The Gaze of a King

Chapter Thirty- Eight | A New Chance

A few weeks later...

I awoke with a dull ache in my lower abdomen. A warm, wet tingle on my thighs alerted me to my worst fears. I thrashed at the blankets, revealing a spot of blood on my night gown and the bed where I lay underneath. I groaned my disappointment. There would be no babe for me this month.

I alerted my lady's maids that I was menstruating. She alerted the other servants, to make the proper preparations for my confinement. The King would also need to be notified, for he would be forbidden by law to touch me while I bled.

I spent the next days alone, quietly contemplating my predicament. My hope wasn't shattered, though. There would be plenty of opportunities to try again. I knew that Nathan's words were true. None of his messages from God had ever fallen to the ground. Besides, my body had been through quite the ordeal. And, although I thought myself healed, and the pain had stopped- perhaps I needed more time.

When my courses finally faded and the ceremonial time to bathe had come, I summoned my lady's maids once more. Instead of heading to the Royal baths, I had another idea.

*~*~*~*

When the door to the King's chambers opened before me, the bath at the center of his quarters was already being prepared by busy hands. Steaming water, freshly boiled was poured to the rim of the wide basin. My favorite flowers of lavender and rose were strewn across the water's surface. The sweet fragrance filled the air as the steam from the water spread throughout the room. When the bath was ready, I had help undressing. Then, I sank into the liquid heat.

Before dismissing my servants, I gave them one last instruction. The glances they gave each other did not go unnoticed by me. I ignored their curious glances. I knew what I was doing, even if they thought I was insane.

"Summon the King."

They vacated the chambers. I enjoyed the simmering, sweet scent of the water while I waited for David's arrival.

"Bathsheba?"

The surprise in his voice was palpable.

"What are you doing?"

I smiled up at him, coyly. Desire ignited in his bright eyes. He timidly approached the tub, then hesitated before reaching me.

"This is my ceremonial cleansing," I whispered up at him.

I ran a slow hand down the length of my body starting from my hair and ending at my legs. His eyes followed the trail of my fingers, underneath the clear water. I could hear his breathing intensify. I stood up without warning, nothing but wet flesh in front of him. An offering, ready for the taking.

"I'm clean for you, My Lord."

He extended a palm for me to take. I slipped my soaked fingers into his, then climbed out of the rippling basin. He grabbed me a drying cloth, never letting go of my hand as he maneuvered around his chambers. With the utmost tenderness and care he patted me dry, soaking up the dampness still residing on my skin. When I was satisfied, I grabbed his hands on my mid- thighs, and yanked the cloth from his hold. It crumpled to the floor, but his hands remained where they were. He looked up at me from beneath those lashes. My throat bobbed. He leaned in and kissed the skin where his hands had been. I couldn't hold in the sigh that had formed in my throat. It was all the encouragement he needed to continue.

I had missed his touch. I hated admitting that to myself. He shifted abruptly, his eyes penetrating mine once more. Leaving a scorching trail on my skin from his searing kisses.

"Tell me you've missed me as I have missed you."

My chest heaved. He lowered his head again, but did not let the skin of his lips graze me. Only the warmth of his breath grazed my skin. Pride constricted my chest and gripped at my throat. The truth swirled inside me along with my desire for him to continue. My head was in a frenzy.

"I missed you," I finally uttered gracelessly.

His kisses resumed. He made his way up my torso. Then, paused again.

"Tell me you long for me as I long for you."

I hesitated longer this time. I tried to take a step back, but his hands clamped onto me firmly, holding me in place.

"I do long for you," I whimpered. My cheeks flared with heat at my own admission. His kisses reached my neck, lingering there for a moment. He trailed up my jawline and found my ear. His hands found themselves clutching the small of my back, pressing me tighter against his taut torso.

He kissed my mouth with such fervor and passion that all the protests I had prepared obliterated. His tongue swept gently inside, sweetly exploring my mouth and timid tongue, while his lips danced a delicate dance with mine. When he broke the kiss I was left dazed.