Chapter Forty-Five
Clare's POV — Words of Recognition
The streets of the French town were still busy the next morning.
Women from Wilson were preparing for the journey back home. Some packed their belongings while others spoke excitedly among themselves.
The decision had already been made.
The Queen had cancelled the law.
Women in Wilson would be allowed to study law again.
But the condition still stood.
I would come to Wilson to study law there.
I stood near Aunt Laura's house watching the preparations when a familiar voice spoke behind me.
"You caused quite a storm."
I turned.
Daniel stood there with a small smile.
"Daniel?"
"You didn't expect me to hear about this?" he asked lightly. "Half of Europe is talking about it already."
I laughed softly, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"I didn't plan for it to become this big."
Daniel shook his head in admiration.
"You stood against a queen and defended an entire group of people."
His voice grew sincere.
"That's not something many people could do."
For a moment, I didn't know how to respond.
Then footsteps approached behind us.
The King and Queen of France arrived with a small group of royal attendants.
Unlike the Queen of Wilson, their expressions were warm.
"So this is the young woman we have heard about," the King of France said kindly.
I bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty."
The Queen of France smiled gently.
"You have shown remarkable courage."
Her words surprised me.
"I only spoke what felt right."
The King nodded.
"And that is exactly what a good lawyer should do."
Daniel glanced at me with a teasing smile.
"See? Even kings agree."
I sighed playfully.
"You're enjoying this too much."
Nearby, many of the women from Wilson were gathering together.
Some of them approached me one by one.
"Thank you, Clare."
"We wouldn't have had the courage without you."
"We will never forget what you did."
Hearing those words made my heart feel both proud and nervous.
Because I knew this was only the beginning.
Soon the carriages were prepared.
The women of Wilson would return to their kingdom.
This time, not as silent citizens—but as people who had demanded their right to learn.
Noah, Emma, and Aunt Laura stood beside me as we watched the preparations.
"You're really going back with them," Noah said.
"Yes," I replied.
"But only for now."
I smiled slightly.
"My winter vacation will end soon."
Emma raised an eyebrow.
"So you're still coming back to France?"
"Of course," I said.
"I still have two more years of high school here."
Aunt Laura nodded proudly.
"That's my clever niece."
The road to Wilson stretched ahead once again.
But this journey felt different.
Because this time, we weren't leaving to protest.
We were returning with victory.
And somewhere deep inside, I knew the Queen of Wilson would be waiting for me.
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