8 So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.9 And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem.10 Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.
