Revelations- Chapter 5

Struck down by Chani, Irulan awoke in a haze to see...

Paul "Muad'dib" Atriedes. Her husband. Standing before her.

Chani was standing behind him. She looked at Irulan silently.

Paul bent down to lift her up asking "Are you all right?"

Irulan stared at him in amazement "Isn't it a little late to be solicitous of my health?".

"It was a test." said Paul Atriedes. "Nothing you couldn't handle."

"She could have killed me!" stated Irulan flatly, pointing at Chani.

"No she wouldn't. She was under strict orders not to do so." replied Paul.

He glanced softly at Chani "Beloved, please give us for a second".

A true Fremen, Chani gave a slight nod and left.

"Why did you do it?" Paul asked when they were alone. "The contraceptive I mean."

"Didn't Chani tell you?" laughed Irulan. "She gave me a little visit last night. Threatened me even. That Crysknife of hers was quite amazing."

"She told me" said Paul. "However I wish to know the true reason."

Irulan experienced a rush of emotions. She had wanted to declare her feelings to Paul for so long. This was her moment. To show her love. Even when she knew it was hopeless.

"I...I was bitter, angry." She lowered her head. "I love you, Paul." Irulan stammered. "Even from the first moment we met. I felt a connection. That something could have become special. Maybe even love."

Irulan raised her head abruptly, "But than events conspired. I know things have changed. The trials you had to go through changed you. If there were any feelings between us, they were damaged beyond repair by those events."

Muad'dib listened silently with a strange expression on his face.

"I tried to be a good wife I know emotions are dangerous. I am a Bene Gesseritt. But, in the past 2 years, you never gave me the slightest warmth or kindness. I could have endured it, if we were strangers. But my feelings for you went deeper." answered Irulan.

"When I saw Chani and you together, I wasn't jealous. I was angry, bitter. I tried to deny it, to face it, but the truth was clear. I could have no hope for your love until she was gone."

"So I poisoned her. I didn't enjoy it. I didn't want to hurt her permanently...just so she didn't bear a child. If that happened, I thought. maybe... you would turn to me."

"I am sorry for what I have done. I know it won't change anything but I will accept any punishment you deem necessary."

"That will not be necessary." said Paul.. "I have been aware of your actions from the beginning." Irulan was shocked.

"I had a vision you see. A time of great change is coming. Chani will not survive. Alia will not survive. I however will gain a kind of release..."

"I don't understand" said Irulan.

"I will have a child, perhaps two. They will need someone to love them and care for them. I have hoped that person to be you Irulan."said Paul.

Moving slowly towards her, he gathered her into his arms, enveloping her. The heat of his body intoxicated her. Tears fell from her eyes.

"This is a beautiful and good woman. Unfortunately, destiny has placed this curse upon me. She is so vital to the Golden Path." thought Paul.

He gave her a deep kiss. It entered her mind, her soul. Irulan thought it lingered for what must be hours, but was only minutes in real time. Her body shuddered and she clung to him desperately.

"I forgive you Irulan. This moment will be with you forever. It will aid you in the trials and tribulations to come. The future is ever changing." said Paul.

"The choice is yours."

Tears dripping down her cheek, Irulan held tightly the man she loved and wondered.

The End.

P.S Chani was just getting it out of her system.