Maude Holloway is the Ainsworth Empire's only sword saint, a blessing that she can't help but see as a curse. For nearly a decade, her father has required her to train her skills, day in and day out, so that should the empire ever need her skills, she will be prepared. The day of the empire's need has finally come, and the young woman who wants nothing to do with war, violence, or fighting has been called to lead an army of her own. When she crosses paths with an enemy duke, she expects her life to end. Much to her surprise, he takes her back to his manor, where she unravels the secrets of the empire from which she hails, and finds love in unexpected places. Updated Tuesdays and Saturdays  Cover art made with Canva.