One Night With The King: The New Empire

The Death Of Mordecai

Esther POV

I was on my way to see my husband when I saw Hegai running towards my uncle's bedchamber. Maybe he has an urgent message. I continued on to Xerxes bedchamber.

I entered to find him not there. No matter I will just await him here. It felt like hours had passed before he returned. His face held an worried yet sorrowful expression. He came towards me and embraced me before saying, "I'm so sorry."

I pulled back from him with a confused face. What is he talking about? I was not angry because I had to wait for him. Did he believe I was?

"My love there is nothing to apologize for, I am not upset about waiting for you." I spoke.

He looked at me now confusion written on his face. "My dear girl, I was talking about your uncle. I was not aware of you being here." He answered before embracing me yet again.

"What has happened to my uncle?" I asked. What is going on I passed by a few hours ago and he was fine so I thought.

"Hadassah, Mordecai has died just hours ago. I thought you knew Hegai said you were outside his chambers." He replied looking concerned.

I took a few steps back and then turned running out the room towards my uncle's. The whole time Xerxes was calling my name running behind me. I couldn't stop though I had to see him. The man was all I had left of my family.

I entered his room and saw him lying there appearing to be asleep. I approached and shook him lightly. He did not respond so I shook him again. He never responded, he was truly gone. I fell to my knees crying hysterically. I felt Xerxes presence beside me trying to comfort me while I weeped for my uncle.

Hours passed and my tears where gone replaced by dry heaves racking my body. My husband was still holding me not speaking a word. I looked into his eyes and saw my thoughts mirrored in his. Who would tell Benjamin?

After a few more minutes I slowly rose to my feet. I solemnly sauntered out the room to find the young prince. I had to tell him myself. I entered his bedchamber to see him reading. He is definitely my child.

"Benjamin, I need to speak with you." I spoke softly.

He turned and ran towards me with an embrace. "Yes mother?" He answered. We walked towards his bed and sat down.

"Benjamin, uncle Mordecai has died today around midday." I spoke choking on tears.

My son looked up at me with tear filled eyes. He slowly stood and walked out the room. I followed him out towards the garden. He sat in the spot my uncle Mordecai did everyday to pray.

"Father, please help my mother and I heal from this devastating loss. I may not understand what your plan is but like I have always been taught I will trust you. My heart is heavy but I ask you renew our strength. On behalf of mother please help father and I to be all she ever needs in terms of family. We love her dearly. Amen." Benjamin finished his prayer.

I smiled at his sweet words. I watched him walk over to me and hug me before retreating into the palace again. After a few minutes he returned followed by Xerxes. My two loves enveloped me in hug. I had no more tears to cry but I was consumed be grief. I lost my uncle the last of my Jewish family.

King Xerxes POV

After spending an hour in the garden, I grabbed my wife's hand leading her towards my bedchamber. I wished to comfort her while she slept. Benjamin was in his room asleep.

Hadassah followed me somberly. She kept her gaze downcast. I knew she was hurt, the poor girl just lost her last living relative. Benjamin and I were all she had left. It broke my heart to see my wife in pain.

"Hadassah?" I spoke and she did not respond. I tried again but she still did not respond. She stood in the same spot for a whle before sinking to her knees weeping.

I rushed to her side and held her as she cried upon my chest. We stayed like that until she fell asleep. I picked her up in my arms and carried her to my bed. I layed her down before climbing in behind her. I held her in my arms while she slept. I, on the other could not sleep.

I spent the early morning hours thinking. I had to do something to cheer up my wife. The people of Persia don't know of Mordecai's death yet. They will come later in the morning. We will have to as the royal family hold a proper burial. Since he was a prince of the face, he will be buried with the rest of the royal family.

My love stirred in her sleep before fully waking. She looked up at me with red puffy eyes. I leaned over and kissed her forehead. She smiled slightly before sighing and exiting my bedchamber. My heart hurts for her.

Later that day after the royal burial, I went to Benjamin's room. "My son I need you to attend dinner with your mother and I in my bedchamber at twilight. Do not be late." I spoke my order. "Yes father I will be there before Hegai arrives with mother." He answered before returning to his reading. Definitely Hadassah's child, she loves to read as well.

As requested Benjamin was in my bedchamber before Hegai arrived.

"Queen Hadassah your majesty." He spoke revealing my beautiful love. Hegai is the only one besides me allowed to address the queen as such.

"You sent for me, my lord?" She spoke before extending her left hand to me. I arched an eyebrow at her before kissing her hand. Then I pulled her towards me for an hug. She gasped at my playful mood.

"Since when did you ever protocol in my bedchamber? I am your husband at the moment not a king. Or did you not miss the fact I never said "enter" my queen?" I asked with an amused expression.

She looked down then returned her gaze to mine before releasing a giggle. "You are right Xerxes I never address you properly in here." She said still giggling.

Benjamin rolled his eyes at us before saying, "Father I know you love mother dearly but may we eat now I am famished."

I shook my head chuckling at the young prince and nodded my answer while leading my queen to her place beside me. After dining and enjoyable conversation, Benjamin retired to his room.

"I have not heard you laugh in a few days, good to hear that sound again." I spoke to Hadassah.

"Yes it is good to laugh again, thank you my love. You haven't left my side since Mordecai's death. I appreciate you more than ever. I love you, Xerxes." She answered before kissing me passionately.

"I love you as well, Hadassah forever."