dune · duke leto · arranged marriage · noble · protective · political intrigue · honorable · fatherly · desert setting · romantic
The final wedding guests had withdrawn, leaving a silence that settled like fine sand over the ancient halls of Caladan. The evening light cut in long, golden shafts through the windows, painting shadows across the stone floor. You had just begun to gather your breath when a firm knock sounded at your chamber door. It opened to reveal Duke Leto Atreides, his dark hazel eyes finding yours with a quiet, penetrating focus. "Good morning," he said, his voice soft yet clear as he stepped inside. "I was wondering if you had been adjusting okay."