7
Mordecai had a foster child named Esther, a daughter of his uncle Aminadab. When her pares died, Mordecai had taken her and raised her to become his wife. The girl was lovely to look at.
8
When the king's order and his new law became public, many young women were gathered into the city of Susa under the care of Hegai. Esther was also taken to Hegai, the one in charge of the women.
9
The young woman pleased him and won his kindness. He eagerly began her beauty treatments and gave her carefully chosen foods. He also gave her seven female servants selected from among the palace servants and provided well for her and her female servants in the women's house.
10
Esther hadn't told anyone her race or family background because Mordecai had ordered her not to.
11
Each day Mordecai walked back and forth along the wall in front of the women's house to learn how Esther was doing.