480 BC When the Persian king announces a beauty contest to replace his deposed queen, Esther is snatched from the market in Susa by the king's guards. Ensconced in the palace harem, Esther struggles to survive palace intrigue, forging friendships but inflaming enmities as well. Ultimately, the mercurial King Xerxes chooses her beauty, but her triumph is tinged by sorrow. A new advisor named Haman resolves to eradicate Esther's people. With the king's...