--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: While Cinder walked down the endless…" description: "\"“While Cinder walked down the endless black-carpeted aisle, she tried not to think of all the people in the universe who were watching her. She tried n..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b99/marissa-meyer-586_cinder_while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-bla_2273199.png" --- # While Cinder walked down the endless black-carpeted aisle… ![“While Cinder walked down the endless black-carpeted aisle, she tried not to think of all the people in the universe who were watching her. She tried not to wonder whether they were judging her or admiring her, afraid of her or impressed by her. She tried not to guess how many saw her as the lost…” quote by Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b99/marissa-meyer-586_cinder_while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-bla_2273199.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b99/marissa-meyer-586_cinder_while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-bla_2273199.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b99/marissa-meyer-586_cinder_while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-bla_2273199.png) > ““While Cinder walked down the endless black-carpeted aisle, she tried not to think of all the people in the universe who were watching her. She tried not to wonder whether they were judging her or admiring her, afraid of her or impressed by her. She tried not to guess how many saw her as the lost princess or a pathetic cyborg, a vigilante or a criminal, a revolutionary or a mechanic that had gotten lucky. She tried not to think about the smear of yellow frosting on her priceless gown. Kai and Winter stood at the altar encased in the light of glowing orbs, Winter holding the queen's crown and Kai a ceremonial scepter. Together, they represented how both Earth and Luna would accept her right to rule. The rest of her friends were in their reserved seats in the front row. Thorne, on the aisle, held out his hand as Cinder passed. She snorted and accepted the high five before floating up the stairs. Winter winked at her. "Well done, Cinder-friend. You didn't trip. The hard part is over." Kai gave a smile meant for only Cinder, even though the entire universe was watching. "She's right, that really is the hard part." "Thank the stars," Cinder whispered back. "Now let's get this over with." Taking a long shaky breath, she turned to face her kingdom.”” [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Cinder navigates public scrutiny and internal doubts at her coronation, finding reassurance in allies and focusing on the present moment. **In simple terms:** She worries about being judged but finds strength in support and staying present. Key Takeaway Focus on the moment and trust supportive allies. Themes identity public scrutiny leadership Mood hopeful empowering Type inspirational narrative When to use this quote - public speaking - leadership roles - personal milestones - high‑pressure events Key Concepts self‑doubt acceptance courage Questions to Reflect On - How do you stay grounded when feeling watched? - What role do allies play in your confidence? A Different Perspective External opinions can still influence confidence despite support. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cinder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinder/) [Cinder Friend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinder-friend-4862441/) [Cinder Walked](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinder-walked-5276011/) [Cinder Whispered](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinder-whispered-5276009/) [Gaze](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gaze/) [Stars Cinder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stars-cinder-5276010/) [Well done](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/well-done/) ## Related quotes > [“You're my friend. You kept me safe after we busted out of Maximus's place. You dug that tunnel all the way from one end…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-corwin/you-re-my-friend-you-kept-me-safe-after-we-busted-out-of-maximus-s/) [John Corwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-corwin/) > [“I passed out from stress? That’s it?” “I believe the princess term is fainted,” said Thorne.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/i-passed-out-from-stress-that-s-it-i-believe-the-princess-term-is/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Not doing pictures these days?... How very Lunar of you." - Jacin "Very wanted criminal of me too." - Cinder”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/not-doing-pictures-these-days-how-very-lunar-of-you-jacin-very-wanted/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Cinder made a special trip to Paris for this girl?" "My logic aptitude suggests this is a possibility." "What else do we know about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/cinder-made-a-special-trip-to-paris-for-this-girl-my-logic-aptitude/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Excellent," said Cinder, standing up and brushing off her hands. "I was beginning to worry we wouldn't have a pilot for when it's time…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/excellent-said-cinder-standing-up-and-brushing-off-her-hands-i-was/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“It's me, Kai. I'm Princess Selene." - Cinder "This whole time, it was you. - Kai "You're actually taking this better than I thought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/it-s-me-kai-i-m-princess-selene-cinder-this-whole-time-it-was-you-kai/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“He leaned forward to inspect her closer. "Is that all hair?" ... Sudden, overwhelming panic clawed up Cress's throat. With a squeak, she ducked…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/he-leaned-forward-to-inspect-her-closer-is-that-all-hair-sudden/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Cinder massaged her temple. "I'm sorry, Wolf. I don't mean you." She hesitated. "Except...I do, though. Anyone. She was my little sister . How…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/cinder-massaged-her-temple-i-m-sorry-wolf-i-don-t-mean-you-she/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“The appearance of the perfect shoes were met with another round of ahhs , and this time Cinder couldn't contain a chuckle and shake…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/the-appearance-of-the-perfect-shoes-were-met-with-another-round-of/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Let me guess,” Thorne said. “Breaking and entering?” After a long silence of examining the retracting mechanism, the girl wrinkled her nose. “Two counts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/let-me-guess-thorne-said-breaking-and-entering-after-a-long-silence/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“...Kamin looked taken aback. In fact, the whole table seemed more than a little surprised. Leaning forward, Cinder spoke very clearly. "I have a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/kamin-looked-taken-aback-in-fact-the-whole-table-seemed-more-than-a/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Here, I have something for you." "It had better not be an engagement ring." He paused, his lips puckering as if the thought hadn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/here-i-have-something-for-you-it-had-better-not-be-an-engagement-ring/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“It's her! Selene! Your Majesty!" Cinder took a step back and felt her serenity slough away, leaving behind the same tension she'd lived with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/it-s-her-selene-your-majesty-cinder-took-a-step-back-and-felt-her/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“See? Injustice. Here we are, risking our lives to rescue Kai and this whole planet, and Adri and Pearl get to go to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/see-injustice-here-we-are-risking-our-lives-to-rescue-kai-and-this/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“You said yourself that the people of Luna need a revolutionary.” She lifted her chin, holding his gaze. “So I’m going to Luna, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/you-said-yourself-that-the-people-of-luna-need-a-revolutionary-she/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) ## More by Marissa Meyer > [“He blinked. His eyes fell as he processed her response. Then he lifted his chin and attempted a grin that was almost painfully dejected.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/he-blinked-his-eyes-fell-as-he-processed-her-response-then-he-lifted/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“You said yourself that the people of Luna need a revolutionary.” She lifted her chin, holding his gaze. “So I’m going to Luna, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/you-said-yourself-that-the-people-of-luna-need-a-revolutionary-she/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“See? Injustice. Here we are, risking our lives to rescue Kai and this whole planet, and Adri and Pearl get to go to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/see-injustice-here-we-are-risking-our-lives-to-rescue-kai-and-this/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [Her mind emptied of everything but the gusting wind and how fragile Wolf looked in that heartbeat, like one movement could break him open.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/her-mind-emptied-of-everything-but-the-gusting-wind-and-how-fragile/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“I asked you once... if you thought you would ever be willing to wear a crown again. Not as the queen of Luna, but...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/i-asked-you-once-if-you-thought-you-would-ever-be-willing-to-wear-a/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Lunars have the unique ability to not only detect bioelectricity in others, but to also control it. They can manipulate it so that people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/lunars-have-the-unique-ability-to-not-only-detect-bioelectricity-in/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“It's her! Selene! Your Majesty!" Cinder took a step back and felt her serenity slough away, leaving behind the same tension she'd lived with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/it-s-her-selene-your-majesty-cinder-took-a-step-back-and-felt-her/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“What came to mind was a dinosaur. A tiny velociraptor, no bigger than her thumb. Relatively small, bur surprisingly ferocious. When the hasty drawing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/what-came-to-mind-was-a-dinosaur-a-tiny-velociraptor-no-bigger-than/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [Steadying herself with both hands on the table, she managed an awkward bow… 'Your Highness,' she stammered, head lowered... The prince flinched and cast…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/steadying-herself-with-both-hands-on-the-table-she-managed-an-awkward/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [The Snow White the midnight the moon tales of the mechanics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/the-snow-white-the-midnight-the-moon-tales-of-the-mechanics/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Someday soon, I fear the palace will be soaked through with blood and all of Artemisia Lake will be so red, even the Earthens…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/someday-soon-i-fear-the-palace-will-be-soaked-through-with-blood-and/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“No, I'm saving you from your psychotic step-mother.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/no-i-m-saving-you-from-your-psychotic-step-mother/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Hinges squeaked from the back of the house, followed by thumping footsteps and Winter's dreamy voice flowing through the house's narrow halls. "But I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/hinges-squeaked-from-the-back-of-the-house-followed-by-thumping/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“you are important”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/you-are-important/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“The others sat down to watch Iko work. She'd just finished teasing the hair at the crown of Scarlet's head when Scarlet asked, "Why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/the-others-sat-down-to-watch-iko-work-she-d-just-finished-teasing-the/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) [Explore all 423 Marissa Meyer quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) ## More Cinder quotes > [“You said yourself that the people of Luna need a revolutionary.” She lifted her chin, holding his gaze. “So I’m going to Luna, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/you-said-yourself-that-the-people-of-luna-need-a-revolutionary-she/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“See? Injustice. Here we are, risking our lives to rescue Kai and this whole planet, and Adri and Pearl get to go to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/see-injustice-here-we-are-risking-our-lives-to-rescue-kai-and-this/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“It's her! Selene! Your Majesty!" Cinder took a step back and felt her serenity slough away, leaving behind the same tension she'd lived with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/it-s-her-selene-your-majesty-cinder-took-a-step-back-and-felt-her/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Here, I have something for you." "It had better not be an engagement ring." He paused, his lips puckering as if the thought hadn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/here-i-have-something-for-you-it-had-better-not-be-an-engagement-ring/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“...Kamin looked taken aback. In fact, the whole table seemed more than a little surprised. Leaning forward, Cinder spoke very clearly. "I have a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/kamin-looked-taken-aback-in-fact-the-whole-table-seemed-more-than-a/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Cinderella does not represent contemporary girls. Today’s girls are no ‘damsels-in-distress.’ They figure and solve problems, invent solutions, and herald in the new world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tina-sequeira/cinderella-does-not-represent-contemporary-girls-today-s-girls-are-no/) [Tina Sequeira](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tina-sequeira/) > [“Let me guess,” Thorne said. “Breaking and entering?” After a long silence of examining the retracting mechanism, the girl wrinkled her nose. “Two counts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/let-me-guess-thorne-said-breaking-and-entering-after-a-long-silence/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“The appearance of the perfect shoes were met with another round of ahhs , and this time Cinder couldn't contain a chuckle and shake…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/the-appearance-of-the-perfect-shoes-were-met-with-another-round-of/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Cinder massaged her temple. "I'm sorry, Wolf. I don't mean you." She hesitated. "Except...I do, though. Anyone. She was my little sister . How…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/cinder-massaged-her-temple-i-m-sorry-wolf-i-don-t-mean-you-she/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“He leaned forward to inspect her closer. "Is that all hair?" ... Sudden, overwhelming panic clawed up Cress's throat. With a squeak, she ducked…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/he-leaned-forward-to-inspect-her-closer-is-that-all-hair-sudden/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [If I showed you what was in my heart," she said, "it would burn you to a cinder. "I've tried to burn you similarly,"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-adrian/if-i-showed-you-what-was-in-my-heart-she-said-it-would-burn-you-to-a/) [Chris Adrian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-adrian/) > [“It's me, Kai. I'm Princess Selene." - Cinder "This whole time, it was you. - Kai "You're actually taking this better than I thought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/it-s-me-kai-i-m-princess-selene-cinder-this-whole-time-it-was-you-kai/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Excellent," said Cinder, standing up and brushing off her hands. "I was beginning to worry we wouldn't have a pilot for when it's time…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/excellent-said-cinder-standing-up-and-brushing-off-her-hands-i-was/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Cinder made a special trip to Paris for this girl?" "My logic aptitude suggests this is a possibility." "What else do we know about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/cinder-made-a-special-trip-to-paris-for-this-girl-my-logic-aptitude/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [“Not doing pictures these days?... How very Lunar of you." - Jacin "Very wanted criminal of me too." - Cinder”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/not-doing-pictures-these-days-how-very-lunar-of-you-jacin-very-wanted/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) [Browse all 97 Cinder quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cinder/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“While Cinder walked down the endless black-carpeted aisle, she tried not to think of all the people in the universe who were watching her. She tried not to wonder whether they were judging her or admiring her, afraid of her or impressed by her. She tried not to guess how many saw her as the lost princess or a pathetic cyborg, a vigilante or a criminal, a revolutionary or a mechanic that had gotten lucky. She tried not to think about the smear of yellow frosting on her priceless gown. Kai and Winter stood at the altar encased in the light of glowing orbs, Winter holding the queen's crown and Kai a ceremonial scepter. Together, they represented how both Earth and Luna would accept her right to rule. The rest of her friends were in their reserved seats in the front row. Thorne, on the aisle, held out his hand as Cinder passed. She snorted and accepted the high five before floating up the stairs. Winter winked at her. \"Well done, Cinder-friend. You didn't trip. The hard part is over.\" Kai gave a smile meant for only Cinder, even though the entire universe was watching. \"She's right, that really is the hard part.\" \"Thank the stars,\" Cinder whispered back. \"Now let's get this over with.\" Taking a long shaky breath, she turned to face her kingdom.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Marissa Meyer" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-black-carpeted-aisle-she-tried/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Cinder" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-black-carpeted-aisle-she-tried/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b99/marissa-meyer-586_cinder_while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-bla_2273199.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b99/marissa-meyer-586_cinder_while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-bla_2273199.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b99/marissa-meyer-586_cinder_while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-bla_2273199.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“While Cinder walked down the endless black-carpeted aisle, she tried not to think of all the people in the…” — Marissa Meyer", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Marissa Meyer", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“While Cinder walked down the endless...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-black-carpeted-aisle-she-tried/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/while-cinder-walked-down-the-endless-black-carpeted-aisle-she-tried/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```