Across the Pond (Prince Harry #2)

Chapter Twenty

There were two reasons that Meredith didn't want to get out of bed today on Tuesday, eighth of November, twenty-sixteen. First it was what Harry did, his big idea that would perhaps make it worse, but Meredith trusted him and she was out of options. Second, it was election day in the U.S.; who was going to win: Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump? Meredith had more anxiety over the latter. The letter could easily be forgotten, which was why Meredith specifically chose this day.

Another reason for Meredith's delay to get out of bed was that there was a blizzard this weekend, and all the temperatures dropped this weekend. It wasn't just below freezing, but it was inching closer and closer to 0°F (-18°C). She could deal with the coldness. She was, after all, raised in the coldness. But Meredith couldn't deal with coldness, the letter, the election and the paparazzi-- and she had class.

Coming back from the bathroom, she checked the floor of her room. She slept with a chair pushed against the door, but when leaving for five or less minutes, she just locked the door. It was all clear. Ever since Friday, she hadn't received anymore notes, but Meredith hadn't exactly left her room so anyone could get in.

A moment of truth was upon Meredith as she opened her phone. Immediately she went to the news, and it was the second story. Surely there were more important things in the world, but the only thing to top her news was the U.S. Presidential Election today.

The article read:

"Since he was young, Prince Harry has been very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public. He feels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privileged life he leads.

"He is also aware that there is significant curiosity about his private life. He has never been comfortable with this, but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media interest that comes with it.

"He has rarely taken formal action on the very regular publication of fictional stories that are written about him and he has worked hard to develop a professional relationship with the media, focused on his work and the issues he cares about.

"But the past two weeks has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meredith Rogue, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment.

"Some of this has been very public – the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the derogatory undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism of social media trolls and web article comments. Some of it has been hidden from the public – the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her friends and family; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life. Prince Harry is worried about Ms Rogue's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms Rogue should be subjected to such a storm. He knows commentators will say this is 'the price she has to pay' and that 'this is all part of the game'.

"He strongly disagrees. This is not a game – it is her life and his.

"He has asked for this statement to be issued in the hopes that those in the press who have been driving this story can pause and reflect before any further damage is done.

"He knows that it is unusual to issue a statement like this, but hopes that fair-minded people will understand why he has felt it necessary to speak publicly."

Meredith sighed and put down her phone. "Let's hope this works."

Getting dressed in her room, Meredith kept herself still. Her body wanted to tremble. She had yet to look outside to see if anyone was there, and she was unwilling to take that chance. Perhaps the cold had finally driven the paparazzi away or the note, but they could still be there too. Her phone kept beeping with texts from numerous people.