The Commoner ⚜ Ch. 1

Miss Claire Hudson of Damariscotta Maine of The United States of America

Arts Academy, year one - 15

✧❈✧

Claire liked to dance on the boardwalk to the lighthouse. It connected directly to her house, so many hours of dance practice had happened there outside of dance studios.

As the sun rose, the mist was slowly burning off, offering a better view of the boats in the harbor, their sails going up to start morning fishing. Her blonde hair was blown by a cool ocean breeze as she danced with no music. The constant beam of light circling above her helped keep time.

Through the quiet sounds of the morning, a shout suddenly pierced through.

"It's here!"

Stopping before a leap, Claire looked back to the house. Through the mist she could see the mail truck driving away. Excited, she ran down the boardwalk to the point that it transitioned to their deck.

"Are you sure?" she called to her mother, leaning on the railing.

The woman nodded eagerly. "It says RA in gold lettering, it must be! I'll be right up!"

Claire ran through the house to the entry, opening the door just as her mother reached it. Her father practically skidded to a stop right behind her.

Two pairs of bright blue eyes looked at the envelopes. "Is it here?"

Mrs. Hudson held it out to her daughter and bit her lip.

Taking it quickly, she ripped it open and took out the letter. She took a deep breath and began reading before her eyes could scan ahead.

"To Miss Claire Hudson,

We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance into the ballet program at the exclusive Royal Arts Academy in Vanera, the Kingdom of Andorra." She nearly dropped the letter as her parents grabbed onto her.

"You were accepted!" her mother shouted.

Her father kissed her forehead. "Congrats sweetheart!"

"I did it," she breathed, a bit numb and overwhelmed.

"Oh keep reading!" Mrs. Hudson urged.

"The ballet program has thousands of global applications, and you will be pleased to know that your acceptance is the first from America.

We are also pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the theatre program.

The Headmistress Bartolini has authorized you to take a full course of classes at the Academy for your three years. Because royals and nobility get preference, your classes for this term have been chosen for you:

1. Maths & Science

2. Latin & Language

3. Poise & Etiquette

4. Crownology & Gemology

5. Elective ~ Ballet

6. Elective ~ Theatre

Orientation day is September 1st. This letter will serve as your entrance ticket. Bring everything necessary for one year of schooling. Optional return home for winter holidays.

Congratulations and best of luck at the Royal Academies."

Claire could hardly hold onto the letter in her excitement. "I'm really going!"

Her mother's eyes were wide and a bit misty. "You're going to Europe!"

She smiled sympathetically. "Yes." As they hugged, the realization fully hit her.

She was good enough. They wanted her.

In Andorra.