Time in its irresistible and ceaseless flow carries along on its flood all created things, and drowns them in the depths of obscurity, no matter if they be quite unworthy of mention, or most noteworthy and important, and thus, as the tragedian says, Òhe brings from the darkness all things to the birth, and all things born envelops in the night. But the tale of history forms a very strong bulwark against the stream of time, and to some extent checks its irresistible flow, and, of all things done in it, as many as history has taken over, it secures and binds together, and does not allow them to slip away into the abyss of oblivion. Now, I recognized this fact. I, Anna, the daughter of two royal personages, Alexios and Eirene, born and bred in the purple.

I was not ignorant of letters, for I carried my study of Greek to the highest pitch, and was also not unpractised in rhetoric; I perused the works of Aristotle and the dialogues of Plato carefully, and enriched my mind by the «quaternion» of learning. (I must let this out and it is not bragging to state what nature and my zeal for learning have given me, and the gifts which God apportioned to me at birth and time has contributed).

Later in the day, Anna visited her mother, Eirene Doukaina, who was busy with palace duties. Eirene introduced Anna to Niketas Choniates, a wise advisor. Niketas shared valuable lessons about leadership and kindness. Anna took his advice to heart, knowing it would help her become a better princess. She thanked him and promised to remember his words.

As the sun set, the palace prepared for a grand celebration. Anna and her family gathered in the grand hall, where music and laughter filled the air. They celebrated the achievements of the day and the joy of being together. Anna felt grateful for her loving family and the wisdom she had gained. She knew that with their support, she could achieve great things in the future.