Grand Duke Drake Daemon is forced by testing his loyalty when another empire wages war. Drake thinks he can handle it, but now, he has a family. He cannot go into battle and risk dying. However, something very unexpected happens, and now, Drake must make a decision, one that could change his life forever. This problem doesn't end with Drake. On Catakus II, the planet where the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Lizell Daemon live, a young man's loyalty is also being tested. Although his girlfriend is a shock to him, he is now split in a loyalty battle between choosing her or staying with the empire. * Author's Note: This book is a sequel to GrimThor3's "Retired". In order to understand the events, I would recommend reading "Retired" first. Anyways, enjoy! *

Sam is the most promising swordsman among this year’s crop of Paladin trainees...and knows it. Brash, cocky, and unbeatable with a sword (well, almost), Sam is the kingdom of Thule’s best hope against the violence wrought by demons. The only problem is that Sam is really Lady Samantha, daughter of the seventeenth Duke of Haywood, and if her father has his way, she’ll be marrying a Paladin, not becoming one. But Sam has never held much interest in playing damsel-in-distress, and so she rescues herself from a lifetime of boredom and matrimonial drudgery. Pity that Tristan Lyons, the Paladin assigned to train her, is none other than the hero of her childhood. He hasn’t recognized her as Lady Samantha--yet-- but if he does, he’ll take away her sword and send her packing. Sam is not the only trainee hiding secrets: Braeden is a half-demon with a dark past that might be unforgivable. Sam, Braeden and Tristan set out for the western coast, charged with rooting out an infestation of demons that has made the West unlivable. As they travel, they uncover a deep-seated corruption of power that threatens to derail everything they stand for. Rebellion stirs, led by a rival faction of warriors who tempt Sam to join them with an irresistible offer. A war between men is coming, and Sam must pick a side. Will saving the kingdom cost her life -- or just her heart? Reminiscent of Mulan, but with a medieval fantasy twist, Paladin is a tale of adventure, action, and romance.