Told you it would be soon! It's here ! The chapter was getting pretty long so i'm splitting it into two parts! The second part will be out tomorrow, enjoy guys :)

I had never been more nervous in my entire life. I was walking down the hall of the palace with Hegai by my side.

He had awaken me in the middle of the night and told me I was to go the king now for my night with him. With every step I took countless possibilities of scenarios filled my head.

Some were good and pleasant and others were fearful and dreading to me. I began to feel my breathing run wild so I calmly paced it up and down with each stride I took.

'In and out' I thought, 'In and out.'

Hegai led me into the King's chambers and smiled encouragingly to me. I gave a weak smile back. "My Lord." he called out.

"The candidate is here." "

Go away- I wish not to see anyone."

Instantly whatever confidence I had faded away.

Hegai's face dropped with confusion, "But my Lord-"

"Hegai , I said no."

"Even for me?" I mumbled.

Slowly Xerxes shadow drew closer and he finally came face to face with me. I watched his face, he wasn't happy at all even when he saw me his face remained the same.

I took a deep breath and waited for him to say something, to say anything! Finally he spoke.

"Oh- Esther it's you." his words were dull and not vert excited.

I whimpered to myself, how was I to be strong when it was going like this. I looked up to Hegai for help but he looked as dumbfounded as I felt.

"Leave Hegai." Xerxes ordered.

Hegai gave me a sympathetic look before disappearing into the floating veils in the King's bedroom.

Xerxes walked around me in a circle and silently pondered. I waited patiently for him to make the first move. Finally he spoke.

"And this is how you come to see me?"

Slowly my mouth dropped and my hands fell down my simple blue dress. I picked the simplest one thinking he would appreciate it.

I gulped, "It is my Lord."

He gave me an annoyed look, "Your only adornment before your one night?" He mocked.

Xerxes sighed, "Very well let's just get this over with."

I sucked in a breath and fought the urge of crying. He was being as cold as ever and I didn't understand. "My lord are you not happy to see me?" I murmured.

He didn't look at me but only walked to his bed where a large chest sat on it. "Esther I wish not to speak of matters- let us do what has to be done. You may request anything you wish for."

He opened the chest revealing various types of jewelry, fine silks, gold cups and encrusted gowns.

"Whatever you wish for." He repeated.

But I didn't move, I stood right where I was, with my arms wrapped around my body. He sighed and shut the chest. "I do not have time for this, surely you want something?"

I shook my head, "I don't want anything."

He laughed, "You fool no one Esther! Your innocent act may have fooled me in the beginning but I figured out all the denial of gifts and lavishness was only to wait until this very night! So come out with it." He demanded.

I shook my head violently with my lip quivering. "You really think that?"

"I know it, now I demand you tell me what you want."

I said nothing but reached around my neck and removed my precious necklace. He eyed me curiously.

I gave a weak smile and lifted it out to him. "I don't want a gift. But I have a gift for you."

Xerxes stepped closer, doubt in his eyes. "A gift?" he scoffed, "And what is this gift?"

"The only treasure I have! I was taught that you should bring a gift for the king instead of demanding one."

I continued to hold the necklace out for him. It took all that was in me to be doing this. If he discovered the stars in the necklace at any time I could be punished or even killed.

The king stood in his spot with a disbelieving look. Eventually he walked up and all but snatched it from my hands.

I frowned and slowly lowered my arms back down into position. He walked a few steps to his desk and examined the necklace.

"A trinket."

I shrugged, "A treasure to me, my King."

He smirked, "With not much to it."

I was disgusted with his behavior. I walked closer, "It is hundreds of years old it does have value but that is not why I gave it to you. It was supposed to be a symbol of-" I paused, did I want to finish that sentence?

Xerxes scoffed, "Of what? Of your love? I already told you! Love is the easiest commodity Esther, it means nothing!" He spat.

I whimpered and stepped back. "But I do love you."

"Love has failed me Esther, I thought maybe it would be different with you with your knowledge even but now that has failed me!"

He lowered his arm and let the necklace, the only sense of belonging I had left fall onto the floor beneath him.

"I know now I was wrong to ever care for you! I was never a proper king with you! Now I assure you I will never allow you to be a queen for you are nothing."

I flinched at every word he said. I was holding back my tears and keeping my eyes shut hoping to escape from this situation.

I heard him speaking to me but I didn't listen.

He began yelling at me and eventually I made out what he was saying.

"Wake up- Wake up."

Wake up? I thought.

"Esther wake up! I sat up, gasping for air. I opened my eyes and saw Hegai with a worrisome look just like the last time he found me.

I panted from the events I had just lived. I looked around and as I calmed down I realized- It was just a dream. I felt my breathing die down and my heart pace back to normal.

"Are you okay Esther? Were you dreaming of your parent again?"

"N-No Hegai I am alright. Is Everything okay with you?" I diverted.

He nodded, "Yes everything is fine, I just need your help with today's candidates."

I nodded, "Of course Hegai I will be down in a moment."

"Very good." he kissed my forehead like usual and left me alone still wide awake with fear from my dream.

I was just so glad it was only a dream. But I knew it could potentially happen like that and that was what scared me. I got dressed quickly and got myself down to the harem to help Hegai.

I was walking when Hannah came up with a smile. "Good morning Esther!"

I giggled, "Good morning, you're in a pleasant mood."

"Well I was just thinking that if you go before me somehow then perhaps I won't have to even go to the king!"

I stopped walking and looked at her. "Hannah there's not a guarantee I'll be chosen."

Especially after my dream last night, I thought.

She shrugged, "Oh please Esther you're the prettiest girl here the king would be insane not to choose you."

She smiled. I blushed, "You are sweet, now I must help Hegai prepare. Do you know who the candidate is today?"

Hannah shook her head, "No- but she is getting special treatment from Hegai! He was demanding everything be absolutely perfect for her."

I looked around and noticed she was right. There was a big fuss about today's candidate and I knew that could only mean one person.

"Oh Hannah that means today is probably Talla's turn." I cried.

"Oh Esther-" She whispered, realizing I could be right.

If it was Talla's turn then Admantha would be able to trick the king in choosing her. I composed myself quickly, I could not let this get to me.

I gave Hannah a weak smile and walked to Hegai who was waiting for me.

I gave a cheery smile, "Alright Hegai shall I prepare the rose and frankincense bath for today's candidate?" I asked.

"That will not be necessary."

"But Hegai all the candidates get a special treatment bath on their day."

"I know." he smiled.

"Hegai?" I asked confused.

He smiled, "She will be getting her special bath, Esther."

"Who is the candidate today?" I inquired, praying it wasn't Talla.

Hegai smiled, "Come I will announce In front of the harem like usual."

We walked into the middle of the room where Hegai would announce the girl everyday.

"Today we honor yet another girl of the king's candidates."

All the girls held their breath in anticipation and waited for Hegai's reveal. Everyday they held their breaths knowing that one of them could be chosen that very night by the king himself.

I stood partially ready to hear and partially not wanting to. I watched Talla standing nearby with a smirk on her face ready and assuming for it to be her that Hegai would choose.

I would be devastated if it was Talla. I barely heard Hegai speaking until he said the last sentence.

"..And today, my ladies, we honor none other than- Esther of Susa on her one night with the King."