Sterek Week ‘21 // Pack/Emissary
D U N E The desert planet of Arrakis can be the making of a Great House, or the breaking of a Great House. For decades, House Hale has held stewardship over the spice planet by imperial decree. When Count Peter Hale dies unexpectedly during an expedition into the deep desert, his heir, Derek Hale, is forced to become the head of the house. Knowing that he never wanted this, Derek's sister, Lady Laura, arranges for a Bene Gesserit emissary to join Derek's court. The emissary - a young man named Stiles and one of the few male members of the Bene Gesserit - soon proves his worth by helping the new Count Derek navigate through the political quagmire of the Imperium. He also helps Derek to understand Arrakis and the immense potential of the planet over which House Hale holds stewardship. Before long, they become close companions and the emissary rarely leaves Derek's side... but when Stiles negotiates an arranged marriage between Derek and Count Gerard Argent's granddaughter at the behest of Lady Laura without consulting him, Derek is furious and views it as a betrayal. Eventually Derek cools down and agrees to the arrangement after confessing his feelings of love to Stiles. When Stiles reveals the feelings are mutual, Derek asks him to become his consort, something the young Bene Gesserit emissary wants with his whole heart. However, this leaves a problem. Stiles's oath as an emissary is to serve his master's house to the best of his abilities in order to bring about the greater good, which all Bene Gesserit strive for. But becoming the Count's consort would mean giving up his position of emissary and with it his influence, becoming relegated to the shadows as Derek's lover only. Knowing that his role as emissary could serve Derek, the man he loves, far better than being his consort, does he dare say no? Would this create a chasm between him and Derek, forcing Stiles to watch from afar as the man he loves finds comfort in the arms of someone else.
