's done, she'll get to return to her life as it was before.
Jessica's plan seems to work out easier than she expected once everyone is shown to their quarters consisting of four hallways with five bedrooms each.Twin staircases on either side of the entry lead to the two upstairs hallways, with the other two below them and she has the one downstairs dormitory hall all to herself as the only girl present, while the rest shared the other three hallways.Though, she hopes once Margot arrives tomorrow, they might assign her to the same hall so she won't be completely alone for this whole experiment.Since there are only eight of them, they used one of the guest wings to house them all, though it looks like they made a few accommodations for the programme.It's quite nice, the hallways to the bedrooms leading to a spacious lounge area with a few couches and chairs, even two cheops tables for them to entertain each other with.The dining hall they would use to eat is just to the left of them through the double doors, and across from it on the other side of the lounge are the doors leading to a training room they are allowed to use at their leisure.And finally, the far wall covered in windows with double glass doors leading to a long balcony gave them a pleasant view of the palace's southern gardens.Jessica supposes the garden view is a nice change of scenery from the desolate mountains of Wallach IX and she definitely prefers it to the stark conditions of Geide Prime.She hasn't spent much time on the Harkonnen planet other than the last week and a few times throughout her life when her father required her presence.Her visits never lasted more than a week or two at a time though and she's grateful for it as the dark and colourless place always made her uncomfortable.The sound of voices and laughter comes from behind her as some of the others come back from finding their rooms and she decides to go investigate her own.Most of them know each other and if she's going to spend time alone in a corner it might as well be in her room where she at least won't be disturbed.In the hallway directly across from hers, Leto waits a few more minutes in his own room as he hears the general bustle of everyone moving to the common area, trying to find a moment of peace in which to think.They were escorted from the throne room to their guest chambers and given their choice of room, except for the last hallway which would be for the girls, or just for Jessica in this case.While the others chose to fill up the first two upstairs hallways out of excitement, Leto chose to stay in the furthest room in the third hallway and Alastair and Francis had followed his lead.The rooms are spacious enough, a comfortable bed on the far wall, with a chair set and a small table opposite it, as well as a cupboard on the closest to the door fitting in nicely.There's also a fully functioning bathroom attached to the room through the door on the left, making it a comfortable place with the required privacy they all need.The decorations aren't overly extensive or ornate, though the woods are rich and there are some gold embellishments and ornaments on the furniture and expensive fabrics.They probably purposefully kept the rooms simple considering their use, but the small details do serve as a reminder of where they are.Leto sighs as he thinks back to merely twenty minutes ago as Jessica announced she's here to represent the Harkonnens and it feels like a dream, or a nightmare really.He introduced himself as an Atreides and she still remained friendly with him as if they aren't mortal enemies? Not to mention that she must've purposefully left out her own identity to no doubt lengthen her deception.And the nerve of her to look him in the eyes after her introduction, the whole thing just makes him feel violated and angry. He doesn’t like being played for a fool, and thinking about their interaction in the courtyard makes his hair stand up on end.Leto stares out of the long windows of his room out onto the gardens as he desperately wishes he could be back home on Caladan.Perhaps it will be better once Gurney comes back, or at least more bearable. They had been assured their personal guards would be joining them and would only leave them during daily activities from now on.Other than that, they would sleep in the open rooms and would be allowed to stand guard at night if so instructed or inclined.It makes him feel even better about his choice to bring Gurney along, knowing man's experience with Harkonnen in particular makes Leto feel slightly more at ease.Alastair knocks on his door, calling his name through the thick wood, inviting him to join them and Leto weighs his current options in his mind.He decides he can't really stay in here for the rest of the day, but he also doesn't want to run the risk of Jessica being down there.Though, Leto supposes he can just ignore her, he's going to have to learn to if they're going to be here for twelve weeks, anyway.
When Gurney enters the dining hall, he immediately scans the room to find his charge, much like the others, making his way over to the soon-to-be Duke where he sits at one of the long tables.Leto turns his head at the noise of their personal guards entering, nodding his head at Gurney who approaches him.A few of them are seated already, others are standing around chatting while they wait for their food to be served.Leto is grateful for the layout they chose for this dining hall, a few long tables with cushioned chairs made it easy to eat comfortably and not to be forced to sit next to anyone if you didn't want to."Sire." The older man greets as he takes the seat next to Leto, noticing the young man's distraction as his head turns forward again.Gurney follows his line of sight to a young woman sitting alone at the furthest table reading a bookHe smiles inwardly at the idea of Leto’s attention being stolen by her when he didn't want to be here in the first place."Who's the girl?" Gurney asks, watching a deep frown take form on Leto's face suddenly before he answers."Harkonnen." He says simply, his jaw clenching as he rips his gaze away from Jessica, chastising himself and his apparent failure to ignore her."She doesn't look like a Harkonnen." Gurney says with his own frown. No, she doesn't, and that's what makes it even worse and confusing for Leto."No, but we both know deception is their natural state." Leto replies with a certain venom in his tone, one that Gurney personally shares when it comes to the Harkonnens.He chances a last glance at the woman, making sure to memorise key features in case she makes any moves towards the young duke.Gurney notes her lack of personal guard, a strange choice considering the threat this experiment might pose, and he doesn't know if that makes her more or less dangerous."Where were you, anyway?" Leto interrupts his thoughts with the question as their food is served."They took us through the palace, basic entry and exit points and procedures in case of emergency or threat." He explains, adding that they were told when to step in and when to leave a situation to the Sardaukar and where to report anything suspicious.Leto nods along, trying his best to keep his attention on Gurney and Alastair who eventually comes to join them.The food is enjoyable, checked by multiple poison snoopers over the tables for their safety, but Leto doesn’t feel like eating much after today.He fights the urge to lift his eyes forward as Jessica gets up and leaves in his periphery, a small wave of relief passing over him as she goes.Jessica breathes out a sigh as she leaves the dining hall, having had her fill of some food and making sure she made an appearance not to seem antisocial.She had felt Leto's eyes on her more than once but kept her head down and focused on her book throughout their meal.No one else dared approach her, and she tries to convince herself that it's the only perk of her family name so far. Though, a small feeling of loneliness did creep up on her when everyone greeted their personal aids and people went about sitting with whoever they knew, making conversation.Jessica sighs, silencing her sombre thoughts with another litany. This is an infinitely small part of her life and the Bene Gesserit's greater plan, so these feelings will be inconsequential in the bigger picture.She readies herself for bed, locking her door and going through her familiar nightly routine she follows on Wallach IX and as Jessica spends her meditation time staring at the large yellow moon that rises over Kaitain, she thinks about how much simpler her life will be once she returns to the Bene Gesserit after all this is over.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The next morning finds them all in the dining hall once more for breakfast before they are set to meet with the Emperor to officially start their programme.Jessica takes the same place she did last night, away from the others, listening to the light chatter fill the room as everyone helps themselves to the food that’s been laid out.The room is bathed in the warmth of sunlight bouncing off the golden, sandy walls, and Jessica keeps her attention on the book beside her, having read the same page three times over for lack of anything better to do.The new environment made for a rough night’s sleep, and judging by some of the others, they struggled as well. Luckily their morning didn’t start too early, perhaps the Emperor or his advisors anticipated the excitement and travel would make them more weary.Jessica sneaks a glance at the door as Leto enters, a frown set on his face as he steadfastly ignores her, walking towards the others. A pang of hurt strikes her chest, but she’s quick to dismiss it as she observes him.A slight slump in his shoulders is the only indicator of fatigue in his confident stride, and she guesses he probably shared a similar night to hers.There’s something in the way he carries himself that’s so different from the others, something she finds oddly attractive, they all have the same pride and arrogance in their walk, but he has the confidence needed to make it believable.Jessica supposes it’s quite genuine too, considering he’ll be the Duke soon, he’s probably earned his fair share of responsibility and experience to give him that confidence.Her attention returns to her book as he turns around, and she reads the page again, having almost memorised the acquisition of Carthag by the Harkonnens at this point.She turns the page and briefly wonders if this is really to be her life for the next twelve weeks, alone by herself in a corner, surrounded by people who don’t care to know her and waiting for time to pass so anything interesting might happen.A small sigh escapes her lips as she scans the contents of the page before reading in depth. She hears someone approach from her left, assuming it’s one of the others leaving the room, she doesn’t look up, content to let them pass by unnoticed.Jessica is surprised when the person stops to pull out the chair next to hers and she barely has time to register Leto sitting down next to her before he speaks."You lied to me." He accuses in lieu of a greeting, jaw tensed and eyes alight and Jessica frowns, quickly catching on to the context of his accusation."I didn't lie; I just didn't give you the whole truth." She defends, feeling her own anger rising at his tone.It’s not like she wanted to lie to him, she didn’t want to ruin a perfectly nice introduction, and he was the one who approached her in the first place."Lying by omission is still lying." Leto says, eyes narrowing with condescension and Jessica turns forward, rolling her eyes at his words.“So, you’re not sorry then?” He asks and Jessica’s mouth drops open as she turns back to him, surely he can’t be serious."You assumed I couldn't be a Harkonnen because I'm likeable and pretty, if anyone should be offended it’s me.” She spits out her own accusation, watching his face drop as he moves back.Shame flashes over his face for a split second and Jessica knows she’s right. Leto’s anger returns quickly though, and she resists the urge to roll her eyes again."Sorry for assuming based on your family's very consistent track record." He says, voice dripping with superiority, and she doesn’t know which angers her more, his words or his tone."Those people are not my family." Jessica whispers harshly before she can stop herself, immediately regretting it as confusion flickers over Leto’s face.She really doesn’t feel like having this conversation, nor does Leto deserve any explanation from her after confronting her so rudely. She quickly rises from her seat, grabbing her book and abandoning her half-eaten breakfast.“I’m sorry you made the mistake of approaching me in the first place and whatever offence it caused,” Jessica says, tone lacking any real apology as she turns back to him, “I’d appreciate it if you kept your distance from me, my lord, and I’ll do the same.” She adds, turning away again as she leaves before he can stop her.Leto watches her disappear through the doors, feeling even more frustrated than before. He doesn’t know what possessed him to approach her in the first place, it’s like he just couldn’t help himself.He knew there would be a slim chance of her apologising or even feeling bad about what she did, but he thought perhaps he could make her feel guilty.Neither of those things happened and Leto is still left with his anger, and what did she mean that those people aren’t her family? It’s probably just another trick to confuse him.He gives a frustrated sigh before getting up from the table, returning to where the food is laid out, his appetite still waning, but not wanting to face the rest of this day on an empty stomach. Saros leads them to their makeshift council room as he explains the process they’ll follow every day. Like most royal houses, they’ll have their set duties that they have to attend to, council meetings, state dinners etc.“There are times when I or another advisor will run your meetings when the Emperor is otherwise occupied,” he says as the double doors open, revealing a large council table with a golden lion engraved in the middle."You will notice your names placed on the table; these will be your assigned seats for all of our council meetings from now on.” Saros explains as they all tentatively move further into the room.“The Emperor should be here shortly.” He adds, waiting by the door.Jessica scans the nearby nameplates, finding no Harkonnen one and moving around the table to find it right next to the name ‘Atreides’. She pretends she doesn’t notice it as she stands behind her assigned chair, keeping her head down as Leto comes around looking for his own nameplate.Jessica offers no outward reaction when she hears a short sigh come from the man to her left, and she spots the way his hand clenches briefly into a fist from the corner of her eye.“Ah, good morning,” the Emperor greets as he and his personal guards enter the room, prompting them all to look up and give a customary bow, “I trust you found your rooms quite comfortable. We tried our best to house you all together.”A few muffled ‘thank yous’ are given from the crowd, a sense of fear and shyness settling over them in the presence of their ruler who smiles kindly as he rounds the table to his seat.Instead of taking his usual place at the head of the table, he’s opted for a seat in the middle, the one to Leto's left, giving him more familiarity with the entire group."As I’m sure Saros has told you, we will hold council three times a week as well as a state dinner at the end of every week to review your work." Shaddam Corrino says, taking his seat and gesturing for them all to do the same."This experiment aims not only to provide you with some experience and perspective that will help you lead one day, but it also provides the opportunity for the growth of peace in the future of the Imperium." He goes on, echoing his sentiments from yesterday."You will be representing your house, but we will be providing you with made up resources and scenarios to see how you would handle them." He nods at Saros and the man grabs a small pile of notebooks that he hands out to each of them."With these, you will be assigned one ally who you would have to work with,” The Emperor continues explaining as they all open their peronalised notebooks, “although you are free to expand your allies throughout your time here. The goal ultimately being harmony amongst all of your houses." He finishes, giving them a moment to read through the information given to them.The first few pages are packed with information, each of them getting a planet and its resources, all of their import and export statistics as well as their titles and estates. Its summarised well, giving them brief descriptions and rewards versus consequence in terms of their relationship with each other and the Imperial Guild.Jessica scans through the information, memorising it easily using her Bene Gesserit abilities, only stopping once her eyes land on her given ally.Known Ally: House Atreides. She almost laughs at the ridiculousness of it, the Emperor sure has a sense of humour.She can feel the exact moment Leto spots her family name next to his given ally as he goes perfectly still next to her before taking a deep breath.His restraint is quite impressive, and she realises he’s truly adept to this world, knowing not to cause a scene. The same cannot be said for the youngest member amongst them, Alastair Ginaz, who frowns with open disapproval.Jessica realises why when she spots Moritani with a similar distaste on his face right next to the younger boy, while their houses aren’t officially declared enemies like her and Leto’s, they have a well-known animosity between them.Is this the Emperor’s plan for peace? Teaming them up with their enemies to create some false semblance of peace as they sit around a table cheering each other on.The urge to roll her eyes is strong but Jessica restrains herself, taking two breaths as she recites a calming regimen, turning her attention back to the Emperor as he walks them through more details of their programme.Next to her, Leto tries his best to keep calm, not wanting to cause offence by openly showing his disgust in front of the Emperor. What kind of cruel joke is this? He thinks as Shaddam Corrino goes on to explain how they’ll work with their allies throughout the programme, and they’ll be teamed up for any exercises that require it.Leto feels a migraine slowly start to pound behind his eyes, his lack of sleep not helping matters and nausea accompanying the pain as he stares down at the page in front of him.Known Ally: House Harkonnen, words he’s never wanted to read in his life. Gurney might just have a heart attack when he hears about this, and worry fills Leto as he realises this news might make it home.He resists the urge to groan as the meeting continues, spending all of his remaining energy listening to the Emperor and wholeheartedly ignoring the person to his right, twelve weeks suddenly feeling like an eternity. Jessica vaguely registers the door to their living quarters opening and someone entering, though she doesn't look up as she tries her best to ignore a certain pair of grey eyes she feels on her from across the room.After dinner everyone naturally congregated in the lounge area to discuss their day and catch up with each other since they didn’t get much time to do so yesterday.Jessica had resigned herself to one of the corners of the room with a couch and twin chairs set up, and the others did the same as they broke into their own social groups."In a corner reading a book? Colour me shocked." A familiar voice teases and Jessica feels a wave of relief wash over her."If current company had anything interesting to provide perhaps I wouldn't be,” She replies, finally looking up from her book to see Margot standing over her, “alas I already learned everything I need to know about everyone within the first hour of being here.""The Reverend Mother would be so proud." The blonde says, holding a hand to her heart mockingly, causing Jessica to smile."It's good to see you, Margot." She says, getting up from her position to embrace her friend."And you, sister, seems we'll be roommates once again. I'll be glad not to be alone for these next weeks." Margot responds, returning the embrace before Jessica takes her seat again, inviting Margot to do the same."Me too, how was your journey? Did you start your programme with Reverend Mother Mohiam yet?" Jessica asks, curious to know about Margot’s programme and its contents."It was long, and no, I spoke with her when I arrived and we went over the details, but I'll start tomorrow." Margot explains, observing the other attendees scattered in groups around the room.As the top student on Wallach IX, Jessica herself was set to be the Bene Gesserit representative before her father had called on her.It was disheartening to give up her chance at working with the Reverend Mother in her official capacity as the Emperor’s Truthsayer, but she could not refuse her father’s command, nor the deal he offered her.Nevertheless, she is happy that it’s Margot who was selected as her replacement, the blonde is one of the only people Jessica has ever truly been able to call a friend, so she is grateful to have her here."So, who is he?" Margot’s voice breaks through her thoughts, and she frowns in confusion."Who is who?" Jessica asks in return."The boy who keeps looking at you every time you turn away?" The blonde replies with a smirk and realization dawns on Jessica when she looks in the direction Margot indicates."Oh,” so much for ignorance, “that's Leto Atreides." Jessica answers dismissively, trying her best to seem unbothered by him, though not hiding it well enough from the Bene Gesserit next to her who knows her better than anyone."I see." Margot responds, eyeing her friend closely."I thought the Harkonnens and Atreides were enemies." She says curiously, watching as the Atreides heir quickly draws his attention back to his friends once again."They are.""So why does he keep staring at you?" The blonde asks and Jessica rolls her eyes at her friend’s questioning."Perhaps he's plotting my death." She replies, tone dripping with sarcasm even though she wouldn’t actually put it past him considering the hatred his gaze holds whenever she does catch his eyes."Perhaps he's plotting something else." Margot suggests, lifting her eyebrows suggestively and Jessica laughs humourlessly in pure disbelief."He hates me,” She rebukes, “and besides, you know perfectly well that's not why I'm here." Her face becomes serious at the reminder and Margot relents.Jessica notices the two guards that enter, followed by two of the palace staff carrying what she assumes to be Margot’s bags."Come, I'll show you where we're staying, and you can pick your very own room." The brunette says, using the opportunity to shift the subject and also to finally leave the room with a valid excuse.Margot nods and follows Jessica to the downstairs hallway on the right, hoping that she’s already succeeded in her first task here and a small excitement blooming in her chest for all she might yet learn in the coming weeks. Leto hides his surprise as he watches Jessica greet the Bene Gesserit girl, Lady Margot, who they were told would be staying with them for the remainder of her programme under the Emperor’s Truthsayer.The two women share an embrace, and he wonders how they even know each other, though he doesn’t dwell on it, it’s none of his business who Jessica knows and why.Besides, Harkonnens and Bene Gesserit all thrive in shadows and deception, so he’d rather not get involved anyway.He rests his head on the back of the couch as he listens to Alastair go on about being paired with Moritani, and Leto feels the boy’s frustration considering his own bad luck with his given ally.“It’s not forever,” Francis tries, “and who cares what happens here anyway.” He says, tired of his friend’s complaining.“Easy for you to say, Fenring’s not that bad.” Alastair responds and Francis shrugs, knowing he indeed doesn’t have it as bad as the other two.“At least you aren’t Leto,” He jokes, prompting Leto to lift his head with a scowl which causes Francis to smile even wider, Alastair joining in with a chuckle.“I feel for you,” Alastair says, “although, unlike the rest of her family, she’s definitely not an eyesore.” He bargains with another laugh and Leto feels an unfamiliar fire burning in his chest at the blonde’s words.Francis chimes in about how she’s the prettiest Harkonnen he’s ever seen, and Leto rolls his eyes, drawing them back to Jessica, quickly looking back as he sees her friend observing them.Leto won’t openly admit that he agrees, she is very beautiful, but he doesn’t need anything conflicting with his feelings toward her and the centuries of pain her family has caused his.“Doesn’t really matter what she looks like, a Harkonnen is still a Harkonnen.” He says, both of his friends agreeing and the subject suddenly shifts as Francis starts a story about a girl he was forbade from seeing back on his home planet.Leto doesn’t really pay attention as his friends swap stories, happy to brood in his corner as he bides his time until its appropriate to excuse himself and go to bed, desperate for sleep to soothe his ongoing migraine.The doors open as they come to deliver the new resident’s luggage, and his eyes follow Jessica as she leads her friend to the furthest dormitory hall.He hasn’t spoken to her since their confrontation this morning, and he’s been racking his brain for ways to approach her again.Since they’re now forced to be allies, they’ll have to forgo their agreement to stay out of each other’s way, and since Leto doesn’t want to offend the Emperor and wants to take the assignment seriously, he’s prepared to be cordial with her for the sake of the programme.Whether she’s prepared to do the same is yet to be seen, she can’t very well act against the Emperor, but he wouldn’t put it past her considering her family history.He also has yet to tell Gurney, who’s been getting a few hours of sleep so he can keep guard outside Leto’s room tonight, but he’ll have to tell him as soon as he can.Leto stays for a few more minutes, finally turning his attention to his friends again, using their constant chatter to drown out the noise in his mind before he excuses himself.He bids goodnight to Francis and Alastair, who let him go without question, though he spies the slight concern in Francis’ eyes before he leaves.On his way, Leto silently prays that he’ll somehow wake up tomorrow and find himself in his own bed, back home on Caladan, away from this nightmare.