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 touched Driada’s face softly. “I do not mean to resist you. I’m just frightened.”


“I am as well.” Driada said, leaning into her touch. “I’m scared of losing you to your fears.”


Thea pulled Driada forward by the folds of her robe and threw her arms around her neck. The other woman hugged her back. “I wish you didn’t have to be the only one who risked your life.”


“I could teach you to fight,” Driada offered. Thea snorted. “I mean it. If you want to learn how to defend yourself in battle and it will make you happy to do so, I can offer you whatever knowledge I have.”


“I’m hardly worthy of your tutelage,” Thea murmured from where she was nestled in Driada’s shoulder.


“We shall see.” Driada said, guiding her to her feet. “Let’s leave this cold place. We must let Arkon sleep.”


Chapter 40