Why? If I did not play the part, I would have a very different story to tell. Oh, of course the Harkonnens did not dare kill me, but they had their ways of making it clear I did not possess leverage. It was survival, nothing more.

[ She stares back at him, brown eyes fixed on his blue ones. In a way, she misses when his eyes looked more like hers. There is a part of her that wants to reach for the wrapping obscuring his face and pull it away, because by now, she is more than aware that this "fight" they have begun is more of a farce than anything else.

Perhaps he does not wish to be exposed. But wrappings can be replaced...

He leans in closer and a quick exhale of breath leaves her in a rush as if she is reacting to his sudden closeness. It takes more willpower than she expected to keep the knife where it is and not drop it so that she can pull him into a hug, throwing rules and expectations to the winds.

Her mouth shifts into a crooked sort of amused smile. ] Oh, was that you asking? Beneath the demands, was there a request?

[ She plays coy, but she can also determine the admissions contained in his words. ]

Are you still Paul, or do I have to bow and call you Muad'Dib?

[ He asks if she yields, and finally, by way of her answer, she allows her blade to fall away from his. ]