Coming back to the present.
Evelyn was snapped out of her thoughts when she sensed a quiet presence behind her, one she recognized without even needing to turn around. Not too far away stood Septimus, who looked as if he hadn't aged at all. A calming aura surrounded him, his white robe flowing behind him, along with his long silver hair. His ever-vigilant eyes watching her calmly.
Though human, they had been bestowed with gifts from the god, gifts of extended life and power of light within them. The power to heal and dispel evil forces had been granted to help them protect themselves after the great war. However, this gift was not given to everyone, but only to those with pure hearts. In time, these blessings were passed down through their bloodlines.
These special types of humans were called Lumens.
It was not a surprise that Septimus was here because the garden was located in the east wing of the Palace of Light, where the Temple of Goddess of Light stood.
She turned around for him to say "Your Highness, I heard that you will be leaving at noon today for the Academy. I thought you would be busy preparing for your departure."
She smiled bitterly and said "What I really need to prepare for is my mind. I am sure they have already packed all my belongings, to eagerly send me away from this place which is supposed to be my home."
Septimus stepped closer with a solemn look in his eyes, for he knew how much the princess struggled throughout her life after her mother passed away.
He always watched over her and guided her as if she was his own. But he was also one of the few who knew what destiny had planned for this child of the Gods. 'Maybe this turning point in her life will lead her to her fate' he thought to himself.
"Maybe you can use this opportunity to grow stronger, Your Highness and see the world out there with your own eyes. Remember what I have always told you that nothing is a coincidence in this world. I have faith in you and your abilities that you would be able to overcome any challenges life throws at you. Goddess of Light is always watching over you." Septimus said some words of encouragement to uplift her mood a little.
She gazed at Septimus with her deep blue eyes, the weight of unspoken gratitude shimmering in them, and bowed her head with quiet reverence. He was one of the only people who had ever truly listened to her after Clair, her mother's handmaiden, who passed away two years ago. The palace felt even colder since.
It was Septimus who had become her guiding light in the shadowed halls of her childhood, the one constant when everything else fell apart.
Letting his comforting words settle in her heart, she spoke softly, "I'll try to see this in a more positive light. You're right… maybe I do need to see the world with my own eyes. But still…" her voice faltered for a moment, "a part of me is scared. What if I can't protect myself if danger finds me?"
Septimus briefly glanced at the amber locket the princess always wore, and knowing it suppressed her true nature. As much as he wished to remove it, he also understood that it was one of the only things protecting her from prying eyes beyond the palace walls.
"Remember to never separate that locket away from you princess and keep honing your self defence skills whenever you get time. This is the way to keep you away from danger."
Evelyn nodded and said "I will keep that in mind. Please take care of yourself."
"You too, Your Highness. May the Goddess of Light guide your way." bowed Septimus and left.
Noon came quickly and Evelyn gave a last glance to the Palace of Light with her lonely eyes and then to Queen Elara and her son Prince Ryan who stood at the entrance of the palace with a smug look. Her father was nowhere in sight.
Without saying a word, she bowed out of courtesy and turned around to climb inside her carriage and left the palace gate. Another carriage followed behind her with her luggage and a few sets of guards on the horses to escort her to the academy.
At the second floor window of the palace stood King Solan watching his daughter's departing carriage until it disappeared from sight. His expression was cold and detached. After a few more seconds, he turned around and walked off, his royal blue robe sweeping across the cold marble floor.