Two sets of hands carefully moved through Cybil's hair, one plaiting her long red locks into a braid, as the other interwove ribbons and flowers throughout. Today was the day she was to choose her suitor, the man she would wed on her upcoming birthday, and she'd been prepped all day. Servants had helped her to bathe, dress, and now fix her hair - things her father seemed not to trust her with on such an important occasion. Though she would have liked to protest, to insist she was not some child who needed constant tending to, tensions were high throughout the entire palace, and she knew to do so would only cause unneeded strife. So, she had relented, and allowed them to go about their business - watching in silence as they prepared her to meet the men from the surrounding kingdoms.
In a way, it had been a slight comfort - one less thing to worry about. She'd been in a trance-like state all day, a million possibilities whirring around in her head. Though she would have liked to convince herself of otherwise, this was not some silly affair, but rather a decision of somewhat terrifying proportions. As the servants finally finished her hair, and ushered her out towards the main hall, she once again went over the sort of man she was looking for in her mind. He had to be smart, charming, strong-willed, and kind. The sort of man who was able to take care of her kingdom the way it deserved, but was also willing to listen to her input - to allow her to rule from the sidelines. Her people would never accept her as a capable ruler, as much as it pained her to think, but she needed no glory; As long as her husband allowed her to help in making the decisions, she would be satisfied; Her people need not know of her assistance.
The main hall of the palace was a large, extravagant room, which adequately portrayed the wealth of the nation of Aionios. The ceilings were high, and curved, with beautifully painted artwork and carefully carved details. The large room was currently brimming with suitors from the nearby kingdoms, their hushed whispers reverberating off the surrounding walls.
Cybil's breath caught in her throat at the sight of them. She'd been preparing herself for this for ages, gone over it in her head a thousand times, but the feeling of actually being there - in the moment - was entirely different than she ever could have imagined. With a deep breath to calm herself, Cybil stepped forward, focusing on the sound of her feet clicking against the ground.
The room went silent as she entered, and she finally glanced up, allowing her gaze to linger over the men who stood before her. Carefully folding her hands in front of herself, she spoke up, giving the customary greeting of her nation. "Hello. I am Cybil Anastos, second child and daughter of Queen Acacia Anastos of Aionios, and King Matthias Anastos of Aionios." Short and to the point. She gave a small curtsy, and then stood straight once again. "Thank you all for attending. I, my father, and my nation, greatly appreciate it."
Pushing her hands behind her back, she curled them around each other to help subside her nervousness, and began to socialize with the others. She had a big decision to make, and she was determined not to make it until she was sure she had found herself the best possible husband.
