The dying Konstantinos X appointed his wife Eudokia to succeed him, with their sons Michael VII and Konstantios, as both their nurse and their guardian. She shaped Michael's character and quietly led him into all the activities befitting an emperor. She often entrusted him to Psellos and urged him to advise him and instruct him in his duties. She would sit in public between her sons Michael and Konstantios, and they were almost rooted to the spot in fear and reverence for her. In this formation they would sit for election of magistrates, investigations of civil lawsuits, and audiences of ambassadors. Like this they went out in the regular processions. Psellos often saw Michael, when he could have spoken in her presence, yet remain silent as if unable to speak. Although he was a capable young man, he held back from imperial affairs. Eudokia behaved modestly, without excess in dress or public appearances. She familiarised herself with everything and as far as possible took part in all kinds of imperial business. Psellos once saw her in church behaving devoutly, and was moved to pray she might enjoy power for ever. She reproached him, that his prayer was a curse and said: "May I not enjoy the empire for so long that I die empress". After that he respected her as a superior being