I looked at the sleeping man and felt really sorry for this dreamer and old pathetic man. How will he turn his children's hearts towards his God and him? When they are living godless lives having respect for no-one. Word has it that his son Adonijah is already busy overthrowing his rule. He wants to be the next king. I was deep in thought when the temptress came in and I said
"Temptress!"
This out of habit.
" You of all people trying to do this vile thing and so doing almost got us both killed by you action. Am I really just a temptress to you?"
I walked towards her kneel in front of her and asked forgiveness.
"Rise Aaronas before someone sees you!" Again I ask forgiveness and change tactic for mere words is not working, by kissing her. She kissed me back with all her might and I thought I am forgiven. When I lifted my head I looked straight in the eyes of the king.
"Leave servant"!
The ridged back of Abishag was enough to know that she is frightened. The need so strong to protect her was far greater than the king's instruction. So when I wanted to defend the temptress turned around and her eyes told me enough damage was done already. I left feeling worried and the old hatred was back this time directed at all who might hurt the Temptress.
My mother found me walking up and down. Her touch immediately stopped me pacing and I wished to be the small boy that knew nothing of this evil world. This world that had let her down with its evil while I looked watching because the deed was done in front of the whole nation. My mother was violated by the king's son, Tamar's brother. Although I felt a deep bond for her I hated her brother as much as the king. I cried revealing what I know and what I almost did.
"Aaronas" she said firmly.
"The Lord intervened you did not do it after all. So let it go!. Come let us kneel down and clean your heart."
I rocked the way my mother prayed for me until I shouted out "help me oh Lord" out of a deepest longing. When our supplication was done for the first time I can say that I felt relieved and healed.
I woke the next day worried not for my life but for the Temptress. I even felt bad calling her that but she did tempt me deeply. The king's illness has caused much uncertainty in the Palace with his people divided and left to fight wars for his Son Adonijah. The king called Solomon his son and I had to witness it. The king spoke in a clear voice to Solomon.
"I will go the way of the earth and show to my people you are a man so be strong and keep the commandments of God as is written by Moses".
The new king was anointed much to the disappointment of his step brother Adonijah. I was called in a few days later with the Temptress still with the king wondering about our fate. All he said is "listen to the wisdom of your new king son".
As he blew out his last breath.
I quietly said "Yes Father".
Very touched at the moment not out of hatred but out of loss.
I turned towards my safe place the brook to clean me. The temptress was there before me. I collapsed by the water's edge not worrying what this woman thought of me. She fell on her knees before me. I raised my head and looked very deeply into her eyes. We shared the same pain she for her king I for a father that was never mine. She opened her arms to hold me and I went in it and receive what she is giving. We did not care anymore not that she was free but I took and she gave. My lord everything is so good I had her lying in the shallow waters while my need is pressing against her but thinking was out of the question for us both. We will suffer if we have too. I just could not have her suffering. What I needed at this moment were a companion so I slowly lessen the kisses and kept her hands from me.
I looked in her eyes and said "by your God's I want you all to myself".
"You have me son of Ribqah, I love you!"