"Your opinion matters heavily, Bastila. Leto and I... your family. We care for your well being and happiness. It is how much politics will allow such opinions to happen."
Politics. [ Paul mutters out loud, tone flat and also somehow layered with an annoyance. ] Isn't that the reason why we're moving to Arrakis to begin with? Politics.
"Yes. The Emperor commands it and House Atreides must answer, or lose power within the Landsraad. What this House owns in CHOAM."
[ Paul shares a quick glance at Jessica before looking once more at Bastila. He does not move nor speak, but she should be able to read the expression on his face: This sounds like a trap.
Jessica catches the unsaid expression and sighs. ] "There is little any can change of the situation. That is why we focus on what we can change. Full dress, for one. Then, final meetings with teachers before we must finish packing."
[ Paul once more looks down to his breakfast. Hands fold together in front of him. The feeling of time slipping through is hands takes him again. The need to act before the moment is lost like the foam taken out by the high tide. Lips press together in thought. Should he? Does a point to it exist? In his mind, Bastila has chosen a path set forward by an example. One that could give true benefits and station to a woman of her situation.
Things he could not promise by needing to keep his hand open to marriage, as his mother and father consistently point out to him. ]
Basi...
[ Jessica clears her throat. ] "Paul. Best to start getting ready. In case your father needs you before the ceremony."
[ Paul once more gives a pointed look to his mother. The stare lingers. Then, he stands. His hands push from the table and he leaves the room quickly. The door behind him slams. Jessica swallows before letting out a tight breath. Her attention turns fully to Bastila. ]
no subject
Politics. [ Paul mutters out loud, tone flat and also somehow layered with an annoyance. ] Isn't that the reason why we're moving to Arrakis to begin with? Politics.
"Yes. The Emperor commands it and House Atreides must answer, or lose power within the Landsraad. What this House owns in CHOAM."
[ Paul shares a quick glance at Jessica before looking once more at Bastila. He does not move nor speak, but she should be able to read the expression on his face: This sounds like a trap.
Jessica catches the unsaid expression and sighs. ] "There is little any can change of the situation. That is why we focus on what we can change. Full dress, for one. Then, final meetings with teachers before we must finish packing."
[ Paul once more looks down to his breakfast. Hands fold together in front of him. The feeling of time slipping through is hands takes him again. The need to act before the moment is lost like the foam taken out by the high tide. Lips press together in thought. Should he? Does a point to it exist? In his mind, Bastila has chosen a path set forward by an example. One that could give true benefits and station to a woman of her situation.
Things he could not promise by needing to keep his hand open to marriage, as his mother and father consistently point out to him. ]
Basi...
[ Jessica clears her throat. ] "Paul. Best to start getting ready. In case your father needs you before the ceremony."
[ Paul once more gives a pointed look to his mother. The stare lingers. Then, he stands. His hands push from the table and he leaves the room quickly. The door behind him slams. Jessica swallows before letting out a tight breath. Her attention turns fully to Bastila. ]