The Special Secret by Chloe Ryder

Chapter 1
    â€œLook how blue the sky is this morning,” said Pippa MacDonald. She was admiring the pretty view of the island from a window high up in Stableside Castle.
    â€œIt’s always lovely here on Chevalia,” Princess Stardust said, carefully braiding red ribbons into her long white mane.
    It might not be if you don’t hurry up
, Pippa thought.
    It wasn’t Stardust’s fault that as a princess pony, and seventh in line to the throne, she was expected to always look her best. And it certainly wasn’t Stardust’s fault that the island of Chevalia was in danger.
    Pippa picked up a comb and started brushing Stardust’s tail. It was so long it hung down to the floor and Pippa had to kneel to reach it. She could still hardly believe that, while on vacation with her family, she’d been brought to Chevalia, a magical island where ponies can talk. Pippa had discovered that Chevalia was in grave danger. The eight golden horseshoes that gave life to the island had been stolen from the ancient wall in the castle courtyard. If they weren’t all back in their places on Midsummer Day, so that they could have their magical energy renewed by the Midsummer sun, then Chevalia would fade away.
    With Stardust’s help Pippa had already found two horseshoes, but now there were just four days until Midsummer, and six horseshoes were still missing.
    Placing the comb on the dresser, Pippa stood back to admire her work. Then she put on the pretty dress that had magically appeared overnight and was neatly laid out for her on a chair.
    â€œCan we search the Horseshoe Hills today?” she asked.
    â€œBut it’s Harvest Day,” Stardust said, studying her reflection in a long mirror. “Everyone who attends Canter’s Prep School for Fine Equine is expected to go to the Grasslands to bring the harvest home. That includes me.”
    â€œOh!” Pippa’s heart sank.
    Even though Chevalia was under threat, Stardust’s parents, Queen Moonshine and King Firestar, were determined that the Royal Family continue their many traditions so as not to worry everyone.
    â€œHarvest Day is fun,” Stardust assured her. “And it’s not all work. The best part is the picnic lunch—it’s like a party with all our favorite things to eat, like carrots dipped in linseed oil.”
    â€œI suppose we haven’t searched the Grasslands yet,” said Pippa.
    â€œThen we’ll do it today while we’re helping with the harvest,” Stardust said decisively.
    Pippa wasn’t sure how much searching they would have time for if they were expected to work, but it was better than nothing.
    â€œLet’s go then,” she said, eager to get started.

    After a quick breakfast in the castle’s huge dining room, Pippa, Stardust, and the four of her brothers and sisters who still attended Canter’s Prep School followed their nanny, Mrs. Steeplechase, down to the Grasslands.
    â€œStop it,” Pippa whispered, trying not to giggle as Stardust imitated the way her teacher waddled.
    â€œNo talking!” Mrs. Steeplechase said, turning around to glare at them.
    â€œSorry,” said Pippa. She turned her attention to the lines of ponies who were approaching the Grasslands from every direction. There were lots of foals, their manes and tails braided with purple ribbons, trotting beside their parents.

    â€œThey’re from Canter’s Nursery School,” Stardust explained. “The babies wear purple ribbons, the toddlers wear red ribbons like me, and the older kids wear blue ones. We should have braided ribbons in your hair too. When we get to the Grasslands, I’ll ask if anyone has any extra ribbon so you’re not left out.”
    â€œThanks,” Pippa said absently, her mind on the missing horseshoes. She really hoped that they would find at least one today.
    The Grasslands were going to be difficult to search. The grass grew so tall