Breaking Protocol: Esther Established Purim
1168 Words
Esther POV
I arose early this morning to pray and thank God. He spared my life and that of my people all because of my obedience. I still remember being apprehensive about going before Xerxes unsummoned.
I soon heard footsteps behind me. I knew it was Benjamin before he spoke. He knew what today meant for our people. I watched as the Jews of Persia celebrated in the streets of Susa.
"Good Morning Mother, I trust you slept well." My son spoke while hugging me.
"Good Morning my love, have you said your prayers?" I asked.
"Yes I have just the way uncle Mordecai taught me. I'm sure he would be proud." Benjamin answered.
My heart swelled with pride. Benjamin revered Mordecai beyond words could express. I was aware that his death took a toll on my son as well. They were so close almost as close as I was to him. I thank God for giving such an amazing uncle.
As I turned back towards the streets, I heard music and songs of praise to God. There was dancing in the purity of presence. I saw the young and old assembled together.
I was taken back to that fateful day when all our lives would change. If asked to do it again I would but please not any time soon.
[Flashback]
I was in my chamber preparing to approach Xerxes. My handmaids were working diligently to arraign me perfectly as queen.
"Her crown quickly her liter will be here shortly." Somali spoke.
"Your liter is gone." Hegai spoke as he entered. I looked up at him shocked.
"I have not time to wait out this rain, the king leaves within the hour." I answered determined to get to court.
"Esther, I don't know what you have planned but......." Hegai spoke but then stopped getting choked up.
I knew right then he had Jesse and I's conversation last night. "No please tell me you did not?" I answered.
"What possible assurance that he will lower his sceptre to spare your life? You don't go into the bedroom of a man, you going into the hall of a king. This is not just you against him but you against protocol, you against the empire." He yelled at me.
"I go as David did before Goliath with the sword." I answered back while attempting to walk past him but he grabbed my arm.
"Those are just stories Esther, do you hear me just stories." He answered in fear of life and because he truly cared.
"You know what I love most about the story David? David's victory came not because he fought well but because he believed well." I answered and walked out of chamber.
I ran as fast as I could through the rain to court. When I got to the doors I paused to put my shoes on my feet. I took a deep breath and pushed the doors with all my might.
The heavy doors swung open loudly and the guards caught them allowing me to enter. I looked up and saw Xerxes intent stare. He looked confused. I took a step forward then another. I purposely strode towards my husband, the king maintaining slight eye contact. With each step I took it seemed the angrier he got. I could hear the princes surrounding him yelling "Protocol is broken" over and over again. Xerxes was seething by the time I reached the stairs. One of the Immortals drew his sword while watching my husband. I paused at the stairs briefly to calm my spirit, I knew God had my back.
I ascended the stairs slowly, the whole my entire life flashing before my eyes. With each step I took my fate rested in my husband's hands but ultimately God's.
The closer I got to Xerxes, who was now standing, the closer the guard came to me with his sword. I tried my hardest not to panic. When I was a few steps away I looked up at my husband with pleading eyes. He had to hear my petition he just had to.
He searched my eyes to see what I was trying to convey. The shouting from the princes escalated, Haman was smirking. I could not focus on him though. With one last pleading look as the guard got closer and drew back his sword to put an end to me, Xerxes caught it mid swing with force. He fought through the pain of the blade in his hand before pushing the Immortal back. Just before I collapsed completely I saw him lower his scepter.
When I had awakened I was laying against his chest. He caressed my cheek while looking around. The princes and people were astonished. God had saved my life. I asked him and Haman to attend a banquet where I would make my request. They agreed and I stood and left court.
Hegai met me once I left threw the doors. He embraced me briefly sighing in relief. We left to prepare with very little time.
[Flashback Over]
I sighed and felt myself relax. That memory is slightly traumatic.
King Xerxes POV
The Jews of Persia were celebrating what is called Purim. My wife established it the day she approached my throne unsummoned. I remember that far too well. I was so angry with her but when she looked at me with pleading eyes, my anger subsided.
She looked at me that way the first time I met her. So innocent and pure of heart. I remember pleading with her nonverbally to turn around but she kept walking. When I saw my guard come towards her with the sword I knew then just how much I loved her. I spared her life much to the disappointment of the princes. I'm glad I did or Benjamin wouldn't be here.
I entered my wife's bedchamber unnoticed. She was praying to God and I respectfully listened. When she finished she turned towards me startled.
"Xerxes, how long have you been standing there?" She asked me.
"Long enough to hear you pray and thank God. I heard the music and decided to go to the garden, would you accompany me?" I asked.
"Of course my love lead the way." She replied.
After a few hours in the garden I swept my love of her feet running towards my bedroom. I hadn't done that since our wedding night. Hadassah giggled the whole time. Once inside I placed her on her feet. Grabbing her hand I walked towards my bed.
"My love what are you doing?" She asked me with an arched brow.
"Tonight I am not king, just a man thoroughly in love with his wife. Now come here woman." I replied leaping into bed. She giggled and followed suit.
"My queen, not only of Persia but my heart." I spoke softly.
She smiled genuinely before kissing me.
I can tell you no more. A king keeps relations with his wife a secret. I bid you all goodnight.
- Writer
