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.