Chapter 56

Driada watched in horror as Thea used the remainder of her strength to push his body into the water. She turned around to meet Driada’s gaze. Thea was no longer the stern, decisive queen she had been moments before. Now she appeared to be the vulnerable woman Driada had first met in the tavern. She appeared to be frightened.

“You saved me,” Driada breathed. She felt as though she should weep, but no tears sprang to her eyes. She swallowed. Her throat was dry. “Do you know what his death will mean for us?”

“I do,” Thea said, and moved slowly toward her. The draft was still doing its work. “The death of a Vivarrian citizen outside of the waters by Iosian hands means war.”

“Will we be able to fight them?” Driada asked.

Thea paused for a moment. “I hope so.” She gently took her hand. “Let’s go.”

Driada looked at her fingers, a stark contrast against Thea’s pale skin. “But what about Penelopia? Won’t she try to stop us from leaving?”