Never had my soul felt this enlightenment by words. It moved me and before I can say it back I was pulled roughly away from her. A jealous looking Adonijah looked straight at me and said servant you will die for putting your hands on the king's woman. All wet and ashamed we entered the Harem under the Rule of King Solomon.
I was locked up like a criminal awaiting my fate. My mother sent word that the king will make a ruling after his mourning and I should not worry the temptress is cared for. I mourned too and yearned after the king's concubine because that is what she will become. I also remembered how the step brother lustfully looked at her. I wrote all my feelings down having to be here locked away without anything to eat, wishing for the life I had once in a place where I felt one with the Gods and totally at peace.
Michal came down escorted by her servants for protection.
"You are going to be sentenced for forcing yourself on the king's concubine."
The hatred and jealousy is so evident of what I have written down. Now it is directed at me.
"My Queen you are but a lonely woman now you have no-one to bestow your hateful ways on. You know as well as I that I have the greatest respect for woman, because I have a mother who demands it from me. So my dying wish is not to see your face, if it is my last time. I am not your dead husband so please remove yourself I am not a fool".
My mother had much say as the former king's concubine, and were allowed in. Her fear was clearly seen but I had hoped that everything will turn out in my favour for this is what she made me believe since my childhood. I told her so and what I see was understanding. She left me and said…
"Keep the faith my son!"
A day later I heard
"Open I want to see the prisoner", it was Tamar who came in and talked to me for hours keeping me company. She brought clean clothing too and before she left she said see that you give him water to wash. They removed the water basin and someone came in putting her hands on me.
Although I could see nothing I knew who it was. "How"… and she said "quiet my Lord"! Close to my ear she whispered "no matter what you may say and think of me I cannot live my life without you. I pledge my undying devotion to you my husband and will seal my eternal love with this act as your wife your companion.
I fought against my feelings. I would not want it this way and in prayer asked the God to bless this union. I did not ask questions but abide by everything I was told.
She gave her all to me and slowly I took her in silence with the only sound of our breathing. In my mind I imagine this beauty in a land my home was built far away, where I felt the contentment and peace. As her husband that is not entitled to her I had to let her go with one last kiss , while her tears was running down her face as she embraced me and left. Left me with heart filled with love and hope.
As I put my thoughts to paper when a bit of light came through. I had a plan all carved out writing the kings chronicles, knowing I lay and waited my time to have my revenge. To be this close to the king meant that I had all the time to do exactly what I dreamt about for so long. He was unaware of my intentions or was he?
In turn through his stories I leant and somehow admired what a great man he has become. As a father he did not know how to be. The man failed but he was honored as a servant of God and well protected. He not only reflects his shortcomings of a husband but showed me his remorse for having shortcomings as a father. I saw this first hand because he shared with me his deepest feelings.
In fact as I am lying here alone with my memories I am the lucky son to have experienced the king as a man who was flesh and blood just like me. Through sharing his life with me it turned my heart not just to him but to his God.
Somehow I had a feeling he knew what he was doing and had achieved. What I am most sad about, was that my father died without his greatest wish being realised, to have the loyalty and care of his children he so yearned.
I was worried about Abishag because she came and just left. I know my new found sister had possibly a hand in it. This woman who with her kindness showed the strength so needed by woman now and generations to come. What blew me away is her spirit of forgiveness. I feel blessed to have known such a woman.
Solomon came down himself and said.
"Servant"!
"Yes my Lord"
"Answer me this, honestly. Do you want to overthrow my kingdom and is this the reason why you have seduce my concubine, the temptress?"
"I am not after your kingdom, my Lord nor I am not hiding the fact that something did happen between the temptress and I. I love her and she I, my Lord".
"I wanted to know if it was true what my father shared before he died he saw your hatred ways changed because of your love for this woman. So hear me I am setting you free leave with your women and go in peace servant for this is what your father wanted.
Do not worry, about Adonijah, he will be dealt with. He wants the temptress all to himself because he wants to be king far more. Your answer to me was out of love and not greed so you shall live".
I was instructed to leave Jerusalem and made my journey to my new home and those to accompany me was my mother, Tamar and my companion.
I am Aaronas son of Ribqah, the offspring of King David, and this is my story.