Chapter 51: Training
After that, the next couple of days were filled with silence in the classrooms, broken only by the sound of scribbling quills and turning papers.
As Evelyn wrote the answer to the last question, the bell rang, signaling students to stop writing. The professor in charge walked around, collecting the test papers from each student before exiting the classroom.
Eve finally sighed in relief at the thought of tests finally being over and raised a hand to massage her strained neck from sitting stiffly. She turned to look around and saw Ivan already walking out of the class. She pursed her lips, thinking about how they hadn’t interacted since the last library conversation, like he was upset with her and deliberately avoided her.
’Well, what are you worried about? Isn’t that what you wanted in the first place?’ she thought to herself as Cece and Edward walked to her desk. Cece asked, "So, how did it go?"
"Huh?" Eve was pulled back to her surroundings by Cece’s voice.
"The test?" Cece reminded her.
"Oh yes, I think it went well. I think I covered everything that was on the test today. What about you two?" Eve asked them.
"Good, but boring." Cece said with a shrug.
"I don’t think Lady Cece would take it kindly if I performed below average" Edward answered with an awkward chuckle. Cece rolled her eyes at him, earning a soft chuckle from Eve.
Then Cece asked, "Are you ready for tomorrow?"
Eve gave her a slight nod and smiled, "Yes! I am actually excited!" referring to the training session.
Cece smirked at her playfully and asked, "I meant the second half of the day, the market fair."
"Oh that..." Eve suddenly remembered that she agreed to go there in Oliver’s company and somehow it dimmed the excitement in her chest. She straightened in her chair, trying to smooth out the dip in her expression and said in a forced optimistic tone, "Yes..that also." Her lips curved in what she hoped was a convincing smile, which both Cece and Edward saw through. Still, neither said a word and exchanged a brief, knowing glance that made the air around her awkward.
Before Eve could think of anything to change the topic, Cece caught a slight movement of a figure approaching them and said, "Looks like your admirer cannot wait for tomorrow either." she breathed quickly.
Before Eve could ask who she meant, Oliver appeared behind them and said, "Your Highness, how was your test?"
Eve realised it was Oliver, Cece had been referring to and stiffened before responding politely, "It went well, Lord Oliver. How did it go for you?"
Oliver smiled brightly and replied, "It went well for me, Your Highness. I hope you’re ready for the fair tomorrow?" He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly before adding, "I mean, it will be a good way to unwind after this stressful week."
Eve offered him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes and nodded slightly, "I look forward to it. Cece and Lord Edward will also be joining us, I hope that’s alright with you?"
Oliver, clearly surprised by the additional company, flattered for a second before smoothing out his expression and responded with a warm smile, "Of course! The more the merrier." He turned to Cece and Edward and gave them a small bow. "I look forward to both of your company as well."
They gave him a small smile and saw how the guy was trying so hard to win Eve’s heart. Though Cece didn’t have any problem with Oliver, she could only feel sorry for him as she could clearly see how Eve didn’t hold even a morsel of interest in him and it made her wonder why her friend would go so far to accept his company when she felt nothing towards him.
She wanted to ask Evelyn about it later, but she held back, deciding not to pry too much into her personal life.
...
Saturday arrived quickly, Eve, Cece and Edward chose a secluded spot in the forest area in the academy premises to start with her basic training. They were surrounded with lush greenery, near a small river that flowed from the hill where the academy stood, eventually joining the vast sea below.
Ivan and Damien had disappeared after the test, when Eve asked about them, Cece responded, "They said they are busy with some official work so they won’t be joining us today."
Though their absence left her a little deflated, her mind drifted to one icy prince but she reminded herself, ’He’s the crown prince of this kingdom, of course he has more important things to do than linger here.’ But the thought didn’t ease the tight pull in her chest.
Not wanting to think about him anymore she replied, "Right! Let’s get started!" turning to Edward and waited for his instructions.
He nodded and said, "Your Highness, today we’ll practice calling your power and circulating it slowly through your body at will. Once you achieve this, you’ll gradually be able to control it over time. For now, sit comfortably on the ground, cross your legs...and close your eyes."
She did as he instructed and Cece took a seat on a rock near one of the trees, observing them with her sharp eyes.
Evelyn shut her eyes, and heard Edward’s calm and measured voice, "Now, listen to the nature around you. Then, slowly, try to focus your thoughts."
The moment she tried, his face appeared, sharp jawline, storm-lit eyes, the ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips. Ivan, the image felt so vivid it was as if he’d leaned in, breathing the same air, like a shadow brushing against her skin. Her heart jolted, breaking her concentration and her eyes snapped open.
Edward who saw this said in a patient tone, "It’s always difficult in the beginning but you must learn to gather your thoughts, then quiet them, in order hear the magic that flows in your blood."
She gave him a nod and closed her eyes again, this time bracing herself against the possibility of him appearing unbidden in her mind.
"Now," Edward continued, "take a couple of slow, deep breaths.... and listen to the silent hum inside you."
Eve struggled to concentrate as Ivan’s face kept intruding into her thoughts, but she willed herself to continue to keep following Edward’s instructions. With the locket still around her neck, the task was harder, but she knew she cannot remove her locket yet, not in front of Edward. As he was not privy to what the royal family of Luminear had done to suppress her powers. As far as he knew, she had only awakened her powers randomly and now was at a beginner’s level. But Ivan had told her she could still practice, as long as it wasn’t one of those sudden outbursts of her powers, she could learn to channel it in a controlled manner. Until then, the locket stays on.
She continued to concentrate, sitting there for a long time until, after a good two hours, she finally felt that same faint sensation in her body. As she focused on it, a soft hum seemed to rise from within and the sensation grew a little stronger.
While Eve’s eyes remained shut to the world outside, Cece and Edward kept a close watch on her every movement. It was Cece who picked up on Evelyn’s slightly increased heartbeat and informed Edward on what she heard.
Edward spoke in a calm, low voice, careful not to break Evelyn’s concentration, "Focus on that faint sensation in your blood and will it to flow steadily through your entire body..."
Hearing him, Eve concentrated harder, beads of sweat began to form on her forehead but she didn’t stop and slowly pushed herself to let that humming energy flow in her entire body. As she did, a faint golden light started to radiate from her body.
Watching this, Cece and Edward lips curved into a soft smile. A gentle breeze blew and Eve suddenly felt lighter, as if she were floating. She felt every single cell in her body come alive and she gently opened her eyes and saw a faint glow surrounding her. Her eyes widened in awe before she lifted her head to find Edward and Cece smiling at her with quiet pride in their eyes.
"Well done, Your Highness," Edward said, clearly pleased. "I haven’t seen anyone achieve this first step as quickly as you did."
Cece beamed at her, "You did great Evelyn! I knew you could do it."
Evelyn smiled at both of them and said shyly, "Thank you!" Then she looked at Edward and asked, "How much time does it usually take for one to do this?"
"Usually," Edward chuckled softly and then said in a tone of utmost admiration. "People struggle for weeks, sometimes months, but you did it in under two hours. That’s an achievement worth noting, Your Highness."
She gave him a radiant smile and replied, "It wouldn’t have been possible without your guidance, Lord Edward, I’m truly grateful to you."
