欧宝娱乐

“For the misfortunes that befall us and the illnesses that harass us make even a short life seem long. And so because life is a hardship, death proves to be a human being's most welcome escape, and the god, who gives us merely a taste of sweetness in life, is revealed to be a jealous deity.”
― Artabanos

“Was there a nation in Asia that Xerxes did not take with him against Greece? Was there a river, except the greatest, that his army did not drink dry?”
― Herodotus, Histories

“I was allowed to visit the king's library, where a scribe read to me some of your exploits and the history written in the annals of kings. I hope this does not displease you." She silently hoped she had not revealed something that might get Hegai in trouble.
The king smiled. "I am amazed that you had interest. I have no issue against you gaining such knowledge. No other wife has ever cared what I do."
She searched his gaze. "I would think it very odd not to care what my husband enjoys or gives his time to do. Your words surprise me."
He rose and took her hand in his. "And you surprise me, Esther.”
― Jill Eileen Smith, Star of Persia:

“He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed each finger. When he came to her mother's ring, he paused. "Tell me about this ring. It is not like the jewels I have provided my women."
"It belonged to my mother. She died when I was a baby."
The comment brought a look of approval to his eyes. He smiled. "Esther. You have made me feel things tonight that I have not felt in a very long time. A sense that I must protect you at all costs has arisen within me." He paused as if searching for the right words. "I have the strongest desire to take you to my bed, and yet I cannot. Not yet."
She gave him a quizzical look, not sure whether to fear or hope.
"I want you, Esther. But I also want you to be happy, and this is a life you did not choose. So I will give you a choice. You can either marry me at week's end and take Vashti's place as queen of Persia... or you may go back to your father and marry a man of your desire. You are young and I am old in comparison. And I am not likely to ever make such an offer to anyone again. This is completely out of character for me." He laughed lightly. "My advisors would think me mad."
"You would offer me this and never take me to your bed?"
The idea seemed incredulous since she had spent the past year preparing for that very thing.
He nodded. "It is as though the gods will not allow me to touch you outside of marriage. I do not understand its, but you give me a feeling that we could truly be one of heart and soul.”
― Jill Eileen Smith, Star of Persia:

“Xerxes gazed at Esther as she slept, marveling at the way her expression held such peace, her dark hair splayed over the pristine white cushion beneath her head. He had found not a single flaw in her and had quickly concluded that she surpassed even Vashti in beauty.
He released a deep, contented sigh as he shifted on one elbow. Esther stirred and opened her eyes to meet his gaze. Her smile, slow and appreciative, caused a greater sense of protectiveness to rise within him. Did she love him? Could she love him? Without doubt he loved her. She had pleased him like no other.
"You are awake," he said, surprised at the huskiness in his voice. What was this new feeling of exuberant joy? He was not one to grow flustered like this. Never like this. But Esther... he could not stop the need to touch his lips to hers.
"I find you have tempted me beyond reason," he said when he felt confident that his voice would not again betray him.
She wrapped both arms around his neck and pulled him closer. "I am glad," she whispered against his ear. "If I were not a temptation, you might not find me pleasing." She kissed him, this time not waiting for him to take the lead as she had the night before.
He laughed when she pulled away, and they both caught their breath. "How bold my queen has become!”
― Jill Eileen Smith, Star of Persia:

“He grinned, feeling as young as he once did in Vashti's presence. Esther brought back the joys of youth, and he felt a sense of deep gratitude and satisfaction that he had listened to his servants when they suggested the contest that had brought her to him. He would not admit to her his deep need, nor how well she fulfilled that in him, but he felt it just the same.”
― Jill Eileen Smith, Star of Persia:

“After a meal of yogurt soup, duck with pomegranate and walnut sauce over barley, stewed spinach, and baked apples, they could move to her receiving room and enjoy wine in the comfort of a more private setting.”
― Jill Eileen Smith, Star of Persia:

“Finally, I understood. He hadn't rejected me. He had done what he could to hold on to me. And the day I had approached him with my request, he had protected me publicly, though no doubt it had cost him something with Otanes.
I put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "That was a clever ploy, my lord. Far cleverer than anything I could have thought of."
He whirled around so quickly the bed dipped, and I tumbled against him. He grabbed me and held on tight, his fingers not quite steady.
He had expected me to criticize him. To point out the shortcoming of his plan. To complain of his insufficient power.
Instead, I gave him what he needed most. I made him feel safe in his own skin, because I always saw the best in him. I understood that the forces against him wielded too much weight and power, and I saw the strength it required for him to survive them.
Everyone called his father Great. He had always known he could never be a match to Darius. But what few had eyes to see was the strength it took for him to place one foot before the other and simply endure.
I saw.
He knew I looked up to him. Not as a king, but as a man. And that day, he learned that I knew how to forgive him also. I suppose that was why he loved me.”
― Tessa Afshar, The Queen's Cook