No. She was fully aware of the politics at play. If he had married her then it would have closed any potential doors to alliances with other Great Houses. Or, they would have waited until I was born. [ The birth of a son had more implications than only what the Bene Gesserits had in mind. A daughter would mean power loss for our House. ] My father loved her dearly... but people like us don't have the liberty to marry simply for love.

[ He wonders if his sister is to be a pawn of the Bene Gesserits. If he has a say in it -- as Duke -- he would not let them near her. He would not have her live through the Gol Jabbar or be a piece to navigate through the whims of another. They will make their own decisions.

"Because you are Jessica's son. You have more than one birthright, boy."

Can I truly pick one over the other? ]

To love a person to their core? The deepest part of them? [ A huff of a smile comes to his face. ] I can't say I know from first hand experience.

[ Only that he is the result of such a bond. That he hopes his sister is the result of it and not an attempt from his mother to smooth relations with the Sisterhood.

Paul pulls his hand back. Both now hang from his knees as he looks skyward once more. He has often wondered if they could ever see Caladan from Arrakis. Of course, they cannot, as his homeworld is very far from this centerhole of the Imperium. ]

Maybe you will one day.