The Lost King: Margaret Weis

Book I of Star of the Guardians. A galactic revolution has toppled the Starfire dynasty and swept the harsh Democratic Republic into power. To support the murdered king is punishable by death. But on distant worlds, the few surviving Guardians carry a dangerous secret - somewhere in the galaxy, they shield the rightful heir to the throne. Stalking the hidden king is the Warlord, a ruthless Republican general who wields the bloodsword. Only a few brave rebels dare to oppose him: young Dion, who fights to find his destiny; the mercenary Tusk; the outlaw commander Dixter; and the beautiful Lady Maigrey, the only person alive who can match the Warlord's cunning. Theirs is the ultimate battle against a star-spanning corruption the ultimate sacrifice for the glory of the lost king's throne. Cover art by Stephen Youll.