⁸ When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa^(A) and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem.

¹⁴ In the evening she would go there and in the morning return to another part of the harem to the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the concubines.^(A) She would not return to the king unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name.^(B)