The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 55

Maddie and Harry eventually moved on from the cheating scandal. Amazingly, the bloggers rose quickly to Harry's defense; having recognized the photos from a year earlier—chastising the magazine on the web for trying to push them off as new. Maddie learned a lot those first few days following the magazine fiasco. First, she was able to witness the power and research capabilities of Harry's slightly obsessive fans. And second, Bishop was right. So, while Maddie handed over five dollars to Bishop because a picture of the two of them had absolutely hit the web, the idea that Harry had cheated on Maddie in the park was all but faded from the meme.

As October gave way to November and the remains of the mild weather gave way to the cold, the two of them settled into their routine. And the press was back to reporting their every move; drinks with his normal crew, reports of late nights at Leo's club, and one picture of Maddie trying on Union Jack mittens just to make Harry laugh—a picture that was so adorable Harry honestly contemplated calling the magazine for a copy. Though he refrained.

It was a particularly chilly night when Maddie and Harry met up with Matt and Ella to celebrate Ella's birthday. With reservations at one of the more popular eateries in the city, they were all dressed up and ready for a fun night together. The waiter had taken their orders and was back pouring champagne into their glasses as Harry cleared his throat and smiled at the three of them.

"In honor of Ella's birthday, I would like to make a traditional Irish toast."

"Aw," Ella's head tipped to the side. "That's sweet."

"I'm glad you think so." With a twinkle in his eye, Harry lifted his glass. "Ella love, May you die in bed at 95, shot by a jealous spouse."

"Harry!" Maddie nudged him.

"You know me so well," Ella laughed.

"Happy birthday," Harry clinked his glass to Ella's as Matt and Maddie joined in.

"Happy Birthday!"

"Thank you," Ella smiled wide as she drank from her glass; eyeing Harry across the table. "That was perfect."

"So Maddie," Matt looked to her. "Ella was telling me about the day the two of you met."

"Oh God," Maddie groaned as Ella burst into laughter.

"Wait," Harry looked between them. "I don't think I've ever heard this story."

"And I don't think you ever want to," Maddie shook her head.

"Oh I think you do," Ella nodded at him.

"I'm going to defer to Ella's judgment on this one," Ella leaned forward; motioning for Harry to do the same.

"Ella," Maddie warned.

"Oh hush," Ella waved her hand. "It's my birthday, remember."

"Fine," Maddie sighed dramatically and took a big drink from her glass before smiling hazily. "Go ahead."

"Way to be a good sport," Harry winked at her; his hand patting her knee under the table, where it rested as he turned to Ella, "let's hear it."

"So," Ella swallowed a sip; her eyes dancing with humor. "I was actually in Bendal before Maddie and, when she was scheduled to come, there was this...infestation in one of the buildings and she had no place to stay."

"Infestation?" Matt raised his eyebrows.

"You don't want to know," Maddie shook her head with a light shudder.

"So," Ella continued, meeting Maddie's eyes for a shared smile. "I had this small..."

"Tiny," Maddie cut in.