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

He applauded politely at the end of the dance and waited for the honored guests to take their leave before approaching his uncle once more. The weariness he had come to know had reappeared on his uncle’s face, accompanied by a headache most likely caused by the wine. Still, he did not deny his nephew. He wrapped one arm around him.


“When you go to Ios, be certain to learn what you can about their heathen queen, and her plans toward Vivarre. Surely you’ll be able to convince some of her men to talk.”


“I’ll do my best,” Marcus replied, and tried to ease away from the stench of drink, but his uncle gripped him tighter. “They have never had much power at sea, but ever since that pesky king of theirs united their tribes, they’ve been in a thorn in our side. I need to know why they won’t just accept that the move toward civilization is part of their destiny.”


Chapter 17