Time To Heal: Revelations Of The Past
1005 Words
King Xerxes POV
Today begins the holiday season in Persia. Preparations are being made and the Ectabana palace decorated. I was in the library with my grandchildren reading.
"Grandfather, how long will you be staying?" Rebeckah inquired.
"My loves this visit will be brief but I'm always here with you." I explained.
"Yeah in our hearts, we know." Gabriel said.
"Yes forever in your hearts and spirits. I will guide you throughout your lives. I asked to do so." I replied.
"Even when I'm king?" Michael queried.
"Yes my children. As long as you remain humble and pure Persia will be in great hands." I said.
The doors opened and Hadassah walked in. She smiled warmly as a greeting.
"Grandmother, will you watch over us too?" Rebeckah inquired.
"Always and forever, my loves." She said.
The young ones cheered and ran out the library. They were so vibrant this morning.
"Good Morning dear, sleep well?" I asked.
"Whenever I lie in your arms I sleep like a newborn." She said.
"You've really missed me huh?" I question.
"After all these years you are still the love of my life. You're my Jacob and I your Rachel." She said smiling.
"Not a mere story to you. I can't believe there was a time I doubted that I was your love. That I held your heart." I said reminiscent of my folly.
"My love, that is the past. You didn't know whom Mordecai was to me then. Honest mistake." She said.
"Yes a mistake that almost dissolved our marriage. How could I have believed you to be unfaithful after a few months?" I inquire of myself.
"Well in all honesty I thought you had bedded a concubine. I was coming to tell you later that night whom he was but I heard a woman's giggle. I ran away in tears because I thought you were bored of me." She said wiping tears.
I immediately pulled her into my embrace. While these events happened many years ago, they were never discussed in its entirety. I only asked about Mordecai. It's time we both heal from these wounds.
"My love, I was never in my room that night. I was on the balcony observing the stars. My servants were preparing my bed for me. I had no idea you were even there. The only person I saw was Memucan. While he did suggest I call for a concubine I declined. I only wanted you." I said kissing away her tears.
"So when you sent for me 3 nights later, I was still your love?" She inquired.
"You were my queen even after we fought in the library. I know what I said hurt you but I was hurt because you didn't seek me to discuss our marriage. I wanted you to answer me on if I was Leah or Rachel. I loved you then as much as I love you now." I said.
"You were always Rachel. I never even thought of another man. When Memucan asked me to await you in the library I did so to understand why there were talks of murder. Why you sought to destroy my people. I couldn't reveal my heritage. It was never to spite you. I just didn't understand." She said.
"So your inquiries were genuinely to know what happened in court?" I question.
"Solely based on what I was told." She responded.
"Well I feel foolish. I thought Memucan was using you as a pawn. I didn't know he only mentioned part of the conversation. In actuality slaughtering the Jewish people was Haman's idea. I too was seeking a not so drastic solution but there wasn't another option on how to fund the war." I said.
"You never asked me." She replied.
"You're right I didn't consult your counsel my queen. I should have." I acquiesced.
"Its funny how after all these years I finally got closure on if there was infidelity on your part." She said before kissing me.
"I'm glad you got your answers my love. I know I always said I answered to no one but that's not how a marriage is supposed to be. We're a team and your heart was something I should've protected better. I wasn't the best husband to you. I apologize." I said sincerely.
"Xerxes you weren't perfect but I never thought you were a terrible husband. You loved me as best as you could with what you knew. I wasn't making it easier questioning you. Especially when it came to your failed marriage to Vashti. I apologize as well." She said.
When we kissed it felt like the first night of our marriage. I fell in love with Hadassah all over again.
King Benjamin POV
I stood outside of the library watching my parents. I heard everything that was said. It's funny, I never knew they had this much heartbreak in their seemingly perfect marriage. In my eyes they were hopelessly in love. I guess I still have so much to learn.
Sarah and I have been fighting privately for some time now. I honestly think she wants a dissolution. I can't blame her. I haven't been acting like I love her. I walked down the hall to her bedchamber.
Entering I found her standing on the balcony gazing off into the distance. I approached her wrapping my arms around her waist. She didn't say a word just nuzzled into me.
"You know I always thought my parents had this perfect love. I thought there was no pain or hurt. Just now I realize how foolish that sounds. No marriage is perfect. They had to put in the work. I know I haven't been doing such a great job lately but please don't give up on me. I love you more than anything in this world. You're my queen." I said kissing her cheek.
"As long as you fight for me I will do the same, my king." She said.
"Always and forever Sarah. Even after my last breath." I respond.
- Writer
