A young girl flashes a hidden signal to a royal guard, prompting him to abruptly halt the parade in stunned disbelief

They’re flying down from Manchester right now. They’re alive? Lily’s voice cracked with desperate hope. Very much alive, Sharma confirmed.

They’ve searched for you every day since you disappeared. Tears streamed down Lily’s face. Not silent, terrified tears, but the healing release of crushing fear finally lifted.

Medical staff approached to check her injuries. I need to examine you, sweetheart, a female paramedic explained. Lily nodded, but her eyes sought Vale’s.

Will you stay? I’m still scared he might come back. He won’t come back, Vale assured her. But yes, I’ll stay until your parents arrive.

As the paramedic began her examination, Detective Sharma pulled Vale aside. We found his phone, she said quietly. Initial review suggests this wasn’t his first abduction.

There are images of other children. He has international connections. Vale’s jaw tightened, his earlier violence feeling justified.

Will she recover? he asked, watching the paramedic document Lily’s bruises. Children are remarkably resilient, Sharma replied. With support, she has every chance at full recovery.

Your intervention likely saved her from worse trauma, possibly saved her life. Within an hour, the palace grounds had transformed into an investigation scene. The ceremony was suspended while evidence was collected.

Vale sat outside the medical unit, arm bandaged, giving his statement to Detective Sharma. The distress signal was unmistakable, he explained, demonstrating the hand movement. It’s taught specifically for situations when children can’t verbally ask for help.

That’s what prompted you to break protocol, Sharma asked, though her tone suggested admiration. The signal confirmed my suspicions, Vale replied. The bruising, fear, inconsistencies in his story, everything pointed to immediate danger.

Palace officials conferred with police nearby. Occasionally glancing toward Vale, his commanding officer, Major Lawrence, had arrived for intense discussions with security leadership. They’ll review your actions, Sharma noted.

Breaking formation is unprecedented. Vale nodded. I understand the consequences.

I’d make the same choice again. Their conversation was interrupted by commotion at the checkpoint. A couple arrived, the woman sobbing while the man supported her, both faces etched with desperate hope.

Police escorted them quickly through security. Lily’s parents, Sharma confirmed, they were flown down by police helicopter. Vale stood respectfully as the Bennetts were brought to where Lily waited.

When she saw them, she launched herself from the examination table, with a cry holding three weeks of suppressed terror and longing. Mummy! Daddy! Mrs Bennet fell to her knees, embracing her daughter with such intensity it seemed she might never let go. Mr Bennet enveloped them both, shoulders shaking with silent sobs as he kissed his daughter’s hair…