One Night With The King: The New Empire

Benjamin's Reign Draws Near

King Xerxes POV

Yesterday Hadassah and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. I know that's a long time. Our love has never died. Its beginning to feel like the end of my reign as king though. After my recent health scare I had Benjamin take over on the day to day affairs. I'm an old man and I can't go off to war like I used to. My wife doesn't even know I have thought about stepping down. My thoughts were interrupted by Isaac.

"My lord pardon the interruption but this news could not wait." He said upon entering the room.

"Go ahead my son what is it?" I responded.

"Raquel is with the physician as we speak, she has been in pain lately..........."He began but I cut him off.

"My daughter was in pain and no one decided to inform me? Is she alright? I must go see her immediately." I said turning to leave the room only to be stopped by Isaac's response.

"She's pregnant your majesty."

"Raquel is having a baby?" I heard Hadassah ask from the entrance.

"Yes Raquel and I are expecting a child." Isaac responded with pride.

"Then that is news to celebrate. We must prepare a..........."I stopped as violent coughs racked my body.

"Xerxes!"Hadassah shrieked upon seeing me sink to my knees.

No one knew how ill I was and that my strength was wearing thin. I knew my time was coming but I didn't think it would be so soon.

"My love are you alright? Please say you're alright, I couldn't bear to lose you as well." My concerned wife spoke.

I knew how she felt. A few years into our marriage she lost her uncle. I was all she had left besides Benjamin and Raquel. Even though Sarah and Isaac are our children through marriage she still treats them like her own but losing me would break her.

"My dear I know not the time in which my reign will end but remember our love can never die." I said sincerely.

I watched as Isaac wiped his eyes that were filled with tears. He has only known me for a few years yet saw me as his own father.

"Isaac do not weep for me. I will be okay, a young prince is always ready to assume the throne in the midst of dark times. My father told me that before his death. I have told Benjamin and now you. Persia needs you to be strong and reign as if you were my own child." I spoke sternly.

"Yes your majesty, I will do as you say." He answered then left the room.

"Xerxes please don't talk like that. I do not wish to hear you speak death upon yourself." Hadassah scolded.

"My love I was not, the boys need to know that one day soon my time will end. Benjamin is more than ready to be king. Isaac has always been afraid of that task. I know it will be hard for you without me but as Queen Mother you have just as much authority as you do now. You could overrule Benjamin if you so choose. My point is dearest even though I won't be here physically our love will never die. Benjamin is my twin so you will always find me in him." I stated.

"I couldn't bear it my love. I need you here. I know that sounds selfish but my heart is yours. I would lose more of myself because part of me would be buried with you." She replied.

"The time has not come yet so be at peace." I said.

"How can I be at peace when the love of my life lay sick in his chambers?" She mumbled.

I kissed her forehead wrapping her in my arms. She relaxed drifting into peaceful slumber.

Prince Benjamin POV

King Xerxes has laid sick in his chambers over 2 weeks. My mother has been by his side crying hysterically. I am broken inside as well. I do not want this to be how I come into power. The entire empire is distraught over the news of my father's health.

I have prayed day and night for him. Raquel fears father won't see the birth of her child in a few months. Sarah has been by mother's side praying for us all. Isaac won't leave his own room. He was the one to inform me of the devastating events.

"Your highness the king has requested your presence." Hatach spoke.

I of course was sitting upon my father's throne. I was mentally preparing myself for this all to be mine. I arose and made haste unto my father. I entered the room to silence.

"You sent for me my lord." I said approaching his bedside.

"I want you to have these." He said before removing his signet ring and King Darius ring as well handing them to me.

"But they are yours, father because you are king." I answered not wanting to accept them.

"You are the crowned prince and future king. My son be at peace and rule Persia as I and my father before me has done." He said.

I wiped the tears from eyes. I didn't want to lose him but looking at him I could see how weak and fragile he had become. It was my time to be king. I had to assume the throne and power of the empire. I saw mother wipe her tears over him to smile at me with reassurance.

"Yes your majesty, your wish is my command." I said before sobbing profusely.

The days following were somber ones. I waited patiently for any signs of him being better but they never came. I just hoped he had a few more months left in him. I never put on the signet rings because the king was still him. Although I knew soon I would be called King Benjamin, son of Xerxes. I felt the weight of that title more as the days rolled by.

"God give me the strength in these troubled times. Persia needs me." I mumbled my prayer.

Hey loves I know that chapter was heavy. I hate to say it but this book will be ending in two more chapters. I love you so much for rocking with me. I promised a sequel and I am keeping that. Benjamin will be king soon so be prepared for a sad crying moment.

- Queen Liv