The Assassination Plot That Changed Esther’s Story Two palace guards, Bigthana and Teresh, secretly plotted to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai discovered their plan while sitting at the king’s gate and quickly informed Queen Esther. Esther reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. The conspirators were executed, and Mordecai’s loyalty was recorded in the royal chronicles—an act that later opened the door for his honor and the salvation of his people. Sometimes, unseen faithfulness be