The grand ballroom shimmered like a jewel box come to life. Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light upon a sea of swirling gowns and gleaming jewels. The air thrummed with a vibrant melody, the sound of the royal orchestra waltzing its way through a lively tune.
Cassandra, adorned in a flowing gown of sapphire blue that accentuated her warrior's grace, took a deep breath as she entered the ballroom. A hundred eyes turned towards her, a mixture of curiosity and appraisal in their gazes.
She held her head high, the years of courtly training masking any hint of nervousness. She moved with practiced ease, navigating the throng of courtiers and dignitaries, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips.
Prince Henry, resplendent in a crimson doublet, appeared at her side as if on cue. He offered a charming smile, a hint of nervousness flickering beneath his practiced facade.
"Lady Cassandra," he bowed, his voice smooth like honey. "You look radiant tonight. A vision in blue, gracing us with your presence."
The insincerity of his compliment grated on Cassandra, but she offered a polite smile in return. "Thank you, Prince Henry. You look quite dashing yourself."
He took her hand, his fingers brushing against hers. "May I have this dance, Lady Cassandra? The honor of being your first partner for the evening?"
Cassandra hesitated for a beat, her gaze darting across the crowded ballroom. Her eyes scanned the faces, searching for a flash of auburn hair, a hint of mischievous glint. But the vast throng offered no sign of Varian.
A pang of disappointment flickered in her chest, quickly replaced by a steely resolve. She wouldn't let a missing alchemist ruin her evening.
"Of course, Prince Henry," she agreed, placing her hand in his. "One dance."
As they joined the throng of dancers, the music swelled, and Cassandra found herself swept into a graceful waltz. Prince Henry attempted to engage her in conversation, but his topics – the weather, the latest gossip at court – held little interest for her.
Her mind, instead, wandered to a certain inventor with a penchant for explosions and a surprising knack for witty banter. She imagined him somewhere in the castle, concocting a plan, his brow furrowed in concentration yet his eyes sparkling with mischief.
The thought brought a genuine smile to her face, a stark contrast to the practiced pleasantries she offered Prince Henry. Perhaps this 'obligatory dance' wouldn't be so bad after all. Perhaps it was just the prelude to a far more entertaining evening, an evening filled with unexpected encounters, a touch of rebellion, and the delightful possibility of a shared adventure with a certain Royal Chore-Supervisor.
***
Varian paced his room like a caged lion, his usual messy hair plastered down in a semblance of order by an alarming amount of hair product. His attire, however, remained a battlefield.
A discarded doublet lay crumpled on the floor, rejected for its overly opulent gold embroidery. A simple black shirt seemed too plain for the occasion, even with his signature goggles perched on top.
"Ugh, this is impossible!" he muttered, throwing his hands up in exasperation. Sneaking into a royal ball was one thing, but attending it – even for a short while – required a level of... fashion sense he just didn't possess.
Just then, a hesitant knock sounded at his door. Varian whirled around, a spark of hope igniting in his eyes.
"Come in!" he called out.
The door creaked open, revealing not Cassandra, but his father, Quirin, with a knowing smile on his face. In his hand, he held a neatly folded garment.
"Having a little trouble, are we?" Quirin chuckled, stepping into the room.
YOU ARE READING
Forever and Always
FanfictionVarian has always had a crush on Cassandra. When Cassandra gets grumpy because of her Lady-in-waiting Duties, she is a little mean to Varian. But little does she know she means more to Varian than she thinks
