It is the Bene Gesserit way.
So you haven't forgotten
everything you were taught.
You need a bath.
We'll continue tomorrow.
He is a slow learner.
On the contrary, he's making more
progress than I would have expected...
in so short a time.
And you?
I know what I intend to get
out of this relationship, Wencisia.
What is it you expect?
Our houses are at
their crossroads,Jessica--
families weakened from within.
You and I both confront the greatest
danger from those closest to us.
You have a daughter
from whom you are estranged.
I have a son
in whom I have little confidence.
What do you expect me
to do about that?
Simply...
consider the union of opposites.
We hear rumors
of your granddaughter.
- Ghanima?
- It seems she has survived.
Alia has taken her from Stilgar,
but Irulan is with her.
Get to the point, Wencisia.
An alliance.
Corrino and Atreides.
An alliance through marriage.
Under your tutelage.
Farad'n could be fashioned
into an acceptable mate...
for someone as special
as your granddaughter.
He has his talents,
and he's a fast learner, as you say.
Worse things could happen...
than an alliance
between old enemies.
Your son was clever enough
to see its potential once.
Surely you can see
the need for it now.
The idea repulses me.
Surely your mentat reasoning
can see the value in it.
That an Atreides would willingly
marry into the house...
that has vowed its destruction--
it's madness!
That's exactly what my son did
when he married Irulan.
Politics ruled that decision,
and it averted a war.
Do you not see the similarity
to our present situation?
Do you really thinkAlia
will agree to a marriage...
between Ghanima and Farad'n?
She is the reason you must be the one
to deliver this proposal.
She loved you once, Duncan, and
there's a part of her that still does.
You're the only one who might
reach that part of her...
that still knows who she is.
She's lost to me now.
You saw the evidence of that yourself.
You could be saving the life
of Paul's daughter, Duncan.
As long as Ghani lives,
she's a threat to Alia.
If we can make my daughter
believe that her niece...
is the means to eliminating
an even greater threat...
we can save her life...
and buy precious time.
I assume you see merit
to this marriage proposal...
since you gambled your own safety
to deliver it personally.
Merit and risk.
You must decide which bears
the greater weight.
My priests object to the idea.
Because they are
myopic and parochial...
interested only in preserving
their own power.
Be careful, Duncan.
You're already standing
on the precipice.
It is no secret desert rebels probe
your defenses with increased success.
Riots here in Arakeen are the subject
of much discussion off-world.
Whispers of weakness and disarray
are spreading amongst the great houses.
Rumors encouraged by my enemies
to spread doubt and fear.
The jackals are gathering, Alia.
An alliance between
Corrino and Atreides...
would serve as reassurance
and a warning.
Prepare a formal response
to House Corrino.
We will allow negotiations
for a union...
between Ghanima
and Prince Farad'n to begin.
But make it clear,
Atreides interests will dominate.
Leave me.
Only my husband may remain.
I should have you executed
for what you did.
My diplomatic immunity
as Corrino envoy...
would make that an unwise decision.
Why did you come back here?
My allegiance to House Atreides
would permit nothing less.
I played no part in your decision?
I struggled not to allow it.
You can't remain at the keep.
I must banish you
for your treachery.
Otherwise, people would question
my judgement, my ruthlessness.
A quality you must demonstrate
often these days, no doubt.
They're difficult days, Duncan.
Lonely days.
I've missed you.
Where would you have me go?
Sietch Tabr.
Neutral territory.
Stilgar is trying to broker a peace
between the Quizrate and the rebels.
Perhaps your mentat