chapter 1"

"And he's crossed the finish line!" The derby announcer yelled as James crossed the finish line. He wasn't racing anyone, he was all alone. So why was there an announcer? Well, it's because it was the qualifying round for the Royal Inter-Kingdom Flying Derby Grand Prix. Only the ones who passed the qualifying round can go through to the tournament, because this Grand Prix is where they determined which prince, or princess on some occasions, was the best royal flying horse rider in the six kingdoms.
"Let' see what the judges have to say about that" said the announcer.
The judges wrote down a few numbers on a piece of paper, and showed them to the audience. The overall score was 8.7.
"8.7! Prince James of Enchancia is in the Grand Prix!" yelled the announcer.
"Yes!" James cheered. "I'm in the race!"
The crowd cheered on for him as he exited the track, and towards the stable. On his way, he was congratulated by his two new little -sister's Sofia and Madeline, who were preparing Minimus for the run.
"Well done, James!" Sofia congratulated him.
"Thanks!" James grinned. "But I could've done better, and I will, during the race!"
"Just wait 'till we beat you!" Madeline teased as she pulled Minimus to the track.
"Are you kidding me?" James snorted. "NONE MAY BEAT THE KING OF FLYING DERBY!"
James, suddenly fell backwards, making his horse laugh at him.
"Good thing Sofia or Madeline didn't see that." James said, embarrassed.
"Sofia, it's my turn to ride Minimus, remember?" Madeline pointed out.
"Okay, Maddie." Sofia nodded, letting Madeline got on Minmus first, then sitting in the back.
"Ready, Minimus?" Madeline asked.
"You bet!" Minimus nodded. "Ready to turn back and go back to the stable."
"Really, Minimus?" Sofia sighed.
"What?" Minimus shrugged. "I'm just nervous, alright? I mean, the Royal Inter-Kingdom Flying Derby Grand Prix! The ultimate prize! What if i fail!?"
"You won't, if you believe." Sofia encouraged him. "Ready?"
"Alright, alright, i'm ready." Minimus groaned.
And with that, the announcer gave her a briefing on the run.
"Alright, on the track now is princesses Sofia and Madeline of Enchancia!" The announcer recited. "Now, in order to qualify for the race, they needs to pass through the course with speed, grace, and endurance. The judges will record how well they perform, and determine how many points they scored. They need at least a 7.5 overall to pass to the actual race. Now, on your mark, get set, GO!"
Minimus burst through the starting line like a bullet. Despite his size, he had actually gotten faster than usual, because of some special training Mr. Gillian gave him and his riders when they were in the flying derby team. They went under the bridge, then Minimus tucked his wings, and spun around so he wouldn't lose speed.
"Amazing move!" The announcer cried as the crowd cheered on for Sofia and Madeline. They went on over the house, through the zigzag, and went for the three tree rings. While Minimus went through the ring, Sofia and Madeline jumped up, over the rings, and landed safely back on the saddle. The crowd cheered even wilder that time. The girls kept her focus on the track, and gaining speed, went up, up, up to the sky, towards the bell tower.
"What's this?" The announcer gasped. "The princesses have increased their altitude! What are they up to!?"
Sofia and Madeline flew up and through the bell tower, ringing threat bell as they passed. Minimus dove down like a speeding bullet.
"And Minimus has entered a dive state." The announcer declared. "Let's see what he can do from here."
Minimus kept going down, and down, and down, and down.
"What's happening with that horse?" The announcer questioned.
"Wait for it Minimus..." Madeline prompted..
"Uh, for how long, exactly?" Minimus asked nervously.
"...NOW!" Madeline roared.
Minimus pulled up, right before crashing to the ground. His speed was off the charts. It might even have broken records if he was in an actual race.
"And they've crossed the finish line!" The announcer yelled as Minimus and his riders went across the line. "Alright, folks, let's see how many points that will rack up."
The judges wrote down their points, and the average was unbelievable.
"9.1!" The Announcer boomed. "Congratulations, princess Sofia and princess Madeline of Enchancia, you've scored the highest average among all the other competitors!"
"Yes!" Sofia cheered.
"We did it!" Madeline yelped as she got down and hugged her horse. "Good job, Minimus!"
"Oh my goodness." Minimus wheezed. "I thought I was about to die back there!"
James and Amber ran up to congratulate their sisters.
"You did it, girls!" Amber cheered.
"Yeah, you're in the Grand Prix!" James added.
"I know, it's awesome!" Sofia smiled.
"I can't believe we're gonna be racing with the best of the best!" Madeline squeed.
"You better believe it, sister." James smiled. "But now, we should celebrate!"
"Yeah!" The princesses cheered as they all ran out of the track.