The Academy For The Aces: BOOK 1 OF THE ACE SERIES

Chaper 9

Chapter 9

After Antheia had completed her tour of the school, the girls returned to their dorms in preparation for the day ahead. As the clock ticked, Faith found herself pacing outside her dorm room door, nervously anticipating the encounter with the enigmatic Prince Andrew inside. With each step she took, her heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She took a deep breath multiple times, trying to muster up the courage to face the royal challenge that awaited her beyond the door. Her fingertips brushed over the door's handle, trembling slightly with anticipation.

"Alright, Faith. He's just a student who happens to be royalty, it's not like he can get you expelled or anything," Faith said to herself, attempting to reassure her racing thoughts.

"Is that a challenge, Holmes?" The familiar voice said behind her, making Faith swiftly turn around. Her eyes widened in shock, both in confusion and surprise. Prince Andrew, on the other hand, happened to catch sight of Faith's internal "dilemma." Though he didn't show it, a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.

"No, absolutely not, Your Highness," she replied, her voice laced with a tad bit of sarcasm, "how can a peasant like me challenge you."

"Oh, don't worry," Andrew replied with a smirk, "I'm always up for a challenge, even from the most sarcastic of peasants."

Faith chuckled, trying to maintain her composure, but a flicker of annoyance showed in her eyes. "Ohhh, you're quite the confident one, aren't you, Your Highness? Let's see if that confidence remains when you're facing a challenge you can't escape," she quipped back with a playful grin, eager to throw some of his sass back at him.

Andrew takes a step forward, his expression determined. "Move aside, Holmes. I don't have time for games," he says, his voice firm but tinged with a hint of frustration.

Faith muttered through gritted teeth,  "Sure," reluctantly stepping aside to let Prince Andrew pass. As he walked past her, she couldn't help but roll her eyes, still irritated by his snarky remarks. She followed behind him as he made his way to their dorm. Once inside, he sat on his bed, and his hand held the Book of Arden. Faith walked over to him and looked at him skeptically.

"You still have the book?" Faith questioned, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Um, Prince Andrew, hello?" Faith tentatively spoke up, her curiosity getting the better of her. She took a step closer, trying to gauge his reaction. "I notice that you still have the book... the one from the archives. What's so intriguing about it? You don't strike me as someone into fairytales and myths." Her tone was a mix of curiosity and mild suspicion, as she was genuinely puzzled by his interest in the mysterious book.

"Oh no, you've discovered my hidden passion for fairytales," Andrew retorted sarcastically, not bothering to look up at Faith. His tone was laced with sarcasm, and he met her gaze with a playful glint in his sapphire eyes. "Or perhaps I'm just intrigued by the audacity of someone daring enough to challenge me." He smirks, seemingly amused by the whole situation, showing little regard for the rules they've broken in the process.

"Save the theatrics, Your Highness," Faith retorted, her annoyance evident in her voice. "I couldn't care less about challenging you or your royal status. All I want is to know the truth behind Arden and its connection to my grandfather's disappearance." She crossed her arms, unimpressed by Andrew's snarky attitude, determined not to be intimidated by his royal persona.

Finally looking up at Faith, Andrew's sapphire eyes pierced through her with a hint of curiosity. "You're quite the persistent one, aren't you?" he remarked, his tone still laced with sarcasm. "Fine, if you must know, I've been trying to decipher the secrets of Arden myself. But let me be clear, this is not some fairy tale adventure. It's dangerous, and meddling with it could have consequences you can't even fathom." He leaned back, studying Faith's reaction, waiting to see how she'll respond to his warning.

Faith's excitement quickly faded as she registered Andrew's dismissive response. Disappointment washed over her features, but she didn't let it deter her determination. She crossed her arms, trying to hide her frustration, and took a deep breath to steady herself.

"Fine," she replied, her voice steady despite the twinge of annoyance. "I don't need your help anyway." Her words carried a hint of defiance as she turned away from him, masking her disappointment with a show of independence.

Deep down, she had hoped that Andrew would be an ally in her quest to uncover the secrets of Arden, but his response made it clear that she was on her own. Despite feeling discouraged, Faith's determination remained steadfast, and she was resolved to follow the trail of clues on her own.