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]
Hagai: 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]
King Xerxes: 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]
Queen Esther: 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]
King Xerxes: 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.
