Most people in Ios know better than to challenge Vivarre and its powerful navy. Queen Thea, however, is not afraid to challenge anyone who gets in her way. For years, her kingdom has been supported by pirates. They sail the Iosian sea and raid any ship they come across for resources.<br><br>When Thea takes the throne she is challenged by enemies and allies alike. Though women can be warriors, they can never be true rulers. She hopes to change that belief, but she cannot do it alone. Driada is the only female pirate enlisted in Ios. She has served her kingdom faithfully for years, her dedication inspired by her father’s work on the royal ships. When she sees injustices being done against innocent people, she cannot simply sit idle while they suffer.<br><br>When these two bold, powerful women meet, it is obvious that they must form an alliance to keep Ios safe. But this alliance quickly shifts from being solely a political move, to one of the heart. Thea is forced to decide which path will lead to victory -- fighting Vivarre without divine help or betraying her promise to never bow down to the gods ever again.

Thea

“Don’t do anything rash, all right?”


She ignored his plea. These men are idiots! They have no idea what it’s like to be a woman. She kicked at the sand as she arrived at the fire pit where Erjon sat.


“Looks like Doreius managed to upset you,” Erjon observed as she approached. He was sitting on a piece of driftwood, warming his hands before the fire.


“It’s not just him.” She threw herself onto her own seat. “It’s everyone.”


“Because of the woman the captain took captive.” Driada pressed her lips into a thin line. Erjon sighed. “I knew you wouldn’t be pleased.”


“The captain certainly knew that, too.” She could barely make out the woman now, but she could hear her sobs. “I’ve told him several times how much I hate seeing these women tortured. And of course he ordered Doreius to set her up in full view of my tent.”


Erjon rubbed his temples. “Believe me, lass, you’re not the only one who disapproves of the captain’s orders.”


Chapter 9