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

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

As Faith entered the dorm room, there was no sign of Prince Andrew, which wasn't surprising considering he had mentioned he wouldn't be there often. However, her eyes caught sight of something intriguing on his desk—the book of Arden. Despite trying to convince herself to ignore it, curiosity got the best of her, and she found herself standing at his table. Picking up the book, she noticed it already had a bookmark. Opening it, she was surprised to find herself on the same page that had captivated her before—the tale of the King of Beasts.

Lost in the words of the ancient legend, Faith felt a sense of connection to the story, as if it held some significance to her journey.

CHAPTER 34: King of Beasts

In the ancient chronicles of Arden, the legend of the King of Beasts stands as a testament to boundless power and authority. The awe-inspiring infinity symbol adorns the majestic being—the mark of unyielding dominion.

The King's rule extends over the four mystical realms of Arden, each governed by unique magical beings. In the Elven Realm, the King embodies the grace and agility of the elves, moving with the swiftness of a whispered breeze. His footsteps echo softly in the woodland, a testament to his profound connection with the ethereal realm.

The Nymph's Realm flourishes under the watchful gaze of the King, who wields the healing power of the fairies. His touch can mend wounds and rejuvenate life, instilling a sense of vitality that cascades through the realm like a gentle stream.

In the Fairies Realm, the King is revered as the very essence of nature's harmony. Creatures of the forest flock to him, knowing his presence brings balance and tranquility. He embodies the nurturing spirit, guiding every living being to coexist in harmony.

The Dark Realm, often veiled in mystery, falls under the King's watchful eye as well. There, he masters the art of wielding darkness as a cloak of shadow, moving undetected through the enigmatic depths. He stands as a guardian of the secrets hidden in the shadows, preserving the equilibrium between light and darkness.

The King's power is a convergence of all the majestic creatures that thrive within Arden. He inherits the swiftness and agility of the Elves, the healing touch of the Fairies, the—

Just as she is engrossed in the tale, the door clicks open, and Faith quickly drops the book, pretending to dust the table instead.

Prince Andrew steps into the room, his eyes narrowing slightly as he catches sight of Faith. He lifts a brow and asks, "What are you doing?"

Faith tries her best to appear casual, her heart still racing from the close call. "Oh, hey there," she says, trying to keep her tone light. "I, uh, just noticed a bit of dust on your desk, so I thought I'd give it a quick wipe."

Prince Andrew looks at her skeptically, clearly not buying her explanation. "Dusting my desk, huh?" he replies, crossing his arms. "That's an interesting way to spend your time."

Inwardly, Faith cringes, knowing her excuse sounds flimsy at best. She quickly tries to come up with something more convincing. "Well, you know, I've always been a bit of a neat freak," she says with a half-hearted smile. "Can't stand a dusty surface."

Andrew's expression softens slightly, and he lets out a small chuckle. "Is that so?" he says, raising an eyebrow. "Well, I guess we all have our quirks."

Faith feels a sense of relief that he doesn't seem too suspicious, but she can't shake the feeling that he saw through her feeble attempt at dusting. "Yeah, exactly," she replies, hoping to steer the conversation away from her failed covert operation. "So, how was your day? Enjoying your classes?"

Prince Andrew shrugs nonchalantly, his eyes glancing at the book on the desk before returning to Faith. He makes his way to her, his hands resting in his pocket as he stands in front of her.

"Well, let's just say it's been an eventful day," Prince Andrew replies, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "Full of intriguing characters and unexpected encounters, much like stumbling upon you attempting to dust my desk."

Faith can't help but smirk at his remark, appreciating his ability to see through her pretense. "Touché," she says, her amusement matching his. "I suppose it's not every day one comes across a snarky prince with a penchant for rare books."

Andrew's lips curve into a half-smile, and he leans against the desk casually. "And it's not every day one finds a fellow book enthusiast willing to venture into the world of ancient legends and mysteries," he replies a glint of curiosity in his sapphire eyes.

Faith raises an eyebrow, intrigued by his interest. "So, you're not just into royal matters and politics?" she asks, wanting to delve deeper into this unexpected connection.

"Books have a way of transporting you to realms beyond the mundane," Andrew muses, his gaze fixed on the Book of Arden. "The stories within these pages hold secrets and wisdom that resonate with our journeys, don't you think?"

Faith nods in agreement, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Absolutely! There's something magical about diving into the unknown, seeking answers to the mysteries that surround us."

For a moment, they stand in comfortable silence, sharing a mutual understanding that transcends their initial snarky exchanges. Andrew's demeanor softens further, and Faith senses a camaraderie forming between them—one that goes beyond Ace's abilities and royal titles.

Prince Andrew straightens up, his nonchalant demeanor returning as quickly as it had softened. He raises an eyebrow and glances at Faith with a sly grin. "Don't get your hopes up, Holmes," he retorts with a playful smirk. "Just because we share a common interest in books doesn't mean I'll be offering any assistance in your endeavors."

Faith chuckles, unfazed by his response. "Oh, don't worry, Your Highness," she replies with a hint of sarcasm, mirroring his earlier tone. "I wouldn't want to impose on your princely duties. I'm quite capable of exploring the mysteries of Arden on my own."

Andrew's smirk widens, amused by Faith's retort. "Good to know," he replies, his sapphire eyes gleaming with mischief. "I have my path to follow, but it seems our journeys might intertwine in the most unexpected of ways."

Faith arches an eyebrow, curious about his cryptic words. "Is that a warning or a challenge, Your Highness?" she asks, playfully matching his banter.

The prince's lips curl into a knowing smile. "You'll just have to wait and find out," he replies, leaving Faith to wonder about the mysteries that lay ahead.

With a final glance at the Book of Arden, Andrew turns to leave the room, his footsteps echoing in the quiet space. As he walks away, Faith can't help but feel a mix of curiosity and anticipation. She knows their encounter is just the beginning of a unique journey—one that will lead them both into the depths of Arden's secrets and might even lead to a surprising alliance.

As the door clicks shut, Faith's mind buzzes with excitement. She knows that despite their differences, there is a connection between them—one that goes beyond snark and sarcasm. Perhaps, in the realm of ancient tales and hidden knowledge, they will find common ground, and their shared passion for books might just be the key to unraveling the connection between Arden and her grandfather's disappearance.