3002007

[Gorgo meets Theron]

Theron:
Beautiful night.

Gorgo:
Yes, but I did not ask you here for a small talk, Theron. [walks with Theron]

Theron:
You can be sure of that, you never spared words with me.

Gorgo:
Can I offer you something? A drink perhaps?.

Theron:
[sardonically] Is it poison?

Gorgo:
I'm sorry to disappoint you, it's only water.

Theron:
[drinks his water] I'm told it's been arranged for you to go before the council.

Gorgo:
Yes. I need your help in winning votes to send the army north to our king.

Theron:
Yes. I can see it, the two of us standing together. Me, politician. You, warrior. Our voices as one. But why would I want to do that?

Gorgo:
It proves you care for a king who right now fights for the very water we drink.

Theron:
True, But this is politics, not war. Leonidas is an idealist.

Gorgo:
I know your kind too well. You send men to slaughter for your own gain.

Theron:
Your husband, our king, has taken 300 of our finest to slaughter. He's broken our laws and left without the council's consent. I'm simply a realist.

Gorgo:
You're an opportunist.

Theron:
You're as foolish as Leonidas if you think men don't have a price in this world. All men are not created equal. That's the Spartan code, my little queen. [reels from being slapped by Gorgo] I admire your passion. But don't think that you... A woman, even a queen can walk into the council chamber and sway the minds of men. [coldly] I own that chamber as if it were built with these hands. [grabs Gorgo by the throat and pins her to the wall] I could crush the life out of you right now. [into Gorgo's face] You will go before the council, but your words will fall on deaf ears. Leonidas will receive no reinforcements, and if he returns without my help, he will go to jail or worse! Do you love your Sparta?

Gorgo:
Yes.

Theron:
And your king?

Gorgo:
I do!

Theron:
[releases grip on Gorgo's throat and tightens his cape strap] Your husband fights for his land and his love. What do you have to offer in return for my word that I'll help you send our army north?

Gorgo:
What does a realist want with his queen?

Theron:
I think you know. [pauses; watches lasciviously as Gorgo strips, then flips her around] This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this. I am not your king. [begins to penetrate Gorgo]