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"Another man has taken over my bed, Gurney," Leto says. He is halfway through a stack of paperwork, pen scratching furiously at parchment.
The Atreides Warmaster keeps a straight face as he asks, "What's this rogue look like, milord? I'll deal with him."
"About the size of a small sack of flour, but quite pudgy. Enormous green eyes. Dark curls like—" He gestures to his own head of hair.
Gurney says, "Ah! I know just who you're describing, sire, and—permission to speak freely?"
"Granted," replies Leto with a magnanimous wave of his hand.
"Best let it go—her ladyship's heart is lost to him."
Leto smiles. "So is mine."
What a marvel his son is! Paul Atreides, ducal heir of House Atreides, future ruler of Caladan! What a hefty title for so little a creature! Leto had taken one look at him, a squalling bundle in Jessica's arms, wrinkled and red-raced and smaller than he'd ever thought possible for a baby to be, and fallen in love.
Congratulations and commendations arrived, and with every word Leto could sense the envy of his peers. A healthy son! And on the first attempt! That was one burden off his shoulders, one worry that had been allayed. Leto read each missive and knew that they did not understand—could not understand.
He sees in Paul absolute perfection. Ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes, eyes like Jessica's, and an expression so solemn that seeing him smile is like being given the rarest of gifts. He has a son! And now his worries are tenfold. Had Paul slept well the night before? How was his appetite? Had he grown, gained any weight? The noises he made—was that a cough, or a sneeze? Could he be coming down with something? Leto thanked God it was Jessica he had taken as his concubine; certainly no other woman could have handled tending to both Caladan's new heir in addition to Caladan's anxious duke.
But the thought of something happening to him—only a few months old, as delicate as a fledging bird or a young kitten—
And yet, what strength there was in those little fists! He'd charmed the entire barracks when Leto first brought him there, staring curiously as the soldiers as they sent up a wild cheer at the sight of him, wriggling impatiently in Leto's arms, gurgling and cooing at the noise.
Duncan Idaho had the temerity to approach, peering at the baby with matching bemusement that turned to panic when Paul reached out and grabbed hold of a bunch of his hair, yanking at it with such force that Leto thought he'd rip it right from the root.
"Argh! My lord, I think—how is he—how do I get him to let go—" Duncan had stammered while Gurney roared with laughter.
"Well, look at that! Can't even lift his head up by himself and he's defeated the great Swordmaster of Ginaz!"
It's with that same cheer that Gurney greets Jessica and Paul's arrival into Leto's study. "Here's the little trespasser now," he says. "I'll leave you to it, milord."
After a quick kiss, Jessica presents Leto with their precious bundle. "He's just been fed, so he's quite content." She glows with pride. Motherhood has brought an unforeseen tenderness to her. Jessica has always been genial, but with a certain reserve. Since Paul's birth she has allowed herself to be seen in the state of open delight, humming softly while she rocks him or playfully kissing his hands and feet. The Lady of Caladan has never been more lovely than when he finds her curled up in her armchair nursing their greedy little son.
"Someone is ready for a nap, I see," Leto remarks as the baby yawns. He pokes Paul's belly with his forefinger. Milk-laden! Warm from Jessica's embrace! This is the right of it—the correct and natural state of their son. "Here, Jessica, give him to me. Hello, Paul!"
Jessica reports their day with the same stateliness one would use to address the Landsraad: The morning was sunny, so they spent it out in the garden. Paul was particularly fascinated by a butterfly. The physician visited and informed her that he'd gained another pound (at this Leto, greatly pleased, gives Paul's stomach a pat). She took him to her quarters played a song on the harp, which sent him right to sleep, and he woke up voracious. She spent a half hour nursing him, after which it was time to visit Leto.
"And here we are," Jessica finishes. "What say you, my lord?"
Paul nestles into the crook of his arm. Leto says, "Excellent. Everything is in order."