paul atreides despised formal functions. he was a young man in the world of politics, features which indicated a driven passion for the fruitful talk of alliances, new nations, and liberation of the wider imperium-- however, he just was not quite in the mood that evening. that was, if one could be in the mood to be swept in an out of monotonous conversation with outdated lords who looked as if they should have perished quite a few decades ago.

he had to admit, that having his mother plan a dinner party with other lords and houses in alliance with his own was probably an intelligent choice; if he had been in charge of organization, it would have reflected his state of mind. a dull mess. perhaps that was why his face was set, his expression more haughty than it typically presented itself as his fingers toying with his rings.

"--duke atreides, you have simply outdone yourself." a particularly tipsy lady of the court brushed his shoulder lightly with her hand as she spoke, staring at him through her lashes in a manner akin to a predatory feline. paul managed to refrain from rolling his eyes, settling for a thin smile. the caladan estate looked magnificent, the low golden lighting at contrast with the rapidly darkening sky outside the vast windows. that was the only solace he had, as the company was proving to be subpar.

he cleared his throat, under the guise of polite fraternity before replying, "the compliments all go to my mother. i cannot take credit." he noted, before bidding her a hasty farewell as he let another lord engage her in conversation. not even an hour into the event, he was exhausted. this was not ideal, as the event was certainly going to span late into the evening. he pulled out a chair at the banquet table with more vigour than intended, settling next to you.

"do not talk to me." he muttered in your direction, pinching the bridge of his nose, his brow furrowing. "this event is giving me a migraine, like a little harkonnen soldier is constantly prodding my cortex with a toothpick."