The Time Has Come
1205 Words
Hadassah POV
I woke up this morning and spent a few hours praying in the garden. Xerxes joined me about halfway through. I know he's going to be leaving soon. Is it wrong that I would like to go with him?
Later around midday we assembled in court to hear the affairs of state. Benjamin presided over the whole meeting with the princes.
"If we do not take crisis in Jerusalem seriously then we are no better than Egypt. Israel is our allies." Isaac stated.
"Your Highness that is not a priority. We have Susa to protect from the Roman-greek armies. We owe that to our people." Taresh responded.
"Well I think we should support them because two armies are stronger than one." I spoke.
"I agree with the queen mother wholeheartedly." Xerxes said.
"Well your majesty it's your call. What should we do?" Isaac asked Benjamin.
"On the advice of King Xerxes and Queen Esther, I must side with our ally Israel. Send more Immortals to protect their borders immediately." Benjamin said.
After those instructions we adjourned. I wandered off to the library.
King Xerxes POV
I watched as my wife left the room. She's hiding how weak she is well. If only I could get her to speak to the children before I leave tonight. She won't listen though. She doesn't want to worry our children.
"Hadassah is fading away isn't she?" Hegai asked.
"You always did notice things about her. Yes, she's very ill and doesn't have much longer." I answered.
"I see, well I will look after your family until my last breath. I owe you my life, my lord." He replied.
"Thank you. Benjamin will need your guidance more now than ever. I return to the spirit realm tonight. I believe my queen has requested to come with me." I said.
I walked into my chambers and laid upon my bed. I was exhausted and in need of a nap.
Omniscient POV
I sat upon my throne in the heavens and listened to Hadassah pray. She was worn thin in her physical body. Her faith however was increasingly strong.
"Lord please allow me to come home when Xerxes returns. I am so tired. I have prepared my children well. I hope you are pleased with my life. I hope I have been obedient in all you've required of me. Lord, I ask that you comfort my family tonight and let them feel my love even though I am not present. Heal their hearts from anguish. Protect Persia and may her empire live on in prosperity for years to come. Amen." She finished.
"Are you going to grant my niece request?" Mordecai asked.
"I cannot violate her free will. If she is desiring to leave the earth then I will allow it. Tonight Xerxes and Hadassah will be welcomed to the heavens above." I spoke.
"Well done, Hadassah take your rest." I answered her.
I watched as she arose from her seat in the library making her way to her husband's side. He was asleep but well aware that she was near. His arms wrapped around her and she sighed in content falling asleep. Together they took their final breath.
"Benjamin, arise and take your place on your father's throne. You are once again king of Persia." I said.
King Benjamin POV
I heard the voice loud and clear as I sat in the garden. I immediately ran through the palace to find my mother. I knew that was God speaking. I knew something had happened that I was not prepared to face.
I entered her chambers to find her asleep. I shook her lightly but she didn't move.
"Mother?" I inquired shaking her violently.
"Hadassah, I know you can hear me." I said still shaking her.
She refused to answer me. I screamed and sunk to the floor. My mother was gone.
Sarah entered the room followed by the rest of the family looking confused as to my hysterics.
"Benjamin darling, what's happened? Why are you crying?" She asked.
"Mother, NO!!!!!!!!" Raquel exclaimed as she to wept in her husband's arms.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry my love." Sarah said hugging me as she shed her own tears.
"How? How could this of happened? She was fine at the meeting this morning." Isaac queried.
"I think she knew all along and didn't want us to worry." Sarah said between sobs.
We stayed in the room mourning the Queen Mother until the early hours of the morning. Afterwards Sarah and I were arraigned as king and queen to announce her death and execute her burial.
"We gather to honor our beloved queen and mother, Hadassah. During her reign she quickly proved that a kingdom she be founded on love. We may mourn her physical presence but she will never be forgotten. As her request upon her death, my wife is now entitled to be Queen Mother. Long live Queen Esther." I said.
"Long live Queen Esther!" Persians chanted as her body was lowered into my father's tomb. Another one of her requests.
Later That Evening............
I entered her former chambers to carefully remove her cherished possessions. On the night stand was her necklace and a note:
My darling son Benjamin,
I apologize for leaving you so suddenly. I didn't know how to tell you I was severely ill. As my firstborn our bond will always be one of friendship. You are more than ready to be the king I prepared you to be. Promise me though, you won't fight with Sarah anymore. I want you to listen to her. She has the same wisdom as I. I want you to give her this necklace. Tell her what your father told me. Believe me she will understand the weight of that statement. I will continue to watch over you and pray for you. I want you to pray my son. I know you haven't been lately, that disappoints me. You were raised on faith and will need it to govern properly. Xerxes and I love you very much.
Until we meet again,
Your loving mother, Hadassah
I immediately started crying again. Sarah entered the room and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Are you alright my love?" She inquired.
"I will be fine in time. Do you recognize this." I asked showing her the necklace.
"Oh wow, this is her most valuable possession. It's her legacy." She said.
"Keep this for me." I said.
"But Benjamin I can't it's yours." She replied.
"Then be at peace, I always return for what is mine." I said fastening it around her neck.
"I can't believe you just said that. Your father said the same thing........." She started but I cut her off.
"To my mother, I know." I said with a soft smile.
"She told me the story but for the first time I understand what she means. This is her past, the present and our future. I am the highest ranking woman in the kingdom. I gave birth to the next generation." She said looking out at the city.
"We are Persia. The kingdom built on love." I said standing beside her.
That is where we will always be, side by side.
- Writer
