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

“I hope your nightmare does not come to pass.” The queen passed her hands over the gray fur, smoothing it. “However, if it doescome to pass, you can add prophet to your ever-growing list of accomplishments.”


“Should it come to pass, at least you can comfort yourself with the knowledge that I will be heroically diving in to save you.”


Thea laughed brightly, the sound echoing off the walls. “I will keep that in mind, dear sailor.” She examined her face for a moment before saying, “You’re very charming, you know.”


Driada’s breath caught in her throat. Had the queen really just…complimented her?


“I’ve been called many things, but ‘charmer’ is not one of them.” Driada laughed softly and pulled at her hair. “Maybe you’re just easily charmed. I could grow snakes on my head tomorrow. I wouldn’t be so agreeable then.”


“Even monsters have their charms,” Thea replied. “Now, about what you mentioned earlier about sailing with your crew…”


Chapter 32