I glance at Harry and back to his stall. I’m starting to form a picture of justhowphysical all of Sam’s work is. “Are you also responsible for cleaning out the stall?”
“Of course, and making sure he’s well fed, watered, and exercised.”
I rub my temples. Sam’s mentioned before that the horses are taken out for a ride early in the morning. “I thinkyou’ve already told me this, but I’ve forgotten. How many horses do you look after?”
“Depends on the day, but six to eight? It’s less when we’re at Horse Guards.”
I lean back against the wall. “Sam, you’re amazing. Have I ever told you that?”
He puffs out his chest with pride. “Just doing my job,” he says with a wink. “Now, yes, or no to the grooming?”
“Yes.”
Gathering my courage, I spend the next hour grooming Harry with Sam. I may still be nervous around horses, but if it means I have Sam right beside me, it isn’t so bad.
“You’rethe one who asked to see your mate Titan.” Sam snickers.
“I did,” I start slowly. “But I don’t remember him beingthislarge.” My eyes carefully study the muscular gelding pawing the ground with his hoof.
“He’s smaller than Harry.”
“Not by much.”
A pair of footsteps approaches, and both of us turn. Sam’s posture stiffens at seeing a woman in fatigues with her hair slicked back into a low bun. “Captain Yates.”
“Baker.”
They salute one another, and he relaxes.
“Ah, I should’ve realized you’d have company today.” She shoots me a knowing smile and offers me a handshake. “I’m Yates.”
“Minerva,” I offer.
The captain’s handshake is firm. Despite being shortin stature, about five foot two, she carries herself with an air of authority that makes her appear like a giant.
“Baker, I was hoping I’d run into you. I wanted to give you a heads-up that the next round of applications for riding instructors will be opening up soon. Is that something you’re still interested in?”
“Yes, ma’am. I was going to ask you about it on Monday.”
“Excellent. I can’t think of a person who’d be better suited to training new recruits.”
Sam manages to grow another inch. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“Hypothetically speaking, you tick all the boxes that we look for when recommending someone for the non-commissioned officer’s course, but there’s one area of weakness I’d like to see you improve on.”
“My kit turnout?” Sam mumbles.
“Yes. NCOs are expected to set the example for others to follow. You’re always just at the standard required.”
“I can put in the work and improve it, ma’am,” Sam says with a glint of determination in his eyes.
“I fully believe that Baker.” She hands him a piece of paper from the clipboard tucked under her arm. “I was thinking that one way you might be able to pick up the habits you need in the shortest span of time is by entering this year’s Princess Alice Cup. I realize it’s a big ask of you, but you’re one of the few troopers under my command who I think can handle the pressure and maybe even win the competition. Goodness knows it’s about time one of the Blues defeated the Life Guards.”
“Ma’am, if you think it’ll get me to where I need to be, I’ll do it.”
“That’s what I’d hoped you’d say.” She nods to thepaper. “Fill out the application and turn it into Corporal Lee by 17:00. Today’s the last day to enter.”
“I will.”
