When Esther approached the king, she was literally risking her life. But Xerxes “was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand,” a sign that he accepted her presence (Esther 5:2). She invited Xerxes and Haman to a banquet that day. The king called for Haman and came to the meal where he asked what she would like, “even up to half the kingdom” (verse 6). Esther invited the two men to attend another banquet the following day where she would present her request (verse 8). The men agreed.