The Winds of Dune (72 page)

“I don’t know what to say.” Memories flooded over Jessica with the swiftness of an unexpected windstorm out on the sands. “This pleases me very much.”

“Only the two of us know how much you loved your noble Duke.” Alia’s Fremen blue eyes glistened, and Jessica reached out and hugged her, the first time she’d done so in some time. Normally, Alia would have pulled away, but not now.

“I’m overwhelmed by this, by what you’ve done for me.” Jessica tightened her grip around the priceless ring.

Though the Imperial frigate was ready for boarding, Gurney waited in silence, giving Jessica all the time she needed. She continued to look into her daughter’s face, measuring her, studying the spark of compassion she saw. She hoped it was more than a brief detour on Alia’s journey in an entirely different direction.

“I’ll keep your offer in mind, Mother. Will you return here in a few years perhaps, after all this turmoil has quieted?”

Jessica could only nod. In time, all things came back to Dune.