The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 98

Officially, the approval of Maddie's Citizen Application and subsequent Ceremonial attendance was not a big deal. Officially, Clarence House would release a statement that beat reporters would print and that would be that. Maddie wasn't a member of the Royal Family and it was, in no way, an official engagement. Officially.

Unofficially, however, this was the first time Maddie would be out in public with Harry in any sort of formal capacity. Unofficially, it was the publics' first chance to mingle with this woman who would be their "Princess"; for the fashion plate stalkers to assess her style at what would be considered a proper event. Unofficially, it was a slightly bigger deal.

Though none of those things concerned Maddie in the slightest when she finally received her letter of approval. It was a Wednesday and, after finishing up her morning eggs and toast, her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was Thomas at the office. The attorney had called up with some official documents for her and would like to know a good time to meet her at the office, unless of course she would prefer they come to her home.

Maddie grinned; she would be coming in. Harry had left her half-cocked and frustrated when he teased her as he dressed for the office that morning. She knew he was there; signing documents, reading reports—not a meeting on the register. She would be coming in.

In under an hour she was dressed and smiling her hellos as she made her way through the offices towards where she would be meeting Thomas. He was there to greet her, pulling her into the conference room as she followed with ease. She had to bite back laughter as she moved around the space. Her comfort level had certainly increased during the months of their engagement; she felt more at home than she probably should. Slipping into the chair that was clearly hers, she noted mentally that Harry wasn't in the meeting. They were bringing her in alone; perhaps they were more comfortable with her now too.

The attorney quickly produced the letter she had received from the UK Border Agency, already opened and marked, and informed her that her application had been approved. Though they had sent her three possible dates to attend the ceremony where she would take the oath, they had also sent along information regarding private ceremonies. The attorney had no opinion either way, though Thomas seemed to lean more towards the private ceremony. Though he made it very clear, it was Maddie's decision, he was quick to point out the benefits of a private ceremony; no muss, no fuss. Over and done. Maddie, thrilled to see yet another item on her list moving forward, told them both she would give it some thought, discuss it with Harry, and notify them in the morning of her decision.

And that was exactly her intentions as she moved towards Harry's office, after having Thomas phone ahead to his secretary that she would be coming.

"Good Morning Anya," Maddie had always taken great pains in memorizing names of the staff that surrounded her and Harry—a skill that would bode well for her in the future, a knack that would gain her favors with the staff.

"Good Morning Dr. Forrester," the young lady paused her work to offer a smile.

"Can I go in?" Maddie paused, pointing her finger at the closed door to his office.

"Of course, Ma'am," she offered a quick, curt nod and went back to the filing she had been doing when Maddie approached.

With a soft tap of her fingers to the door, Maddie pushed through.

"Yes?" Harry called up, his eyes and his mind glued to what he was reading.

"Your Royal Highness, there's somebody here to see you," Maddie pulled out her British accent as the door shut behind her. Harry's eyes flew from the pages in his hand, bright and alive and snapping right to her.

"Your accent is improving," the papers slid from his fingers to his desk as he rose to his feet. "Have you been practicing?"

"Quite a bit actually," Maddie grinned as he came around the desk to kiss her hello. "Thank you for noticing."

"So...to what do I owe this visit? Or was it just to show me your linguistic improvements?"

"Ha. Very funny." Maddie released her hold on him and waved to his chairs. "Do you have a minute? Can I sit?"

"Of course, of course, do you want me to have Anya bring you something to drink or..."

"No, no," Maddie shook her head and moved to a large, cushy chair. "My application for citizenship was approved."

"Really?" Harry clapped his hands together. "That is fantastic! I mean...I've been catching a fair amount of grief about marrying a foreigner..."

"Likewise," Maddie sighed as they both settled into laughter. And then, as Harry leaned back against his desk, Maddie brought him in on the details of her earlier meeting. She couldn't quite tell if he had actually already had the details before she had arrived but it didn't matter, he was just as excited as she that things were moving forward. He, like the two men before him, deferred the decision regarding the ceremony to her. It made zero difference to him. Hell, he teased, he could probably perform the ceremony himself. Though Maddie had laughed at that idea, she admitted she was a bit partial to the standard ceremony with other people who were doing the same thing as she. There was something about the communal aspect of it; the joining of a group, to the country. She liked the way it felt. Harry suggested they run it by his father, but was happy to go to battle for what she wanted.

In the end, there was no battle. Charles was in favor of the community ceremony if for no other reason than it was an easy concession to make for the large payoff of Maddie getting what she asked for. So, the next day over breakfast, she and Harry selected from the three dates and Thomas and the attorney were notified.

In three weeks, Maddie would become a citizen of the United Kingdom.

And in ten she would become a Duchess.

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Maddie took great care getting dressed and prepared the day of the ceremony. She had chosen a color scheme close to those flown in the Union Jack. She had coordinated with Harry; suggesting he wear his navy suit. She had been selective in designers and fabric. Because even though this was not an official function and even though she was not acting in any official capacity, Maddie wasn't naïve.

This was a moment.

"Are you nervous?" Harry asked her, his fingers stretching across the backseat of the car as he reached for her hand.

"Not at all," she shook her head.

"You ready for the oath?"

"Absolutely," she nodded. She had looked the words up online, had done her research.

"And the National Anthem," his eyes flickered. "You okay with that one?" Maddie struggled with herself, wanting to laugh with him but desperately not wanting to laugh with him.

"You're really going to bring that up now?"

"I walked in on you with your...ear buds in your ears, singing God Save the Queen at the top of your lungs..."

"I wanted to make sure I had it right."

"You sounded wonderful," his lips twitched. "Maybe you could sing for me later."

"You should be so lucky," she rolled her eyes and looked out the window. They were close. Her fingers tightened on his; enough that he caught it and grew serious, pulling her hand to his lips.

"In all seriousness..." His voice was low, drawing her attention to him in curiosity. "Madeline...you're about to sign away your rights and responsibilities as a US citizen."

"I am." She agreed; voice soft and solemn.

"You really want to do that? Ready to give it all up?" He ran his finger over hers, tracing the small, delicate lines there. "All for some guy?"

"Hey..." She smiled, tugging at his hand. "That's not some guy. That's my future husband, the father of my children..."

"Hmmm..." His eyes met hers across the car. "You're certain?"

"I'm sure."

"Okay then."

"Okay." She took a deep breath as the car rolled to a stop. "Let's do this."

"Let's." He nodded though, before he released her hand, he pulled her in for a kiss. "This means a lot, you know?"

"I know," she nudged his chin with her knuckle. "Maybe afterwards I'll let you buy me an ice cream."

"We have lunch at Clarence afterwards." Their doors were opened, their hands fell apart. Charles and Camilla were hosting a luncheon with the immediate family to celebrate Maddie's conversion.

"That's true," Maddie smiled as she stepped from the car, nodding a thank you. "Maybe something else then?"

"Like what?" He waited for her to join him on the other side of the vehicle, hand extended and ready.

"I don't know. Maybe a drink at the party tonight?" Harry's friends, their friends, had organized a celebration at Leo's for that evening; welcoming her to the country in their own official way.

"Ha! I'll buy you a whole bottle of champagne at the party tonight." They reached the door and Harry held it open, standing aside, deferring to her.

"Perfect," she grinned up at him as she walked past.

It took them very little time to sign in. Maddie presented her paperwork, her ID, and was certain to thank the staff for making adjustments to allow for the Security personnel that were with them. And, after the wide-eyed, slightly in awe staff cleared and okayed everyone, Maddie and her posse made their way to the large community room for the Citizenship Ceremony.

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With a quick kiss to the cheek and a supportive squeeze of her hand, Harry and Maddie were separated for the ceremony. Harry moved to sit among other invited guests, their security detail moving with him; all except for Sampson who followed behind Maddie as she made her way to join the other new UK Citizens in a designated area. Sampson gave her a nod when he reached the place where he would watch, inconspicuously, as the ceremony went forward. With a deep breath and a glance back at Harry, Maddie moved to her aisle seat and, collecting the Program for the event from her chair, she made herself comfortable and settled in.

It didn't take too long for the murmur to start; for the news to make its way around that Prince Harry was there—Yes. That Prince Harry. And it wasn't too much longer before scanning eyes located her.

And the whispers began.

Is that her? Is that really her?

She's taller than I thought.

She's prettier in person.

Is she here alone? Is he here with her?

OMG! He's here with her!

I love that she's here and not at some sort of stuffy, private ceremony.

I cannot believe she's here and not just taking care of this privately.

Though Maddie sensed the murmur, could hear some of the whispering, could see the slight nods, the slightly hidden pointing, she kept a smile on her face, ease in her shoulders. And when a gentleman old enough to be her grandfather appeared at her row, she rose to her feet to let him in.

"Thank you Dear," he smiled at her as he stepped in, taking a seat just next to her.

"Of course," she nodded and returned to her seat.

"Is this your first time here?" He had a bit of grin to his lips as he spoke to Maddie and the slightest of accent that she knew wasn't British but was having a hard time placing.

"Yes," she smiled. "You?"

"Mmm," he nodded. "I've heard the drinks are amazing, but stay away from the Salmon." He offered a joke and a wink and Maddie's smile stretched.

"Great tip, thank you."

"You're welcome," he was kind, sweet even, as he turned his attention towards the Superintendent Registrar who was entering the room.

It was time to begin.

The ceremony was nice; it was meant to be a big deal, to highlight the gravity of the decision people were making, to showcase the importance of it. There was a sweet speech, welcoming them all to the ceremony, to London, to the United Kingdom. There was a charge, calling on them to fulfill their duties as a new citizen and then they moved on to the oath.

As a group, they rose to their feet and, at the direction of the Superintendent; everyone began their oath by speaking their name. When it came round to Maddie, with a clear, loud voice, she recited,

"I, Madeline Jae Forrester..."

And the gentleman to her left.

"I, James Bartholomew Norton..."

And it continued on until everyone had spoken. And then, as a group, they spoke.

"...swear by Almighty God that, on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law. I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfill my duties and obligations as a British citizen."

Maddie only had a blink of an eye to find humor with the allegiance she had just sworn to her soon-to-be husband's family, to her husband; a point she was certain Harry would use against her in the future.

"On behalf of The Queen, the Government, Parliament and people, I welcome you all to the United Kingdom."

And applause broke out. Instead of turning to Harry, most assuredly a move that would bring her to laughter, Maddie offered a smile to Mr. Norton, the jolly old man who had just become a citizen with her.

"Congratulations," he nodded to her.

"Thank you," she smiled wider. "You as well."

"Thank you," he smiled back. They were all encouraged to take their seats as they called individuals up to collect their Naturalization Certificates, a token gift and a handshake from the Superintendent. As people began to walk up, there was a smattering of applause, a few flashes from the guests and one professional photographer documenting the moment. "So..." Mr. Norton turned his attention to Maddie. "What brings you here today?"

"Well," Maddie sighed happily at his question; feeling quite confident he hadn't recognized her at all, thankful for that fact. "I'm marrying a man who lives here in London."

"Ohhhhh..." His head tilted, his smile stretched; finding amusement and a bit of sweetness in her response. "Well I suppose that's as good a reason as any."

"I suppose. How about you?"

"My family is here. I married a French woman fifty years ago and we made our home there. My daughter found an English lad and came back to the motherland. You know how that goes..." He ribbed her gently. "When my wife passed four years ago, my daughter insisted I join her in England." He rubbed his hands together; large, weathered hands that still looked soft to the touch. "I suppose they finally won out."

"Yes," Maddie was gentle. "I'm sorry about your wife."

"Thank you," he nodded, biting back memories. "Are you here with your groom to be?"

"I am," Maddie grew warm as she thought of him. "Are you here with your daughter?"

"My granddaughter," he nodded. "My daughter and her husband had to work. My granddaughter is home from University and she brought me today."

"Oh that's lovely," Maddie smiled.

"Doctor Madeline Forrester," The Superintendent called out and, with squared shoulders, Maddie rose to her feet. She made her way up the aisle to shake the Superintendent's hand, to collect her certificate and her gift and smile for the cameras.

There were many pictures taken of this moment in Maddie's life. It wasn't just the professional photographer there to document the moment. It wasn't just Harry with his cell phone. It was a myriad of other guests, people who had finally figured out what was happening, that they were accidental witnesses to this moment in history, this moment that would be talked about and discussed; this moment that Prince Harry was documenting on his phone with a hint of tears in his eyes and mile wide smile.

It was really quite something.

And then, as she passed James Bartholomew Norton on his way up to the front, it was over. Maddie returned to her seat to watch the rest of the group pass to the front and back to their seats. As soon as everyone was back to where they started, they all rose to sing the National Anthem.

"I'm sorry..." Mr. Norton spoke quietly to Maddie as he turned the program over and over in his hand. "I can't seem to find the words and..."

"Oh," Maddie moved his program from his hand and turned over the other sheet of paper he was holding. "There you go. Right there."

"Thank you so much dear."

"You're welcome."

And then, as her cheeks hurt from the smile on her face thinking of the look she knew was on Harry's, Maddie sang her new National Anthem; loud and proud.

Applause rang out and people began to move towards the light reception that followed. As Maddie glanced to Sampson who stood with eyes on her, she thought of the gentleman next to her.

"Sir?" She turned back to him. "Can I help you find your granddaughter? There's quite the crowd and..."

"You're afraid I would get lost?" He snickered. "Or fall down?" He laughed and shook his head. "That would be lovely. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Maddie smiled at Sampson and offered her arm to Mr. Norton. As the two of them stepped out into the mess of it all, people were beginning to find their guests, hugs and laughter surrounded them. Harry was the first to find them.

"Madeline," he oozed with pride as he stepped up to them. Maddie turned a bright smile to him. "I see that I've been replaced," he was quick with the charm when he wanted to be.

"Very funny," Maddie began her introductions but was interrupted by a young lady in her early twenties who approached them with the slightest bit of trepidation.

"Pappy?" She called out.

"Ah yes," Mr. Norton patted Maddie's arm. "There she is. You are relieved of your duties."

"It was a pleasure," she patted his hand in return.

"Amelia. Come meet my new friend." He waved her over to them. While Maddie was certain that Mr. Norton had not yet put it together who she and Harry were, Maddie was also certain that Amelia had. She seemed a bit nervous, a bit embarrassed and quite a bit shy as she smiled at Maddie and then Harry.

"I'm Madeline Forrester," Maddie made the first move, wanting to ease the oddity among them. Her hand stretched out. "I sat next to your grandfather during the ceremony."

"Nice to meet you," Amelia shook her hand. "Thank you for looking after him."

"Of course," Maddie smiled.

"We were just looking for you when this young man came to challenge me to a duel." All three of them laughed then, though none quite as loud as Harry.

"Pappy..." Amelia blushed slightly as she spoke to her grandfather, moving to his side and offering her arm. "This young man is...Prince Harry." Her voice was low.

"What?" His eyes scrunched up as he turned to look at Harry. "While I'll be...He's much taller than I thought."

"Yes," Amelia shook her head at the young couple. "I'm so sorry."

"No, no," Harry shook his head and stepped up, extending his hand. "It's good to meet you. I'm Harry and you are..."

"Jim Norton."

"Mr. Norton," Harry shook his hand; warm and firm. "It's great to meet you."

"Good to meet you too," he nodded his head. "You're here with this lovely young lady?"

"Yes sir," Harry nodded, offering a wink to Maddie. "We're going to be married in a little under two months."

"Well, well, well." He raised his eyebrows and let out a low whistle, leaning into speak to Harry as men do. "Well caught Your Highness."

"Thank you," Harry laughed as Amelia sank further into herself; disbelieving her grandfather's words even as he spoke them. "I couldn't agree with you more."

Maddie was quick to move the conversation away from she and Harry; quick to introduce Amelia to Harry and suggest that the four of them make their way to the refreshments. Mr. Norton thanked Maddie again for her assistance and released her to Harry, who was more than happy, beyond proud, to stand next to her as they followed along to the punch and cookies.

"I see you've made a new, lifelong friend," he joked; voice low, hand at her back.

"I can't help it," Maddie shrugged. "People like me."

"Yes," Harry agreed. "Yes they do."

And for some, crazy reason, Harry suddenly felt emotional; slightly choked up as he watched her. She was good at this. No. She was great at this. She had to have known, as he did, that they had been caught; people had recognized her. She had to have known that probably at that very moment, hazy cell phone pictures of her becoming a UK citizen were being posted to twitter and tumblr. She had to have known that they were being watched and that there would most likely be more people waiting for them when they exited than were there when they had entered.

But she seemed completely unfazed; not at all deterred. She kept her head high, her smile wide and she seemed so totally at ease.

Could it be? Could he really have found somebody who would flow seamlessly into the madness that was his royal life? Could he really have found somebody who would take to the people as easily as he seemed to? Who would feel as 'at home' with them as he did?

He had always known Maddie was the best match for him. He had always known that she would do well in her future role, that she would have great success there. She had a great work ethic and a big heart. He had always known that she was above and beyond anything he had ever hoped for in a partner. And he had hoped she would transition well, with as few bumps as possible.

But as he watched her move through the crowd—with him but not solely reliant upon him—he knew.

He had absolutely struck gold. And he got to take her home with him?

The pride and adoration he had for her was overwhelming, made him speechless. So he swallowed the lump in his throat, kept his smile in place and followed along—a role he just knew he was going to need to grow accustomed to.

They only stayed for a short amount of time; enough for a cup of punch, a cookie, and a few humorous stories from Mr. Norton. Maddie and Harry were happy to pose for a picture with Mr. Norton and Amelia. They smiled and nodded and spoke to a few other people before they made their quiet, and gracious, exit.

Harry had been right. There were people waiting for them outside of the building; a handful of people and even a beat reporter. Hand in hand, Maddie and Harry walked to their car, offering smiles and waves as they slid in and sped away. In less than an hour, the world would know what their friends and families already did.

Dr. Madeline Forrester was a Brit.