[ A single eyebrows raises at the vagueness of her statement at first. She clarifies, of course, but he still manages to find himself mildly surprised that she makes such a simple vow. A reaffirmation of a contract her mother seemed to take quite seriously. One he is not certain his father held the same weight to--or perhaps the Duke Leto simply wished to spare the young woman in front of him the politics of the trap House Atreides found themselves weaved into. ]

You will need to learn the courts and systems of the Imperium for that strong of a vow. [ A pause. ] My mother is pregnant with my sister. I wouldn't say I'm the last Atreides.

[ Simply because he wishes her to be truly informed before she makes such a lofty vow. Especially in a manner that seems sacred to her own people. Paul can see the Bene Gesserits have not manipulated or planted their seeds in her culture and people. That doesn't mean that he can't see the patterns of deep faith that humanity has in any form.

Patterns in humanity. History. It is what led to the Butlatian Jihad ten thousand years ago.

No resistence is found in how she guides their hands.

Does a difference exist between Paul Atreides, the Duke of the House, and Maud'dib? ]

What would be your suggestion to begin strengthening the tie between our houses?