“When you asked Bari for an explanation, did he provide one?”
“He wasn’t given the opportunity, Your Highness,” Ahearn admitted, shifting uncomfortably on his feet.
“Through your self-centered and short-sighted behavior, you have failed yourself, your Omega, and your heritage,” Prince Harry snapped.
Ahearn swallowed hard. “I willingly submit myself for your punishment.”
Prince Harry glanced over at me, the anger on his face again shifting to empathy. “Bari, would you approach?” His eyes darted over to the Alpha I was clinging to. “Alone, please.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” I agreed immediately, forcing myself to pull my hand free from Sylas’s. When I would have knelt before my Prince -albeit, clumsily- Prince Harry gestured for me to remain standing and brought me the chair he’d sat on upon the low dais. “Here you are.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” I managed to squeak out as he seated me in it.
“You’re welcome.” Prince Harry glanced from me to my Alpha standing rigidly at my side. “Ahearn, you have submitted yourself for punishment, but I am going to allow you the opportunity to regain my favor and restore your name.”
Ahearn’s head jerked up sharply, his eyes wide with surprise. “Sire?”
“I am restoring Bari to your care and custody until the end of his pregnancy,” our Prince announced. “You will meet all of the needs that you are legally and ethically obligated to and if you still wish a dissolution at that time, a hearing will be scheduled to assess the situation.” Prince Harry reached one large hand out to pat my shoulder. “Is that acceptable, Bari?”
If I hadn’t already been seated, I believe I would have passed out. “I..he..” I flapped my hands helplessly, too shocked to form words, but our Prince seemed to understand.
“Everything will be fine, Bari. Ahearn is going to do right by you.” He narrowed his eyes at my Alpha who promptly agreed.
“Yes, of course, I will,” Ahearn said immediately, reaching for my hand. “You have nothing to be concerned about.”
“But..” My head was reeling. “My belongings…”
“Not to worry, Bari,” Drey’s cheerful voice rang out. “We will return to the ODI compound to collect them while Alpha Walsh and the Council draft a formal agreement regarding your care,” he said calmly, standing and casting an amused glance at the attorney, Mr. Siegmonu, who had fumed through the proceedings. “We may as well get going now. The sooner we leave, the sooner you can have your life restored to you.”
