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

Driada shot all of them warning glares. “Keep your mouths shut!This is not the way my crew is going to behave in front of the queen of Ios!”


“These great warriors are made to look shamefaced in your presence, captain,” called a woman’s voice.


Driada whipped around and came face to face with Thea herself. Doreius followed closely behind, his forehead gleaming with sweat. Past the beach, near the forested path, was a horse-drawn chariot. Driada pressed her hands against her hips and tried not to laugh. It seems the task of managing the queen had been more demanding than he had anticipated


“Good morning, Queen Thea.” She inspected Thea’s attire with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “These clothes look much better on you than what you were wearing when we first met.”


Chapter 34