I was the king of all kings. I was called the lord of lords. I controlled an empire that would make any general quake when he saw my vast army.

Servants came at my slightest whim. Everywhere I traveled, fathers of nobility offered me alliances and their virgin daughters.

Women from all of my 127 provinces flocked to me in droves.

I had the power to give life and to take it.

One fateful night, my understanding of reality and my role in it began to fade away before me. At the height of my reign, I gave a feast to all men of my kingdom, both low and great. All the powers of Persia and Media were present. For 180 days, I displayed my palace, wealth, and greatness. There was something- ere someone, I never displayed. For that one person was most sacred to me. No eyes save those of my court or my own were meant to see her. Yet, on the seventh night of my final feast week, one moment of drunken arrogance cost me my highest treasure- my wife, the Royal Queen Consort- Vashti.

There was an unbreakable, eternal rule amongst the laws of the Medo-Persians. Once the king made an edict sealed with his royal signet ring, it was irrevocable. On that dread night, I sent one of my courtiers to fetch Vashti. I desired for her to reveal all of beauty before my guests. All the other drunken, lustful men relished the idea of seeing the Jewel of Persia adorned with only her crown.

In a rather sudden manner, my courtier re-entered my dining hall. He told me that Vashti refused my command. For what seemed an eternity, I could not process what he told me. As the fog cleared from my mind, betrayal stabbed its awful blade into my heart. How could anyone refuse me?

This refusal came not from an insignificant noble or lowly peasant- it came from my soulmate. No one had ever refused me- especially Vashti- for I was her world, her king, and her lover.

My feelings of betrayal soon turned into bitter indignation. Rather than wait for sobriety to think rationally, I immediately inquired of my advisors what I should regarding Vashti's refusal- her disobedience.

Truly, she honored our marriage covenant and traditions. By refusing to appear before outsiders, she showed the utmost respect for me as her husband and for herself. She was the symbol of what was most precious, pure, and private to my and my empire. However, I could not let her actions go without serious consequences. For it I were to ignore her deed, there were two things that would have occurred. One, all the wives of the noblemen would have been inspired to rebel against their husbands. Two, I would have lost respect from all of my male subject- the majority of whom were before me as this embarrassment took place. Surely, the king of all kings would not allow a mere woman -though his queen- to tell him what her actions would be! So, with the counsel of my princes, I decreed that Vashti would no longer be queen and was forevermore banished from my eyes. I could not execute her, because she was not in the wrong. I was.

Although her life was spared, Vashti was like an innocent lamb led to the slaughter. Led by me- her world, her king, and her lover.

With the morning, came the sun.

With the dawn, came soberness-

accompanied by heavy guilt and horror. I had sent away the wife of my youth...my most trusted confidante. What had I done?

Again, I sent for my counselors. They suggested that I decreed for all young, beautiful virgins of marrying age be gathered to Shushan, the citadel, from all 127 provinces.

Time passed, with it also went much of my self-assurance. In some ways, I'm glad, for I learned the value of humility. In other ways, it was dangerous. I found myself growing dependent on my advisors. One of which was Haman the Agagite. Surely, he was an honorable man I could confide in...or so I thought.

Looking back, I can see how Haman was a calculated man. He had cunningly set me up for manipulation through his flattery. Bribes can be immaterial. Often the most powerful bribes are those of your own soul's making- your words.

Haman kept his personal affairs and opinions to himself. I had no understanding of his hatred towards my faithful gatekeeper- Mordecai the Jew. Nor did I grasp the history between their ancestries. Haman's family was a last remnant of the Amalekites- descended from the royal family of King Agag.

Mordecai was a poor, yet well educated man. He was gifted in wisdom, knowledge, and counsel. Misfortune had sadly struck his family long ago. His uncle Abigail and his aunt had died, leaving behind a very young daughter- Hadassah. I believe her parents knew by the name they bestowed her, that she would grow into a strong and graceful, like the myrtle tree. .

Indeed, Hadassah, grew into a lovely, wise, and well-spoken young woman. She was simple, get overtook any room she entered. All eyes would be fixed upon her. Every breath caught by the grace of her movement. Every ear thirsting to hear if her voice was as magnificent as her face and form.

This Hadassah was raised by Mordecai as his own daughter. When the time came for Shushan's virgins to be brought to me, Mordecai -the Benjamite of Israel- warned her to not reveal her identity. Hadassah, the myrtle tree, symbol of peace, love, and prosperity, became Esther- candidate of my favor and desire.

Esther meant star. It was a word play on the name Ishtar - the goddess of love and beauty. With this name choice, Hadassah the myrtle, hid behind the star, Esther. In her name she subtly declared to me that she would love me alone.

When the eunuch over the virgins, presented the vision known as Esther before me- my breath fell short. My chambers became graced by this force of nature. Her eyes dared look into mine. This was a woman who knew her value and identity. To win her respect would be an honorable mission. Her gaze confessed that she would not trust me unless I proved to be worthy of her heart. She held herself as an equal before me. Most women kept their gazes downcast and did not speak unless spoken to. They fell into the role that men demanded they play... less than. Here was one who dared me to understand that she would never grovel. I couldn't fathom why this woman had the audacity to behave in her manner. However that flame of pride was quickly put out. It was pride that had cost me my first wife. Rather, I returned her gaze. I knew not then, but I had locked eyes with a daughter of Heaven. A woman who behaved as queen already for she knew royal blood was within her.