One Night With The King: The New Empire

The Kingdom Of Love

King Xerxes POV

As I waited for my queen's arrival I began thinking back to one of our first nights together. Looking back I think I was rather harsh with her on the night of our engagement. I was honestly tired of seeing young women in my room every other night. No one understands how annoying that was. I was still grieving my divorce with Vashti. I loved her but she broke protocol so I had to banish her, being a king is hard.

Now don't even question my love for Hadassah. The people of Persia still call her Queen Esther though. I am the only one who is allowed to call my wife by her real name. I love her so much more than I ever thought I could. She honestly had me after the first night, when she told me the story of Jacob. I never heard a story more beautiful, now there's a man who loved his wife. I think I scared her then too.

[Flashback]

When I approached the harem, Hegai was just leaving. I turned into the room he just departed to see the beautiful girl asleep. The very beautiful Esther of Susa. I walked closer to her and bent down to place a kiss on her forehead. After doing so I left the harem going back to my own chambers. She will definitely read to me again, I love her stories.

A few months have passed since I have seen Esther I wonder what she is doing at this very moment. I prepare for bed after a long day of war meetings with the princes. As I laid in bed I just could not sleep. I roll out of bed and walk out onto the balcony. I send one of my eunuchs to find someone to read to me. Maybe the boring reports of the day will help drift to sleep.

I walk back into my bedroom and see a servant place the scroll on the stool before leaving discreetly. I walk towards the back corner and wait for my reader to arrive. I glance towards the door when I see someone enter. The person hesitates in front of the stool. Well what are they waiting for? I walked over to them.

"The scroll is on the stool. You may begin whenever you are ready. Is there a problem? Did they not tell you I weary at this procession of candidates? I simply wanted someone to..." I paused when I saw her face. Esther is here in my bedchamber. She looks very demure right now. I think I will remind her of our first night together.

"Wait. You are the one who read to me before. You tried to beguile me with love stories. Did you not think I had the sense to see through your little parable? The arrogance! You speak to me as if I was this Rachel in need of help to look after my father's sheep." I continue much to her dismay. Does she not remember that night?

"My lord I meant no dis......" she began to answer but I cut her off.

"And this is how you come to see me? Your only adornment before your one night with the King." I retorted waiting for her answer. All the other candidates were literally layered in gold. One even had the audacity to wear a tiara in my presence.

" It is Your Majesty." she replied sincerely. I stood there in awe, she was the only one to come before me letting her natural beauty shine.

"You consider yourself of so little worth that I can purchase your love so cheaply?" I asked. I want to know if she loves me for me or my wealth and the prestige of being Queen of Persia.

"I was taught that when you visit a king, rather than expect a gift, one should bring one to lay at his feet. This is my most valuable possession in the world. It is my past, my present, and my future. And all of it is yours." she answered while taking off the necklace she was wearing and holding it out to me.

This action actually surprised me. No one has ever brought me a gift they always expect to leave with one. I walked over to her and take the necklace from her examining it closely. I turn away from her before replying.

"Some would call you foolish indeed, as they would call your Jacob. Of all commodities, love is the easiest, and most cheaply purchased." I retorted with a slightly irritated tone. My irritation is not with her but the others before her.

"If it is for sale my lord, it is not love." she replied genuinely. I look in her eyes and see a woman I can trust. A very great quality for a queen to have.

" Even you, even you must have a price?" I asked her. I watch her earnestly awaiting her reply.

"I am neither a buyer or seller of love." she replied looking deep into my eyes.

"Suppose, my lady, a man offered you a more treasured gift, say, a kingdom." I replied.

"The only gift I would accept is your heart." she replied with tears in her eyes. I was pleased with this answer. All she wants is my love.

"Then it is yours. And you did not serve seven years to get it. Tell me Esther of Susa, who are you really? Tell me of your people. Teach me of your ways." I replied with tears in my eyes. I honestly love this woman. She is the one I have been searching for.

"My father taught me it takes the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the honor of kings to search it out." she said with a raised eyebrow. The honor of kings huh? Well I hope she likes my next response.

"Then marry me. And we shall spend an eternity discovering this truth, together." I said because I genuinely want to know more about her. I kissed her hand as the tears of joy rolled down her cheeks.

[Flashback Over]

The doors open to the inner court and in walks Hegai and Harbona followed by my wife Hadassah. She seems pleased to see me. Her smile lit up the room and it was as if we were the only people present. She approached the stairs and I noticed our necklace around her neck. She must of had the chain replaced from when she broke it during the petition banquet. She is also wearing the dress I proposed to her in. What is my wife up to now? I am snapped back into reality when she takes her seat beside me.

"My love, oh how I have missed you!" she exclaims quietly.

I smirk in recognition of that exact phrase. She wants to be playful I see.

"Have you?" I asked her smirking again while looking in her eyes.

She simply smiled back at me. I think she caught on to the game.

"Now what is that supposed to mean?" she asked looking at me with that shy look of hers.

I love seeing that look, it melts my heart. I simply laughed quietly at her response. The banter with my wife is cut short by Memucan.

"Your majesties delay me not for this message but Vashti has returned to Susa." He paused briefly before adding, "She has asked to be allowed into the palace to visit you and the princes. She wants a banquet in honor of her arrival."

So my ex wife demands of me a banquet to honor her arrival? She knows that she is not allowed to come before me anymore. She knows that Hadassah is Queen of Persia, so any such requests to be honored above the queen undermines the queen's reign. I guess banishment taught her nothing.

"Memucan, what dictates the protocol for such demands? Is Vashti allowed to even step foot into Susa again?" I asked of the edict I issued 3 years ago.

"The royal edict states that Vashti comes no more before the King. That her royal position be given to a new queen more worthy than her. She is banished from Persia as she has dishonored the King by refusing to come when summoned. She is not allowed into the palace unless given permission by the King, himself. She is not to receive any honor given a former queen because she is not widowed. She must bow to the new Queen of Persia and call her your majesty." he replied reading the edict certified with my seal.

I look over to Hadassah to see what she thinks about these demands. Her expression is vague. She probably feels like Vashti seeks to undermine her rule. I must protect my queen and unborn child. If I allow Vashti into the palace she may seek revenge and harm Hadassah. My decision is clear, my ex wife cannot be trusted.

"Vashti is not allowed to enter this palace again no matter what pretense she seeks or her fate shall be death. She is to be escorted by the Immortals out of Persia immediately. I never want to hear of her in Susa again." I replied with authority in my voice. I am king whatever I decree is law.

"My lord I believe you are being way too harsh with Vashti." Hadassah said with compassion in her voice.

See this is why I love her, she has a good heart.

"My queen she cannot be trusted and I will do whatever it takes to protect you and our heir." I replied trying to will her towards my point of view.

"As you wish my lord." she replied solemnly.

I understand what she is saying. Vashti was once my wife and I will never forget that but being King isn't easy. I have to make decisions for the betterment of Persia. Vashti is manipulative, she will do what ever it takes when it comes to revenge.

Memucan left the room to carry out my wishes. I dismissed the other princes before turning to my wife. I hold out my hand to her which she reluctantly accepts. I just want to make sure she makes it down the stairs safely.

Once we leave the room I escort her to my bedroom. I need some alone time with my wife. I need to know what weighs heavy on her heart.

Esther POV

I enter Xerxes' chambers with him right behind me. I look down at the floor, I cannot believe he would be so cold towards Vashti. I know she dishonored him but she can't be that bad. I never met her so I am not going to judge based on stories I have been told.

Xerxes walks over to me lifting my chin so I can look him in the eyes. I hadn't noticed I was crying until he wiped my tears away. He looked so concerned right now. I walk away from him towards the bed to lie down. He follows suit laying beside me.

"My love what is it?" He asks me knowing I am thinking hard.

"It is nothing, I am fine." I replied not speaking the truth.

My heart was heavy from witnessing my husband be so cold.

"Hadassah I know you feel I was harsh but you don't know Vashti like I do. Trust me its hard to be cold with her but if I allowed her to enter the palace she will try to harm you and our child. I am just trying to protect you, I don't want another repeat of what happened with Haman." He replied with so much sincerity in his voice.

I had not forgotten the acts of Haman and neither had my husband.

"As you wish my lord. I will not say anything further on the matter." I replied.

"Hadassah please don't be angry with me." He said while wrapping his arms around me.

I am not mad with him, he obviously knows what's best.

"My love I am not angry. I am finished with the subject." I replied honestly.

Hours have passed and Xerxes is not in bed with me. I wonder where he is and what he is doing. I hear music coming from down the hall. I slide out of his bed and make my way towards the sound. Before I can push the door open I am pulled into another room. My handmaids remove my dress and replace it with my wedding dress. Why am I wearing this again?

I am escorted out of the room towards the throne room again. I hear the music from inside, the doors open and I see Xerxes sitting on his throne. I also see everyone in Persia lining the aisle. This is exactly like my wedding day only difference is the flowers are purple this time. As I walk down the aisle to my husband Persians throw flowers up in the air. I ascend the stairs and bow to my husband. Before I rise he removes my crown and replaces it with a new one. I smile at him before taking the final step to join him on the platform. He removes my wedding ring and replaces it with a bigger one. He kisses my forehead and turns to face the people saying, "Persians your Queen." I laugh because he said that when we married a year ago.

I take my seat upon my throne next to my husband. I can't help but reflect on this past year of marriage. We have faced a lot from rumored infidelity to threats against our lives. I pray that God continues to watch over me and my family. Our kingdom was built on one thing............…

LOVE