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

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

As they reached the dormitory, Prince Andrew cut in front of Faith and entered the room without holding the door open for her. Faith couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully, crossing her arms with mock disappointment. "Wow, Edmund Burke was right, chivalry is gone," she said sarcastically, teasing him with a playful glint in her eyes.

Prince Andrew turned around, feigning innocence. "Oh, my apologies, Miss Holmes," he replied with a hint of amusement. "I must have momentarily forgotten my chivalry."

They both laughed, the shared humor easing any tension that once existed between them. As they settled into their respective spaces in the room, Faith felt a sense of amusement and gratitude for Prince Andrew's unexpected and unpredictable nature. His willingness to play along with her sarcasm made their partnership all the more entertaining and enjoyable.

"So, about our investigation," Prince Andrew began, sitting down across from Faith. "I think we should start by analyzing the contents of the journal. There might be hidden clues or messages that could lead us to the reason it ended up in the library."

Faith nodded in agreement, her curiosity piqued. "You're right. The journal must hold some key to all of this. We should carefully go through each page and see if there's anything that stands out."

"But before we do that, I'd like to take a well-deserved bath," Prince Andrew added, stretching his arms and leaning back with a satisfied sigh.

Faith couldn't help but blush for a quick second, caught off guard by the unexpected comment. She quickly covered it up with a small smile, hoping he hadn't noticed. "Well, Prince Andrew, I suppose all that investigating does get one a bit tired," she replied teasingly.

Andrew chuckled, his gaze lingering on Faith for a moment before he stood up. "Indeed, Miss Holmes. A refreshing bath will rejuvenate the mind for further detective work."

As Andrew went to prepare for his bath, Faith took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. There was something about his playful comment that had made her heart skip a beat. She chided herself for letting her emotions get the best of her and refocused on the task at hand—the journal and the mysteries it held.

Feeling that a bath would be a wonderful idea too, Faith approached a nearby door, assuming it led to her bathing chamber. To her delight, she entered a stunning sight that greeted her. The bath chamber was a real hidden gem within the academy, a sanctuary of tranquility and elegance. Delicate tapestries depicting mythical creatures adorned the walls, while the soft glow of candlelight added a warm and inviting ambiance to the room. A large, ornate marble bathtub stood in the center, surrounded by potted plants that brought nature's touch to the space.

Faith couldn't believe her luck. It was like stepping into a fairytale oasis. She quickly set about preparing a warm and fragrant bath, the soothing scents of lavender and rose filling the air. With a graceful movement, she shed her academy uniform and sank into the inviting waters.

As she lay back, her head resting on the lip of the bath, a thousand thoughts ran through her mind. The mysteries of the academy, her grandfather's journal, and the enigmatic Prince Andrew all swirled together, creating a whirlwind of emotions within her. Excitement, apprehension, and a growing sense of trust in her unexpected partnership with Prince Andrew mingled together.

Meanwhile, in his chamber, Andrew couldn't help but smile to himself. His usually nonchalant and sometimes cold demeanor had been replaced by a sense of elation. The newfound alliance with Faith Holmes intrigued him more than he cared to admit. Her genuine reactions and unfiltered emotions were refreshing, a stark contrast to the carefully crafted facades he often encountered at the academy and back at the palace.

As he sat in his bath, he reflected on their interactions and the shared moments of laughter they had experienced during such a short period.

For the first time in a long while, he found himself slowly opening up to someone, and the realization both excited and unsettled him. Andrew knew that the mysteries they were unraveling were not just about the academy but also about the enigma of their connection.