Page 67 of The Guardian's Promise

“There,” Sara said with one last swipe across her eyes. “The pain should be alleviated. I will cut some linen strips for bandages.”

“My thanks.” The sound of Sara’s feet shuffled away, and then something in the air shifted. She lifted her chin, wishing the salve did not keep her eyes shut. She longed to see him standing there.

“Ari?”

A scented oil clung to his person as he entered his house, and she knew he must have had his feet anointed.

“It is I, Mira.” His voice was like warm honey. His feet shuffled across the floor. He took her hands and raised her to her feet. He pressed his lips to the backs of her knuckles and then to her brow. His fingers caressed over the contours of her cheeks, edging along the thick salve covering her eyes and upper cheeks. “I must ask your forgiveness. I should have been there.”

“Shhh,” she whispered. “I am not sorry. Neither should you be. And you were there when I needed you for I do not know that I would have been able to contain my fear without your strength.”

He brushed his lips against her brow once again, and she sighed. He pulled away. She felt the discord within him. “Is all well?” she asked.

“Joash is safe. My duty to Judah and Jehoiada is finished.” Hesitation choked his voice.

“Something bothers you, Ari. And I do not believe it has anything to do with saying goodbye to the child.”

“I’ll miss him greatly, have no doubt, Mira.” He pulled his hand from one of hers and she knew he raked his fingers through his hair. It was something he did often when concerned. “I cannot speak of things. Not here. You must know it is not because of my lack of faith in you, but that in others.”

“I understand, Ari.”

“I would take you from this place. It is not the same as it had been when I left. As much as the desolation bothers me, I know a change is to come and Jerusalem will be restored. But the danger has not passed. I expect uprisings to follow. Many will not be happy when the queen is ousted.”

She would not tell him of her near abduction or he might abandon all reason and leave Jerusalem before he should. And if she listened to the voice in her head, Ari needed to be here. The high priest may have released Ari from duty but she knew God had not released him, yet. Once he was released, then he would hold his vow to her and take her home. Then he could return to his destiny and serve in the temple.

“Ariel, my grandson, you have come,” Sara said from behind her.

“Of course, Savta. It is my home.” Ari helped Mira to sit and then he moved away.

“You have a lovely girl, here,” Sara said as she wrapped linen over Mira’s eyes.

“That I do.”

Heat filled her cheeks and flowed into her limbs, flickering a glimmer of hope within her heart. She quickly tamped it out.

“Your father asked to speak with you when you arrived. He is on the roof.”

“My thanks, Savta,” Ari responded. He bent and kissed Mira on her head. “Where is your veil?”

If she could have blinked she would have. Her mouth moved trying to form words but none came out.

“The streets were crowded when they entered, someone pulled her hair, another stole her veil,” Sara spoke for her.

Ari’s fingers ran over her locks. “Are you harmed?” His voice gentle, filled with concern.

“No, Ari. I am well.”

“You are sure?” he asked as he handed her something soft and silky. “It is the one my mother gave you. I’d have you wear it, Mira, since you’ve lost another.”

“How did you—”

“It does not matter, Mira.” He smoothed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Are you sure you are well?”

“Ariel, go see your father.” She stiffened her back, thankful she had once again found her obstinacy.

He touched his lips to her head, and in her mind’s eye she saw the love he had yet to speak of shining there. If only she could accept it.

She listened to his movement as he climbed the ladder leading to the roof. A hand dropped onto her shoulder, startling her. She had forgotten she had not been left alone.

“You do him good, Sh’mira,” Sara soothed.

Mira sighed, her heart shattering like an earthenware jar. “It can never be, Sara. It can never be.”

“Hello, Mother.”

Mira snapped her head up in surprise.

“Elam!” Sara squealed. “What a pleasant surprise it is to see my youngest son.”

“I worried over your well-being, Elam,” Mira said. “I am glad to find you alive.”

“My thanks for your concern, Sh’mira.” His voice was ragged as if he’d been running through the crowded streets like she and Ishiah had. She heard the brush of fabric as he moved around the room. It sounded as if he paced in front of her.

---