Chapter 43

She had not told her about how her father had been injured at sea and has lost the favor of the gods. But she would not allow that same fate to befall her own beloved. The thought of Driada’s face engraved in a tomb was enough to solidify her decision.

“Remember yesterday’s lesson, please,” Driada said. “What did I tell you about posture?”

“To remain relaxed,” Thea replied.

“Right. And how stiff are your shoulders right now?”

Thea looked from one shoulder to the next from the corners of her eyes. They were both tense and hunched up. She sighed. “I don’t know how to stay relaxed when someone is coming at me with a weapon.”

Driada pressed a hand to her hip and frowned. Thea knew her well enough to expect an oncoming reproach. She had come to learn that when Driada did that, it meant she was about to be lectured. She could already hear Iva giggling in her head. Who would have thought that the queen of Ios would one day be reprimanded by a pirate!