Rivalyn — Rachel A. James

Alys is of royal descent to the Rivalyn crown and has trained all her life for war. Her kingdom has been under threat for centuries, and it's time to take a stand. To defeat her adversaries, she must find the Sword of Rivalyn, for it's said to wield a power so great 'tis enough to diminish an army.  Niall is disillusioned and weary, but when he sees Lady Alys in trouble he helps her flee from the Shieldoks. To forget his past, he remains in Rivalyn. After all, there are others who vie for Alys's kingdom, and she may be in need of his protection.