Running Around Royal (Prince Harry #4)

Chapter Fourteen

Harry continued on to a lunch in by himself as Meredith was taken back to the British consulate building in Paris. While she was planned to go with him, Harry surely didn't disappoint by himself. Perhaps pants were okay for the cold of the Eiffel Tower, but not for their next stop. The private guest suit was reserved for them, and this consulate certainly wasn't prison like.It had lush gardens in the back that made Meredith wish it was summer. The old and grand architecture made it look ancient and beautiful.

"You're shivering, your highness," Jessica said. "I've cleared the schedule a bit. Take a quick hot shower." She placed a hot drink on the table and backed out of the room. "Don't get your hair or face wet."

Sighing, Meredith stepped into the steaming shower and made her skin turn red. The cold weather didn't both her, but she had remained cold even after her fall. Coming out, a dress had been laid out on the bed, and she put it on. She sipped on her scorching tea, and she immediately regretted it. Nope, still don't like tea, she thought; I guess I'll never be British.

Standing, Meredith put on her heels, and a minute later, Jessica showed up with a curtsy and a coat. With a brush of her hair and another layer of makeup put on, Meredith was deemed perfect again.

"You'll be happy to hear that the snow has stopped," Jessica said.

Sadly, Meredith nodded. It wasn't the snow that had messed with her; it was the ice.

There was barely time to talk to Harry as the car crunched the gravel underneath its tires as Meredith slid next to him. Bella and Jessica loaded into the car behind them. Bodyguard Bill sat in the front. The driver didn't say a word.

"Back in a dress, I see," Harry said.

"Yeah, apparently good behavior gets you put in a dress again." Meredith pulled down on her dress, feeling how cold the rest of her legs became. "And dresses are better for the next destination. God knows how many pictures will be taken of us."

"You look nice."

Meredith rolled her eyes. "So a royal tour and photo op?"

Harry nodded. "What do you know about this place anyway?"

"I've seen the show. Does that count?"

"Probably not."

It was only a forty minute drive out, but Meredith began to feel nauseous as they drove. The traveling was starting to get to her today. Jessica automatically knew and handed a pill back, which Meredith swallowed urgently. The last thing they needed today was another ruined dress. It was a short enough drive on the expressway that no one even noticed them, even in the string of sleek, black cars.

As the cars rounded through the trees, the Palace of Versailles rose, and Meredith had to keep her mouth shut. Awe sprung onto her face, but she tried to keep herself relaxed, like she saw this every day. Even in the clouds, the palace sparkled. The gardens were covered in snow. The area was vast, and to come upon such a beauty, it was scary. "Holy shit." Meredith composed herself, sitting back in her seat. Harry chuckled beside her.

The paparazzi were lined up, ready for the photo op. The car pulled to a stop, and Harry stepped out. The car door was opened for Meredith, and the duchess joined the duke outside. They took each other's hands and glanced at the paparazzi, not giving them too much attention now. An official tour guide came to welcome them, and they shook hands. A nasty breeze picked up, blowing Meredith's weighed down dress, and she was careful not to have two embarrassments for one day.

Moving inside the elegant and expensive palace, Meredith shed her coat to her lady-in-waiting, who always held her coat on inside events. Her clutch was also taken. A royal photograph stayed with them the whole time, especially as they stepped further into the palace. Things glimmered and shopped. Portraits and murals filled the walls while gold outline almost anything. Meredith marveled.

"Wishing the French royalty were still alive?" Harry whispered.

"I see why people rebelled," Meredith responded, "but wow."

Harry laughed.

They continued on, and the tour guide showed off Gallery of Battles in the palace, which was a large hall of many murals. While art was more of Harry's taste, Meredith stopped to look too. She had to be careful to keep herself calm. She certainly wasn't too princess trained if she gawked at everything she saw. However, over the past few days, that was all that she did. Everywhere she went-- every new thing-- Meredith gawked. Having gotten used to some aspects of the British royalty, it was a whole new feature to suddenly see other royalty and other things. This was more than she could ever wish for.

As they continue to walk, the tour guide brought them to the Hall of Mirrors. Meredith was surprised how the sound of her jaw hitting the floor didn't cause the glass to rattle. Murals spread above the ceiling as the whole room was outline in gold. Glass chandeliers hung from the ceiling, allowing one side of light to shine through and reflect against the other half off mirrors. It did get his name from the truth.

With every step that was taken, Meredith echoed on the floor. The tour guide listed some nice numbers and facts, which went in one ear and came out the other on Meredith. Built around her was the most magnificent pieces of architecture that was ever created. She wanted to stop and marvel at it for a moment, but the tour guide kept them walking until they hit a specific marker.

The royal photograph called out to them. "Over here, your highnesses. Big smiles."

Harry's arm slid around Meredith, and she put her arm around him. The nice dress became flattering on her as her mouth upturned as they did a brilliant yet calming picture.

"Thank you, your highnesses."

"I hope I don't look like a lunatic," Meredith whispered.

"Is that different than usual?" Harry joked.

Meredith did her best not to roll her eyes as their fingers stayed intertwined as they walked onto the next part. Harry's fingers tightened on his wife's hand, and she squeezed his hand. He glanced at her, and Meredith gave him confidence. "You got this," she murmured, and he nodded. Harry took center stage and began his speech.