Esther 2:17-19

New International Version

¹⁷ Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen^(A) instead of Vashti. ¹⁸ And the king gave a great banquet,^(B) Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials.^(C) He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.^(D)

Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy

¹⁹ When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.^(E)