1. On the third day, Esther put on her special robes. Then she stood in the inside area of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his throne in the hall, facing the place where people enter the throne room.
2. When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was very pleased. He held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther went in to the room and went near the king. Then she touched the end of the king’s gold scepter.
3. Then the king asked, “What is bothering you Queen Esther? What do you want to ask me? I will give you anything you ask for, even half my kingdom.”
4. Esther said, “I have prepared a party for you and Haman. Will you and Haman please come to the party today?”
5. Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly so that we may do what Esther asks.” So the king and Haman went to the party Esther had prepared for them.