Another saying from the wise is that during the moment of truth, a great person doesn't have to think much about what they're going to say or do– They just speak and do what is right. Esther know what she had to do was right. So, she figured that she didn't have to be nervous– though saying that would be an understatement. But if you were in her situation, you'd be a little nervous, as well. After taking a deep breath, Esther enters.
~~~KH~~~
"Everything is going according to plan." The princess can hear General Haman from the other side of the Grand Hall, "At the break of dawn in three days' time, I will send the Royal Militia to arrest the dangerous family. It won't be long before we will forever be rid of them." "Well done, General Haman." Queen Vashti said before the whole court noticed the Crown Princess. "Who summoned the princess?" Haman asked before turning his attention the queen, "Did you summoned the princess?" Queen Vashti looked back at Esther. "I don't think I did…" she began before Xerxes spoke up, "I was about to summon her, Mother. But I think Princess Hadassah have already beaten me to it." Although Esther was surprised that Xerxes had spoken up for her, she did let out a small sigh of relief. "Please, come on over." Queen Vashti said, welcoming her daughter in law. Esther slowly made her way toward her husband's side, "I'm not sure if anyone told you, my dear, but appearing before the Royal Family without being granted an audience is generally discouraged around here." The queen began before General Haman added, "Under the penalty of death." He glared at the princess before Xerxes steps in. "But since Princess Hadassah is a member of the Royal Family now, she can be able to visit us any time she wishes." Esther smiled a bit, knowing that Xerxes will always stand up for her before Queen Vashti asked her. "So what is it that you would like, my dear? Please feel free to let me know. Whatever you wish, it's yours."
~~~KH~~~
Esther falters a bit– She knows what she has to do, but how can she tell the queen to spare her family's life? "Well… If it pleases the Royal Family, there is something that I… I'd like to invite the Royal Family and every member of the Foreteller Union Council to a banquet I will prepare this evening." Hearing this surprises Queen Vashti before she smile. "You are as brave as you are beautiful. My son has chosen well. We will attend your banquet."
Now, don't get me wrong– appearing before the Royal Family without being summoned is very brave, indeed. But informing Queen Vashti and her son that their General is going Shadowrupt is completely different, and especially difficult. What if they don't believe her? If the Shadowrupt stays… well, let's just say this story wouldn't end well for the princess. No, Esther needs to wait for the opportune moment to spring the news on them. "A banquet fit for royalty." Queen Vashti complimented after a hearty meal, "A wonderful feast." The council agreed. "Your Majesty… the real reason I invited all of you tonight was to… to see if you will attend a banquet I will prepare tomorrow night." Esther said, "Very well, Princess Hadassah. We shall be there." The queen agreed.
~~~KH~~~
Later on in the evening, Esther walked through the hanging gardens trying to know what to do– so much that she ended up bumping into someone. "Oh, excuse me." They both said in unison before Esther realized that she had bumped into Xerxes. "I guess my habit is rubbing off on you." He said with a smile before noticing the troubled look on his wife's face, "Esther… is there something wrong? You seem troubled." The princess was surprised and touched by the concern in his voice. She let out a sigh, "It's my cousin. In less than three days' time, he and the rest of his family be arrested and executed for a crime that never happened." She handed her husband the edict for him to see. "And since I'm related to Lieutenant Mordecai, it will include me as well." Xerxes listened as he read the edict solemnly, "Who did this?" he questioned. Though Esther was surprised that he didn't asked her why she kept her relation with her cousin secret, she answered. "General Haman– He detested my cousin that he even loath the entire family. And if he knew that I'm related to his lieutenant, he would despise me as well. So I was instructed to keep my relation a secret for my safety. He somehow managed to get your mother to sign it, and now… I don't know what to do." Xerxes gently brought his wife into his arms, "I figured you and the lieutenant were related. I… snuck out of the palace a couple times and saw you playing your ocarina in the fountain square." He confessed, prompting Esther to remember a cloaked, young man listening to her. "I'm afraid that as the ruling monarch, my mother's the only one who can revoke that edict once it's sealed." Hearing this sadden the princess before her husband embraces her again, "But we will find a way to undo this. I promise."
Meanwhile, Mordecai continues his patrol– yet still troubled with the fact that his family will be executed. "Please give Esther the courage she needs." He silently prayed as he turns a corner, only to see someone stepping out of the shadows. "Well, hello there! I guess there's not much to say, considering how in a few days you'll be sleeping with the fishes." The smug General said, prompting his lieutenant to notice the subtle changes as Haman approaches. "You know, I just came from a banquet that the princess have hosted for both the Royal Family and the council… and I'm invited to another one tomorrow night. I guess the princess really like me." The General gloated, "Why don't you like me, Mordecai?" Mordecai walked around him and carry on his way. "You know, it wouldn't be too hard to show me that you liked me, Lieutenant. Just a little bow, that's all. Is that really so hard?" Haman continues, "Who knows? I'm quite the influential type. Maybe I can work something out for you and your family." Hearing this angered Mordecai. "He's doing this all for a bow to inflate his ego?!" He turns around and gave the General a piece of his mind, "Arrogance is not fitting for a fool, Haman! Much less is lying fitting for the Royal Militia's General! I will never bow to the likes of you!" This really upsets Haman– so much so, that neither of them notice the General's hair darkening a bit. "Oh! Well maybe you shouldn't have pushed this 'foolish General', cause you may as well enjoy your last night alive before your execution at sunrise!" and with that, he left. This troubles Mordecai, "Your Grace, help us…"