David and Bathsheba

David and Bathsheba
- by Laura -

The purple hues of the sunset trace long shadows along the palace rooftop. Roger strolls aimlessly among the turrets, gazing out at his kingdom of Judah, peaceful in the twilight of the day. A few lanterns can now be seen through the windows of some of the numerous rooms within the palace. His gaze strays down to an open rooftop below. There, in the dusky light, a woman brushes her long auburn hair. She is soon joined by maidservants who fill an empty tub with warm water from within. After they depart, the woman pins up her hair, except for a few stray locks that caress her slender white neck. She then begins to remove her garments, one by one.

Roger stares mesmerized by this vision of the eveningtide. First the cloak, then the white outer garment, finally the delicate white undergarment. The woman raises her arms in joyous freedom before settling in the warm, welcoming waters. She slowly rubs her body with the perfumed oils brought by the servants. With each movement, Roger imagines his own hands traveling the same paths. Reluctantly, her ministrations complete, she rises from the depths, presenting her wet, naked body to the King's gaze. Uncontrollable passion seizes Roger. He quickly calls his servants into the room. The woman has, by now, donned her white outer garment.

"Who is that woman?" Roger asks impatiently.

"It is Holly, wife of Reade." they answer.

"Bring her to me." Roger demands. The servants quickly leave to do his bidding.

A knock on the door signals their fulfillment of his wishes. The door opens at his command and the vision enters. His eyes devour her for a moment and she backs away in fright. "Do not be afraid, Holly. Your King has found favor with you."

"My lord. I am a married woman."

"You do not find me handsome?"

"My lord, you are indeed handsome and brave in the sight of all your people."

"I can be kind and gentle too." Roger walks over and caresses her warm cheek. His hands move over her brow and down her nose. They trace the soft curves of her lips, teasing them apart. Slowly he bends his head to her parted mouth and feasts on the sweetness within. His hands move to pull her gown over her shoulders, their whiteness gleam in the candle light. His lips trail down from her mouth to taste the scented curves of her neck and shoulder. He hears her gasp softly as her own passion is kindled. Gently, he picks her up and carries her to the mass of pillows in front of the warm fire. Slowly he covers her body with his own. His heart pounds thunderously in his breast....

Bang, bang, bang.

Roger reluctantly opens his eyes to the darkness.

Bang, bang, bang.

Rising from the bed he searches the house for the origin of the sound. Finally, he discovers a loose shutter being whipped about by the cold January wind. He fastens it firmly and gazes out at the snow covered fields.

"Holly...you give me no satisfaction in this world or my dreams."

A grudging smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.

We fade to black...

-- The End --