Chapter 6: The Banquet I Didn’t See Coming
The second banquet was smaller.Quieter.No flutes, no nobles, no spectacle. Just me.Esther.And Haman — pale as parchment, trying to look […]
Chapter 5: The Sleepless Night
I could not sleep. Not for lack of wine.Not for lack of warmth or women or music echoing from distant
Chapter 4: The Seal I Gave Too Quickly
A king does not need to understand everything.He needs to decide. That is what I’ve always believed. My father, Darius,
Chapter 3: A New Rose in My Garden
They brought her in the same way they brought all the others. Clothed in silk.Painted lips.Eyes lowered, posture rehearsed. But
Chapter 2: The Banquet That Outlived My Joy
The feast ended. The nobles returned to their provinces.The courtiers offered polished farewells.The palace was cleaned, the goblets counted, the
Chapter 1: The Crown Is Heavy When You Have to Share It
I ruled from India to Cush. One hundred and twenty-seven provinces bowed to my name.Their princes kissed my feet, their
The Advisors — Preserving the Throne
We Served the Throne, Not the Queen We were the king’s wise men, not because we saw far — but
Chapter 4: What Remains
Years have passed. The rustle of court robes no longer wakes me.No one knocks on my chamber door with updates
Chapter 3: The Echo of Silence
They did not yell when they came for me.They did not threaten or drag or curse. They simply removed things.
Chapter 2: The Order and the Refusal
It was the seventh day of the final feast. The air in the palace was thick with stale wine and