One Night With The King: The New Empire

The Death Of Xerxes

Esther POV

I was in the garden praying when I heard commotion behind me. I arose and quickly sought Hegai. As I turned the corner I saw him approaching with the physician.

"My lady the king is requesting your presence in his chambers the rest of the royal family has already arrived." He said solemnly.

I made haste towards his chambers. I entered the somber atmosphere taking my place beside him.

"Now that you all are here I need to tell you that my time has come. I know this will be hard for all of you but know I love you. Benjamin, my son its your time be the king I prepared you to be." He said and our son nodded.

"No Xerxes you can't leave me." I cried.

"Hadassah will you keep this for me?" He asked holding out our necklace to me. I accepted it.

"But it is yours, my love." I answered in tears.

"Then be at peace I always return for what is mine." He answered wiping my tears.

We spent hours in the room weeping before hearing his final words.

"I love you all so very much, never forget that. Benjamin take care of your mother for me."

Once he finished speaking he became eerily silent.

"Xerxes, you can't leave me you just can't." I wailed pounding my fists on his chest.

He never responded, my love was gone. An ear piercing scream left my body as I sobbed hysterically. I knew everyone in the room cried just as hard.

Hours passed and I was still on the ground by his bedside. His body was taken to prepare for burial.

"Mother please get off the ground. I know this is hard, my heart hurts just like yours does." Benjamin spoke while embracing me.

Once I found the strength to stand I sent a head nod to Hatach whom hovered nearby. My handmaids came to arraign for the funeral procession.

"We are gathered here at Susa to lay to rest our beloved King Xerxes. We also send our condolences to the members of the royal family. This is difficult time for them." Hegai spoke while I zoned out.

I just didn't have the strength to hear anything but my love's voice. I knew I never would again. I watched intently as they lowered his golden casket into the golden tomb beside his father Darius.

Hours after his burial I sat in my own chambers. The preparation for Benjamin's coronation was underway. I knew they would soon be looking for me.

I wandered back into pleasant memories I shared with my husband.

[Flashback]

I was in the garden when I heard Sarah praying. She made my heart swell with pride. I was pleased with her devotion to God. As long as she kept that she would be fine.

"I knew I would find you here."

I turned to see Xerxes standing there smirking.

"I was praying in same spot my uncle always did." I said.

"Yes I heard you and Sarah praying. She reminds me so much of you back then. Our son has chosen well. Persia is blessed." He said with a smile.

"Yes your pride is evident, my love." I laughed.

"Come, it is bedtime. I cannot rest knowing my wife is lurking about the palace halls." He said leading into the palace. He turned the corner that lead to his bedroom before swooping me into his arms. He carried me to his bed and winked.

"I still got it." He said. I laughed while shaking my head at my husband. His playful mood still delights me. Sinking into the plush fabrics claiming my place in his chest, I sighed blissfully. I'm still in love with this man after all these years.

"Goodnight my love, sleep well." He spoke.

"Goodnight and I love you more." I responded before dozing off.

[Flashback Over]

I guess I was staring off into space for a long time because I hadn't noticed Hegai entering.

"I know you miss him but he would hate to see you so depressed my lady." He said.

"No one knows better than you what that man meant to me. It wasn't about being queen for me." I answered as the tears fell.

"I know love Hadassah, I have told you my own story before. Believe me Xerxes would talk my ears off about you when he was away. Your love was remarkable to witness. It transcends into the marriages of your children. I have seen the way they would watch silently hidden as the two of you acted like lovesick teenagers." He replied shaking his head amusingly.

I never knew the children had seen us that way. Its just the joy of being so in love. He held my heart and it was forever. Hearing Hegai speak those words comforted me.

"Our love will never die Hadassah."

That's what he meant by that statement. Xerxes knew they strived to have the love we shared. I looked at the necklace in my hand. The symbol of our kingdom being built on love.

"Place it around your neck my love and know that I am always with you."

"Xerxes is that you?" I inquired earning a skeptical glance from Hegai.

"Of course my dear girl, who else would I be. Don't tell me you've forgotten your husband already." He said.

I laughed lightly at his reply.

"I would never forget you my love. You are apart of me." I said back.

By now Hegai thought I was crazy but I wasn't.

"Xerxes has returned to speak with me, don't be alarmed." I said to him.

He nods in response and said, "My lord you are severely missed."

I smiled weakly at the sweet sentiment. My mood was still somber but I placed the necklace on my collarbone. I was never taking it off, I desired to be close to my husband again.

In a few hours Persia will have her new king, Benjamin.