Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed) Read Online Free Page B

emperor has fallen?”
    Athena sighed and leaned back in her chair, absently petting Sombra, Sofia’s gray tabby cat, who was relaxing on the desk. “I don’t know, Sofi. We haven’t heard a word since General Baudin burned his way across San Gabriel and took them away. I would think there will be a general release of political prisons such as your father.”
    “Unless they’re dead,” Sofia said, her dance ending. She gazed out the window, her shoulders rigid. “They must be alive, Athena. It was not like Napoleon to kill the ruler of a country, even a tiny one like San Gabriel.”
    “That’s true of the emperor, but his general was a brutal man, and your father and brother were not the sort to cower before anyone,” Athena said gently. “It’s not a good sign that we haven’t heard a word about them since they were taken prisoner.”
    “You think they are dead,” Sofia said flatly.
    It was the first time Sofia had admitted the possibility. Until now, she’d spoken as if they would return to San Gabriel as soon as the war was over.
    If they were dead, Sofia would become the ruler of San Gabriel. Knowing it was time for plain speaking, Athena replied, “It is not beyond hope that they will return, but there is a strong chance that they will not.”
    “I’m not strong enough to rule San Gabriel,” Sofia said in a low voice. “There is so much I don’t know!”
    “A deficiency we’ve been working to correct ever since I arrived here,” Athena pointed out. “You’ve made great progress in learning how to govern, and since Gabrileño custom says a female who inherits can’t take the throne until she’s twenty-five, you still have a year to learn while Prince Alfonso is your regent.”
    Sofia turned from the window, her expression wry. “The official regent, poor dear uncle. He tries, but San Gabriel would fall apart without you. A pity that you can’t carry the title of regent, since you’re doing the work.”
    Athena laughed. “Nonsense, I’m merely the too-tall and too-English companion to Her Serene Highness, Princess Maria Sofia. Your people love you, Sofi. You’re the one they look to for guidance. You will rule well if the task falls to you.”
    “I wish I had your confidence.” Sofia fidgeted with her bracelet. “It’s very selfish of me, but the worst part of taking the throne is knowing that I must marry for political reasons. That’s what princesses do. But Papá always promised that I would be able to choose my own husband, within reason. Instead, I’ll have to marry some horrid, pop-eyed royal duke who will want to push me aside and govern my country as he sees fit.”
    “You’re a long way from having to do that, Sofi!” Athena said firmly. “No need to worry about such things today. The war is over and we should be celebrating. Your father and brother may be on their way home already.”
    “I wish I believed that.” Sofia collected Sombra from the desk, then held the cat close for long moments before she raised her gaze, her dark eyes stark. “Promise you won’t leave me while I still need you, Athena! Please.”
    Athena hesitated. She’d never intended to stay so long in San Gabriel. Her heart yearned for the green fields and peace of England. But she could not abandon Sofia, or San Gabriel.
    Wondering if she’d ever return to the home of her heart, even though she’d never been very welcome there, she said quietly, “I’ll stay, Sofi. For as long as you need me.”

Chapter 4
    T he road through the mountains from Spain to San Gabriel was ancient and worn deep into the earth. Will wondered if Roman troops had marched through these stony hills and passes. Perhaps not, since Roman roads were usually wider and smoother.
    As his small group of Gabrileños emerged from the sunken stretch of road, Sergeant Gilberto Oliviera spurred his horse forward. “San Gabriel! Home! ” he called, his voice vibrating with emotion. Then he pulled his mount back as he laughed.