You know gamblers and fans will devour every word and gossip with their friends about all the nothing. It has you smiling. Some things about Furia are just so remarkably predictable. Fifteen minutes later, you hear a chirping sound from the corner of the room. You retrieve your unmarked mobile and answer it.

“Well done, Bravos.”

“You know me, love. A slave to details.”

“Tell me, did you enjoy your stroll through the Hall of Maps?”

“You know history bores me.”

“How about making history? Does that bore you?”

He laughs. You can’t help but imagine the perfect flash of his smile.

“You’re sure about all of this?”

The question has you rolling your eyes. Ever since you told him you wanted him to win, he’s been fighting against the idea. It’s just like him to act so sacrificial. Like he’s never imagined taking first. You suppose it’s possible that he never has. After all, the Empire has basically crowned you already.

“For the last time, Bravos, I’m sure. I want to marry the winner of the Races.”

You hear him smiling. “You’re seriously amazing. But we still have to win, right?”

“Right. Let’s talk about the course.”

“You saw something? You had that triumphant look on your face.”

It’s your turn to laugh. “Triumphant. That’s the whole point.”

“Very much the point,” Bravos replies. “All right, what did you see?”

“A secret. I want you to let your phoenix startle out of the gate.”

“Startle?” He echoes the word. “Really? Come on, Pippa. I was five the last time my horse startled out of the gate.”

You sigh. “Just do it, Bravos. I’m going to let my phoenix startle, too. The other racers won’t think twice about it. They’ll all thunder off and forget about us. They’ll think the pressure got to me and that I’ve lost my nerve. After the dust settles, follow me.”

Bravos hesitates. “You’re sure it will work?”

“Trust me. We’re going to be first and second. Just like we planned.”

“What about the Longhand? Did you see his interview?”

Of course you did. You watched Adrian Ford unbutton his shirt during a live interview and grin like a fool for the entire Empire. You know he’s the biggest threat, but there’s no point telling Bravos any of that. “You’re as big as he is.”

Bravos laughs. “I’m really not.”

“But the two of us together? He doesn’t stand a chance.”

“Right. Together we win.” Noise sounds in the background. You hear Bravos call a muffled answer back to someone. “Time to go, love. Can’t wait to throw you some brooding looks during the Longest Ride. This is what we’ve been waiting our whole lives for.”

“Good night, Bravos.”