by Summer Lee
He searched her face, and then stroked her cheek, her hair, her back. Holding her in his arms, he pulled her into his chest. He brushed his lips across her face in a teasing fashion until her breathing was fast and heavy. His lips touched hers once again with a surprisingly soft touch. He was her angel and prince. A heartbeat later, Sammael took her breath away by saying, “You’re all that I have ever wanted in a woman.”
She longed for the moment she would be alone with him in his bed. “Please hold me close.”
His response was incredible. “I take that as an invitation to make love.”
“It is as soon as the wedding is over,” she said.
“Don’t do this to me now, Rachael.”
“But I love you so much.” Her mouth opened slightly to receive his kisses over and over. “I saved my virginity for you. It is the most precious gift I can give.”
“We must go inside,” he said, carrying her to the door. “We must marry now.”
“I know. I’d better walk inside.”
It was while trotting along beside him up the stairs that she stopped in her tracks. “Sammael,” she said, “there is something I do not understand.”
“What is it?”
“It is the creatures on your star. Are they demons? I need to know.”
“Yes, I must admit that mostly they are demons.”
“What do they look like?”
“Have you ever seen a monkey?”
“I did once when a traveling performer came through Alalakh.”
“Demons almost look like monkeys. Just uglier.”
“Will they ever bother me?”
“I hope not. You can’t think about that now. It is time for you to dress for the wedding,” he said, as they stepped off the top step onto the upstairs landing. He held her close to his heart one last time.
Tears moistened her eyes and she sniffed. “Are these tears of joy or sadness?” he asked as he placed her on her bed.
“I don’t really know.” Like two stars, her eyes swept over his exquisite emerald garment, his chocolate-colored eyes and his high cheekbones. It was just too good to be true that a being like this would love her. She closed her eyes to blink back the tears. “I only know that I am in love.”
“I understand.” Plundering lips enraptured her soft, quivering lips. His flickering tongue explored hers. Ravished by his embrace, she felt his heat race though her body. When he released her, she said, “I wish we were already married.”
Amazingly, he laughed. “You are an innocent child. We could have been married when you got here, but you postponed the wedding, my love.”
Rachael laughed. “I know. But it was worth it just to get to know you better before the ceremony. It will make losing my virginity more pleasurable.”
“You are sweet.”
Without moving, she said, “You are right. I must dress for the wedding, so we can seal this marriage.”
He then reached over and picked up a small silver bell. It jingled as he shook it. Hannah came into the room. “Oh, excuse me,” Hannah said when she saw them plastered together on the bed. “I thought you rang for me.”
“I did,” he said. He sat up, threw his head back and laughed heartily. “Help this woman get dressed, so I can legally take her chastity.”
Sammael kissed her one more time. “You have just a short time before the guests arrive.”
“I’ll be ready.”
He then walked out the door.
Chapter Nine
Her bathwater was ready. A bronze tub in the corner was filled with warm water and bubbles. A new gown lay on the bed. It was a beautiful light dove-gray color and of a material she had never before seen. It was smooth; there were no prickly fibers. There were emeralds sewn expertly into the bodice of the gown. Beside it, she spied gold sandals and jewelry.
After the refreshing bath, she was perfumed and powdered. Rachael ran her fingers over the dress. Before donning the garment, Hannah brushed and arranged her hair. “You are radiant,” said Hannah.
“Thank you.”
“It is true, your highness.”
Rachael studied her maid. Hannah was a kind girl, strong and capable. She would make a good attendant during the ceremony. “I want you to put on your best dress and arrange your own hair, so you can walk with me to the prince,” said Rachael.
“You are far too kind,” Hannah said excitedly. “First, let’s put this on you.” Hannah wrapped a heavy gold necklace around Rachael’s neck. “The prince has jewelry that he wants you to wear to your wedding.” She then placed a series of small gold bracelets on her left wrist, and then on her right, a thick gold one with a leaf design and more emeralds embedded into it. Rachael was ready.
Rachael looked at her wrists. “Gorgeous.” She laughed. “It is going to be fun having you serve me.”
“Actually, Aaron and I will serve you together.” After a pause, Hannah said, “Princess, may I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
With the cork, Rachael dotted attar of roses at her wrists and on her neck.
“Where did Prince Sammael find you? The two of you seem to be so in love. It is hard to understand that could happen without his courting you.”
Rachael nodded, “I believe he knows my parents. They are royalty as well. But I have dreamed of my handsome prince my whole life. Once we found each other, it did not take much to convince me that he was a good catch.”
They both laughed.
The two girls dressed and primped, Hannah fixing Rachael’s makeup and hair to be sure that she looked her best. Finally, they heard a knock at the door signaling them to go downstairs.
Once summoned, the two young ladies walked out into the hall and to the top of the stairs. Rachael was dressed elegantly in her beautiful gown, and Hannah was in a new linen tunic, making a lovely attendant to her princess.
Sammael’s head servant, Aaron, was busy helping guests find a seat and serving them drinks. He was a gracious young man who was well-trained for his job. Sammael was a lucky prince to have him in charge of the palace.
A large gathering waiting below greeted them enthusiastically when they appeared at the top of the stairs. Rachael covered her mouth, which had dropped open. “Where did Sammael find so many people?”
Hannah said, “They are loyal subjects and neighbors.”
“Incredible.” Rachael was so excited. She waved to the people and admired the splendor around her at the same time. The hall was elaborately decorated in gold and black tapestries, scented candles and fresh wildflowers—very much like the ones given to her by Sammael. Rachael beamed and breathed to Hannah, “This is the wedding I’ve dreamed of.”
The crowd applauded when Rachael moved her first foot onto the top step. Slowly, Rachael descended the stairs, Hannah following closely.
The assemblage erupted with cheers raising mugs of ale in her honor. The room was full; everyone was excited and dressed regally. Many guests were scattered about the room, some standing, others on cushions positioned along the walls, even others on benches or stools.
Rachael was shocked when she spotted her parents on the right side of the room. Her mother, Queen Kenana, was quite beautifully dressed in a gold-trimmed tunic. As rightly she should be, thought Rachael. But how did she know about the wedding? A twinge of guilt hit Rachael for not telling her parents herself.
Rachael’s eyes locked on Kenana. Her father, King Asher, sat next to her mother. She would ask her mother and father later about their appearance. It would have to be an interesting story. Someone had obviously told them. But who?
Rachael graciously approached her groom—who completed the picture in his emerald tunic—and stood by his side. “I’ve invited Hannah to stand with me,” she said as Hannah took her place.
Although Sammael’s touch was gentle, she sensed his raw strength. She believed that this prince could wield a deadly sword to destroy his enemies. Thus, she would trust him to protect her. She knew that she should never tes
t his temper.
Prince Sammael held a clay tablet with the inscribed marriage contract. He read, “I, Sammael, marry thee, Rachael, Princess of Mesopotamia.”
He raised his hands and said, “I have invited you guests here today to be our witnesses, in order to bind this contract of holy matrimony. As Prince Sammael, I want you all to know that Princess Rachael and I will be together forever.” Gazing down at Rachael, he said, “Today, I take you to be my wife. Do you take me to be your husband?”
Excitedly, she said, “Yes, I do!”
He reached for Rachael’s hand and placed a solid gold ring on her ring finger. He then kissed both her cheeks, first the right, then the left. Looking around, he said to his guests, “Do all agree that you witness this marriage today?”
Those present said, “We so witness.”
To Rachael, he said, “May the great El, creator of Heaven and Earth, make you fruitful; may our children be blessed by El above.”
“I agree.” Rachael smothered the urge to laugh.
“Then consider us married.” Prince Sammael laughed. Rachael joined in the laughter, finally released of her nervousness.
He then turned to the crowd. “Enjoy the festivities.”
“Kiss the bride,” someone called out. All agreed and chanted, “Kiss the bride.”
Sammael pulled Rachael to him, and practically inhaled her with a hypnotic kiss.
There was a drum roll. The musicians began to play. People moved around and were soon chatting and laughing.
*
Rachael’s parents approached her with their offering of congratulations.
Shocked, she asked, “Why are you here?”
“We came to see our daughter get married,” Kenana said with a note of bitterness.
Rachael asked, “How did you know?”
King Asher gave her a serious look and rolled his eyes. He turned to Sammael and sarcastically said, “You got yourself a pretty good catch.”
Sammael was calm. “I believe I did.”
“But how did you know to come?” Rachael asked, still attempting to solve the problem.
“We will talk later,” said her mother soberly. “We will want some explanations, young lady.”
Many Babylonians were there to wish the new couple well, both men and women, all smiling. Young maidens, hoping to attract a husband, were flirting with young men. Dressed in their very best, they danced joyfully, leaping and skipping to the joyful music. Men, both young and old, formed a ring around the dancing girls. The men clapped, stamping one foot to the beat.
When that tune stopped, Sammael bowed and Rachael clapped delightedly. “Look at your servants,” she told Sammael as she nodded toward Aaron and Hannah dancing together, with Aaron bowing gracefully, and Hannah circling him.
“Let them have their fun. We are certainly having ours. There will be more before the night is over.” Sammael winked at her.
“I can hardly wait.”
Greeting the members of the band, Rachael asked them if they would play a favorite Mesopotamian folk song. They would, of course, oblige. While the musicians played, Rachael watched the fingers of the one playing the lyre. His fingers danced hypnotically along the tightly wound strings. She was amazed.
There was yet another surprise. Rachael saw her brother, Tyro. He and his betrothed, Leah, were there on the dais, talking to one of the musicians.
“I don’t understand how my family knew about the wedding,” Rachael said.
Sammael had a knowing grin on his face. “Consider it magic.”
“You’re joking. Are you responsible?”
“Partly. I invited your brother, but not your parents.”
“Amazing.” She looked him in the eye. “Is it all right if I spend a little time with them?”
“Of course. It is the polite thing to do.”
Rachael walked one way and Sammael walked the other.
While walking toward her parents, King Asher approached Rachael and clasped her arm. “We’re disappointed.”
“I know,” she acknowledged.
He let her comment pass. “You broke your mother’s heart.”
“That heart had already been shattered.”
“But not by me.”
“I know. You are the only good thing that ever happened to her.”
“Thank you for noticing, but I am losing her.”
“I guessed as much.”
“Rachael, dear, I want to tell you something. There are some things you must never forget,” he said. “First, is your parents’ love.”
“I know.”
“The most important is our status with God.”
“I’ll always pray, my father.”
“It is where you’ll find power.”
“I’ll remember that, Father.”
“Listen, my dear,” said the king. “I had a vision when I was quite young that my life was a journey on a high road. Not only would I become king of Mesopotamia, but I would also rescue a lost soul and marry her. Your mother was a lost soul. But you do not have to be lost, my dear. Even though you have made a bad decision now, God can turn it around to be a beautiful journey.”
“No, Father. I have not made a bad decision.”
“You’ve gambled with your life. The risk you have taken will take you down a difficult path.”
“Don’t say that, Father.”
“I know what he is, and perhaps you do not.”
“I know,” she said.
“Just ask God to help you.” Asher paused and put his arms around Rachael. “I love you, my daughter, and will always pray for you,” he said as he walked away.
Rachael tossed this thought around in her mind, Have I gambled and lost? Would I have gone down a better path with a different decision?
Rachael was shocked by her father’s words. She thought, What about my mother? She went from being married to an old man to getting pregnant by the angel, Malluch. Her life has been a downward spiral ever since I was born. I am still a virgin just because I did not want to repeat her life. After all, I am her daughter.
She turned away and stepped out of the hall and into the night air, just in time to see Sammael leave.
Outside, away from the crowd, Rachael watched Sammael rise into the sky and out of sight. She hoped that he would find a way to put the two ends of his life together. Or separate them forever.
Interlude – The Watcher
Sammael quickly returned to his kingdom in the starry skies. He checked to see if there was peace or turmoil. It was peaceful. He evaluated the progress of the spirits as becoming better, but not holier. He felt a little better. He believed that happiness would be found only after he had completed a first class mission. Would it be possible to impress El by having more good deeds than bad? He had not heard of such a thing.
He had always controlled his own destiny, and guessed he had been halfway successful. Maybe if he was kind to Princess Rachael, his past could be erased. He had never heard of that either, but he decided to give it a try. Considering he was so self-centered, it was going to be hard. But it was worth a try.
He had been created in the pre-human era—a time before iniquity was found in angels. Therefore, he himself was still adjusting to the changes that evil had brought to him.
His sin of choice was lust. Once humans had appeared on the earth, he was completely fascinated by the young virgins created by God. Sammael was curious to see how it would be to have a human wife. He wanted to share vitality, inspiration, and enthusiasm with a woman who gave him excitement. Being endowed in the realm of fertility and sexuality drove him forward in his investigation. Maybe it will work, he thought to himself. Just maybe.
Perhaps he could help the men on Earth and possibly teach them the virtues of infinity, transcendence, and reverence. Sammael knew that he had a dual personality. For what purpose did he have a holy side if not to give to humans a ray of light and hope? Golden days were shaped by the sacred. Could he have a part?
Did Sa
mmael know enough about agape to share with humans? Had he found the beauty of kairos in knowing Rachael as the love of his life? What was the answer? He really did not want to know.
Yet, he had no redeemer. He had no way to reconnect with the joy of serenity that he once knew. Life for Sammael would always include the possibility of being out of control with rage.
Sammael was sad. He knew that he had made a commitment to Rachael, and that she totally depended on him now. He could not let her down. At least, he could not let her down so soon.
“Rachael,” he said aloud to himself. The mention of her name thrilled his heart, and stirred the passion in the core of his being. His ultimate ambition was to find happiness in the arms of love as long as possible. He floated back to Earth and to his wedding celebration.
Chapter Ten
Tyro was an honorable man. Rachael was proud to be called his sister. Leah was blessed to be his betrothed. With Tyro, Leah had the freedom to become all that she could be. Rachael doubted that Leah was fully aware of that yet. The chance Rachael had taken would take her down a different path.
Tyro and Leah often entertained at parties. They sang beautifully together. Rachael approached the dais and found a seat.
Sitting at a table right in front of her brother, Rachael sipped a cold drink. She watched as Tyro and Leah sang her favorite song. When they finished singing, they sat down beside her. A servant brought them each a cup of pomegranate juice. Tyro asked, “How are you, little sister?”
“I’m quite well, thank you.”
“You always wanted adventure. Perhaps now you will have it.” Tyro said, but he seemed quite somber.
“Is something wrong with Sammael?” she asked. “Do you and Father know something that I do not know?”
“You are a strong girl. Just pray before making major decisions after this.”
“I will be all right, Tyro.”
“I know, honey.”
“So, there is another problem. Right?”
“Yes. Tell me, Rachael, has anyone told you about Leah’s mother, Sarah?”
“No, did she have the baby?”
“Yes, she did have her baby.”
