Beyond the Shadow of War by Diane Moody Read Free Book Online

it?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “How do you forget what happened these last five years? How do you forget everything that happened to your country? Your home? Your loved ones?”
    “Are we talking about Londoners or people in general?”
    “I don’t know. It just seems odd to me, seeing everyone bustling about, going to work, queuing up at the market, taking a walk‌—‌”
    “Anya.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
    “Yes?”
    “Look, I understand there are still a lot of things that don’t make sense. It’s only been a few weeks since the war ended. It’s all strange and confusing, everyone trying to put their lives back together. But I have to believe they’re all doing the best they can to figure out what that means. We’ve all changed. None of us are the same people we were before this war. But that doesn’t mean we can’t move forward and find a new path so we can go on living.”
    “I didn’t say‌—‌”
    “No, hear me out. All I’m saying is, these folks are doing what they have to do. Which is what you and I must do. And we’ll do that when we get home. We will. But for these next few days, can we not worry about it? Not worry about these folks and why they’re acting ‘normal’ after all they’ve been through? This is our honeymoon, remember?”
    She took a deep breath and watched a squirrel skitter along the footpath then race up a nearby tree. “I know I promised to let it all go. I’m sorry. I know you’re right, but I’m just having a hard time allowing myself to‌—‌”
    “‌—‌live again?”
    “Yes.”
    He kissed the top of her forehead. “Then will you let me give you permission to live and breathe again?”
    “I suppose so.”
    “Good. Then off we go. The palace awaits.”
    The closer they drew to the palatial home of the British monarchy, they noticed the crowds ahead of them rushing along the road.
    “What is it? What’s happening?” Anya asked as they picked up their pace.
    “I’m not sure, but let’s check it out.”
    “It’s the king and queen!” someone said. “Their motorcade is leaving the palace!”
    Anya couldn’t see much as she tried to keep up. Danny kept a firm hold of her hand as they bustled along with everyone else.
    “There they are!” someone shouted. “They’re coming this way!”
    Like the parting of the Red Sea, everyone scurried out of the street, making way for the motorcade of automobiles coming their way. A roar of joyful shouts filled the air as people waved their hats and hands.
    “Long live the King!”
    “Long live the King and Queen!”
    “Anya, look! Can you see them?”
    Just then, she spotted the limousine slowly passing not two meters away from them. Anya saw the round jovial face of Queen Elizabeth as she raised the back of her gloved hand as if to wave, then simply held it there, stiff and barely moving. Brightly-colored feathers on her enormous hat matched the rich emerald shade of her coatdress. Anya caught a quick glimpse of King George’s dark blue uniform with its gold-fringed epaulets, and the white peaked military cap atop his head. The increasing roar of the exuberant crowd rose as the vehicles moved beyond them.
    “I guess no one told them we’re here,” Danny shouted, “or I’m sure they would have stopped for a quick hug.”
    “Of course they would,” she teased.
    “Not bad for our first day of sightseeing, is it?” Danny tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow as the crowd began to disperse. “Who knows, maybe Churchill will stroll by and invite us for a pint at his favorite pub.”
    Anya elbowed his ribs. “You’re quite pompous today, aren’t you?”
    As they neared the palace, they spotted the Victoria Memorial and its surrounding platform filled with jubilant crowds. And just beyond it, the magnificent gates of Buckingham Palace.
    Anya couldn’t believe her eyes. Standing at the railing beside the gate, she tried to comprehend the enormity of the grand home of