The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter Two

As the morning gave way to the afternoon, the preparations gave way to the event. Though Ella would not be able to attend—as she was working that night at the makeshift Emergency Room housed in their main facilities, Maddie would be going to support the project and the efforts of many of their friends and coworkers. Ella was sure to school Maddie on royal etiquette, should she happen to run into the Prince again. While Maddie assured her she would do all she could to avoid him altogether, Ella insisted and Maddie caved.

Armed with her crash course in behavior, Maddie arrived at the site just in time to see Khenda and Collins take the stage and begin the small ceremony they had planned. Khenda was the Site Director and, for all intents and purposes, Maddie's direct supervisor. She was a native of Bendal; having moved to France at a young age. After attending University, she had traveled around the world and had been with Doctors Without Borders for over ten years. Bendal had once again become her home. She lived with her long term partner Collins. He was a tall, muscular bald man who spoke several languages and loved Khenda unlike anything Maddie had ever been witness too. They were wonderful people to be around and they had a deep appreciation and knowledge of local customs and culture. Maddie smiled as Khenda invited the Prince to the stage to cut the ribbon and just like that, the party was underway.

Waiting for the swarms of people to enter, she spoke to a few coworkers, said hello to a few of the children she worked with, and eventually made her way inside. She was standing close to an anesthesiologist she had met from Spain, sipping on a cold drink when Khenda flew into her line of vision.

"Maddie, come with me," Khenda commanded; holding tight to her arm as she led her through the crowd. "There is somebody I want you to meet." She knew exactly where this was headed; the surprise guest that had everyone chattering. Yes, she knew exactly where this was headed. She opened her mouth to protest; to tell her friend and mentor that she had already met him—already humiliated herself enough for one day, thank you very much. But it was too late. Before she could even mutter a polite no, Khenda was tapping his shoulder. He turned towards them; his face brightening immediately.

"Khenda!" He leaned in to place a kiss to her cheek, his eyes sweeping to meet Maddie's for a second.

"Your Royal Highness," Khenda responded with a jocular familiarity; having known him for many years. "I would like you to meet my good friend and colleague, Dr. Forrester." She smiled affectionately at Maddie. "And this is Prince Harry the founding patron of Sentebale. I was just telling him what an asset you have been to the community."

"Oh wow, thank you," Maddie blushed at the compliment.

"I'm sorry," Khenda interrupted apologetically. Her eyes were focused on something across the room. "I see that my attention is needed elsewhere. Please, excuse me," she looked to Harry who smiled warmly.

"Of course," Harry nodded and waved her off. "We'll be fine without you." And, as she hurried away, he turned a wide smile to Maddie. "So, we meet again." And she couldn't help the smirk that played at her lips. Her initial anxiety about the mornings' meeting had faded and she found herself much more relaxed this time around.

"Your highness," a twinkle of playfulness shone in her eyes as she looked up at him this time. "You'll forgive my American ignorance; am I supposed to curtsey to you each time I meet you or just the first?"

"Ha," he masked his grin by taking a sip from his drink. "Well, it's all a matter of your own comfort level. You are, in fact, not required to bow or curtsey at all, Doctor." His lips twitched at the new bit of knowledge he now had about the woman who stood before him. "It seems like I'm not the only one who kept their title a secret, no?"

"It's not quite the same thing," she protested; enjoying the liveliness persona he exuded.

"Oh I think it is." He nodded. "So, Doctor..."