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

The Vivarrians did not hesitate to charge. Driada drew her dagger and lunged at him as one of the soldiers came for her. She sliced into his side and he yelled. The Iosian men behind her overtook him and slit his throat. She continued to move swiftly across the deck, a smile on her face. They might be stronger than I am, but I’m as slippery as a seal. They cannot catch me.


Another soldier rushed at her. She drew her sword and deflected his blows. But deflect was all she was able to do—she could find no weak spots in his armor, or his movements.


She threw her sword up in front of her face, pushing back the blade that would have cut through her brow. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Doreius struggling to beat back two armed men, with Erjon at his side.


Chapter 66