But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him. Esther 1:12

Perhaps it was the first women’s lib movement.
It did not work in the male-dominated era.

I’m going to side with Vashti on this one. After several days of partying and drinking, the king wanted to show off his “trophy” wife.
She refused the offer.
Perhaps he had done it before and embarrassed her.
Maybe it was an inconvenient time for her.
Whatever the reason, she refused to come.
The king’s advisors told him this would cause all women to revolt against their husbands. Their advice to him – get rid of her and replace her with someone better.
This act is what gives us the Book of Esther and the Jewish holiday of Purim.

I appreciate the outlook of marriage from the writings of Paul.
For me, Eph 5:22-29 is summed up in this: Wives, submit to your own husbands… just as the church is subject to Christ. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.
Marriage is a relationship in which both give to each other more than they take.
Had King Ahasuerus treated Queen Vashti with love and respect, she would return his affection with respect and love.

But then we would not have a story!