[ Jessica watches the scene unfold. The frustration on her son's face, as well as his wariness. A feeling that has certainly been growing in him towards her over the last few years. Then, there is the obvious upset that plagues Bastila, who she sees as a daughter. The attraction between the two has always been obvious to her and Leto, even the senior officials of their house. Debate had come as to if it should foster or not. Both she and Leto were in agreement that Paul must keep his hand open for marriage, as Leto had done himself.
There were... other orders as well.
Orders she was never given great detail. Such is the way of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. One is not always given insight into why they are told to do such things. Obedience is expected. Sisterhood above all. Except, she had broken that vow for her beloved duke. She bore a son and not a daughter. A son that could potentially be far more than he might be at this moment. A fact she cannot share with the ward of the family. Not until oaths are taken.
Jessica lets out a breath once Paul has left. Her hands settle on the table. Her head cants to the side as she meets Bastila's gaze evenly. ]
You must think me emotionless or heartless, Bastila. Perhaps even blind to what is surely in front of me. [ A faint shake of her head. ] I am aware you care for Paul. Deeply. Perhaps even deeper than you realize. I am also aware that he is my son. Leto's son. His heart will dictate much of what he wishes to do... and he must learn to put a cooler mind before that heart.
[ The corners of her mouth turn into a strained smile. ] However, the dismissal was not because of that. We must discuss things that he cannot hear. Things I have been forbidden to tell him. [ Uncomfortableness settles on her. Her training attempts to reign in the emotion. ] The Emperor's Truthsayer is the Reverend Mother Superior. The leader of the Sisterhood. She is not only here to oversee the Herald of the Change. She is here to speak with you.
[ A deep breath in order to still the fear that is suddenly so quite obvious. A shake of her hands. Jessica pulls them back to press them into her lap. She had lived through this test. Bastila had lived through it. Surely, her son can as well. He will. he must. ]
no subject
There were... other orders as well.
Orders she was never given great detail. Such is the way of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. One is not always given insight into why they are told to do such things. Obedience is expected. Sisterhood above all. Except, she had broken that vow for her beloved duke. She bore a son and not a daughter. A son that could potentially be far more than he might be at this moment. A fact she cannot share with the ward of the family. Not until oaths are taken.
Jessica lets out a breath once Paul has left. Her hands settle on the table. Her head cants to the side as she meets Bastila's gaze evenly. ]
You must think me emotionless or heartless, Bastila. Perhaps even blind to what is surely in front of me. [ A faint shake of her head. ] I am aware you care for Paul. Deeply. Perhaps even deeper than you realize. I am also aware that he is my son. Leto's son. His heart will dictate much of what he wishes to do... and he must learn to put a cooler mind before that heart.
[ The corners of her mouth turn into a strained smile. ] However, the dismissal was not because of that. We must discuss things that he cannot hear. Things I have been forbidden to tell him. [ Uncomfortableness settles on her. Her training attempts to reign in the emotion. ] The Emperor's Truthsayer is the Reverend Mother Superior. The leader of the Sisterhood. She is not only here to oversee the Herald of the Change. She is here to speak with you.
[ A deep breath in order to still the fear that is suddenly so quite obvious. A shake of her hands. Jessica pulls them back to press them into her lap. She had lived through this test. Bastila had lived through it. Surely, her son can as well. He will. he must. ]
She is here to test Paul.