Page 80 of Pregnant With Their Babes

“I wish things could be different,” Ryland whispered. “You deserve happiness.”

“As do you.” He squeezed Ryland’s hand. “And I’ll do everything in my power to ensure you get a chance at it.”

“Don’t endanger yourself for me.”

Llyr frowned. “As you’re doing for me?”

Ryland looked past Llyr and to Prawnsby. “Promise me you won’t allow him to risk himself.Please.”

“Given the fact I failed in that task once, I doubt that I’m the best seahorse for the job,” Prawnsby said. “He escaped under my watch, as you recall.”

“Iwillfix this,” Llyr said. “One way or another. And the only one who needs to be worried is my father.”

Without another thought, Llyr raced to confront King Augustine. He left Prawnsby in his wake, storming through the castle. He didn’t stop until he hovered in the water before his father.

Who entertained King Claus of Atlantia.Alphonse’s father.

“I need to speak with you, Father.”

“Not now, Llyr. You can see I have company.”

King Claus nodded in greeting to Llyr.

“Iwillbe heard,” Llyr said. “And I have no care who hears it. Why is Ryland in the dungeons?”

His father’s mouth twisted in anger. “Now is not the time.”

“No! You keep denying me answers! Why is Ryland in the dungeons?”

“Because he committed treason allowing you to escape!” his father bellowed.

“He allowed nothing. I knocked him out.”

His father chuckled. “As if an omega could truly harm an alpha of his size and strength,” his father paused, his gaze searching. “Iknowhe let you pass.”

“I came home as you wished. Give me this. Free him.”

His father was thoughtful a moment before turning to glance at the visiting king. Llyr’s father then focused on him, the scrutiny uncomfortable. “First, I already allowed your humans to live. Secondly, Ryland broke the rules of my realmandmy trust. He committed treason and will face his punishment like a merman.”

“He doesn’t deserve death… he was only attempting to help me.”

One of his father’s brows arched. “So you admit his guilt!”

Llyr hissed in anger, realizing he’d said too much.

“Had I not intervened, hishelpmight’ve caused the world to end,” his father cried.

“As if he had any idea? Was he aware I was the omega of this prophecy?”

“No. Few did,” his father answered.

Llyr growled in anger. “Free him. Please.” He shook his head, tears welling in his eyes. “I’ll marry Alphonse.”

“You already used that promise for your humans.”

“I’ll marry Alphonseand I will accept the troth without causing more trouble.”

His father cast a look at King Claus, who appeared less than pleased. Llyr frowned inwardly, curious why the man didn’t look happier. From what he’d been told, Claus had pushed for the troth. The Atlantean king was desperate for peace—or so his father had said.

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