One Night With The King: The New Empire

Reagent In Absence: Prince Benjamin Assumes The Throne

King Xerxes POV

I am departing for Greece to oversee our trade agreement. I would normally leave Memucan in charge but his recent death makes that impossible. I literally grieved for a week, he was a second father to me.

I am aware that Benjamin is now 15 years old. He is capable of replacing me. I know Hadassah will help him. Even Hegai is championing his birthright. I have sent for him to meet me in court. I will appoint him as my reagent.

Moments later he appeared in court as requested. He follows protocol perfectly even as a teenager. He was the perfect prince at my righthand.

"On this day I give you your reagent in my absence, Prince Benjamin. As crowned prince its in my will you regard him as you would your king." I spoke placing my sceptre on his signet ring. I leaned over to him and said, "My son I am trusting you to rule in my place while I'm in Greece. Your mother can help you but as future king you should know what needs to be done. Do not let me down, Persia is counting on you."

"Father I promise to uphold Persian law and execute my position as future king accordingly. I will not fail you or the people." He replied.

I must admit I was proud of him. He not only looked like me but he was as aware of his place like I was at his age.

Prince Benjamin POV

My father left two weeks ago and I was in charge. Being king isn't easy. I had ordered the Immortals to slay two enuchs whom plotted against my mother. Why would you want to kill her? She was forever kind and gentle. I loved her all the more for it.

"Benjamin."

I turned to see Raquel entering my chamber. She was the spitting image of our mother. She was also 9 years old now. She was holding a scroll. I nodded to let her know she could approach.

"I was reading in the library and ran across the name Vashti. Why does it claim she was once queen? I thought mother was queen." She asked.

I knew what she was talking about. I had read that same scroll years ago.

"Vashti was indeed queen. She was father's first wife. He summoned her during a banquet but she refused to come. As a result she was banished." I answered.

"Then how did mother and father meet?" She asked.

I sighed rather loudly. Was I this inquisitive as a child?

"Mother met father as a queen candidate. She won his heart and his trust. Father married her and she was named queen. Six months later mother was carrying me. Six years later she was carrying you. So you see mother is his true love. She has been queen ever since." I explained to my sister.

"Benjamin do you think you will be married twice like father?" She asked.

"Raquel I plan to choose wisely the first time. I will probably ask for candidates to present themselves to me." I answered. I wasn't considering marriage yet. I'm still young but by my 18th birthday I will have to have chosen my queen.

"I pray she is exactly like mother." She replied before leaving my room.

I smiled at her words, I wanted that as well. Queen Hadassah was more than a royal. She cared for the people of Persia. She calmed the king's wrath. She was the definition of lead by example. Even as my mother she never broke protocol during this time of my temporary reign. She came when summoned and even called me, my prince. Technically only the king could request her presence in court, so she could've refused.

I loved that even given her position she respected my authority. Even Hegai treated me as if I were my father, Xerxes. Based on their lead everyone else in the palace followed suit. I'm sure the king knew of this from Greece.

I was retiring for the evening when a enuch entered my chamber frantic.

"Your highness blood has been spilled you are needed at once." He spoke while bowing.

I left and headed for the throne room. Hegai approaches me with my crown and father's robe and sceptre. I had to pass judgment yet again. I took my place upon his throne to hear the proceedings.

Apparently two of the Immortals were plotting against my father and me. They sought the throne. I was angered and swiftly demanded an end to them.

"Hegai, send word to King Xerxes of their plot. Inform him of their swift demise. Certify it with my seal. I wish for him to be aware of what's happening in Susa." I issued instructions quickly.

Hegai left expeditiously to carry out my request. I once again retired to my chamber.

"Thank goodness father returns tomorrow. I've had enough being king for awhile."

King Xerxes POV

I have returned to Susa. I surprised my wife last night in her chambers. I saw Raquel this morning. As I approached my throne room I heard Benjamin's voice.

"The king is returning today. I do not believe he would like to hear squabbling amongst the princes. I was named his reagent because I am the future king. I will not tolerate disrespect to the crown. I did not abuse my position for any of the time I've held this title. To hear you've all plotted against me is disgusting." He yelled loudly.

The princes plotted against my son? How dare they disregard my wishes? I will deal with them seperately.

I turned around and walked back towards my chamber. I was enraged by all I had heard from my time away. I was also proud of Benjamin handling his responsibilities well. He's ready to be king of Persia.

"Father?"

I turned towards my son. He smiled at me before embracing me.

"I could not be more proud of you my son. The epitome of future king. Hegai informed of your brief reign thoroughly." I said.

"As you have said father, I am king and I need to answer to no one." He replied. I chuckled lightly of course Hadassah told him that.

"You're right I don't." I answered then laughed.

I loved being able to see Benjamin as king. What do you all think? Will he be a great king? I believe he will be but of course its my story lolz.

-Queen Liv