The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 63

Christmas had always been at the top of Maddie's list of experiences. She loved everything about it; the snow, the lights, the brightly wrapped gifts, the hustle and bustle of shopping, the family, the giving, the way people seemed more friendly, more willing to help. She even loved the stuff that people normally hated; the icy streets, the way the lines at shopping centers doubled and tripled the closer the holiday drew, the way the music started playing earlier and earlier every year. At home in Colorado, there was almost always snow. Even if it was a beautiful, sunny day at her parents' home, they could drive a few hours into the mountains and be surrounded by snowy peaks and icy windows. When Maddie celebrated Christmas in Bendal, she missed the sweaters and the hot chocolate and the snuggling in front of the fire, but the spirit had remained; the sense of community. Experiencing the Holiday Season in London for the first time, amidst the snow and ice packed streets but without her family brought about the strangest feeling of nostalgia and hominess all at once.

Her time since returning from Bendal had flown by. As requested, Maddie and Harry had joined his grandparents for tea at Buckingham Palace—where Harry gave her the 'inside tour', sharing tales of his childhood and family lore that made her smile like the Cheshire cat. He had made it a point to make her laugh, to put her at ease, to show the human side of the pomp and circumstance that oozed from everything around them. So that when they finally sat for tea, Maddie felt a little less intimidated.

The afternoon could not have gone any better. The Queen of England, in fact, was still merely Harry's Granny. She was warm and welcoming and made Maddie feel at home in such a way that she was certain had attributed to her overwhelming popularity; at home and abroad. Harry had been incredibly relaxed; joking with his grandfather, talking of upcoming trips to the country. Surprising herself, Maddie was much more relaxed than she had expected to be; sitting tall and proper and taking an active part in an engaging conversation with the Queen about her time in Bendal and her experience in service to the people there. It went so well that, when it was time for the two of them to be on their way, Maddie felt the slightest bit of regret, wanting to stay longer and soak it all up. Maddie smiled wide, dipped in a slight curtsey and thanked them both profusely for inviting her to sit with them. And, as they walked away, Harry's hand draped loosely around her waist, he pressed a kiss to the side of her head and sighed. From the look in his eyes, it had gone very, very well.

As November flew by and the year grew closer and closer to an end, Harry had decided that Maddie hadn't seen nearly enough of Europe. Knowing she had a heart for travel, he made it a point to make it a priority; effectively commandeering her free weekends for quick holidays to neighboring countries. They had been to France twice; once on their own, once with Bishop and Ella—who continued to evolve as a couple. They had eaten amazing food, drank bottles of champagne, and Maddie had spent ten solid minutes looking out over a snow covered Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower when they were allowed a private tour.

They had ventured to Germany where they became tourists; drinking bier, visiting the Black Forest. Harry even begrudgingly agreed to accompany her on a tour of Germany's castles. The reporters caught up with them as they made their way, hand in hand, through Neuschwannstein Castle; snapping a picture that they printed with the headline "House Hunting-Royalty Edition". Maddie couldn't help but laugh when she saw it and, feeling quite silly as she did, she tore it from the magazine and put it in her memory box. Something about the photo made her smile and she wanted to keep it.

Traveling with Harry was indescribable. Not only did he travel within a higher level of luxury, he was well traveled, well-schooled on other countries, other cultures and he served her well with his plethora of knowledge. Maddie was in awe as he taught her local customs, spoke in foreign languages. And Harry, Harry loved traveling with Maddie. She was relaxed and easy going, she was smart and funny, she was adaptable and flexible and she was willing to try just about anything he asked of her. During those few, quick trips to neighboring countries, Harry could already see the qualities in her that would help get her through the tours she would be taking once she stood at his side officially; he could already see her walking in that role. And he knew—she was going to love it. In those weeks leading up to the holidays, Maddie's passport was getting a workout and she just knew he had more travel plans for her after the holiday.