Page "Esther" Paragraph 9

Mordecai tore his robes and put ash on his head ( signs of mourning or grieving / anguish ) on hearing this news.

Esther sent clean clothes to him, but he refused them, explaining that deliverance for the Jews would come from some other place, but that Esther would be killed if she did not do what she could to stop this genocide — by talking to the king.

Esther was not permitted to see the king unless he had asked for her, otherwise she could be put to death.

Esther was terrified of this ( she had not been called to the king in 30 days ), so she and her maid-servants and her people the Jews of Persia fasted earnestly for three days before she built up the courage to enter the king's presence.

When King Xerxes saw Esther, he was pleased and held out his scepter to her, showing that he accepted her visit.

He then asked Esther what she wished of from him, promising to grant even up to half his kingdom should she ask.

Esther requested a banquet with the king and Haman.

During the banquet, she requested another banquet with the king and Haman the following day.