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

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

"Looking for this?" Antheia said with a sly smile, holding the Book of Arden in her hands. Andrew's heart skipped a beat at the sight of his twin sister, relieved that she had discovered their secret instead of Lady Isabella.

Christian, standing beside Antheia, couldn't help but notice Andrew's shirtless state and Faith's flushed cheeks. He gave them a knowing smirk and teased, "Seems like I interrupted quite the intimate moment here."

Andrew rolled his eyes at Christian's remark, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Oh, please," he retorted, "it's not what it looks like."

Antheia chuckled, clearly amused by the situation. "I can see that," she said, playfully teasing her brother. "I won't ask any further questions about your... private affairs."

Faith blushed even more, feeling slightly embarrassed by the teasing banter. "We were discussing something important," she chimed in, hoping to divert the conversation.

Antheia raised an eyebrow, still holding the Book of Arden. "Important, you say?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Andrew took a deep breath, deciding it was time to reveal the truth to his sister. He explained everything about their heritage, the Mark of the King, and the existence of Arden. Antheia listened attentively, her expression shifting from surprise to understanding.

"So, all those stories about our grandfather's disappearance and the hidden world of Arden... they're true?" Antheia said, trying to wrap her head around the revelation.

Andrew nodded, looking relieved that his sister was taking the news well. "Yes, every bit of it," he confirmed. "I didn't tell you before because I wanted to protect you from the dangers of our legacy. But now, I need your help, Antheia."

Antheia's eyes softened with empathy. "Of course, Andrew," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I may not have the mark, but we're family, and I'll always stand by your side."

Andrew couldn't resist a playful retort as he glanced at Antheia, "Ah, you may not have the mark, but you have an impeccable sense of timing, Tia."

Antheia chuckled, giving her brother a knowing look. "Oh, I do, don't I? It seems like I walked into quite an interesting situation," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement.

Faith excused herself from the room, giving Andrew the privacy to change into proper attire. As Antheia subtly signaled for Christian to leave as well, she turned her attention to Faith with a suggestive grin.

"So," Antheia started, raising an eyebrow playfully, "care to spill the details of what happened in here before I arrived?"

Faith's cheeks flushed slightly, but she couldn't help but smile at Antheia's teasing. "Oh, you know, just a friendly chat," she replied, trying to keep her response light.

Antheia chuckled, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh, just a friendly chat that left you both breathless, I suppose?" she teased, winking at Faith.

Faith laughed, feeling comfortable with Antheia's teasing nature. "Well, I must admit, it was a rather intense conversation," she confessed, "but nothing you need to worry about."

Antheia raised an eyebrow suggestively. "Oh, I'm not worried," she said with a grin. "I just hope my brother knows how lucky he is to have such a wonderful friend like you."

Faith blushed at the compliment, feeling a warm appreciation for Antheia's approval. "Thank you, Antheia," she said sincerely, "I feel lucky to have him as a friend too."

"I must admit, I was so immersed in the dance with your brother that I didn't even notice you were attending the ball today," Faith replied playfully, feigning a defensive tone.

Antheia laughed, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Ah, I see, the two of you were dancing like there was no one else in the room," she teased.

Faith's cheeks flushed, and she retorted with a hint of embarrassment, "Well, it's not like that at all!"

Antheia grinned, enjoying the playful banter, "Oh, of course not. Just two friends lost in each other's company."

Before Faith could come up with a witty response, the door opened, and there stood Prince Andrew, now dressed in proper attire. He gave a sheepish smile, having heard the last part of their conversation.

"Ah, I see you two are getting along famously," he said with a chuckle, glancing between Faith and Antheia.

Antheia chuckled, her teasing nature still evident. "Oh, more than just famously, dear brother," she said, winking at him.

Faith's cheeks rose slightly, and she playfully nudged Antheia, "You're terrible," she whispered, but there was a hint of fondness in her voice.

Andrew couldn't resist teasingly commenting, "Oh, come on, Tia. I can see the way you sneak glances at Christian when you think no one's watching."

Antheia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she playfully rolled her eyes at her brother's remark. "Oh, please," she retorted with a grin. "It's called having a good working relationship. You should try it sometime."

Faith chuckled at their banter, enjoying the playful dynamic between the siblings. "Alright, alright, let's focus," she said, trying to steer the conversation back to their plans.

Andrew's teasing tone softened, and he nodded in agreement. "You're right. Let's get back to business," he said, his gaze shifting from Antheia to Faith. "We have some serious unraveling to do."

"And should first start with that missing page" Faith started.

"And your grandfather's journal" Andrew added.

"I hope you two don't mind," Antheia said shyly.

"What?" Andrew and Faith said in unison.

Antheia pointed behind them and they turned around to see some familiar faces; Daiyu Cao, Malcolm Edison, and Romeo Wyllt.

"We're sorry to impose Your Highness, but I suppose you'll need the extra help?" Malcolm said with a grin then looked to Faith, "Hello Faith, it's nice to see you. A bit hurt that you didn't tell me about your little adventure. We do make a good team after all," he said, feigning hurt.

Andrew rolled his eyes with a playful smirk. "Oh, of course, Edison. I was just thinking that the next time I go on a quest of life or death, I'll be sure to send you an engraved invitation," he retorted, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Malcom chuckled and raised an eyebrow playfully at Faith. "Oh, my apologies, Faith," he said with feigned regret. "I must have missed your invitation to this thrilling escapade. How careless of me."

Faith couldn't help but laugh at Malcom's witty remark. "Well, next time I'll make sure to send you a messenger pigeon with all the details," she retorted, playing along with the banter.

Andrew rolled his eyes dramatically and flashed a sarcastic grin. "Oh, of course, because exchanging witty invitations is our top priority," he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Let's not forget about the life-or-death quest we're on."

"Deciphering Sherlock's journal? Piece of cake!" he continued, his voice laced with playful disbelief. "I'm sure the missing page and the journal will just jump out and explain everything to us."

A voice interrupted their banter, and all heads turned to find Dr. Watson standing there, a knowing smile on his face. "Perhaps, I can help," he said, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.