One Night With The King: The New Empire

Princess Raquel's Royal Coronation

3 Years Later

King Xerxes POV

The sun rose over the palace, lacing the corridors and chambers with a beautiful golden glow. I was on the balcony of my bedchamber looking out towards Susa. Today was a very special day. My daughter Raquel would be crowned today in court. If she is anything like Benjamin, she will be fine. I of course will be slightly more lenient with her though. Not because she's a girl but because she isn't next in line for the throne like Benjamin. Unfortunately for her she will never be allowed to rule without a husband. I wish I could change that but I can't, I won't be king then Benjamin will.

"Xerxes what are you doing up so early?" Hadassah questioned as she approached me. I smiled and turned towards my beautiful wife. She doesn't look a day older than when I first met her.

"I was just watching the sunrise. I must admit I am slightly nervous for Raquel, my love." I replied after an embrace.

She looked at me shocked. Nothing ever surprises her anymore about me.

"Xerxes she will be fine, just as Benjamin before her. In fact he was apart of her training." She spoke beaming with pride.

So our nine year old son was involved with teaching his sister protocol. I was so proud of him. He wasn't like my brother Admantha. All he wanted was my crown, I had to end his life due to his treason.

"I must say Benjamin has been protective of Raquel." I replied.

"He's just like his father, my love." She answered before exiting my chambers.

Hadassah has not aged at all during our marriage. She is still as beautiful as the day I first met her. My love for her continues to grow. Moments later I hear little feet running towards me.

"Father, I love you so much."

I turned to my daughter and embraced her.

"Good Morning Raquel, I love you too sweetheart. Shouldn't you be preparing for later?" I asked my little princess.

"I asked mother if I could greet you first. I wanted to hug you." She replied and laid her head back upon my chest.

"How sweet of you darling. Now go I shall send for you later." I said and she jumped out of my arms running back out of the room.

I returned my gaze upon the streets of Susa. I have been king for many years now. I just pray my son is better than me when he chooses his wife. I don't want him to deal with another Vashti and queen candidates. It was exhausting but worth it when I found my love.

Esther POV

As I prepared Raquel for her coronation I remembered the day we married. I never thought in all my years I would be to married to Xerxes. I love him more each day.

"Mother is she ready yet?"

I turned to see my firstborn, Benjamin. I was so proud of him on his day. He responded like a true king in training should.

"My prince she is well prepared." I answered him.

"My queen must we be formal, you are in fact my mother." He responded.

I laughed because he was so much like his father. Quick to point out how in private I did not follow protocol.

"I must be going, please make sure Raquel gets to Hegai on time before joining us in court." I commanded.

"Yes mother, as you wish." He replied.

I left my chambers into the liter heading for the throne room.

I entered preceded by Xerxes. I will never get used to the people bowing to me. I sat at the righthand of my husband. Moments later Benjamin entered sitting on the left of his father, wearing his royal crown. He assumed the role of prince well for a nine year old.

"I appeal to you by her majesty Queen Esther and the great king of kings, her royal highness, Raquel, daughter of Xerxes." Hegai announced.

Raquel appeared and proceeded forward. The people bowed to her. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs with her head bowed. I saw Xerxes turn to me smiling slightly. I had prepared both of our children for their coronations. He was pleased with my work.

Omniscient POV

"Princess Raquel, you may approach." Xerxes said as he extended his sceptre to her.

She ascended the stairs and bowed before her father. Benjamin smiled. She touched the end of it and looked up.

"You sent for my king." She spoke.

"Yes I did, my princess. Today we celebrate you. Persia has a new heir and princess of the face. On this day I present you your crown. It is my will that everyone regards you as they would the queen." He spoke placing the crown upon her head.

"Thank you your majesty. I shall wear it in honor. I understand the task of a princess, I must learn the ways of Queen Esther. I must show honor to you, my lord. I am ready to take my place." She answered earning a soft smile from her father.

"You are dismissed Princess Raquel." He spoke with so much pride.

She bowed to each member of the royal family and descended the stairs. She left the room with poise and grace. Her mother and brother soon followed. Her father however stayed behind to dismiss the people.

He was beyond proud of his children. They would soon govern Persia as regal and impartial as anyone. They assumed their roles effortlessly. He also praised the queen for her role as their mother. She taught them the ways of the Lord.

"My children are ready Hegai. I couldn't be more proud." He turned to his enuch.

"Yes my lord they are. Queen Hadassah has taught them well. I look forward to serving Prince Benjamin as king someday." Hegai answered.

"I believe Benjamin will make a great king. His wisdom expands past his years. I believe Raquel would make a great queen if given the chance. They have God on their side." Xerxes answered with a surety of every word he spoke.

Just to let everyone know I will be ending this story soon. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and there may be a sequel under Prince Benjamin's reign as king. I thank you all for your support. I got may be 10 chapters left.

- Queen Liv