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

She opened her eyes. Light pierced through the water in beams. She pushed herself forward with strong kicks of her legs and headed toward the captain’s ship. It was within view, and her heart raced as she thought of how she would lash out at the captain for nearly being the cause of her demise. She increased the movement in her arms and reached up toward the ship, but before her fingers could reach it, fire burned her spine.


I’ve been hit!She opened her mouth and let out a scream, but it was silenced by the water that rushed into her throat. Her vision blurred, and she plunged deeper into the depths. Oh gods, this is how I’m going to die.She opened her eyes to look up at the silhouette of the ships, hoping that someone would dive in the water to save her. But no one came. No, no, no!


Chapter 21