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

“My lady, I know Driada is an important asset to our navy,” Herkuan began. “But is she truly worth risking your life?”


Thea narrowed her eyes. “Why are you questioning me?”


“I am merely trying to find out if you are going after Driada because she is your friend, or because our nation needs her.”


“I must be honest with you, Herkuan, because you are one of Arkon’s closest advisors,” she said. “The truth is, Driada has become a close friend of mine. But I did not lie when I said we needed her to defeat Vivarre. The gods are on her side. We cannot lose her now.”


“Very well, my queen,” he said diffidently. Despite his deference, however, there was still a gleam of doubt in his eyes.


Chapter 52