based on Esther

Anna stood waiting for Hegai's command to escort the new queen to her quarters.

When the queen appeared, Anna bowed and then helped her prepare for dinner. Anna gave the beautiful young queen a diamond bracelet and crown. Esther stared in amazement.

“I'm sorry,” she said. “I'm not used to all these beautiful things. Before I was queen, I lived a very simple life.”

Anna smiled. She was going to like Esther.

One day Anna found Esther crying.

“Why are you crying?” Anna asked.

“I'll tell you, but you must promise not to tell!” Esther said. “I am a Jew. My real name is Hadassah. Mordecai, my cousin, says Prime Minister Haman issued an order that all Jews be killed. The only way to save my people is if I beg the king for mercy.”

Anna gasped. She knew that because Esther had not been summoned by the king, Esther would die when she approached him unless the king extended his scepter.

“I need two favors, Anna,” Esther said. “The first is for you to fast with me for three days before I go to the king. Second, I want you to serve at a feast I will have for the king and Haman.”

Anna fasted with Esther, and the queen went before the king. Anna waited anxiously in Esther's quarters. She prayed Esther would come back. Suddenly the door burst open and Esther ran in. The king had accepted her invitation to the feast!

As Anna helped serve food at the feast, she heard the king ask Esther, “What do you want from me?”

“I will tell you at another feast, which I will prepare tomorrow,” Esther said.

As the second feast began, the king again asked Esther what she wanted.

“A law was made that will kill me and my people,” Esther replied.

“Who did this?” the king demanded.

Esther pointed at Haman. Just then one of Haman's servants burst in. “The gallows you built for Mordecai are ready.”

“What?!” the king shouted. “You built a gallows for a man who once saved my life? Go hang Haman on his own gallows.”

The king made a new law, and no Jews were killed. With God's help, Esther saved the day. Anna looked forward to serving her queen for a long time.

Kassie N., 10
Logansport, Indiana

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