Esther's Preparations, by Marlene Goldberg

Esther fondled the soft silks in gorgeous hues. Various perfumes were brought to her dressing table for her to sniff the best. She was bathed in creamy bubbles to soften her rough olive skin. Haggai, the eunuch, brought her only the best. Her gown glittered as he coached her to glide, not walk, to greet the king. Her ears, wrist and neck sparkled with jewels. He taught her the art of painting her face to achieve a look both natural but utterly feminine. And how to carry herself with a look to devastate the other sex. King Ahashveros was bewitched.