The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 29

When Maddie woke the next day, she was sick to her stomach. And she was absolutely certain that it had nothing to do with the food she had eaten the night before—and everything to do with the wonderful man who was sleeping peacefully next to her.

She loved him.

Her eyes stung with tears as she thought of just how she loved him. But even that fact couldn't erase the way she felt being back in Bendal, the purpose that came with simply being there. That purpose, that sense of duty was so much a part of her, she wasn't sure if it would ever be something that she could move past.

Glancing at the clock, she realized just how early it was. Regardless, she wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep. She had tossed and turned all night thinking over and over of the way he had pleaded with her not to bring up The Discussion; thinking about the great sadness and bit of fear she had seen in him.

She sat up in bed and hugged her knees close to her. Watching the rise and fall of his chest, she smiled. At least he was sleeping now. She was careful as she slipped from the bed they shared. She was quiet as she moved to the large windows that looked out into the dawn of the morning. Taking a deep breath of the air breezing in the window, she longed for a way to clear her head, to sort things out.

Looking down at the floor, she had an idea. She moved softly around the room as she changed into loose, breathable clothing—something she could walk in. She pulled on her running shoes and a ball cap and, after pressing a kiss to Harry's temple, she left the room.

She hadn't planned for this when she left London, so she need to gather a few items. Looking through Khenda's hall closet, she found a backpack and a few supplies. Moving to the kitchen, she looked for a bottle for water and some snacks.

"Are you running away?" Harry's voice, rough with sleep, called to her. She looked up to see him watching her thoughtfully.

"Yes," she smiled. "You want to run away with me?"

"Absolutely," he grinned, moving closer to her. "Where are we going?"

"France?" She offered and chuckled as Harry's face twisted up.

"France?! Why in the world would we go to France? Do you even speak French?"

"Un peu," she held her fingers close together and he laughed at her. She was happy to see him smiling after the night before.

"Seriously though," he watched as she tossed a granola bar into a backpack. "Where are you going?"

"Remember that hike you took me on after Geru and Mante were killed?"

"Yes."

"I'm going to do that."

"Sorry?"

"I need to clear my head, Harry. I need to be outside, moving around, sweating. I need to get out and clear my head."

"Okay," he smiled. He could appreciate that. "Can you give me ten minutes so I can get ready?"

"No," she shook her head with a sweet smile.

"No?"

"I'm going alone," she zipped up the backpack and moved away from the kitchen.

"Alone?" He followed her.

"Yes. Alone."

"You think that's a good idea?" Even he had issue with the protective way he suddenly felt.

"I think it's a great idea," her defiant streak that he adored made an appearance.

"You know, you..."