The New Heir: Prince Or Princess?
1006 Words
King Benjamin POV
My wife's pregnancy has flown by and she's due any day now. I put her on mandatory bed rest. After having Michael she fainted for an hour. It was the scariest moment in my life. I sat in mother's chambers telling her what transpired and was completely ashen. Its almost like she was remembering something. Father had that same look when Raquel was born.
"That's because after you were born your mother fainted. I was terrified because she collapsed while holding you." Xerxes spoke.
"Mother? That's ridiculous I was healthy wasn't I?" I inquired.
"Of course you were but you forget she fainted twice before you were born. She actually bruised quite badly from hitting a stair in court. I was so worried about you then." Xerxes replied.
I had forgotten about when she went to court unsummoned. She was carrying me at the time but father was unaware. I guess she risked both of our lives to save others and God spared us. Explains my undying love and attachment to her.
"Your Highness, the queen has gone into labor in the garden." Hatach said approaching quickly.
What is she doing in the garden? I could of sworn I told her to stay put in her chambers. Following Hatach I ran out to the garden seeing her laid out on the grass. Sighing heavily I picked her up gently making haste to my bedroom.
"Call for the physician and my mother at once Hegai." I yelled down the hall where he was hovering.
Placing Sarah upon my bed, I paced the room waiting for him to return with my request. I shouldn't be so nervous having gone through this before but I was. Moments later Hegai and the physician entered.
Quickly he got to work slightly disrobing her. Normally he would have been killed but this is a special case. I continued to pace as Sarah wailed in pain. Where on earth is my mother?
"Sarah sweetheart breathe deeply." Hadassah said before she appeared.
"Benjamin you should be comforting your wife. She needs you my son." She said in a slight rebuke to my pacing.
Listening to my mother I grabbed my love's left hand. I'm guessing she felt more unbearable pain because she assaulted my hand viciously. I yelped at the sheer force which probably broke a few bones.
I looked up to see mother giggling silently. Another hour passed before an ear piercing cry was heard. My child was delivered safely.
"Sarah darling focus on me please!" Hadassah shrieked causing my smile to drop. Oh no, not again.
"My love don't you leave me. I know I haven't been the best husband but I need you. I need you more than I need my kingdom. Please fight for me." I said as I watched her eyes roll back.
"Take the new princess to Raquel." Hadassah spoke and I turned towards my daughter.
"Your Majesties please I need to operate on the queen so unfortunately I am going to need you to clear the room." The physician said.
I watched as Hatach, Hegai and Hadassah left the room like he requested. I stayed by my wife's side. He looked up noticing I was still present and raised an eyebrow.
"Is there a problem?" I asked incredulously.
He sighed but continued with his task. A few hours passed and her beautiful brown eyes fluttered open. She looked into my face seeing pure relief. The physician excused himself once he was finished.
"Did you really mean that?" She said faintly.
"Of course I did. Sarah you are my world and I am sorry I haven't been acting like it. I love you sweetheart please forgive me." I said as tears spilled from my eyes.
Instead of responding she kissed me. Our beautiful moment was slightly ruined by a high pitched squeal. I turned to see Raquel holding our daughter.
"So what are you going to name this little one?" She asked.
"Her name is Rebeckah, I was going to name her Hadassah but I didn't want any confusion." Sarah said.
"My little Princess Rebeckah, always know I love you." I said while she held onto my finger.
"Princess Rebeckah, I am honored to meet you. My darling granddaughter I pray blessings upon your life. I love you more than your father does *chuckles* and by the look on his face he didn't like what I just said. He's so jealous but that's okay. Your uncle Mordecai said to tell you he loves you too. Sleep well my love and be the greatest princess Persia has ever seen." Xerxes spoke placing a sweet kiss on her forehead.
Sarah and I looked down at our daughter smiling in her sleep. I knew my father had joined us in welcoming a new heir. He wouldn't miss it for anything.
As the night drew late I watched as my daughter slept beside her mother. I smiled at their adorable bond given she's only hours old. Michael came to see her before bed. It was the cutest thing ever when he kissed her forehead swearing to protect her for life. I remember I said that when Raquel was born. I kept that vow even though she was a high strung teenager. Now that she's older she understands why everyone was so hard on her. I believe father would be proud of who she's become.
For the first time in a long time I stepped onto the balcony to pray. I'm sure grateful for the peace has endured this past year. I prayed my love for my wife would grow and our strained marriage heals. I prayed for mother, Raquel, Isaac and Gabriel. I prayed for my own children, Michael and Rebeckah. I prayed for Persia and the wisdom to govern her. I prayed for forgiveness of my mistakes. I spent an hour doing so. It felt better to talk to God about it all. I returned to the bedroom and slipped in beside my wife drifting into peaceful slumber.
- Writer
