Companion to 'It took Time.' Just felt like writing it. Hope it's enjoyed as much as the first. Having read the book may be necessary to understand some of the dialogue.

Disclaimer: dune belongs to someone else.

Ghanima stared at the water rings that lay in her open palm. They hit one another as she slowly lower her hand into her lap, creating a soft ringing sound that reverberated throughout the entire royal library. She had prepared herself for this moment, knowing years prior of its inevitability, but still found herself shaken by the sight of the polished silver in her grasp. She glanced at the large golden ring on her finger. It bared the Atreides crest and symbolized her marriage to her brother. A union as empty as her bed had been.

"So you believe it's time?" she asked nonchalantly. "My body is prepared to bare children." She gestured to the rings in her hand. "And the symbolism of this gift with not be lost on the Naibs currently in court."

Farad'n laughed humorlessly, as act her was more than accustomed to while in Ghanima's presence.

"How does a woman who has lived countless lives and experienced countless courtships manage to misunderstand my intentions?" he shook his head. "Does not one of your memories tell you the approval of the court Naibs means nothing to me?"

Ghanima sighed, a physical reaction to her held breath versus a sigh of mental irritation. "You tread on unstable ground, Prince. There is a great difference between mate and lover, be not mistaken. Now is the time to make the distinction between the two."

Farad'n scoffed, frustration seeping from his eyes. "You speak of love as an agreement and not a sincere emotion. I know where my heart lies, Ghani. I've been battling with it for years, out of spite for your brother…and partly out of spite for you."

"That certainly is understandable." She whispered.

"I know that I cannot be husband." He spat out. "But I also refuse to be 'breeding partner, or 'mate.' That my heart simply will not allow."

She paused before answering. "That, too, is understandable."

Ghanima moved her hands to her head, a faint tinkling sound emating from her small fists, and began to braid his water rings into her hair.

"And I hope the symbolism of this act is not lost to you."

She took his hand and kissed it gently when she had finished her task.

"I may still stand back to back with my brother. But now I will forever stand beside you."

"I will still never be husband."

Ghanima smiled and brushed a hand over her braids.

"Never be. And always be."