Coming back to the present.
Evelyn's was snapped back to the present when she felt a quiet presence behind her and she knew who it was without even needing to look. Not too far away from her stood Septimus who didn't look aged at all and had a calming aura around him. His white robe flowing behind him with his ever so vigilant silver eyes and long silver hair.
Though human, they had been bestowed with the gifts from gods to a longer life and power of light within them. Power to heal and dispel evil forces to protect themselves after the great war. This power was not granted to everyone but only those who held pure hearts and later these gifts were passed on through their bloodlines.
These special types of humans were called Lumens.
It was not a surprise that he was here because the garden was located in the east wing of the Palace of Light where the Goddess of Light's temple was located.
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 because he knew how much the princess struggled throughout her life after her mother passed away. He always watched and guided her as her own. But he was also one of the only people who knew what destiny had planned for this child of God. '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 stared at Septimus with her deep blue eyes and bowed to him with respect as he was one of the only people who she was able to talk to after her mother's handmaiden Clair who passed away two years ago.
It was Septimus who guided and taught her things in the palace. She absorbed Septimus's wise words and said "I will see this situation in a more positive light. You are right that I do need to see the world out there but I worry that my powers are not enough to defend myself should any danger arrive."
Septimus briefly glanced at the amber locket that the princess alway wore and knew that it suppressed her true nature. As much as he wanted to remove the locket, he also knew it was one of the only things protecting her from others prying eyes out there.
"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 of the palace's window stood King Solan who watched his daughter's departing carriage leaving the palace around till it was not in sight anymore. His expression was cold and detached. After a few more seconds he turned around and left with his royal blue robe brushing the cold marble floor.