The courtyard was halved with a dark shadow; the other, more welcoming side was bathed in moonlight. Clouds pressed forwards, smothering the moon and protecting the figure below from any observers. Sliding into one of the rarely used corridors branching away from the square, the hooded figure glanced over his shoulder, just in case.

The figure shrugged off the possibility of anyone following him this far. The moonlight peered through an elaborately coloured window, and it glittered in his deep, brown eyes, revealing a doleful, melancholy expression, which slowly morphed into a frown. The figure turned away from the glass to face the ominous, lifeless door.

The sounds of muffled footsteps echoed off the stone walls, and he let a small sigh escape his lips. It sounded unnaturally loud in the passage drenched in silence. Before he could take another breath it was knocked clean out of him as he was thrown aside.

"Identify yourself, toe rag!"

In the fall, the dark eyed shadow's hood was thrown back revealing a surprised expression.

Slightly winded, he peered up at his attacker in the dim moonlight and glanced down at the glistening sword hovering a hair's breadth from his throat. Whoever it was wasn't very tall, maybe the height of a dwarf. But then, dwarves don't have long tails.

"Reepicheep?"

The mouse frowned a little.

"Caspian?!" He removed himself from his king's chest quickly, dusting himself down. "...Ahem. I'm sorry your majesty," He quickly sheathed his sword and bowed so low his nose touched the ground. "I thought you might have been trying to break into the castle..."

Caspian clambered to his feet and forced a small smile. Shaking his head, he said, "Reepicheep, why would I need to break into my own castle?"

"That is a good question, sire. But, as a burglar, breaking into the castle would seem a good idea, would it not? And, in the dark, it is difficult to see facial features. Especially when you insist on wearing a cloak..." He frowned. "Why were you sneaking around your own castle anyway, your majesty?"

Caspian hesitated."I had trouble sleeping." He quickly invented, trying to give the impression that he enjoyed calmly walking about in the early hours of the morning. Which, truthfully, he did not; as it always reminded him all too vividly of the night he was forced to flee over a year ago.

Reepicheep placed his paws on his hips, looking up at Caspian in a disbelieving way. "Now, tell me the truth, sire." He narrowed his eyes a little at him. The king made the mistake of looking shocked at this remark, causing Reepicheep to give a knowing smile. He said nothing for a moment, looking to the door Caspian was standing by. His tiny jaw dropped a little and he moved so he was stood in front of it. "What were you trying to do?" It was his turn to look shocked.

"You cannot mention it!" The king's voice grew slightly quieter and more urgent, under the assumption that Reepicheep had a pretty good idea of what he was doing. Reepicheep frowned and folded his forelegs.

"Susan? It is a long way to go just for a girl, sire."

Caspian bit his lip, Reepicheep's words echoing in his head. He knew there was no negotiating with his small friend. "What would you know about girls? You are a mouse." He strode defiantly past the dumbstruck rodent.

He almost tripped as he felt a sudden weight on his foot, attempting to pull him back. He looked down to find Reepicheep had wrapped his legs tightly around the King's ankle. His expression darkened. Whatever had made him quite so short tempered, he didn't know. Maybe he really wasn't getting enough sleep.

"Reepicheep," He began steadily, breathing out with a quiet sigh. "Let go of my foot. Please."

"I cannot just allow you to go!" He squeaked, words slightly muffled by the fabric of Caspian's trousers.

"That was not a request, Reepicheep." Caspian continued to stare at his friend uncomfortably. The mouse was looking at him defiantly, beady eyes glittering with determination. He generally avoided bossing others around, but the ability did come in helpful at times.

Reepicheep seemed slightly annoyed, but removed himself from his ankle anyway. He watched the retreating back of his King until the door closed behind him. He skittered away and down another corridor, one task in mind: Stop whatever Caspian was planning.

The lights going out at the base of the castle told Caspian that the morning was approaching fast. He quickened his pace towards the tree. The only tree with a doorway to another world between its roots. He stopped before it, looking it up and down. Should he go?

Feeling something tug at his shoulder, Caspian span around, dark eyes checking the scene nervously. Nothing. He relaxed, stumbling on a thin tree root he was balanced on and catching his heel on the one behind. The king let out a quiet cry as he toppled backwards, falling into a haze of confusion.