Lady Stark was easy to read.
Oh, she probably thought herself capable of fooling the court-and she may have fooled some-but Varys did not attain his position by being a fool.
He can see how her loving smiles directed at the prince are painfully false, he can see how her twittering compliments are nothing but lies. She plays the part of a young girl that fancies herself in love quite well, but Varys knows enough and sees enough to know the prince repulses her.
Lady Stark was easy to read, was not even close to understanding the full complexities of the game, so he's surprised, for the first time in a long while, when she finds him.
"Lord Varys," the little bird chirps, dipping into a curtsey before looking up at him with pale blue eyes.
Exchanging the usual pleasantries is simple enough and he starts to move away, stopping when the lady steps along alongside him.
"If it pleases you," Lady Stark starts, "I was wondering if you might take a walk through the gardens with me."
Well.
It's curiosity that has him offer her a smile, simple curiosity that has them walk among the roses, Varys patiently waiting as the lady gathers her thoughts.
"I am betrothed to Prince Joffrey," is what she finally says, stating the obvious.
"And I wish you many happy years together," The Spider responds with a smile, following Lady Stark to a spot he knows is well secluded.
"People talk," the girl says after settling down on one of the elegant chairs, gaze caught on the sea below. "The court talks about Joffrey-and the court talks about you."
"My lady?"
"There…there are very few ways for someone to-" Sansa's voice drops to a whisper then, "to avoid a betrothal. I've found a way, but I need your help."
"My lady-"
"Not like that!" She hisses out, voice scandalized and pale skin flushing red.
"My apologies," the girl says after a moment of silence, turning to look at him, hands twisting in her skirts.
"If-if my plan goes well, my father and the king will summon you to see if what I say is true."
"And you want me tell them you speak truly," Varys finishes.
"Aye," the lady confirms. "I have-" Sansa swallows, nerves apparent, before pulling parchment from her dress.
"I know you trade in whispers. If you swear to do this-if you lie for me-I will give you some of the correspondence my father hid."
He can only stare for a moment, finding himself impressed by the sheer audacity of the girl, before he begins to think. With enough time and patience he could have found the man's correspondence, it's true, but he also sees the fear in her eyes. He can see the girl knows of Joffrey's character, that she knows full well her father can't protect her from the north.
"My lady," he answers with a neat little bow, "it would be my honor."
It is not until Sansa Stark is out of view, fiery hair disappearing beyond the roses, that Varys finds himself abruptly stifling a laugh.
The lady's plan was clear, even just from what she implied, and-well-there are only so many men she is spending time with.
Varys finds himself smiling as he tucks the papers into his robes.
Whatever happens next should be quite the delightful scandal.