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

We never stopped looking, Mrs Bennet repeated through tears. Not for one moment. After several minutes, Detective Sharma gently interrupted.

Mr and Mrs Bennet, I’m Detective Sharma. We’ll need to take Lily to hospital for examination, but I wanted you to meet the man who rescued your daughter. She gestured toward Vale.

Mr Bennet approached with shaking hands extended. They told us what happened, he said, voice breaking. A Queen’s Guard breaking protocol to save our little girl.

I have no words. Vale accepted the handshake. Your daughter saved herself, sir.

She remembered her safety training and had the courage to use it. Mrs Bennet joined them, Lily clutched tight against her. You risked your career for a child you didn’t know, she said tearfully.

How can we thank you? No thanks necessary, Vale replied simply. I have daughters too. I did what any parent would do.

As medical staff prepared to transport Lily, she broke from her mother’s embrace and ran to Vale. Before he could react, she hugged him fiercely. Thank you for believing me, she whispered.

Vale knelt to her level, his composure finally cracking as he returned her embrace. Always, he promised. Always.

The following morning, Vale reported to Major Lawrence’s office as ordered, his dress uniform immaculate despite the bandage under his sleeve. Footage of a Queen’s Guard breaking centuries of tradition to rescue a kidnapped child had gone viral worldwide. Sergeant Vale, Major Lawrence acknowledged as Vale stood at attention, at ease.

Vale shifted to the more relaxed posture. Photos of the regiment’s history lined the office walls, generations of guards who had maintained traditions regardless of circumstances. You understand why you’re here, Lawrence stated, expression neutral.

Yes, sir, to address my breach of protocol. Lawrence nodded. In 362 years of regimental guard duties, no guardsman has abandoned his post during a ceremonial parade.

I understand, sir. The protocol exists for a reason. Once broken, it risks undermining the discipline that defines our ceremonial role.

Yes, sir? Lawrence paused, studying Vale. That said, there’s no protocol addressing what to do when a guardsman observes a distress signal from a kidnapped child. He turned to the window.

The palace has received over 15,000 messages since yesterday. Every major news outlet is covering the story. The regiment’s social media has gained two million followers overnight.

Vale remained silent. Your actions created a complicated situation, Lawrence continued. From a procedural standpoint, breaking formation warrants disciplinary action…