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.

⁸ If the king regards me with favor^(A) and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet^(B) I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”