Little girl gives a secret signal to the royal guard. He stops the entire parade in shock..

Pardon me, he said quietly to Lily, but I dropped my programme, would you be kind enough to hand it to me? He gestured to the ceremonial programme that had fallen suspiciously close to Lily’s feet. Lily looked up at Sam, who was still distracted, then carefully bent to retrieve the paper. As she extended it toward the man, their fingers touched briefly.

Are you alright dear? the woman whispered, her eyes kind but concerned. Lily’s lips parted, words forming but unspoken as Sam’s attention snapped back to her. What did I just say about talking to strangers? Sam hissed, snatching the programme and thrusting it at the elderly man.

Here’s your paper, now mind your own business. He grabbed Lily’s arm roughly, pulling her away from the couple and closer to the parade barrier. The sudden movement caused Lily’s sleeve to ride up, revealing a distinctive pattern of bruises at different healing stages, some yellow and fading, others fresh and purple.

We’re just concerned, the elderly man began. About what? Sam interrupted, his voice carrying enough of an edge that nearby tourists turned to look. About a father spending the day with his daughter, is that so unusual? Stepdaughter, Lily corrected automatically, her voice barely audible.

The crowd’s shift had positioned them closer to where Marwood stood at attention. Though his eyes remained fixed ahead as protocol demanded, his training allowed him to register every detail of the escalating situation just feet away. What did you say? Sam’s voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, fingers digging into Lily’s shoulder.

Nothing, sorry Sam, she replied quickly, shrinking into herself. The elderly woman took a step forward, maternal instinct overriding caution. Young man, that child is clearly… Mind your own family and I’ll mind mine, Sam cut her off, his charm completely evaporated.

Come on Lily, we’re finding a better spot. He pulled Lily roughly through the crowd, positioning them even closer to the ceremonial route and directly in Marwood’s line of sight. As they pushed forward, Lily stumbled slightly.

Sam yanked her upright with unnecessary force, causing several onlookers to frown. Do that again and we’re going straight home, he threatened under his breath. No stops, no exceptions, understand? Lily nodded mutely, but something had changed in her expression.

As fear gave way to desperation, her eyes locked onto Marwood’s with startling intensity. Marwood maintained his ceremonial stance, but behind the practiced neutrality of his expression, his mind was racing. Eight years in the regiment had taught him to recognise the signs of someone reaching a breaking point.

The girl’s body language had shifted from defensive to something more urgent, the look of someone making a final decision. The elderly couple had followed, maintaining their distance, but unwilling to abandon their concerns. They weren’t the only ones watching now…