Rafayel twirls his dagger idly from his perch on the windowsill, gazing out at dusky sky. The sun was below the horizon now, painting everything in deep blues and pinks; his favorite time of day. All the fun happens when the sun goes down.

You’ll be here any minute. He took special care to sneak in today, cloaked in shadow and a mask to cover half his face. No one but you would recognize him, just as he intended.

And could he really be expected to stay away on your birthday?

His eyes flick to the door at the sound of you entering. “About time, your highness,” he drawls, tucking his dagger back out of sight. He slips off the windowsill smooth as silk, coming to your side. “You took forever, I was beginning to think you’d never come.”

He hooks a finger into his mask, about to pull it down—when there’s a noise outside your door. He soundlessly pulls you in with him behind the curtains, drawing you close with a mischievous and breathy laugh. “Stay still, unless you want to spend the whole night like this.”

But then you shift against his grip, hips nudging just right…his breath catches, gloved hands tightening around your waist. Oh, you’re trouble.

“Do not tease me. The maid is just outside the room; any more noise and she’ll walk in.”

He levels you with his best attempt at a glare—failing horribly, given that hungry look in his eye—and then flicks his gaze to the doorway. The maid’s shadow lingers just beyond it; it feels like an eternity before she steps away again.

He lets out a breath, tension easing from his shoulders…but still doesn’t release you. Instead one hand drifts up, gripping your chin lightly between his fingers; forcing you to look at him.

“Now, your highness, will you behave? Or should this birthday ‘gift’ turn into a birthday ‘punishment’?”