34

Adah balanced a jug of olive oil on her shoulder and hurried to her storeroom. Three Sabbaths had passed since the king’s procession had entered Jerusalem. She had filled the crafted jars with her original perfume and had sent them to the palace with the official messenger. She had mixed the additional scent Zipporah recommended for the queen’s noblewomen. A hint of vanilla added to violet buds and moss made the new fragrance almost as intoxicating as her initial gift. One more batch and her work would be done. Another envoy would be on their way to the royal residence.

Rephaiah and his overbearing son Gershom sauntered toward her on the opposite side of the street. She shifted the oil jug to her other shoulder and averted her eyes, feigning interest in a basket weaver seated outside an alley. A few more steps and she would be two dwellings away from her sanctuary.

“Daughter of Shallum?” An urgency rushed Rephaiah’s summons.

Her muscles knotted. She did not have time for a confrontation. If only she could scramble out of the ruler’s sight, but his loud voice had passersby glancing her direction. Even the weaver halted her craft. She turned slowly, digging deep into her belly to force an almost-smile, an act of respect to make her mother and father proud.

“Ruler.” She ignored his son. “This oil is heavy.” True. “And I am in a hurry to finish a fragrance.” Another truth.

“Of course.” He scurried closer. “That is what I have need of?”

“Sir?” She shifted the jug again so Rephaiah could not pluck it from her shoulder.

“My wife is frantic for one of your perfumes. There is talk all over the city of your skill.” He untied a pouch from his braided belt. “What do I owe you for a small jar?”

She stared at the gold coins pinched between his fingers. Her mouth soured. Straightening, she stepped backward as if the coins were diseased. Heat flushed her cheeks. This was the man who showed no mercy to Othniel’s family? Did he believe the hardship he caused was forgiven?

“Well?” Rephaiah rubbed the coins together.

The scritch of his money did not entice her. “I don’t know.”

“You must,” Gershom said. “My father is making a generous offer.”

Adah pressed her lips together lest she give a harsh rebuke. Rephaiah and Gershom were responsible for withholding the news of the governor’s arrival from her father. They meant to shame him and her family. Surely still, Gershom coveted her father’s position.

Adonai give me wisdom.

Balancing the jug on her shoulder, she rubbed the gemstone Nehemiah had given her. Didn’t it belong to King Solomon, David’s son? The wisest king of all.

Her bones felt as light as the morning trade winds. What Rephaiah meant for evil, God meant for good. She would not have offered a new perfume to the queen had her father had time to purchase embroidered garments or artisan jewelry for Nehemiah.

Toda raba, Adonai. Her heart softened. She blinked, smiling as smooth and regal as a fresh-bloomed lily. “I truly do not know the answer to your question. Zipporah handles the sale of my perfumes.” And the price may double. “I believe she is in the marketplace as we speak. You are well acquainted, I believe.”

“Of course,” Rephaiah grumbled.

“Come, Father.” Gershom strutted a few steps. “I told you she wouldn’t know about trade.”

I’ve just become wiser. “Shalom.” Adah stifled a giggle as she continued on her way.

Bumping the door to her storeroom open with her hip, she placed the jug on her work table and halted mid-step. Perched in her war-battered window was a lizard. “Go away,” she yelled. She couldn’t risk a skink traipsing over her shelves making her leaves and buds unclean. She tossed a small root at the wall.

Was it dead? She inched closer and readied another root to fling. “Go away.”

The lizard remained motionless. It wasn’t alive. It was worn wood with nubbed feet and dirt eyes. Her skin tingled.

“Go away?” the deep, familiar voice echoed. “I just arrived.”

Adah stifled a scream and whipped around.

There he stood in the corner. Her friend. Her love. Her Othniel. Knees weak and spirit soaring, she practically flew into his arms.