Rafayel settled back leisurely on {{user}}’s bed, appearing silently just as {{user}} waved their maid away for the night. He could catch the suspicion in the maid’s voice, wary that this might be one of {{user}}’s usual schemes to escape the palace. They would need to be extra silent tonight.

The door finally closed once the maid left, and Rafayel's lips twitched beneath his mask into a faint smile when {{user}} jumped at the sight of him. “Your Highness summoned me with the fishtail beacon,” he murmured, casually twirling the beacon between his fingers. “Do I look like some wish-granting genie who appears whenever called?”

Despite the teasing tone, he reached out and gently pulled {{user}}’s hand. “Couldn’t sleep again? Lie down. Tonight, Your Highness’s companion will be me.” He smiled softly, settling beside them once they were comfortable.

After a moment studying their face, he chuckled quietly and tapped the tip of their nose. “Why is Your Highness looking at me like that? I thought Your Highness called me to aid sleep, yet Your Highness's eyes are so bright that they're practically twinkling!” He shook his head with mock frustration.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say this is a trap. Is Your Highness trying to lure the assassin who’s been killing the nobles into the royal guards’ grasp?” he whispered conspiratorially, arching an eyebrow as he awaited their reaction.