The Alchemist ✰〘 Varian One-Shots 〙

✰1.2 Schemes

Part 2 of my first story, 1.1 Schemes. Enjoy!

key:

(f/c): favorite color

(h/c): hair color

(a/n): author's note

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To say that I didn't sleep well was an understatement. I tossed and turned all night, and when I finally fell asleep all I dreamed about was being a sad and lonely guest at Princess Cassiopeia and Varian's magnificent wedding! Oh what had I gotten myself into. I let out a long sigh as I felt a sliver of light shine through the crack in my curtains and hit my face. It was sunrise already. Do you ever notice how no matter how restless you were throughout the night, the bed always feels like the comfiest place in the morning? It didn't matter anyway, I always get up at sunrise when I work. A scullery maid may sound like a very basic job, but I play a vital part in the preparation of all food that comes out of the palace's royal kitchen. However I knew that today would be different. I was not waking up to start a day of baking, boiling or brewing. I was Varian's pretend date.

I threw my tired feet off the end of the bed and placed them flat on the cold wooden flooring. Even though Corona had a warmish climate, the autumn mornings can be quite chilly (but there's nothing quite like a glacial room to make you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the morning). I stood up and stumbled over to the dark blue curtains that hung on the other side of room. When I had pulled them open, I could see a few of the townspeople scurrying around the courtyard; preparing for the day of 'festivities' that lay ahead. A patch of condensation began to form where I was breathing next to the window panes. Maybe it was the drowsiness, but without thinking I started to doodle a familiar face into the clouded glass. A mop of messy hair, wide-eyes, a goofy grin...

I was abruptly shaken from my thoughts when a soft knock hit my door 3 times. It must be Varian. I quickly rubbed away the window drawing and scrambled to figure out what to do. I couldn't open the door in my nightgown! He was a whole 13 minutes early, which was incredibly unusual for him. My panic stopped once I saw a small piece of paper slip underneath the door. I picked it up and read it.

'The dress is outside the door (I hope it fits), I'll let you get ready and meet me at the palace gates at 8.24. See you there (y/n)! - Team get Varian a girlfriend (let me know what you think about our awesome team name ok?)'

I let out a giggle at his absurd note, especially the fact that he wants to meet at 8.24; who would pick such a specific time? I know who, Varian would. He's just that kind of particular person. The kind of person who wouldn't care that 'being in the palace kitchens after hours' was against the rules. He would go anyway, and spend hours laughing and cheering me up after a long day. You know despite my doubts, maybe I should try my best today. He deserves something, or someone, amazing. How does the saying go? 'If you love them let them go'? That's what I'll have to do then. But I'll be darned if I don't at least have a good time doing it!

I placed the note on my small bedside table and went to fetch the dress that Varian had allegedly left for me. Opening the door, I saw a brown paper package tied up with string on the ground. I checked either side of the hallway and saw that there was nobody around, the I pulled the parcel inside my room. I pulled on the loosely tied string, revealing the garment underneath. To my amazement, I held up a beautiful gown that looked to be exactly my size. It was a (f/c) dress, that went to just above my ankles. There were hundreds of little flowers embroidered on the (f/c) bodice and on the ends of the skirt, and a simple cream fabric that created a two bishop sleeves. Where on earth did he find such a gorgeous frock? It wasn't too fancy, or too basic. It was just perfect. Hopefully it would actually fit me, and I guess there's only one way to find out.