Alessia sat in front of her mirror, applying the finishing touches of her make-up. She went for a more natural look, as anything too showy wouldn't be suitable for someone of her stature. As she was applying her lipstick, the doors to her room burst open and in walked her mother, a look of pure anger on her face. Alessa turned in her chair and her expression turned to one of confusion when she saw the look on her mother's face.

"We need to have a very serious talk, young lady," Regina said harshly as she stepped towards her daughter, a letter in hand. She held the envelope out for Alessia to see. "Want to explain to me what this is?"

Alessia's blue eyes scanned over the envelope and lit up when she saw that it was from the International School of Dance. "Well, what does it say?" she asked as she stood. She approached her mother who quickly jerked the letter out of reach from her daughter.

"Does it matter what it says?" Regina questioned. "Regardless of whether or not you got in, you're not going."

Alessia felt her heart sink but kept her expression neutral. She knew something like this would happen, but she was counting on getting the letter first so she could attempt to sweet talk her parents into letting her attend.

"What were you thinking?" Regina pressed on. "That you'd move away to England and become a professional dancer?" She asked as she folded her arms across her chest. "You're a princess that would be most unbecoming of you."

Maybe I don't want to be a princess, Alessia thought. "I don't see why I can't just go, even Anson went on to university and he drank his days away there. You at least know I'll take this seriously."

"And will you learn anything of substance there?" Regina retorted. "Your brother took political science, to aid him in the running of the country. You should be doing the same, or taking public relations, or history, not dance so you can frolic around the entire time."

Alessia scowled and looked away from her mother, of course she couldn't go. Why did she even bother applying?

"Can't I at least know if I even made it in?" Alessia asked, she wondered if she actually had the potential to go professional. Besides, she had worked hard on her audition, she at least wanted to know if she made it in.

Reigna shook her head. "I hardly see how that matters," she nearly snapped. She narrowed her gaze on her daughter. "Did you apply to any other schools?"

Alessia bit her lip. "No, I didn't."

"Well, you're going to," Regina said sternly. "You will apply to the top schools in our nation, and once accepted you will choose one to attend. I don't care if I must sit over your shoulder the entire time, you will apply."

"You don't need to sit over my shoulder, I'll do it." Alessia said as she crossed her arms.

"Good," Regina said with pursed lips. She then softened her expression and rested her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "I know I'm being harsh on you, but it's for your own good. I mean, we wouldn't want you to become the laughingstock of the nation, would we? With the damage your brother's done to our reputation we can't afford anymore blows."

"I know, I'm sorry, mom," Alessia relented.

"Good, I'm glad we could see eye to eye," Regina said. "But I think it's time you put that silly hobby behind you."

"You want me to quit dance?" Alessia asked incredulously. Does she seriously expect me to do that? She thought.

"You're a little old for it, my darling," Regina said. She grabbed her daughter's hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Besides, in no time you'll be off to college, engaged, and have a whole life ahead of you. Do you really think you can afford any distractions?"

Alessia frowned and looked away, she knew her mother was right. Hadn't she just lectured Anson about taking his role more seriously? "Fine, I'll quit," She murmured. She knew it was time to step up, she knew that whatever marriage her parents worked out for her would be for a much-needed alliance, and could she really let her entire country down just to pursue her dreams? Her life had never been hers and never would be, she knew she'd have to sacrifice her happiness for her people, even if she didn't want to.