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

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, Faith returned to her dorm room, her mind swirling with a million and one questions. The encounter in the ballroom with Madame Lavigne, the revelation about the Mark of the King, and the missing page from the book had left her both excited and frustrated. She needed time to process everything, but there was an undeniable anticipation for the day ahead.

Deciding it was best to take a moment for herself, Faith drew a warm bath, the steam rising and enveloping her like a comforting embrace. She sank into the water, feeling the tension in her muscles ease as she closed her eyes and let the soothing warmth wash over her.

After a relaxing bath, Faith wrapped herself in a soft, fluffy robe and made her way back to her room. As she entered, she noticed the Book of Arden resting on her bed, alongside a note left by Prince Andrew. Her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but wonder what he had written.

"I'm sorry about earlier, something came up. I'll send someone from the palace to pick you up tomorrow. On the weekends, the academy is quite vacant as students are usually shopping in the city or visiting family, however, still be careful that no one sees you. Don't forget your dress, you'll be fitted at the palace. PS. You're free to read the book now, you won our little wager after all."

Andrew

Faith smiled at the note, her cheeks flushing with a mix of excitement and curiosity. She was eager to learn more about Arden and the secrets it held. Setting the note aside, she picked up the Book of Arden, its ancient leather cover cool against her fingertips.

She began flipping through the pages, her eyes tracing the intricate illustrations and descriptions of mythical creatures that populated the land. Ogres, nymphs, giants – these were no longer mere stories for children; they were part of the enigmatic tapestry that made up the academy's reality.

As she continued her exploration, she finally stopped on a page titled "Mark of the King." Her heart quickened, sensing the significance of what lay before her.

Page 39
Mark of the King

The Infinity Mark

The Mark of the King is a sacred symbol passed down through generations of Arden's rulers. Represented by an intricate infinity symbol, it is imprinted on the body of each rightful King of Arden, signifying their eternal connection to the realm. The mark is said to hold both a blessing and a curse, binding the king to his duty as the guardian and ruler of Arden.

The Infinity Mark is bestowed upon the rightful heir when they ascend to the throne, marking their acceptance of the responsibilities that come with ruling the kingdom. It is a symbol of their unending connection to the land, its people, and the legacy of their ancestors.

While the mark grants the king certain divine abilities and insights, it also comes with a great burden. Denying the responsibility to accept the throne and neglecting their duty to rule Arden can have dire consequences. The mark, once a blessing, can turn into a curse, leading to unrest in the kingdom, natural disasters, and even a weakening of the king's health.

Throughout history, there have been instances where kings tried to escape their fate and remove the mark. However, such attempts have always resulted in disastrous outcomes for both the king and the kingdom. The bond between the ruler and the land is unbreakable, and attempting to sever it only brings devastation.

Faith absorbed the words on the page, her mind racing with questions and possibilities. But as she turned to the next page, she realized that it had been deliberately removed, leaving her with a sense of intrigue and frustration.

With a sigh, she glanced at the clock and realized how late it had become. She knew she needed to rest and prepare for the day that lay ahead. Placing the book gently on her bedside table, Faith changed into her nightclothes and slipped under the covers.

As exhaustion took over, Faith's eyes closed, and she drifted into a peaceful slumber. Unbeknownst to her, Prince Andrew had returned to the dorm room and found her fast asleep on the floor, the Book of Arden still in her hand. His heart warmed at the sight of her, and he felt guilty for canceling their dance lesson earlier.

He approached her with a gentle smile and carefully lifted her sleeping form. Cradling her in his arms, he carried her to the bed and laid her down, making sure she was comfortable and undisturbed.

As he stood there, watching Faith sleep peacefully, Andrew couldn't resist a mischievous smirk. He leaned in close and whispered in a playful tone, "Well, I guess I can't keep you in the dark forever."

With a soft chuckle, he gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, knowing that their journey ahead would be filled with challenges, but also knowing that they were in it together. As he settled into his bed, he couldn't help but feel grateful for Faith's presence in his life – she had brought excitement, adventure, and a touch of the unexpected to his world.

Closing his eyes, Andrew drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever the future held.