The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 93

Spring had come early in London. Or at least it felt that way at Kensington Palace. Their trip to Oslo had been the kind of reprieve the couple had needed before they returned to the uphill hike that would be the next few months leading up to their nuptials.

They had a lot to do, a lot of ground to cover. But the sun was shining. And the sun shining in London, in March, was a moment to be appreciated, and Maddie had every intention of doing just that. She slipped on a spring-y dress for the trip they would be taking to Highgrove for the weekend as guests of Charles and Camilla. She pulled her hair up, toyed with the thought of sandals but, realizing it wasn't quite that nice, she went for something a bit warmer.

She felt light and easy and the tad bit giggly as she almost bounced down the stairs where Harry was waiting for her. Their bags had been packed and loaded and they were simply waiting for her. She planted a kiss to his cheek and reached for her purse. Though he shook his head, he couldn't help but smile at her bubbliness. She could see the question in his eyes as he looked her over.

"I'm excited," she explained, running a hand across his chest as she passed him towards the door.

"I see that," he followed behind as though she had beckoned him. "Care to let me in on the joke?"

"No joke," she grinned. "I'm excited. I'm marrying you."

"In three months," he reminded, stepping out into the sunny day.

"I'm that excited," she shrugged.

"Wow..." He chuckled, slipping into the car behind her, the door closing behind him. "At least the car ride should be interesting."

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If Maddie had stopped to really analyze her life, she would have been embarrassed to admit how much of it was becoming routine.

The security detail. The driver of the Rolls Royce they traveled in. The meetings at St. James Palace. The casual way she went to The Prince of Wales' home for the weekend.

It had become such a part of her life that it no longer seemed a dream, no longer seemed something that belonged to him, to them. It was hers now too. If she would have taken a moment to really look at that, she would have been in awe at the surreal-ness of it all.

But on that early spring day, the only thing that was out of sorts was waiting to greet them when they arrived. Instead of Charles and Camilla, it was Charles and another older gentleman who stood in casual conversation as the couple pulled up the drive.

"Charles!" Maddie burst from the car with the very same energy Harry had been teasing her about all morning. She slipped into the slightest of curtseys before being pulled into his arms for a hug and kisses—his smile rivaling hers.

"Good morning Madeline," he was joyed by her mood, even when he sent a look to his son who shrugged.

"I think Bernard's slipping something in her eggs," he hugged his father hello, finding his friend's presence a bit more confusing than his peppy partner.

"Wonderful," Charles loved his children dearly—all of them, Kate and Maddie included. But he couldn't help but become more and more amused with the young blonde who now took it upon herself to greet their additional visitor.

"Good morning," she smiled at him, her eyes taking in his appearance, skirting through her memory to place him but coming up with nothing.

"Madeline, this is Ronald Young, an old friend of mine." Charles turned his attention to her. "Ron, this is my future daughter-in-law, Doctor Madeline Forrester."

"Good to meet you," Maddie stretched her hand to his; oblivious to the way Harry was watching the exchange.

"It's a real pleasure to meet you Ma'am," he smiled warmly, offering a firm handshake.