The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 21

Maddie made it to her appointment with time to spare and, after a solid work out of her arm, received fantastic news.

The sling was ready to come off. Permanently.

While she would need to continue to do the exercises from Physical Therapy and continue to come in on an as-need basis, she was done. She could resume normal functions and, as long as she continued to do her stretches, she should be able to have full range of motion in no time. After reminding her to see a doctor should she experience any setbacks or pain, the doctor bid her good-bye and good luck.

To say that Maddie was ecstatic was a massive understatement. She was exhilarated; on a high. And she couldn't wait to tell everyone. As the car took her back to Harry, nothing could possibly bring her down; except what she encountered as she hurried into his home. With a wide smile and a breezy voice, she called out,

"Henry Charles Albert David! I hope you're well rested and hydrated because you are in a whole host of..." She heard a movement behind her and spun around towards it. And her blood ran cold. There in front of her, looking more handsome and regal than he did in the media, was Harry's father; His Royal Highness Prince Charles. Maddie's heart stopped. "Oh. My." Her voice croaked as Harry stepped out into the room, just over his father's shoulder. "God." She breathed. Trying not to laugh, Harry waved his hand.

"You must be Madeline?" When he spoke, his voice was just as luxurious as he looked

"Yes," Maddie snapped out of her momentary catatonic state and moved forward; a warm smile spreading across her face. "I'm sorry. Your Royal Highness..." Harry moved out from behind his father then.

"Father, this is Doctor Madeline Forrester," the pride was evident in his voice. "Maddie, this is my father, Charles."

"It is an absolute pleasure to meet you," she held her hand out as she dipped down to curtsy to him; silently thanking Ella and all of her obsessive ways.

"Oh I do believe the pleasure is mine," Charles smiled warmly, her hand held in both of his. And, as she moved to stand, he pulled a completely stunned Maddie into a hug. As her arms moved to hug him back, her eyes flashed over his shoulder to Harry who was beaming at the scene. Charles pulled back, but moved to hold one of her hands. "William told me all about what happened in Bendal and..." Oh so it was back to that, Maddie thought; glancing to Harry who shrugged with a smirk. "I hear you're recovering well?"

"Yes, thank you Sir," she smiled. "I actually just today was told that I can discontinue the use of my sling and resume normal function of my arm."

"Really?" Harry perked up.

"Well that's wonderful dear," Charles patted her hand. "Oh! Let me go to the garden and tell Camilla you're back. She was anxious to meet you as well." With a smile and a nod to Harry, he excused himself.

As soon as he was out of ear shot, Maddie let out a breath as Harry hurried to her side.

"Well rested and hydrated?" Harry's voice was low; full of laughter.

"Oh my God!" Maddie shook her head in disbelief. "Are all of my most embarrassing life moments happening today?"

"Well, at least you're dressed for this one," Harry smirked, his arms moving to pull her closer to him.

"And you!" She smacked his arm. "You didn't think to tell me they would be here when I returned?!"

"I didn't know!" He laughed. "They had something come up last minute and they can't make it to William and Kate's tomorrow for dinner. They didn't want to wait to meet you..." He moved closer to her then, looking down at her sling-free arm. "Are you really done with the sling?"