Paul Atreides has succeeded in his crusade against House Harkonnen and Emperor Shaddam IV himself, but his victory has had profound consequences. War has been brought to the entire known universe, and billions have already perished. While former allies conspire to remove him from the throne, Paul accepts a gift from the Tleilaxu, a guild of genetic manipulators, hoping to find a single spark of peace and friendship amidst the betrayal and chaos around him. But this act may cost him the support of the Fremen, his most ardent supporters, and threaten the very existence of his new empire. As matters escalate, Paul will be forced to choose between his throne, his wife, his people and his future - and determine the fate of the entire universe.