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

“I’m sorry that you were harmed because of me,” Driada said.


“No!” Doreius shook his head vigorously. “You needn’t apologize for that. We were prepared to fight to get you back—even if that meant risking our lives. Marcus only gave us a sleeping draft, and perhaps a bruise on the head—nothing more. What you went through was far worse.”


“We wouldn’t abandon you,” Erjon added gruffly.


“Thank you,” Driada replied. “I just wish I knew why none of the gods came to rescue me in the Underworld.”


“I’ve been wondering the same thing myself,” Doreius said. “They’ve been helping you survive thus far. Why would they leave you when you needed them the most? I can’t make sense of it all.”


Erjon stroked his beard. “Perhaps they knew Thea would come to rescue you.”


“How could they have known that?” Driada asked. “The gods couldn’t have known she would be able to rescue me. She’s a mortal woman, just like any of us. Her chances were slim.”


Chapter 62