Paul Atreides x Fem!Bene Gesserit!Reader
Synopsis : Your mother Gauis Helen Mohiam, was Truthsayer to the falling empire. Raised among royalty, religion, manipulation and corruption, who else would be the perfect wife for the new Emperor Paul Atreides..Who you knew as the Fremen Demon
“Paul Atreides is not dead, mother” You said, walking into the room your mother was in.
You didn’t miss the way she froze, her hand pausing its movement of writing, before she continued.
Always measured, never panicked.
For fear was the mind killer, that is what all Bene Gesserit were raised on. The mere idea of fear or panic was seen as weakness. They do not show such weakness.
“How many times must I tell you not to call me that, child”
Your mother’s voice was cold, unforgiving as it was always ways. Your mother had been Reverend mother at the Bene Gesserit school for many years.
But now she had moved up in the scale of things, she was Truthsayer to the Padishah Emperor himself, Shaddam Corinno IV. He was a quiet man, since aging being more easy to manipulate.
Ripe for the picking in terms of your mother. She did not advise, she dictated, but in a way that was hidden, so even the Emperor did not realise it.
“Have you nothing more to say?” Was your reply, your bright blue eyes contrasting the dark navy veil over your hair, and the cloaks over your body.
“You are part of the Breeding Programme, not my child, Girl”
“He will come for us all, you know of this? He challenges the emperor. If this is the full truth, the emperor will fall for his crimes” You said, voice louder in urgency.
“The emperor was always going to fall, child. He is weak minded, and old with no Heir to his name. He bore only daughters, only one lived to be a woman” She replied coldly, not once looking up from her writing.
“Then she was murdered at night, before she could birth her child. The Great houses claimed it to be the work of the Harkonnens…but you? You claimed otherwise” You said, a new unsettling look in your eyes as you stared at her.
“There was no sufficient evident for such a claim” She replied.
Her writing quickened, you noticed.
“You planned the demise of the Atreides” You said, breathlessly and accusingly.
“Of course I did. Leto Atreides led by his heart, too weak to gain such power, and The Harkonnens? Too bold to obtain such power, they surely too, will fall” She said.
Now, she had stopped writing.
You swallowed, staring down at her. Your mother had soon horrible things your entire life, but conducting a genocide brought a new sickness to your stomach.
“And Jessica? She was your student at the Bene Gesserit school. You claimed she was a vital vessel for our way” You said.
“She disobeyed orders. She was told only to bare daughters” Your mother cut in harshly. You could tell she would never truly get over such a betrayal.
“In disobeying she may have brought forth the one, have your forgotten?” You said, testing her.
“I forget nothing! That boy was nothing but an abomination forged out of Jessica’s own pride” she cut you off.
“Is, mother. Paul lives, now you must deal with the consequences” You corrected her.
“You believe you are not involved?” She said, with a tone that was mocking.
“How could I be? I thought I was not your daughter, Reverend Mother” You replied coldly, before turning, fixing the veil that had slipped down.
When you left the room, she did not continue to write.
You were too clever, she had realised this when you were only a child. You recognised things she did, things others would bypass, and you would question her instead of staying silent.
Questioning oppression and manipulation did not work for the Bene Gesserit.
The emperor had announced his desire to meet with the Baron Harkonnen on Arrakis, to discuss the letter he was sent by Paul Atreides, as well as the so called Fremen demon, the prophet on Arrakis that was responsible for destroying the Harkonnen Harvesting machines.
He was wreaking Havoc on them, and showing them up for the fools they were.
To you, the so called “messiah” was interesting.
The journey to Arrakis was tense, full of nerves for what was to come. The emperor spoke to no one, neither did your mother, then again, neither of them rarely spoke to anyone.
When the ship opened, the sun hit you all immediately. To everyone else, it was a nuisance, to you, it was a warm sensation that you were unaccustomed to.
You had never been to Arrakis before, but you’ve read much about it, learned about what the sisterhood had planted there all those years ago.
That’s what they called him. The one who points the way. Some say he is the same one who the Bene Gesserit have been trying to produce for generations.
Some say he is close, some say he is already here
As you all began to walk off of the ship, the Reverend mother approached you “You must act with the upmost Poise, this is your chance”
You swallowed “Must it be him? That monster…”
She turned her head to you “It matters not what form he takes, he has the blood we desire, you do too, you must do your duty to our cause”
You stayed silent, staring into the distance. You sighed, lifting the orange veil to see the landscape better. The warm breeze brushed over you, and you could smell the spice.
In the distance there was a beige Rocky Mountain, surrounded by Sand dunes. You fell into a trance like state, staring at that mountain.
You felt like someone was watching you
You swore you saw figures move on top of the mountain, but before you could look any longer, the Reverend mother used the voice on you.
Your body reacted before your mind did, and when you snapped out of reality, you glared at her. She just kept walking, and reluctantly you followed her.
You weren’t surprised to see the emperor use the Sardaukar to strike down the Baron. You watched the man lay limp on the ground, and the na-baron Feyd only watched with a look of excitement.
He caught your gaze, giving you a smile that sent shivers down your spine.
The attacks came loud and quick. The entire frame of the building shook, dust permeating every inch. The Sardaukar surrounded you all, as you waited for the prophet to show his face.
When he did, he was cool, his strides slow. The Fremen had knocked down the impendingly tall doors into the throne room.
Through the dust, he showed himself.
He wore a stillsuit, and his face hidden through cloth. As he came closer his eyes landed on you, and he walked past you all.
Instead he went to the Baron. He dropped to one knee, whispering something inaudible, before plunging his Crysknife into the large man’s neck.
Baron Harkonnen was dead, and good riddance.
You felt your mother tense, even she had not expected this. The Truthsayer to the Emperor had failed.
You pulled your veil down off of your face, feeling too hot. Your breathing was quick, yet no one could tell.
You watched with a poker face, as the Prophet they called Muad’Dib approached you. The Sardaukar lunged slightly as a warning.
But he stood in front of you.
He spoke to the Fremen, who followed him like followed do a God. “Take the Emperor, Kill the Sardaukar.”
There was a beat of silence “Do not harm her”
His words made your lips part. He had been speaking in Chakobsa, the native language of the Fremen. But you had been taught all languages of the imperium, and so understood each word he said.
With one last meaningful stare, he left the room.
They kept you in the dungeons of the building. It was earily cold for a planet so warm. You clung to the cloaks draped over yourself.
“Who is he?” You asked your mother.
The Reverend mother was sat with an imposing darkness and for one reason only.
She had not expected this, she did not plan for this.
“Irrelevant” was her only answer.
“Should he challenge the emperor, Feyd Raytha Harkonnen will fight in his stead. When the na-Baron wins, you will be a dutiful subject to him” The cloaked woman said, leaving no room for another’s opinion.
“He may not win, the Fremen may best him” You said quietly, peering up at the woman.
She was silent for a moment, eerily.
“A Fremen rat beating a trained na-baron? You think meekly” Was her reply, and she looked away.
You stared at her “Do you think so low of people?”
“Your compassion will get you nowhere, child. Grow up and do your duty” Was her cold response.
You gripped your own cloaks harshly. “I owe you no duty” you whispered.
She laughed at your words then, because to her they were amusing. “You have no power over me, without me at your side, you may as well join the Sardaukar in death” she scrutinised.
You turned away from her, silently asking yourself what you had done to get such a wicked cruel woman as your mother.
She didn’t even let you call her mother.
When the Fremen finally brought you to the viewing room upstairs, you felt as though you couldn’t breathe.
Would this be the moment of your death?
The emperor had a glare on his face, refusing to accept that his own army had been bested by what he deemed low, common people.
As you stood before the crowd of Fremen, they stared at you.
You were glad of your veil now.
The emperor demanded that this prophet answer for his crimes against him. “You’re facing a full invasion Fremen!” Emperor Shaddam spat.
You watched curiously, seeing the same figure that had looked you in the eyes, standing at the opposite end of the room. He was facing away from you. “How can you be so sure that the great houses are here for me?”
He turned then, and a hush fell over you all.
Your lips parted slightly. You had met Paul at a young age, though you barely remembered that time.
But when your mother had tested him only seven months ago, you had been there, you had even conversed for a few minutes.
And here he stood before you, back from the dead.
“They may be curious to hear my side of the story, don’t you think?” Paul said.
He stalked closer to you four, his figure imposing and authoritarian. You could not take your eyes off of him.
“I am Paul Atreides, son of Leto Atreides, Duke of Arrakis” Paul said, his voice growing stronger with every word.
You glanced at the Emperor, he was speechless.
This gave you satisfaction.
“Gurney?” Paul said then, turning his head to the right.
“Send a warning to all ships, if the great houses attack, our atomics will obliterate all spice fields” Paul said.
There was an echo of gasps throughout the room. Spice was the most valuable thing in the universe, and it made travel possible.
Gurney nodded, disappearing to the side of the room which overlooked the landscape of Arrakis.
“You’re out of your mind” Emperor Shaddam spoke.
“He’s bluffing” Feyd-Rautha said with a stare.
His voice made you swallow, taking a step away from him.
Your mother spoke then “Consider what you’re about to do, Paul Atreides-”
Your mother was sent back a foot, falling into the arms of the royal servants. Your own lips parted. You looked from your mother to Paul.
He could use the voice, not seen before in a male. Could he truly be the one?
“Abomination” Was all your mother could mumble out.
You glanced at Jessica then, who was already looking at you. The last time you two met, she was meek, fearing the Reverend mother.
Now she was Reverend mother to the Fremen, carrying a second child. She had an aura of confidence that was new as well.
Her striking blue eyes made you look away.
Gurney came back then “message sent, my lord”
Hearing this, Paul looked back to the Emperor, an enraged scowl on his face.
“As a servant of the imperium, you will bow at my feet!” The emperor spat.
“Your feet?!” Paul yelled incredulously.
You watched timidly, shook by the yell.
Paul walked closer then, like a predator that had cornered its prey, and was now toying with it “You’ll be lucky to keep your head” Paul promised.
He emperor said nothing for a moment before speaking “What is your plan them, hm? To kill us all”
“Not all of you” Paul relied coolly.
His eyes landed on you then, and you swallowed.
He took his time walking over to you, taking in your face. Though something was guarding it.
He pulled the veil over your hand, gentle in a way that would make one forget he had just threatened to kill people.
“I will take your hand in marriage, free you from the hell you live in” Paul said, his voice dropping to a softer tone.
Your lips parted, you felt the vibration of Feyd-Rautha stepping forward, but you couldn’t bring yourself to look away from the Duke.
The Reverend mother’s eyes widened at his words, she stepped forward “What is this madness you speak of? This girl is to marry the future Baron Harkonnen” She said coolly.
Paul’s eyes lifted only to glare at the woman, as if he speaking was the highest insult to him.
When he didn’t answer her, she turned to you “child! Stop this madness at once!” She ordered harshly.
Paul stepped forward then, as if acting as a boundary between you and the woman. “You will be freed from people ordering you around, dictating your life, but in saying that, this is a proposition, not an order”
You blinked “Why? Why are you asking me this?”
He paused then, glancing at the ground before answering truthfully “Because when I spoke with you on Caladan, it made me sick how you were treated. I see you in my dreams, I hear your voice at night, not plaguing me, guiding me. You deserve more”
His words made your lips part, as you stared up at him with your blue eyes that mimicked his own.
“Will you take my hand? Free yourself from the misery they bring?” Paul said, staring down at you.
You found yourself nodding “Yes” you said quietly. Unlike when the Reverend Mother used the voice on you, this was completely your decision.
And you chose freedom, you chose him.
“No, I’ve heard enough!-“ your mother began.
“Enough, or I’ll kill you on the spot” Paul threatened, the blood on his face becoming illuminated by the sun on Arrakis.
Paul looked back at you “You will be safe at my side, and we will rule together over the empire”
His words sent a chill down your spine, not in a nervous way.
He turned to the Emperor then, who had stood silent. “But you? You have to answer for my father”
“Do you know why I killed him? Because he was a man who believed in the rules of the heart. But the heart is not meant to rule, in other words, your father was a weak man” The emperor said.
Paul stared at him “Stand, or choose your champion”
He did not take the bait.
Feyd-Rautha stepped forward with a dangerous smirk “I am here, Atreides. I need a blade”
“Accept mine” The emperor spoke, staring at Paul.
Feyd-Rautha stepped closer “Perhaps when I kill you, I’ll take her as my wife, to show the imperium you followed your father in weakness”
Paul glanced at you, his eyes telling you to stay calm, and you did.
The fight was skilled, through, and almost took them both. But in the end only Paul atreides lived to see the next day.
Though he had been stabbed twice, he still walked towards the emperor with a limp, the blood on him and murderous look on his face only presenting him as even more frightening.
The Reverend mother gripped your arm painfully tightly. You swallowed, looking up at her. When Paul had reached you both, he glared at the older woman.
“Get your filthy hands off of her” He ordered coldly.
The Reverend mother gave you one last glare before dropping your arm harshly, leaving you close to trembling.
Paul walked over to you then, his breathing uneven and laboured from the fight. He took your hands in his, and somehow you did not mind the blood.
“I will give you anything you ask for, you will rule by my side. So I must ask you, should I spare them?”
Paul was gesturing to the Emperor and the Reverend mother, you knew this.
That is why you stayed silent.
They both stared at you, the Reverend mother speaking “Say something girl” coldly.
For a long time you did not, and eventually you found yourself looking up at Paul.
And you nodded your head no.
Your answer satisfied him, and it reassured what he had always thought about you. You did have right, you did have strength, you just needed the right person to lead you.
He nodded at your words, his hands reaching up to take your own as the two began yelling in hopes you would change your mind.
Paul turned to Stilgar then, mumbling in Chakobsa “Kill them”
They were dragged away, into the hall. You turned your head, swallowing. Paul’s finger guided your chin to return back to looking at him.
“You need not lay your eyes on filth, you are an empress now. It had to be done, so you can move forward” He explained in a low tone.
Gurney walked over then “My lord the great houses have denied your request”
Stilgar spoke then “We wait for your word, Mahdi”
Paul stared down at you, sighing before if saying “Lead then to paradise”
“Lisan al-Gaib” the thousands of Fremen chanted.
As the words danced in your ears, Paul leant down, pressing his lips against your own. You froze momentarily before kissing him back.
When he pulled way he leant his forehead against your own then. He blinked “We will win”
You nodded, looking up at him “I trust you”
With that, the Holy War began.
