With only one younger sister, Maria, Anna is her father's chosen successor and she is certain she will inherit the throne upon Alexius' death alongside her betrothed, Constantine Ducas.

Her grandmother moves swiftly to support John as Alexius' successor, devastating Anna as she sees her dreams of power being taken away and given to her brother.

Bitter at her grandmother's betrayal, Anna continues to assert she is the true heir to the throne and waits to avenge herself.

As the throne begins to grow further from her reach, Anna pours all her energy into her manuscript.

While she is refused most luxuries at the convent, Anna manages to bring her manuscript, which she has named the Alexiad.