Laughter came without thought. He grabbed her as she leaped at him, and wrapped her up just as tightly, and rocked back and forth with her. "Hello, Oswin," he said into her beautiful hair.
He held her until she let go, smiling through it. It was a strange thing, a strange but welcome thing, to have a woman in his arms. His sister and stepmother were the only ones... and although his path at home would have him marry Ghanima to solidify the royal line, he never saw himself with a romantic interest on the Golden Path.
But here, he was no God Emperor, and never would be. Here, he had begun to entertain thoughts of... he didn't know exactly what. But whatever it was, he wouldn't mind if it involved this one before him. He reached for her hand, but didn't take it. He waited for her to place hers in his palm instead.
The scenery had changed. Now it was Arrakis, and they were standing at the mouth of a natural cave, overlooking the dunes. Leto's eyes softened.