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Losing myself in the spectacle of the Horse Guard Parade was exactly what I needed to take my mind off the terrible morning I’d had. The majesty of the horses, as dark as midnight and with the finely adorned guards on their backs, was what I envisioned as part of the royal experience. I itched to reach out and stroke one of the animals.
“This is incredible.” Eric’s arm slipped around my shoulders and squeezed me, and I felt comforted by his presence.
“I don’t know.” Royce tightened his lips into a thin line. “It’s too regimented.”
“It’s supposed to be regimented. They’re the palace guards,” Eric said.
“There’s no freedom of expression, no individuality.”
Eric rolled his eyes at his younger brother. “They wouldn’t be able to do their jobs properly if they were allowed to do whatever the hell they wanted.”
“They’re excellent horsemen,” I said, breaking into their banter. “I used to ride sometimes as a kid.”
“You did?” Byron asked.
“Yeah. I’d go out on trail rides and sometimes help my grandfather round up sheep and cattle. He was a stockman on a property in New South Wales all his life. Smoked like a trooper, just like anyone of his generation, but worked himself to the bone even when he was sick.” I stared at the horses and began to imagine my grandfather on them instead of the guards. “He was a tall, broad-shouldered, gentle giant of a man, and he adored us grandkids. He was never happier than when we were around, and I loved being on the farm with him. He knew I loved the animals, so he took me out to work with them whenever he got the chance. It was a wonderful way to grow up. Every kid should have a similar experience.” I flinched at the k-word and secretly hoped no one noticed.
Jack pushed a lock of his long hair behind his ear. “That sounds like a cool childhood. No wonder you love animals so much.”
“Why do you love animals so much?” I asked him.
“Because they’re honest.” Jack buried his hands in his pockets. “They’re also interesting and diverse.”
“I agree.”
“Plus, the babies are adorable.”
God, he had to utter that word, didn’t he? My insides twisted, and I shifted slightly.
Eric noticed and pulled me tighter against him.
Once the horses were on their way, Byron held his bent arm toward me. He adopted a faux-posh accent. “My lady, may I escort you to the palace?”
“Please do.” With a laugh, I linked my hand through the crook of Byron’s arm. I noticed Royce and Jack taking each other’s hands as I raised my phone and snapped some random photos.
The guys bantered throughout the fifteen-minute walk to the palace, but I was silent, too caught up in my thoughts.
Byron glanced at me repeatedly, but I did my best to ignore him. My men and I were incredibly attuned to each other. I usually loved that, but right at this moment, when I didn’t feel like reliving my morning once more, it was incredibly frustrating.
“There it is.” My voice was like a breath as I stared up at the epicenter of the entire Commonwealth.
Eric looked up at the palace with me. “What do you think, Lou? Do you think your queen would let her neighbors in for brunch?”
“I wish.”
We grinned at each other.
“But it’s magnificent, isn’t it? It’s so grand, so opulent, so much a part of history. You can feel the importance oozing off it in waves.” I waved my phone in the air. “So, who’s going to take my photo in front of it?”
Byron took the device from my hand. “I’ll do it.” He snapped a few shots of his brothers and me, then looked around. “We need someone to take a photo of all of us together. Excuse me!” He moved toward an older couple who nodded at him. “Come on!”
We all gathered together, and the lady happily took a couple of shots for us.
“Thank you so much,” I gushed. “Would you like us to return the favor?”
I discovered, then, that they hardly spoke any English.
Byron relayed my message to them, and they agreed. We laughed when they pulled me into the photo. Their friendliness brightened my mood considerably.
