Eduard and Fahahd in the Library

[Imperatrix <azdeha@aelfhame.aelfhame.net>]

The Saudir I Memorial Grand Library of the Imperium -- Imperial Palace
 (Kaitain)

        The Grand Library of the Imperium, founded by Wallach I, is widely
considered to be among the great marvels of the Known Universe. It is a
structure unto itself, barely contained by the Imperial Palace. Soft
cherry wood paneling adorns every surface, its rich aroma blending with
that of the many books contained within. Every manner of filmbook,
holographic record, still recording and even rare bound parchment or the
occasional paper works are stored here; some dating back to pre-guild
authors. Five landings, each filled with stacks and stacks of volumes,
rise upward to the mural adorned ceiling. The combined works represent a
copy of nearly every volume ever published in the Known Universe since the
year 2903- when it became a crime to publish a work in the Imperium
without providing a copy to the Emperor's library, including several
unique one-of-a-kind works.

        The ground level landing is centered by a series of oak topped
desks and green-shaded glowglobes. Ornate old-fashioned lamps also hang on
long chains from the vaulted ceilings, creating warm pools of light upon
the tables.

        This enormous set of chambers is unnaturally quiet, even though
scholars are frequently seen shifting here and there, retrieving writings
from every corner for reflection and study.

Fahd has withdrawn into one of the little alcoves designed for the use of
audio media, shrouded within a cone of silence that keeps the music he
listens to from disturbing the other patrons of the library. The
particular piece he listens to is a Bach concerto.

Eduard paces right up to Fahahd's cone. With one hand, he reaches out and
shuts off the shigawire player. Calmly, he seats himself, inside the
boundary of the cone, his other hand resting on his forearm, his cool gaze
regarding the Harkonnen soldier.

Fahahd has had his eyes closed, the better to listen. As it's shut off, he
opens his eyes, expression already indignant at the interruption. As he
realizes who his visitor is, it smoothes abruptly into that gambler's
blandness, as he kicks back his chair to rise for an obeisance. "Your
Highness."

Eduard murmurs, "A dagger, Fahahd?"

The Guard pauses, puzzled. "Highness?" he wonders, eyeing the Prince
askance.

Eduard 's voice never rises above a dull murmur. "She used a dagger,
Fahahd. Where were you?"

Fahahd's voice is suddenly ragged with grief, as he drops his gaze,
ashamed. "I could not come to her there. The Marquis - he..." He simply
trails off.

Eduard appears pitiless. "He did what?"

Fahahd still won't look up. "No one would let me in."

Eduard says, "Are there doors locked to you, Fahahd?"

He does dare a glance up. "Yes, Highness."

Eduard pauses. "And now you sit and enjoy the Imperial library. Why should
I allow this?"

Fahahd spreads his hands wordlessly.

Eduard says directly, and with more energy and emphasis than he usually
has,  "The Marquis is nothing in this. This is between my son and
daughter. I will know more, Fahahd."

Fahahd wonders, simply, "This was the will of the Emperor?"

Eduard says nothing in reply, but merely glances out into the Library a
moment.

Fahd simply shrugs fatalistically. It's always his fault, isn't it?

Eduard says, "Did she speak to you?"

<<Fahahd thinks: I'm the Baron's pet paper-shuffler because his daughter
thinks my ass looks good in uniform jodhpurs, and I'm supposed to succeed
where the father of the Lord and Master of the Universe can't? Gods, you
mock me.>>

Fahahd notes, drily, "I have not had any sort of communication with Her
Highness since she sought the sanctuary of the Ginaz household, despite my
attempts to do so."

Eduard studies the younger man. "No sanctuary at all."

Despite the roughness of his voice, his posture is as poised as usual. "If
the Emperor wishes your death, is anywhere in the Known Universe a
sanctuary?"

Eduard doesn't reply to that, either. "There will be an official
investigation, which will discover nothing. There will also be my
investigation."

And try as he might to conceal it, at that statement there's a tiny
frisson of alarm. "Of course, Your Highness," he replies, tonelessly.

Eduard says, "You may be able to assist. You knew her in a way I did not."

Fahahd flicks a wary glance up from beneath his lashes. "Oh?"

Eduard nods. "You may continue to visit the palace, Fahahd, as the
personal guest of the former Prince Regent. Is this acceptable?"

Fahahd inclines his head graciously, as if he were the noble and Eduard
the supplicant. "Most generous of Your Highness, certainly."

Eduard nods. He rises to his full height and switches on the music again.
"I can't say I enjoy the second Brandenburg, myself. I recommend the
fourth."

Fahahd ventures another wary look up, as he rises and nods. "Yes,
Highness."

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