Theron
Beautiful night.
Gorgo
Yes, but I did not ask you here for a small talk, Theron. [grabs her dress and 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
Is it poison?
Gorgo
I'm sorry to disappoint you, it's only water.
Theron
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 back into the pillar] 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
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 in amazement as Gorgo slowly slips off her dress, then he turns her around and pins her against the pillar] This will not be over quickly. [roughly penetrates Gorgo] You will not enjoy this. I am not your king. [begins to rape Gorgo]
