Nightmare is a good way to describe it. [ Eyebrows raise gently as if to agree with her statement. ] If there is another way? I can't see it... if what I need to do in order to see is moving South? Then, the option doesn't exist. I refuse to go to the Deep South.

[ The Deep South is where the fundamentalists are. The ones who truly believe he is their "Mahdi." The one they've waited for in order to release them from their subjugation under the Harkonnens. Manufactured messiahs. Everything of the Bene Gesserit making.

He didn't ask for any of this.

A subtle look of surprise. He truthfully hadn't expected her to say "yes", let alone even consider the notion. Paul carefully regards her before nodding. They'll share a tent then. He'll need to show her how to put it together when they rejoin the others. ]

Then, we'll discuss it further after the camp settles down for bed. [ A nod to the way they came. ] If you don't mind sharing one with me.

[ They have never truly talked about their feelings for one another. If there is even feelings between them. He knows that for him they exist. He had every intention of coming forward with them before they left Caladan. Life seemed fit to intervene. Now, the conversation has veered away, that he's not certain now is the time either. There is too much that they must discuss that comes before those feelings.

The duty as Duke of House Atreides. ]

I figured you would want to be reunited with my mother once we reach Sietch Tabr.

[ Another breath escapes him. ] I have to seem all right for the others around me. I'm the leader of our house now.