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

Adrasteia shook her head sadly. “She is not my queen any longer.”


“How can you say that?” Driada struggled against the water. It seemed to have a life of its own, forever pulling her downward.


“I left that life behind when Penelopia took me, and so should you. The opportunity she is bestowing upon you is one you cannot dismiss. It will make you strongerDon’t you want to be strong?”


Adrasteia disappeared as Driada plunged deeper into the depths. Her bones felt as though they were being snapped, and reshaped. So involved in torment was she that she barely startled when a hand clamped down on her wrist. Somehow in the tumbling void, she locked eyes with a familiar face. But instead of relief, she felt cold horror.


Recognizing her queen, she opened her mouth to scream. Get out of here! Quickly!


Chapter 54