Stark Madness (Book Two In The Heart Of A Stark) Series

*2*

A peculiar sense of relief ebbed her anxiety as she entered the bright white room, spotting Clint and Rhodey holding seats for them. Yet it seemed to have the opposite effect on Bucky; his hand tightening around hers. YN and Steve had received a presidential pardon almost immediately as they were needed for the Accords committee but the rest of the team hadn't been as lucky. Today they would learn their fate after helping save half the universe.

She pulled Bucky's hand into her lap as they took their seats. He leaned into her for support as they started by granting Natasha a full posthumous pardon. Tears fell silently down YNs cheeks. Natasha would be remembered as a hero. Her sacrifice would be honored and she could rest knowing she had finally wiped the red from her ledger.

Sam and Bruce came next, not only receiving their full pardons but having been offered government contracts.

Clint and Scott could spend their time with the families they had regained without the threat of prison time hanging over their heads.

Hearing the rulings read aloud by men who would've been happy to see each one of them rot behind bars was beautifully gratifying but when it came time for Bucky her nerves returned with a vengeance. It killed her to have to release his hand and watch him hesitantly approach the podium. She had fought so hard to get them to see past the horrors the winter soldier committed and see the man who was held prisoner for the better part of 70 years.

"Sargent James Buchanan Barnes," the judge paused to clear his throat, his discomfort plain on his face, "On behalf of the US military and President Ellis we would like to extend our sincerest apologies."

Seeing Bucky frown with genuine confusion broke her heart while Steve silently chuckled beside her.

"You will be recognized as a recovered prisoner of war with full reinstatement of rank and status. However,"

She swallowed back bile as the sly smirk spread across the judge's face. She could feel Steve scowl beside her

"We can't ignore that your time spent in Russia has left you dangerous and unpredictable. You will be assigned a therapist who will conduct a weekly assessment of your mental state. These assessments are mandatory and failure to appear will result in incarceration."

She wondered if she was the only one who noticed how Bucky froze. Every muscle in his body stilling, she didn't think he was even breathing.

"If the assessment shows any chance that your alter ego is emerging you will be detained immediately and taken to the raft for further psychological analysis. Do you understand Sargent Barnes?"

It took all her willpower to stay in her seat as Bucky straightened his back and replied with a curt "Yes, sir" before being dismissed.

She ignored the disapproving grumbles coming from Steve as Bucky returned to her side. She took his hand in both of hers as they listened to the Judge bring the session to a close and refused to let go as they were ushered out of the courthouse.

"Has anyone heard from Wanda?" YN asked as they were joined by the other members of the team. She hadn't seen her since her father's funeral and she found it peculiar she was not mentioned at all today. She supposed, being foreign-born had something to do with the latter but it seemed out of character for her to not be here to support Clint.

"Not in a few weeks but she said she needed time," Clint offered with a shrug, "I'm sure she's fine."

She wanted to believe him. Clint knew Wanda better than the rest of them but she still couldn't shake the sinking feeling in her stomach when she thought of the young girl.