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

Her crewmates were not the only comforting presence at her side that day, as Thea had joined them. She wore the leather armor Driada had gifted her, as well as the brown leather kilt that protected her hips. She had drawn kohl thickly around her eyes to protect them from the glare of the sun. She carried a sword and dagger at her hip. Though she was an impressive sight, Driada still worried for her. She was a better at using a sword than she had been months ago, but that did not mean she would be ready for the brutality of battle at sea.


Sensing her concern, Thea smiled. “Don’t worry. I have been taking intensive lessons from Herkuan and the others. I can defend myself.”


“I know, but that doesn’t dispel my worries.”


“Then I will be forced to order you to dispel them,” Thea said with a mischievous smile. “Don’t make me do that.”


“I’ll do my best,” Driada replied, before turning back to look at her ship.


Chapter 65