As a groan went up Lizzie asked, ‘How is this fair when we won’t stand a chance?’
‘Goodnight, everyone,’ Chico said pleasantly, ignoring her, and, without any obvious effort or movement at all, he wheeled his horse around and cantered out of the ring.
Lizzie refused to hurry like the other students who couldn’t wait to read the list.
‘Come on,’ Danny urged as she hung over the open half-door of the stall where Lizzie was currently making a huge deal out of picking out her pony’s already immaculate hooves. ‘Aren’t you interested in who’s been chosen to play? Or who’s been chosen to be our team captain?’
‘If Chico’s playing, that’s enough for me.’ She straightened up. ‘It’s hardly an even playing field when the trainees are going up against internationals.’
‘I thought you had more guts than that, Lizzie Fane. What happened to your native cunning? Or is this a sulk because Chico hasn’t taught you absolutely everything he knows?’ Danny suggested mischievously.
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. And I certainly don’t want Chico to teach me anything, apart from equine craft.’
‘Liar.’
Ignoring this, Lizzie focused on the match. ‘I suppose, if we put our heads together we could come up with some useful tactics...’
‘Then, what are we waiting for?’ Danny pressed.
‘We have to have a game plan,’ Lizzie murmured thoughtfully.
‘Like we drug the players and hobble their horses,’ Danny suggested. And when Lizzie huffed a laugh, she added, ‘Before we get ourselves trounced on the field of battle, are you going to come with me to read that list, or not?’
* * *
‘Lizzie Fane, captain of the grooms’ team,’ Danny read out. ‘And I’m on the team too.’
Lizzie was stunned by her appointment as captain, but not so surprised about Danny. ‘Of course you are,’ Lizzie assured her friend. ‘You’re a great rider.’
‘When our taskmaster isn’t looking at me. I swear, that man only has to glance my way for me to fall off my horse.’
‘So long as you don’t fall at his feet.’
‘You like him, don’t you?’
‘Chico?’ Lizzie shrugged. ‘No. Not interested.’
Danny hummed in disbelief. ‘Well, whatever you think about him, our game would be a complete shambles without you. Tactics are where you excel, so we need you to put structure into the game—though speaking personally, I’ll be happy just to survive.’
Lizzie shook her head decisively. ‘Survival isn’t enough for me. I won’t be satisfied unless we win.’
‘And how are we going to do that? Drug the players, hobble the horses, and cancel the match?’
‘Confidence. I’ll work something out. And, in the meantime,’ Lizzie added as she scanned the list, ‘have you seen who else is playing against us?’
‘Let me guess.’ Danny’s cheeks pinked up. ‘Tiago?’