... > Bible > Old Testament > the story of Esther > Esther becomes queen (Esther 1 - 2:20) > Ahasuerus has the most attractive maidens of his kingdom put into his harem in order to select a new queen from among them ~ story of Esther > many girls are brought to the palace of Susa and entrusted to the care of Hegai (Gai); among them is Esther, foster-child of Mordecai