Valya Harkonnen reflects on her assignment as Princess Anna Corrino’s mentor and protector at the Rossak Sisterhood school. Valya sees Anna as sheltered, impulsive, and immature, but also as a valuable political connection who might one day bring Valya to the Imperial court and help restore House Harkonnen’s influence through Griffin.

Valya’s ambitions extend beyond wealth and status. She considers revenge against Vorian Atreides even more important, believing his death would erase the shame that has burdened House Harkonnen for generations. Valya contrasts her own drive with the passivity of her family on Lankiveil, especially her father’s resignation and her mother’s acceptance of their diminished life.

After breakfast, Anna slips away into the crowd, alarming Valya because any harm to the Corrino princess would damage both the Sisterhood and Valya’s plans. Valya searches the corridors and finds Anna hiding playfully behind a statue, behaving like a child. Valya scolds Anna and pulls her out, then restrains her temper by remembering Anna’s political value.

Valya escorts Anna to an Imperial economics class and explains that Anna must follow Rossak’s rules. Anna anxiously asks whether Valya will sit with her, then asks whether Valya is now her best friend. Valya tells Anna that she is, encouraging Anna to trust her and suggesting Anna will be better off with the Sisterhood than with the family who distrusted her.

Anna’s loneliness and need for affection become clear as she mentions Hirondo and her stepmother Orenna. Valya feels some pity for Anna, but Valya also recognizes that emotional attachments could interfere with her larger mission. Valya resolves to play the role Anna needs while hoping Griffin is already on his way to fulfill the family vendetta against Vorian Atreides.