It is nights like this when the wind sweeps through the dusty streets coating my thick, brown hair that I ponder over my life. The house is still. Silence looms all around me. For some this would be a welcome tranquility, but not for me. The quietness is a hollow reminder that the man I love is someone far out of my reach fighting enemies instead of sharing these moments with me.

As I pad softly across the floor I catch a glimpse of the palace gates. My husband is a high-ranking soldier in King David's army which comes with both blessings and disappointments. To live so close to the King is a great honor. It boasts to others of our station, but it also means that Uriah is a good soldier. Being good at war means always being recruited to fight.

I pass two of my servants who are huddled in a corner reclining. I motion to them with my hands and they rise to their feet quickly. My fists are clenched tightly around my chest, drawing the loose fabric to my skin. I hear footsteps trailing behind me and know that they are following after me. Without having to be told they get right to work. Elisheva grabs a bucket lying against the door frame while Martha grips a hold of the train of fabric spanning the floor around me.

We ascend the stone steps that curl around the outside of the house. Once we are on the roof my eyes scan the city hungrily. Somewhere beyond the horizon is Uriah. I wonder if he is thinking of me like I am thinking of him. I hear splashes of water and look up to see Elisheva already returned and getting right to work in filling the tub. Water slowly fills the large, wooden basin as both of my ladies continuously empty buckets within its edges.

I slip my toes into the water. It is cool to the touch- a welcome contrast to the dry and dusty air. I squat into the rising water, submerging my entire body. I feel fingers comb through my brown hair and moan softly at the tingling sensation that runs along my scalp. Martha places vibrant flowers on the water's surface. The fragrance released floods my senses as the delicate bulbs bob up and down.

My hair is rinsed and the dirt is scrubbed from my skin. Oils are lathered on my legs and arms after I am patted dry. My servants each grab a hold of my hands as I am swaddled in a new lengthy fabric. We descend the staircase and retreat inside the house. I dismiss my servants for the night as soon as I enter my quarters. A warm sigh slips between my lips and fills the noiseless house. I wish Uriah were here. There is never a quiet moment with him around.

With my servants already retired for the night I am alone with myself. I rub my arms enthusiastically, the oil saturating my skin and making them irresistible to touch. My fingers trail my shoulders and I rest my hand on the back of my neck. My muscles are always so much more relaxed after I have had my bath. It is one of my favorite things to do each month. My eyes begin to droop as I revisit memories shared between my husband and me.

I can feel myself sinking into a sweet dream when all of a sudden I am ripped from my state of peace. A loud knock has me on my feet and stumbling through the dark to answer the door. My hands fidget with the lamp lying on the floor. I try to light it as quickly as possible. When the wick in the center catches flame the darkness surrounding me fades slightly. The door shakes as a forceful knock is unleashed throughout the house again.

I steady the lamp in one hand while my other hand wraps around the door handle. When I jerk it open a closed fist is hanging in the air. It drops immediately. I search the shadowy figure in front of me and notice that the burly man is not alone. He is accompanied by someone who almost matches his height and intensity.

"Are you Bathsheba the daughter of Eliam, wife of Uriah," A deep voice inquires.

I shake my head and the soft glow from my lamp flickers with my movements.

"Yes, I am."

His dark eyes narrow on me. My heart begins to pick up its pace as I stare back at him. His sharp jaw loosens as he parts his thick lips once more.

"The King requests an audience with you. We will accompany you to the palace immediately."

Without any warning a blast of wind sweeps past both soldiers and me, entering the house in a fury. My lamp is extinguished. An eerie feeling creeps its way up my spine. What does the King want with me?