Just a Soldier

Chapter 79 - Real Kings and Lion Kings

Scarlett's POV:

It's only day two of our trip and I'm already having the best time. Yesterday was great going to the main tourist spots and learning a bit more about them all. But what was most special was seeing where Y/n was living when she was pregnant with Ava and ultimately had her. However, there was a thought that ran through my mind that this was also the place where she was attacked. But I don't let it linger.

I couldn't believe that Y/n had booked for us to stay in the Savoy. She really has gone all out to make this holiday as special as possible. Though I worry about her spending so much on me. But I guess that's how she feels when I do this for her and I know she wouldn't pay for anything she couldn't afford though, so I'm going to enjoy it.

This morning we decide that we want to head over to the other side of London and visit Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. We jump on the subway to the opposite side of the river so we can walk over the bridge to the tower. On the subway, I feel so much more relaxed than I would getting public transport back in LA or New York. The only nerves that I have is for Ava as it's quite busy this morning, so I make sure to hold on to her tightly.

We manage to get a seat and Y/n indicates for me to sit and lifts Ava on to my lap. I wrap my arms around her tightly and hold her close as we make our way to our destination. We get off at Tower Bridge and walk along the embankment towards the bridge. "This view is great." I say as we stop to look over at the Tower of London. "I love this part of London. The Tower has such a long history, it's one of my favourite spots." Y/n says in return.

I'm in awe of Tower Bridge. It's so ornate and I can't believe the effort to build such an incredible bridge. We take our time in walking over, stopping at points to take in the view around us. We, of course, take lots of photos with so much around us to take in.

Eventually, we cross the bridge and have to talk around to the entrance of the tower. Ava is getting really excited. Y/n loves history and I think some of that has rubbed off on Ava. I go to pay for the tickets, but Y/n shakes her head. "I get a discount here." She informs me steps forward to the cashier. She flashes her military ID and we get a much cheaper family price.

Y/n hands Ava the tickets as she skips out the shop and makes her way to the entrance. We cross the bridge over the grass moat and are greeted by a man in a bright red tunic. "Good morning!" His voice bellows as he takes the tickets that Ava hands him. "Ah a princess has arrived." He says with a bright smile. Ava giggles as he bows to her. He then glances at the tickets and looks up to Y/n. "What regiment?" He asks and Y/n smiles. "REME." Y/n responds.

"I was the Rifles. Left after 29 years as a warrant officer. Yourself?" He shares with Y/n. "Still in for my sins. I'm a Major." Y/n jokes whilst Ava and I just watch over their conversation fondly. The warden straightens his back and salutes which Y/n returns. "Ma'am. I hope you have a lovely day. It's a pleasure to meet you." He beamed. Y/n held her hand out which he easily took. "Thank you. It was great to meet you too."

I take Ava's hand and we walk into the first street. "Who was that man? Ava asks, turning her attention to Y/n. "He was a Yeoman Warder, and they guard the tower here. All of them once served in the Military." Y/n answers. Ava thinks for a moment. "Can you join when you leave the army?" She enquires and it almost makes my heart stop at the thought of Y/n moving back to the UK.

Y/n chuckles to herself and shakes her head. "No bug. I won't have served long enough. You have to have done 22 years in the military." She explains and I instantly feel relief, even though there really was nothing to really worry about! Already bored of that conversation, Ava is tugging our hands to move us along.

It's really nice as it's like we've got our own tour guide in Y/n. She knows so much about the place and shares all that she knows. The first stop we make is at a gate which connects to the Thames. "What's special about this gate?" Ava enquires, as she scrunches up her nose as if she thought it wasn't worth a stop. "Well, the tower was a prison for over 800 years. This gate was where a lot of the prisoners were brought to start their time here. They would come under London bridge where there would be the heads of prisoners that had been execute, almost as a warning. This gate is called Traitors gates as that was what these prisoners were seen as." Y/n shares and I scold her when she shares the gruesome information. "What? It's not like I'm going into detail." Y/n defends.