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 don’t like to criticize you, Driada, but that is ridiculous.” Doreius took a sip of his wine. “As long as she loves you, she will not abandon you. That much is clear.”


“Then perhaps she will need to find a way to stop loving me,” Driada mumbled. Nephos jumped off Erjon’s lap and sniffed at her legs. She patted his head.


Doreius laughed shortly. “I don’t think she’s going to simply stopcaring for you.”


“Then why won’t you meet with her and explain your fears?”


Driada threw out her hands in exasperation. “Because I know if I see her, I won’t be able to resist her.”


Erjon crossed his legs and hummed. “And thatis exactly why you should stop engaging in this pretense. If what I know about Thea is true, she won’t let you slip away from her. She will destroy our house with her own bare hands before she lets you escape.”


Doreius laughed. “Please don’t let her do that.”


“I doubt it will come to that,” Driada replied.


Chapter 63