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

Once Iva was satisfied with the queen’s appearance, she reached for a small black box that was resting on the window ledge. She opened it. Inside the box was a silver circlet. She placed it on Thea’s head. It was new, and Thea leaned forward to inspect it in the mirror. Small waves decorated the front. Within them, a dolphin had been carved. She trailed her fingers over it.


“A gift from the Tolensi, as a thank you for helping them placate the Ardians.”


She heard Herkuan step away from the door. She looked over quickly to see Driada walk in. She bowed. She was dressed in trousers that resembled what the Highlanders had worn that day in the field, with her usual leather armor. The claw marks on her arm had been bandaged. Her hair was bulled back in its usual long braid, soft curls escaping near her face. “Your Highness.”


Chapter 57