Esther 5:2-4

New Catholic Bible

² When he spotted Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, he made her welcome by holding out the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.]

³ Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even if it should be half of my kingdom,^[a] it will be given to you.”

⁴ “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “I would like you and Haman to be my guests today at a banquet that I have prepared for you.”