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

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

After class, the students headed to the student lounge for lunch, where a personal chef prepared a delectable spread of dishes. They enjoyed a variety of delicacies, including savory crepes filled with roasted vegetables, aromatic jasmine rice, and a mouthwatering fruit salad, bringing out the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Faith was pleasantly surprised by the personal chef's creations, but she brushed off her amazement, assuming it was just another one of the academy's extravagant amenities.

As the students began to eat, chatter filled the lounge. Daiyu, intrigued by Prince Andrew's unexpected showcase of knowledge in class, couldn't resist commenting to Antheia, "Who knew your brother had such insights about the essence of our abilities?"

Antheia smiled proudly, nodding in agreement. "I know, right?" She said "He might act all nonchalant, but deep down, he's always been a curious learner. Even back at the palace, he would surprise us with his observations about the world" Antheia smiled, her eyes filled with nostalgia and then she continued, "He might not admit it, but I think he genuinely enjoys delving into mysteries and exploring different aspects of life."

"It's interesting how he seems to hide his true interests behind that demeanor. I wonder if there's more to him than meets the eye." Daiyu said.

Antheia chuckled softly. "Oh, undoubtedly. Andrew has many layers, like an intricate tapestry. You just have to find the right thread to unravel his true self. He can be a challenge, but he's also fiercely protective and fiercely loyal to those he cares about."

Faith, who had been listening to their conversation, couldn't help but be intrigued by the complexity of Prince Andrew's character. She noticed that he was sitting by himself at a corner table, his eyes locked on a book in front of him, barely touching his food.

As Faith observed Prince Andrew's focused demeanor, a small sense of kinship formed within her. She, too, was obsessed with books and had always found solace and fascination in the world of written knowledge. Seeing him engrossed in his reading gave her a subtle sense of connection, even if their interactions had been filled with snark and sarcasm.

Curiosity sparked within her, and she couldn't help but wonder what kind of books he delved into. Were they historical tomes, mystical adventures, or scientific discoveries? A part of her yearned to strike up a conversation about books, to discover if they shared similar literary interests beyond their Aces abilities.

But for now, she decided to observe from afar, content in the knowledge that she wasn't the only bookworm in the academy. Perhaps, in time, their shared passion for books might lead to a unique camaraderie, bridging the gap between their personalities and unraveling the mysteries of the snarky prince behind the book's cover.

On the other hand, as Prince Andrew immersed himself in the world of his book, he felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere around him. A tingling sensation pricked at the back of his neck, as if someone's gaze was fixated on him once more. His instincts kicked in, prompting him to glance up from the pages, and there it was – Faith's eyes were locked onto his.

Their gazes met, and there was a hint of something more in the air. It was as if Faith's curiosity had reached out to him, and he couldn't help but feel a certain level of intrigue in return. He wondered what thoughts were running through her mind, what mysteries she might be unraveling about the enigmatic prince sitting in the corner.

For a brief moment, their eyes held each other's in a silent dance, an unspoken exchange of recognition that they were both more than the surface of their respective abilities and social facades. In Faith's gaze, he saw that same kinship, that underlying connection of two individuals who shared a common passion for books and the knowledge they contained.

Though his demeanor remained composed, a subtle quirk of his eyebrow betrayed his acknowledgment of the moment. He felt a flicker of amusement mixed with curiosity, wondering what she might do next. Would she break the gaze and return to her own affairs, or would she dare to take a step further and approach him?

As the seconds ticked by, the atmosphere between them held a unique energy – a spark of curiosity and an unspoken challenge, as if their eyes were engaging in a silent conversation. Prince Andrew found himself drawn to this intriguing connection. He leaned back slightly, allowing the moment to linger a little longer, wondering how this newfound dynamic would unfold between them.

As Faith observed Prince Andrew's focused demeanor, a small smile played on his lips, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue. It was as if he knew she was trying to figure him out, and he found it amusing. Their silent challenge continued until Faith broke eye contact, her attention drawn back to her friends as Daiyu called her name once again.

"We're going to return to our dorms. Our next class is with Madame Lavigne, so we need to prepare ourselves," Antheia stated, breaking the momentary connection between Faith and Prince Andrew.

Faith nodded, offering a small smile to her friends. "Right, let's get ready. I'm curious to see what Madame Lavigne has in store for us," she said, her mind momentarily lingering on the enigmatic prince before refocusing on the tasks ahead.

As they made their way back to their dorms, the chatter and laughter among the students filled the air, a sense of camaraderie beginning to develop among the new Aces. The academy was proving to be a place of endless possibilities and discoveries, and each day brought new challenges and moments of connection.