Varian
A spoiler-free guide to A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR).
Only showing what’s been revealed up to your current progress. Future events, identities, and relationships are hidden.
Overview
Varian is Cresseida’s younger brother, Prince of Adriata, and captain of Tarquin’s guard in the Summer Court.
Before Hybern attacks Adriata, Varian warns Amren so the Night Court can prepare its defenses, then later states before the assembled rulers that he was the one who sent the warning.
In the postwar period, he is Amren’s established companion and a practical intermediary between the Summer and Night Courts.
By the later postwar period, Varian and Amren are living as intimate companions, and his access to sensitive Night Court information is useful but politically delicate because of his loyalty to Tarquin.
Appearance
Varian is broad-shouldered and handsome.
Personality and Behavior
Varian is vigilant and security-minded, closely watching perceived threats and taking guard positions around Tarquin, his residence, and visiting dignitaries.
Relationships
Varian’s guarded attention toward Amren carries both suspicion and attraction. After Summer declares a blood feud against the Night Court, he sends her a jeweled necklace in an attempt to ease the hostility; Amren says he cannot decide whether he hates her or wants her.
After fighting in the war against Hybern, Varian makes his attachment to Amren unmistakably public by going directly to her and kissing her before the assembled allies.
When Amren prepares to sacrifice herself through the Cauldron, Varian begs her not to proceed. She credits him with teaching her something of love, and he drops to his knees in anguish but does not interfere.
Varian helps pull Amren’s restored body from the Cauldron and reacts with relief and joy when she awakens.
Their relationship continues after the war without a formal public declaration, though Feyre and Mor treat the bond as obvious and established.
Varian and Amren share an intimate domestic relationship, with him sitting familiarly beside her during private discussions and sleeping in her bed. He is trusted with sensitive Night Court information, although his loyalty to Tarquin makes that confidence politically delicate.
Abilities and Skills
Varian has military command experience and once led Nostrus’s fleet beside Tarquin.
After Azriel discovers Hybern’s second force, Varian proposes leaving behind a fully glamoured false camp while the real army marches north under Rhys’s concealment, and Cassian recognizes the plan as workable.
Varian can summon a defensive shield of water around himself and others.
Important Events
Before Hybern attacks Adriata, Varian sends Amren a warning so the Night Court can prepare its defenses. He publicly confirms his responsibility for the warning when Tamlin attempts to cast suspicion on Night’s timely arrival.