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

His grip on Lily loosened slightly, but he didn’t let go. This is my daughter, he said, forcing a confused laugh. We’re just leaving to catch our tour bus.

Marwood’s posture remained parade ground perfect, but there was nothing ceremonial about his presence now. Sir, I observed the distress signal. Protocol requires me to ensure the child’s safety.

His eyes flicked briefly to Lily. Young lady, are you all right? Before Lily could answer, Sam cut in. This is ridiculous.

She was just waving, playing around. Tell him, Lily. Lily’s eyes dropped to the ground, years of conditioning fighting against the hope of rescue.

When she looked up again, her gaze moved between Sam’s warning glare and Marwood’s steady presence. I… she began, her voice barely audible. She’s fine, Sam insisted, pulling Lily closer to his side in what appeared to be a protective gesture but was clearly restraint.

This is completely inappropriate. You’re supposed to be standing guard, not harassing tourists. Two palace security officers had noticed the disruption and were moving toward them, speaking quietly into their radios.

The crowd had formed a loose circle around the scene, many recording with their phones despite the uncomfortable tension. My primary duty is to protect, Marwood stated with calm precision, addressing not just Sam but the gathering crowd. The young lady used a recognised distress signal taught to children for emergencies.

He turned his attention fully to Lily, softening his tone slightly. Did someone teach you that signal in school? Lily nodded almost imperceptibly, hope beginning to replace fear in her eyes. She was waving, for God’s sake, Sam insisted, his charm returning as he addressed the crowd.

This is absurd. My daughter and I are here on vacation and suddenly we’re being treated like criminals. Just a few questions, sir, to clear things up, Marwood replied, his tone professional but unyielding.

He positioned himself subtly, blocking any easy exit route. Perhaps the young lady would be more comfortable speaking with one of our female officers. A woman in a police uniform was approaching from the palace security office, summoned by the radio call.

Sam’s facade began cracking at the edges. We don’t have time for this. Our tour leaves in 15 minutes.

He tugged Lily toward the edge of the crowd. Come on, we’re going. Sir, Marwood’s voice hardened slightly.

I need you to stop right there. You have no right to detain us, Sam hissed, dropping all pretense of friendliness. You’re a ceremonial guard, not police.

Active duty military, sir, Marwood corrected him, still maintaining perfect composure. And the safety of a child supersedes all other protocols. The female police officer had reached them now, crouching down to Lily’s level.

Hello there, she said gently. I’m Officer Wilson. What’s your name? Sam interrupted before Lily could answer.

This is ridiculous. We’re leaving. He pulled Lily roughly toward him.

Tell these people you’re fine so we can go, Lily. Lily looked at Officer Wilson, then at Marwood, whose unwavering presence seemed to give her courage. Something shifted in her expression.

A decision made. He hurts me, she whispered, the words tumbling out in a rush before fear could silence her again. All the time.

Please don’t let him take me home. Sam’s face contorted with rage. You lying little, he lunged forward, grabbing for Lily’s arm.

Marwood moved with the swift precision of battlefield training, stepping between them. Sir, I need you to step back. Get out of my way, Sam snarled, reaching for Lily around Marwood’s imposing figure.

She’s coming with me. No, sir, Marwood replied with quiet finality. She is not…