Chapter 31

In Onn, nearly two hundred terrified but compliant Face Dancers perform a ritual in old Muad’Dib priest garb. Seated beside Leto, Hwi quietly challenges whether the display is a parody; Leto confirms their fear and bravery. Afterward, Leto’s public betrothal announcement to Hwi sends shock through the Festival City and disturbs the Fish Speakers.

Back in a reception room, Moneo arrives furious, warning that the Tleilaxu slanders will now be believed and that the Empire will unite against this scandal. Leto counters with reflections on imperfect gods, obscenity and its opposites, and his own renewed emotions. He admits Hwi ends his profound loneliness and embodies an anti-mechanical ideal echoing the Butlerian Jihad’s core values.

As Moneo wrestles with doubt and duty, Leto insists that new obscenities will help define their opposites, guiding social balance. The clamor of Duncan Idaho outside underscores rising tensions, but Leto keeps focus on planning and meaning, reminding Moneo that words often frame history after the fact.

Shifting to logistics, Leto orders a precise wedding at Tabur Village in the Sareer, using the Old Fremen ritual. He assigns Moneo to stand with Hwi and to invite only a Fish Speaker guard and the Citadel’s “aristocracy,” including Siona if she survives her test. The required trappings are minimal: a real Fremen stillsuit and robe for Hwi and Ghanima’s water rings, signaling deep Atreides and Fremen continuity amid political unrest.