One Night with the King2006

Hagai:
[leading Esther to Xerxes chambers] You can let go of my arm now. He will be the fortunate one to choose you... He will be the one who congratulations are due... [she still won't let go] Esther, my arm.

Queen Esther:
[in Xerxes's chambers, walking towards the stool]

King Xerxes:
[standing in the shadows] The scroll is on the stool. You may begin when ever you are ready.

Queen Esther:
[glances at the stool and back towards Xerxes]

King Xerxes:
[pacing around] Is there a problem?... Did they not tell you I weary at this procession of candidates? I simply wanted someone to... [stops and looks at Esther] Wait. You were 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 I were this Rachel, in need of help to look after my father's sheep!

Queen Esther:
My lord, I meant no disrespect.

King Xerxes:
[walking towards her] And this is how you come to see me? Your only adornment before your one night with the king.

Queen Esther:
It is, your majesty.

King Xerxes:
You consider yourself of so little worth, that I could purchase your love so cheaply.

Queen Esther:
I was taught... that when you visit a King, rather than expect a gift, one should bring one to lay at his feet. [removes her necklace and offers it to him] This is my most valuable possession in the world. It is my past, my present, and my future. And all of it is yours.

King Xerxes:
[takes her necklace and turns away] Some would call you foolish, indeed. As they would call your Jacob. Of all commodities, love is the easiest... and the most cheaply purchased.

Queen Esther:
[considerate] If it is for sale, my lord. It is not love.

King Xerxes:
Even you... [moving closer] Even you must have a price.

Queen Esther:
I am neither a buyer nor a seller of love.

King Xerxes:
[earnestly] Suppose, my lady. A man offered you a more treasured gift. Say a kingdom.

Queen Esther:
[near tears] The only gift I would accept is your heart.

King Xerxes:
[taking her hands] Than it is yours. And you didn't have to serve 7 years to get it. Tell me, Esther of Susa. Who are you really? Tell me of your people. Teach me of your ways.

Queen Esther:
My father told me it takes the glory of God to conceal a matter. And it takes the honor of Kings to search it out.

King Xerxes:
Than marry me and we shall spend an eternity discovering this 'truth'... together.