For now, at least, whatever caused Kashas horrible demise is still a medical mystery.

In the library, the acolytes are understandably worried as they discuss Kashas death.

Was it an assassination?

Dune Ep2 Topart

“Just whipping up some ritual poison, nothing to see here…” Photo: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

I have to secure the princess, she tells Tula.

With Kasha gone, someone has to fill the void and protect our plans.

She needs to connect with her ancestors, Valya tells her sister.

io9 spoiler bar

© Attila Szvacsek/HBO

So whats the big deal about Lila connecting with her ancestors?

Well, Raquellas wise guidance would sure be useful right about now.

But theres a catch: it involves a process so dangerous and painful its called the Agony.

Olivia Williams Emily Watson Dune Ep2

© Attila Szvacsek/HBO

Valya thinks the risk is worth it; Tula, whos very protective of Lila, isnt so sure.

With Theodosia in towshell be Ynezs new Sisterhood buddy now that Kasha is goneValya heads to see the Emperor.

As you might expect, the mood on Salusa Secundus is tense as hell.

Mark Strong Dune Ep2

© Attila Szvacsek/HBO

Desmond, who is bemused at all times, seemsespeciallydelighted when hes arrested.

Hes taken to a sci-fi prison where inmates are suspended in thin air.

We need you to talk to Mother Raquella.

Chloe Lea Dune Ep2

© Attila Szvacsek/HBO

We think she will know how to fight it.

Forget the throne, they agree, the real power is whoever controls the desert planet.

to his far more cool-headed wife, Empress Natalya.

Travis Fimmel Dune Ep2

© Attila Szvacsek/HBO

To her, theres no greater honor than giving your life for the cause.

Jen, listening in, clearly disagrees; well get her take a bit later in the episode.

Meanwhile, Valya and Theodosia are arriving at the palace.

Chris Mason Sarah Sofie Boussnina Dune Ep2

© Attila Szvacsek/HBO

Youre about to meet the most powerful people in the Imperium, the Mother Superior tells her student.

Ynez, on the other hand, is emotionally wrecked when she hears of Kashas death.

Then she introduces Ynez to her new BFF: Sister Theodosia.

Dune Prophecy 2

© Attila Szvacsek/HBO

I would advise against playing games with me.

I will win, she informs him.

I have nothing to hide, he responds.

Last Of Us 2 Joel Pedro Pascal

Can you and your Sisters say the same?

I saw the corruption in her heart… the same way I see blood trailing your every step.

(The Emperor and Empress overhear him say this, and their reaction is stoic.)

Last Of Us 2 Recap 2

Quite obviously, Desmond is no ordinary adversary.

Things get more dire when Valya realizes the Emperor and Empress are no longer putty in her hands.

Theyre using you, she said.

Last Of Us S2 Dever Abby

Its what they tell us: Sisterhood above all, not Sisters.

They dont care about you.

Not like they care about the Order as a whole.

The Last Of Us Isabella Merced Bella Ramsey

(It feels like a half-truth, but wouldnt Lila be able to tell if it was?)

Meanwhile, Valya is meeting with an old friend:Mikaela, a Fremen member of the Sisterhood.

Its a move to get the Sisterhood back on the Emperors good side.

Bella Ramsey 2

Hes taken aback, but she tells him, It was just politics.

We are all just pieces on the board to be played in pursuit of power… spice.

Things get briefly steamy.

Last Of Us 2 Review

But they both step back.

Theycant, not now!

Especially notyou, secret palace spy Keiran Atreides!

Alicia Witt in Urban Legend

The Empress pays Desmond a visit in jail, and asks him if hes a prophet.

He says he doesnt know.

There are things that I can do.

Hp14

Beautiful, terrible things, he tells her.

As the episode winds down, we have three important scenes, starting with Lilas descent into the Agony.

Lilas fellow acolytes watch from the balcony, worried about whats to come.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Once in blood, once in spice … a revenant full of scars.

A weapon born of war on a path too short.

In Lilas vision, things have gone very wrong.

Metaquest3s

Lila sits straight up, tells Tula in Doroteas voice, Harkonnen, you stole my future.

Now Im taking your hope!

… and then Lila dies.

Sharks

But theres no sympathy in the throne room.

With sarcastic yet menacing politeness, he informs her that House Carrino no longer requires the Sisterhoods assistance.

But the Voice doesnt work on him.

Animaid The Art Of Animation

And for the first time, we see Valya looking uncertain and maybe even showing a bit of fear.

It doesnt pass Desmond by.

Your greatest fear … is not that no one will hear you, he smirks.

Mon Mothma Genevieve O’reilly Tony Gilroy Andor Lucasfilm

Its that theyll hear you andjust wont care.

New episodes ofDune: Prophecyarrive Sundays on HBO and Max.

Want more io9 news?

Predator 1987

News from the future, delivered to your present.

Alicia Witt in Urban Legend

Hp14

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Metaquest3s

An image of a small disposable vape with a green case and mouth piece and visible oil in a clear container.

An image of a hand holding a black vape with a vibrant blue chamber where you can faintly see a laser.

Framework 13 Laptop 1 Hero

Samsung Odyssey 3d 6