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Today was the day, the day the suitors from the Kingdoms still free from the Empire’s grasp entered the castle and the process of them picking her and her sisters to be their wives would begin. In the months since the acceptances had been received the Eldest of the Altera daughters had spent  many hours a day learning the cultures and languages of each of the remaining countries. She had a rough grasp on each by now and intended to use this information to the best of her abilities. As much as she wanted to do as her father had done, and marry for love, it wasn’t possible now. A time of war was upon the countries of Sahas and alliances were needed to be formed in order to ensure the survival of the remaining Kingdoms, as well as, hopefully, the freedom of the smaller countries swallowed by the might of The Empire. 

Annalise had awoken with the sun, pouring herself into last minute studies before the handmaids entered her chambers to ready her for the day. A bath with the scent of lavender had been prepared to help calm her nerves. She soaked in the bath as long as she could after being washed, only standing when the water became too cold for her to stand any longer. The windows were opened to allow the cool air of the sea breeze to enter the room as she was prepared. She was dressed in a light blue dress that seemed to flow like water. The handmaids seemed to enjoy dressing her in clothing that made her seem even more delicate than she already appeared. Something Annalise had grown used to. Darker colors washed her light complexion out anyway so the lighter flowing fabrics were the favorite. Her snow whire hair was left mostly untouched, seemingly only taking a few strands from the front of her hair and braiding them into a simple half circlet of hair, which was decorated with a few gold and light blue ornaments. A silver necklace with a small silver stag head was clipped around her neck, and her simple silver vine-like circlet was placed on her head. Finally a small white lace veil was placed clipped into her hair, the veil served one purpose, to obscure the slight off color of her right eye. She had been born blind in this eye, something the royal court was aware of, however this was not common knowledge among the citizens of the country. 

Upon looking at herself in the mirror Annalise couldn’t help but let out a small sad sigh. Her pale complexion and white hair made her stand out significantly when compared to her siblings. At first it was something people associated with the potential for magic, but when it was discovered she was incapable of learning magic she was treated as frail as she looked. After a long look at herself she pushed away the self pitying thoughts threatening to consume her. She stood up tall, taking a deep breath, and finally exited her room, heading to the main hall, where her sister Sulhana was already waiting with her father. 

“Greetings father, sister.” She said with a curtsy. Her voice seemed small, though her family knew this was not the case normally. Annalise, despite hating her frail appearance, had a habit of using it to her advantage. Many visiting officials had made the mistake of thinking the Eldest Daughter was a pushover and easily manipulated. Something they quickly discovered was not the case. She was a strong woman who knew how to get people comfortable around her and used the public’s perception of her to her advantage. Her duty to her kingdom had formed her into the woman she was. She took her space beside her father after greeting him and awaited the arrival of the Princes from the other Kingdoms.