One Night with the King2006

Hagai:
[in Xerxers' chambers] Queen Vashti, your majesty. [steps aside, revealing the beautiful Queen]

King Xerxes:
Enter. [gathers his shirt and goes to her, kissing her hand] The night's festivities hold not your interests?

Queen Vashti:
It is long since you summoned me here. [looking at his work table] Your hands have not been idle.

King Xerxes:
Not idle... not gifted either.

Queen Vashti:
You do know why the Princes have asked you to extend the feasting another night.

King Xerxes:
[turning to leave] Your to late if you seek me to deny them, especially now. With such clamering to march upon Greece and avenge my father's death.

Queen Vashti:
[stopping him, pleading] How long have dreamt of molding Persia into a pillar of learning and culture? Afraid to make even the greatness of Greece buy a shadow. You know as well as I that this not something that is won in battle, but in the hearts of men.

King Xerxes:
[unbelieving] You would have me do nothing then?

Queen Vashti:
You're no warrior, no soldier... I'd have you stay... enhance your kingdom, preserve your thrown. [hesitates and leaves]