Princess Crystal was first, perfectly groomed and dressed in her best tiara, looking every bit the Queen-in-training. She was followed by her three brothers and three sisters, with Stardust, the youngest Royal Pony, at the end. ‘What a fuss,’ Storm said quietly. ‘I don’t know why I have to go to the Royal Games when there’s so much to do on the farm before the harvest.’ ‘But the polo team needs you,’ said Stardust. ‘You’re their best player.’ ‘Do you play polo, Stardust?’ asked Pippa. ‘I wish I could play but Mrs Steeplechase won’t let me. She says I’m too young.’ She sighed crossly. ‘The only game they let me play is horseshoe-tossing, which is for babies.’ The King and Queen led the Royal Family from Stableside Castle to the Plateau at a smart trot. Pippa was glad that Mrs Steeplechase had allowed her to ride on Stardust’s back or she might not have kept up. Pippa looked out for the missing horseshoes as she rode towards the Royal Games grounds.
