The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 40

As the media attention leveled out and Maddie adjusted to this new normal, her relationship with Harry was rising to the challenges that were placed before them. Though some of the articles and attention most certainly could have driven them apart, it had in fact had the opposite effect. They had grown closer. Not once had Maddie thought of walking away from him, from all of it. And everyone around Harry noticed how serious this was to him; how important—his family, his friends and, to some extent, the media. And the media was out in droves the night they attended what would be their first true public appearance together—though they would not prove to be the biggest issue for the couple that night.

Harry's friend Leo had been working tirelessly for a year in preparation to open a posh club that would cater to London's elite and Harry's circle of friends would be out in full force to show their support. So that night Harry and Maddie dressed up, hopped into the car they were sharing with Ella and Bishop—who were on again; at least for the night—and joined in the celebrations.

As the car rounded the corner, Maddie could see the paparazzi already lined up outside; waiting for the arrival of any one of the numerous famous people that would be attending.

"You look beautiful," Harry whispered in her ear as she looked over her dress; checking for any revelations she didn't want to make. The car pulled to a stop out front.

"Thank you," she smiled. "You know, I would kill for a mint candy right now."

"Well, you are in luck," he reached into his pocket and placed a piece of candy in her palm. "No killing required."

"Look at that," Maddie grinned as she took it from him. "You're the best."

"There's more in my pocket if you need them," he patted his suit coat pocket.

"Oh I'm sure it wouldn't make headlines if I were to stick my hand in your pocket," Maddie laughed as he stepped from the car; flashbulbs clicking away.

"Shall we find out?" He winked and held out his hand. Ignoring calls for her and Harry, they went straight for the doors with Bishop and Ella right behind them.

They were quickly whisked inside and handed drinks as the party began. The club was beautiful and everyone seemed to be having a massively good time. Maddie laughed and danced and had the most spectacular mixed drink she had ever been handed. And when, later into the night when Leo was finally able to briefly join the group of friends stationed around a table towards the back, she was quick to tell him that.

"This is really amazing, Leo," she kissed his cheek. "Well done."

"Thank you," he sighed with an appreciative smile. "I can't believe the turn out," he took a drink from Bishop and relaxed slightly. "Oh! Harry. I wanted to tell you, Wally is around here somewhere."

"Wally? No shit?" Harry smiled as he explained to Maddie; his hand at her waist, "Wally went to school with us at Eton. I've known him forever, though he's been gone for a bit."

"He's been in Spain doing...I don't really even know what he's been doing," Leo laughed and glanced back at the mass of people still partying. "But if I seem him again, I'll send him over."

"Great," Harry nodded.

"Okay friends, back to work," Leo nodded to Anna and Penelope who were sitting at the table with Bishop and Sean; he hugged Kiki and Ella who stood next to Maddie and patted Harry on the back before he slipped away; back into the wonderful atmosphere he had created.

Maddie was laughing with Ella and Kiki; gently poking fun at Bishop's new haircut when the group was joined by their longtime friend.

"Wally!" Harry called out; reaching his hand out to the dark haired man that approached them; drink in hand.