my life...and the lives of my people: The statement that someone wanted to kill the queen and her family likely surprised and shocked the king.
my people and I have been sold: Esther carefully mentioned the large sum Haman paid the king to approve the decree (Esther 3:8–11). She also used the exact words from Haman’s decree, stating its purpose was to destroy, kill, and annihilate (see Esther 3:13).
If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent: Esther humbly explained her request was due to the severe threat against her and her people.