Rosalina was praised for such a moving speech and solidified her place among the elite. Just after the speech Edmund announced her official status as an adviser to the King and named her Duchess of Cardiff along with three estates. Rosalina and Rosette presented plans for hospitals, orphanages, almshouses and homeless shelters to the King. He agreed to all of the plans and demanded the nobility to contribute to the cost. At first they grumbled and complained, that was until the King said either they volunteer or they will be stripped of the titles and wealth to fund the improvements of the Kingdom. They became a lot more generous.
Together, the two women and the King chose unused estates for the hospitals and shelters and old unused churches for the alms houses. The construction projects created jobs for the locals and helped the business owners in the area increase their incomes. The Kingdom seemed happier and on the right path. The next step that Rosalina suggested was to open universities to allow anyone in the Kingdom a chance at an education.
Edmund thought it was a great idea but knew there would be opposition to allowing the poor to learn with the rich and the higher education of women. Rosalina reminded him of changing the world by changing how they live in it. He agreed and the plans went ahead. As expected the King started receiving complaints about allowing the poor and women to learn alongside the aristocratic men. He met the complaints with what Rosalina had said to him, " We can not hope to change anything if we do not change ourselves first." this seemed to silence them, at least around the King.
Rosalina, Bethany and Rosaline traveled to the Mercia university to welcome the first women to ever attend. There was an air of excitement and apprehension among the small group of young women walking through the doors. Rosalina tried to calm their fears, " Do not be afraid. You are a part of history. This is an opportunity to show the doubters that we're serious and women are just as capable as men if not more. You are not abandoning your families or your duties. You have a responsibility to make a better future for yourselves and your families. This will help with that future." she said. The women seemed slightly less tense but not completely relaxed. After taking the inaugural women class to the University they met the Queen at the Alms house.
When they returned to the palace that evening a feast had been prepared to celebrate Rosalina's birthday which she happened to share with Rosaline. Both the Princess and Lady Rosalina were treated with the highest regard and given many gifts. The court enjoyed a feast of foods from Alcantara and music played in the Royal court of Alcantara as well. Roseline taught them dances she learned growing up. Rosette was so happy to reconnect with her home and with her daughter she sent away. The feast was bittersweet, because in just days the young Princess would be on her way to Iona to get married. They did not allow her leaving to spoil the fun they were having. As a wedding gift the King gave the couple an estate close to the border of the two countries. Edmund also ordered his best friend, Edric, to escort the Princess to her wedding and to represent the Mercia Royal family at the wedding.
The day came and was met with forced smiles and tears. The King and Queen had only just got their daughter back; they were not ready to let her go again. Bethany and Rosalina did not want their friend and sister to leave either. Edric swore with this life that she would be kept safe during the journey. " Visit as soon as possible. We can not wait to see you and to meet your husband." Rosette said, hugging her daughter. " We will visit soon, Mamma," the young woman promised through her tears.
" You will always be welcome here. Come home anytime you want. You can also tell your husband that I wish for a state of perpetual peace and love between our countries." Edmund hugged her. " Thank you, Papa. I will relay the message. I hope to return soon." she replied. " Write to me everyday." Rosalina said as they embraced. " At least once a week, I promise." Rosaline amended. " I guess I can accept that." Rosalina smiled. "I will miss you, sister. Write often but visit more." Bethany requested. " As often as possible." Rosaline answered. They all said one last goodbye before Edric led the Princess to the carriage. He mounted his horse and led the procession through the gates and out of the city.
The rest of the day was spent in a somber mood. Smiles were few and far between and did last long. That was until Lady Lucilla entered the Queen's sitting room loaded down with flowers. The other ladies unburdened her. " I thought we needed some smiles and since we are not present at the wedding we could still celebrate it." she announced. Everyone looked at each other, not really sure. " I agree, Rosaline would not want us spending the time she is away and especially her wedding day sad. We should be happy, she had come to really like the prince through their letters. Yes we miss her but she is still in our hearts and just across the border. We will see her soon." Rosalina explained. " Rosalina is right. Let us celebrate the future of this young couple." Rosette stood and agreed.
Everyone else smiled and they started weaving the flowers in their hair and making flower jewelry. The King arrived to find them laughing and flowers flying around the room. He looked confused until Rosalina put a flower Livery Collar around his neck, " We decided to celebrate for Rosaline instead of being sad." she announced. He just smiled, it was a good idea to be happy.