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

Herkuan was already atop his steed when they arrived at the stables. “The Ardian tribesmen feel the salt lake should have been given to them. They claim it is theirs by right.”


“This is mykingdom,” Thea snapped as a servant presented her with her readied horse. Unlike the others, hers had a decorated bridle. She put a foot in the stirrups and launched herself onto the horse’s back. “The Tolensi own the lake now.”


Herkuan patted his horse’s neck. “As you know, the Ardians have a history of not listening to the king…or in this case, the queen.”


Thea gathered the reins in her hands. “Oh, I’m veryaware of that fact.”


She offered thanks to the grooms before barreling out of the stables, the others following closely behind. Demetrius tapped his feet against the animal’s side and increased its pace to arrive at her side.


Chapter 44